What we know as US officially

The US State Department has updated its ‘do not travel’ list, now warning against travel to 21 countries as of April 30. These Level 4 advisories are based on risks such as terrorism, crime, armed conflict, civil unrest, health threats, and wrongful detention. Countries newly added or upgraded include North Korea and Burkina Faso, citing dangers like kidnapping and political imprisonment. Other Level 4 countries include Russia, Ukraine, Iran, Syria, and Venezuela. The travel advisory system has four levels, with Levels 1 and 2 reviewed yearly and Levels 3 and 4 assessed every six months. Travelers to Level 4 areas are even advised to leave behind wills and DNA samples due to life-threatening risks.

Meanwhile, other countries fall into lower advisory categories: Canada, Australia, and Ireland are at Level 1, while the UK, France, and China are at Level 2. The list update occurs amid global political tensions, with Canada recently reducing travel to the US following controversial statements by President Trump and ongoing trade disputes. Canadian travel to the US reportedly dropped by over 18% in March, according to US Customs and Border Protection, reflecting strained international relations.