You might have already noticed, but the world is experiencing a period of political instability. While Americans are welcome in many destinations, the US is not a universally welcomed nation due to political tensions, cultural differences, and historical events. As a US citizen, you should be aware of countries that are deemed dangerous, heavily bureaucratic, or unwelcoming for American tourists, so here’s a list of 18 places US citizens should avoid.
Russia
This one won’t come as much of a surprise to you, but Russia is not on the best terms with the US at the moment. This is due to many reasons, most notably fiercely opposing political tensions about the war in Ukraine. Russia and America have a long history of conflict dating back to the Cold War era, and research shows that around 72% of Russians hold negative views of Americans. Furthermore, US tourists have been harassed and even detained by Russian authorities in the past, and the US State Department strongly advises against travel to Russia.
North Korea
This one won’t be much of a surprise either, but Kim Jong Un is not a fan of the US or its citizens, and American travelers are not welcome in North Korea.
Furthermore, visiting this country poses serious risks to the safety and freedom of Americans. According to the US Department of State, all US passports are invalid for travel to or through this country, so it is unlikely that you would be granted permission to do so even if you wanted to visit North Korea.
Iran
Although Iran boasts beautiful architecture and stunning landscapes, which might be attractive to American travelers, it is not deemed a safe country for US citizens. The relationship between Iran and America has always been fraught. However, recent political events on the world stage have only deepened existing animosities. Americans cannot access a visa from outside of Iran, and the process takes around 2-3 months; furthermore, solo travel for Americans is prohibited, and they must be accompanied by a guide at all times. Furthermore, the risk of detention and/or interrogation is too great, and the advice is to steer clear of travel to Iran for the foreseeable future.
Cuba
The US government prohibits American citizens’ travel to Cuba as tourists, and despite a recent thaw in relations, Americans still face restrictions in this country. Even though official tourism is prohibited, Americans can still visit Cuba for 12 designated reasons, including educational and cultural purposes. However, given the strained relationships and recent political alliances between Russia and Cuba, it’s a safer bet for Americans to avoid Cuba for now.
Iraq
The US State Department advises against travel to Iraq for American citizens, mainly because of safety concerns after American involvement in the Iraq War, security risks, and the prevalence of kidnappings in the country.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is a beautiful country with many interesting traditions, food, and culture; however, many of these things differ greatly from those in the US.
US travelers face strict restrictions when visiting this country, and women are expected to adhere to traditional dress codes that ensure their bodies are covered; most public spaces are segregated by sex, and alcohol is also prohibited, and it is illegal to bring it into the country. Due to these various restrictive laws, Saudi Arabia can be a challenging place to visit as an American.
Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan sits on the border with Afghanistan and Iran, and Americans are as unwelcome in this country as they are with its neighbors. This country has an awful human rights record and is known for abusive, corrupt practices, mistreatment of prisoners, etc. Furthermore, US visitors must obtain a letter of invitation from the Turkmenistan government to be allowed into the country. Still, given the safety risks and poor human rights record, we would advise against it.
Syria
Despite a recent lift of the ban on American tourist visas, the US government remains cautious about travel to Syria. This country has a long, tumultuous history, and cartel activity, including gang violence, is widespread. Furthermore, Americans are often targeted for kidnapping and detentions, hence why the US Embassy in Damascus has been dormant since 2012.
Venezuela
While Venezuela is a country of vibrant culture and luscious landscapes, it’s also a country steeped in corruption, human rights abuses, and civil unrest. American citizens are at risk of violence, robbery, detention, and even homicide in this country, and given the high safety risks, it’s definitely a place for US travelers to avoid.
China
Tensions between the US and China have been escalating in recent months, but American citizens are still permitted to travel to the country for tourism. However, China has some strict laws regarding drug possession, internet use, and public behavior that are very different from the relaxed culture of America. Thus, US travelers risk unintentionally violating these laws and facing harsh penalties.
Lebanon
Lebanon has been facing an economic crisis, during which the country’s population regularly goes without electricity, and food and resources are in short supply. Furthermore, relations between America and Lebanon have been strained for many years, with US aid restrictions imposed in 2007 escalating tensions and animosity among Lebanese toward US citizens. Therefore, due to instability, safety, and security risks, the US government advises against travel to Lebanon.
Libya
The US State Department currently advises against travel to Libya due to the high risks associated with crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and armed conflict, which is currently taking place in the country.
Yemen
Due to the high risk of kidnapping and detention, the US government strongly advises American citizens against travel to Yemen. Furthermore, the US has limited capabilities to assist Americans from within Yemen, and it is therefore deemed as an unsafe travel option.
Somalia
Due to recent terrorist attacks on government buildings, hotels, and buildings, the US Department of State currently advises American citizens to avoid travel to Somalia. The country poses a high risk to the safety of US tourists from multiple threats, including piracy, crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, and insufficient health provisions.
Sudan
Unfortunately, the American government has deemed Sudan too dangerous for US tourists, and due to the high risks posed by crime, civil unrest, armed conflict, and terrorism, Sudan has officially been declared a no-go zone by the US State Department.
Bhutan
Bhutan is a country of mystical intrigue and spiritual richness. However, there is no US Embassy, which impacts visa insurance and makes getting a visa quite a bureaucratic process. Furthermore, tourists are restricted to guided tours and must adhere to strict cultural dress codes and local traditions, which can feel quite regimented for American travelers.
Argentina
Argentina has had a complicated relationship with America and blames it for some of its challenges, including its economic crisis. Furthermore, Argentina resents US involvement in Latin American politics during the Cold War and the Falklands War, so attitudes towards America can be a little frosty. American travelers should be wary of petty crime, robberies, and theft, which are common in popular tourist areas such as La Boca, San Telmo, and Palermo.
Belarus
Given its close ties with Russia and continued support of the war in Ukraine, Belarus is likely to give American tourists a frosty reception. In 2022, the US Department of State withdrew all Embassy and Consulate staff and advised American citizens against travel to Belarus due to safety concerns.
Furthermore, a recent poll found that 69% of the population here have negative views towards Americans, and for these reasons, it’s probably best to avoid this country.
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