As summer vacations begin, everyone is mapping out their vacations. But there are some Travel Warnings before one makes travel arrangements or flies or checks into hotels, travelers must be aware of the latest travel notices issued by the U.S. Department of State. The list of countries that the U.S. government issued travel warnings about was updated in May 2025 with 20 new nations where Americans should exercise caution—or ideally avoid.

These travel warnings are meant to protect American travelers and provide up-to-date information about risks in every country, which may include terrorism, civil unrest, crime, and health.

Why Travel Advisories Are Important

The U.S. Department of State issues travel warnings on four different levels:

• Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

• Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

• Level 3: Reconsider Travel

• Level 4: Do Not Travel

These levels help travelers make informed decisions and stay safe while traveling abroad.

New Travel Advisories in May 2025

In the month of May this year, 20 countries were added or updated on the travel advisory list. Some of them are popular tourist destinations, and some have conflict or political unrest simmering.

Let’s see a few of the most interesting changes.

Countries With Level 4 “Do Not Travel” Advisories

These countries are the most-high-risk travel nations. American citizens are strongly advised against traveling to these destinations due to extreme risk of safety.

1. Somalia
   Somalia has been given a Level 4 warning due to terrorism, crime, civil unrest, health, and kidnapping. U.S. government officials are restricted to the airport area in Mogadishu alone.
2. Russia
   The Ukraine conflict and limited U.S. government support for Americans in Russia have resulted in a sustained Level 4 warning. All U.S. consulates are closed, and travel to Russia should not be undertaken at all.

Countries With Level 2 and Level 3 Warnings

Some countries have been given Level 2 or Level 3 warnings. Travel is not absolutely avoided, but Americans are advised to use restraint and stay up to date.

Belgium – Level 2
Travelers are advised to remain at higher alert due to the threat of terrorist attacks, most notably in public areas with high concentrations of people such as parks, transportation hubs, and shopping malls.

Philippines – Level 2
Most locations are safe for travelers, but the southern Philippines remains exposed to terrorism and crime.

Germany and United Kingdom – Level 2
Surprisingly, even Germany and the United Kingdom are under Level 2 warnings due to potential threats from terrorists and protests in large cities.

Japan – Level 2
Travelers to Japan need to stay aware of current health advisories and weather emergencies, particularly during typhoon season.

Full List of Countries with Travel Warnings in May 2025

The following are the 20 countries that have new or updated advisories this May:

1. Cuba
2. Uruguay
3. Trinidad and Tobago
4. Philippines
5. United Kingdom
6. Russia
7. Spain
8. Guyana
9. Myanmar (Burma)
10. Venezuela
11. Germany
12. Somalia
13. Japan
14. Peru
15. Tajikistan
16. Switzerland
17. Azerbaijan
18. Liechtenstein
19. Vanuatu
20. Belgium

How to Be Safe When Traveling Overseas

Even if you’re visiting a nation that’s on the advisory list, that doesn’t automatically mean you need to postpone your trip. Rather, do the following:

1. Review the Current Travel Advisories
   Review the U.S. Department of State website for current information and alerts.
2. Register with STEP
   Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive safety messages from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
3. Get Travel Insurance
   Get travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and trip cancellation, especially when you are going to a high-risk destination.
4. Familiarize Yourself with Local Laws and Customs
   Learn the local laws, travel regulations, and health protocols of the country before you get there.
5. Avoid Hazard Zones
   Stay in safe, populated zones and steer clear of places famous for protests or violence.

Final Thoughts: Plan Smart, Travel Safe

Travel is one of the finest things in life—yet safety always comes first. These recent travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State are not intended to scare you, but to equip you and assist you in safeguarding yourself while traveling abroad.

If you are going to be traveling over the summer, take a few minutes to read the most recent travel warnings, consider investing in travel insurance, and enroll in STEP. Informed, safe travel starts with proper planning.

With a little bit of common sense and wise decision-making, you can have a great vacation—no matter where your next vacation takes you.