The US Department of State’s Level 4: “Do not travel” advisory is the most severe of its four travel warning categories.
The department says conditions in these destinations pose potentially life-threatening risks and that US authorities may have limited or no ability to assist citizens during an emergency.
According to the department’s travel advisory database, the 11 African countries placed on the Level 4 travel warning as of October 2026 are Burkina Faso, the Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Libya, Mali, Niger, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda.
The 11 countries under the highest travel warning
Most of the 11 countries face overlapping security challenges, including armed conflict, terrorism, kidnapping and political instability.
From jihadist insurgencies in the Sahel to the war in Sudan and persistent militant violence in Somalia, these crises have weakened security in parts of their territories. Limited healthcare, poor infrastructure and restricted emergency assistance further compound the risks for foreign travellers.
The US cites terrorism, crime, kidnapping and health risks amid persistent militant violence and insecurity.
2. Central African Republic
The advisory reflects threats linked to crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, terrorism and limited access to healthcare.
4. Democratic Republic of the Congo
The US warns of unrest, crime, kidnapping, terrorism and health risks, particularly in areas affected by armed conflict.
Political instability, armed groups, crime, terrorism and kidnapping continue to pose serious risks to travellers.
Terrorism, kidnapping, crime and political and security instability underpin the US warning.
The US cites terrorism, kidnapping, crime, unrest and health threats as major risks to American travellers.
The advisory highlights crime, kidnapping, civil unrest, health risks and other security threats.
The ongoing war, alongside crime, kidnapping, unrest and limited healthcare access, makes travel particularly dangerous.
The US advisory cites terrorism, crime and health risks.
The advisories do not mean every area of these countries faces identical conditions. The State Department assesses risks to US citizens, and the reasons for its warnings vary by destination.
The list highlights the range of security challenges confronting parts of Africa in 2026, from jihadist insurgencies in the Sahel and the Horn of Africa to civil war in Sudan and instability in parts of Central Africa.
Source: africa.businessinsider.com
