As of December 2024, the U.S. Department of State has categorised 21 nations under its Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory, including seven African countries.

This designation shows extreme risks such as armed conflict, terrorism, crime, and civil unrest, making these destinations unsafe for travel.

These advisories are updated regularly to reflect current conditions and are based on factors like crime rates, political instability, natural disasters, and health crises.

The travel advisory system is divided into four levels:

Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions: The country is generally safe, but standard vigilance is advised.
Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution: Specific safety concerns exist, requiring increased vigilance.
Level 3: Reconsider Travel: Significant risks are present, urging travelers to postpone or reconsider.
Level 4: Do Not Travel: Severe risks necessitate avoiding travel altogether or departing immediately if already present.

For Level 3 and Level 4 advisories, reviews are conducted every six months, while Level 1 and Level 2 countries are reviewed annually.

Here are the seven African countries currently under the U.S Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisories.

Libya — Last Updated: August 1, 2024
Reasons: Crime, terrorism, unexploded landmines, civil unrest, kidnapping, and armed conflict

Libya faces high levels of crime, including kidnapping for ransom, with foreigners often targeted. Armed groups frequently clash, causing violence that can erupt without warning. Terrorist groups remain active, and unexploded ordnance poses hazards throughout the country. Travellers face risks from arbitrary detentions, restricted movement, and limited access to consular support since the U.S. Embassy in Tripoli suspended operations in 2014. Departing Libya via commercial means is strongly recommended.

Mali – Last Updated: July 31, 2023

Reasons: Crime, terrorism, and kidnapping

Mali experiences frequent attacks by terrorists and armed groups targeting locations frequented by foreigners, including hotels and restaurants. Violent crimes such as armed robbery and kidnappings are common, particularly during holidays. Travel outside the capital, Bamako, is heavily restricted for U.S. personnel. The U.S. government’s ability to provide emergency services is severely limited.

Somalia — Last Updated: July 23, 2024
Reasons: Crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health risks, kidnapping, and piracy

Somalia faces widespread violent crime, including murder and kidnappings. Terrorist attacks targeting public spaces and government facilities are frequent, while piracy remains a threat in coastal waters. U.S. government assistance is minimal, and medical facilities are scarce. Civil unrest and illegal roadblocks compound the dangers.

South Sudan — Last Updated: July 31, 2023
Reasons: Crime, kidnapping, and armed conflict

South Sudan is plagued by violent crime, including carjackings, robberies, and kidnappings. Armed conflict and intercommunal violence destabilise the country, while weapons are widely available. The U.S. Embassy in Juba operates under strict security protocols, limiting consular services. Journalists face additional risks of harassment and violence.

Sudan — Last Updated: April 22, 2023
Reasons: Armed conflict, civil unrest, crime, terrorism, and kidnapping

Since April 2023, armed conflict has engulfed Sudan, particularly in Khartoum. Communication and transportation systems are often disrupted, with airports and border crossings frequently closed. Violent clashes and intercommunal violence occur throughout the country, making travel extremely hazardous. U.S. Embassy operations in Khartoum are suspended, further limiting assistance to U.S. citizens.

Burkina Faso — Last Updated: June 31, 2023
Reasons: Terrorism, crime, and kidnapping

Burkina Faso faces persistent threats from terrorist groups targeting hotels, schools, and places of worship. States of emergency are in effect in several regions due to ongoing violence. The U.S. government restricts travel for its personnel and cannot provide emergency services in many areas.

Central African Republic (CAR) — Last Updated: December 26, 2024
Reasons: Armed conflict, crime, civil unrest, and kidnapping

Large parts of the Central African Republic are controlled by armed groups engaging in violent crime and kidnappings. Medical services are inadequate, and civil unrest can disrupt travel at any moment. The U.S. government imposes strict travel restrictions on its personnel, limiting their ability to assist U.S. citizens.

A French national was reportedly involved in a series of disruptive incidents at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Wednesday, leading to security concerns and multiple airline interventions.

According to Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the passenger was deboarded by Air France after exhibiting unruly behavior that posed a safety risk to other passengers. He was removed from the flight during a stopover in Abuja.

Achimugu clarified that since the passenger did not have a Nigerian visa, he was not allowed into the country. As a French national, the passenger was visited by French Embassy officials and a doctor and was provided with accommodation within the airport terminal.

However, the situation escalated when British Airways also deboarded the passenger due to similar disruptive behavior. The passenger later attempted to board a flight with Asky Airlines but was unable to present evidence of payment for his e-ticket, causing the airline to refuse to board him.

Reports from the scene described the passenger as erratic, littering the terminal with tissue paper and repeatedly shouting, “My passport, my passport.” Immigration officials were reportedly concerned that the passenger might attempt to flee the terminal and escape into the city, prompting them to withhold his passport until arrangements were made for his departure.

Miriam Anosike, the NCAA Consumer Protection regional head, intervened to address the situation with Air France personnel. She sternly reminded them of their responsibility for the passenger, insisting that Air France should ensure his safe departure from Nigeria, as he was becoming a liability to the country.

“If you are afraid to airlift him, why do you expect other airlines to be responsible for him? Get him a ticket and move him tomorrow!” Anosike was quoted as saying.

Achimugu praised Anosike’s handling of the situation, citing her years of experience in consumer protection. He confirmed that NCAA personnel would monitor Air France operations to ensure that the passenger is safely airlifted. Additionally, Air France will be summoned to explain its handling of the matter.

Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, on Thursday visited the Kaduna State Correctional Service Facility to see his former Chief of Staff, Bashir Saidu, who is currently in custody over allegations of money laundering and other charges.

El-Rufai arrived at the facility around 10:19 am, accompanied by three of his former commissioners: Jafaru Sani (Education), Hafsat Baba (Human Services and Social Development), and Ibrahim Hussaini (Environment). The visit lasted less than 30 minutes, with the former governor departing at 10:47 am.

Bashir Saidu, who held various key positions during El-Rufai’s administration, including Commissioner of Local Government Affairs and Commissioner of Finance, faces serious allegations of financial misconduct.

He is accused of laundering ₦3.9 billion and misappropriating ₦244 million. The charges also include a claim that he sold $45 million belonging to the Kaduna State Government in 2021 at an exchange rate of ₦410 per dollar, significantly below the market rate of ₦498 per dollar, resulting in a shortfall of ₦3.9 billion.

Saidu was arrested on Monday and arraigned before a magistrates’ court in Rigasa, which ordered his remand in custody pending further investigations.

Dressed in a green cap and light green agbada, El-Rufai declined to address journalists who approached him after the visit. He quickly entered a vehicle in his convoy and left the facility without making any public statement.

This visit underscores the close association between the former governor and his embattled ally, raising questions about potential political implications as investigations continue.