The U.S. government has recently issued an urgent ‘do not travel’ advisory for two nations.
It cites severe safety concerns such as terrorism, violent crime, and the inability to provide adequate assistance to American citizens in these areas.
Although international travel offers enriching experiences, officials stress the importance of being informed about current risks before planning trips abroad.
The U.S. State Department has issued a stark warning: “Do not travel to these areas under any circumstances. Violent crimes—including armed robbery and murder—are widespread, and terrorist groups remain active in certain regions.”
The advisory specifically highlights high-risk areas in Colombia, where rising violence and ongoing terrorist activity have prompted heightened concern.
Underscoring the gravity of the situation, the warning also notes that U.S. government personnel are strictly prohibited from traveling to these regions, reflecting the significant and credible nature of the threats.
High-risk regions in Colombia include Arauca, Cauca, and the areas along the Colombia-Venezuela border.
These zones are known for the presence of organized criminal groups engaged in serious offenses such as extortion, armed robbery, kidnapping, and homicide.
The U.S. State Department has also highlighted the elevated threat of terrorist violence in these areas, warning of the potential for attacks and other extremist activity.
A further concern involves U.S. citizens entering Colombia without the correct visa documentation—some have reportedly faced terrorism-related charges, resulting in lengthy detentions.
Burkina Faso has been listed as the second country on the U.S. State Department’s “do not travel” advisory due to its ongoing instability and escalating security threats.
Facing a dangerous mix of terrorism, violent crime, and frequent kidnappings, the U.S. government strongly urges citizens to avoid all travel to the West African nation.
The warning states plainly: “Do not travel to Burkina Faso for any reason due to terrorism, crime, and kidnapping.”
What makes the situation particularly concerning is the widespread reach of terrorist groups, which have a presence throughout much of the country—including the capital, Ouagadougou.
The advisory further warns that the risk of kidnapping remains high across Burkina Faso, especially in the Sahel and East regions, but also within the capital itself.
Due to these extreme security challenges, U.S. government personnel are prohibited from traveling outside Ouagadougou, and officials acknowledge that they are unable to provide reliable emergency assistance in most parts of the country.
