U.S. Issues Updated 'Do Not Travel' Warning

The United States Department of State has an extensive database of travel advisories for hundreds of countries across the globe, giving travelers all of the information they need to stay safe while they travel abroad.

This week, the United States issued one of its most severe advisories, warning citizens not to travel to South Sudan for "any reason."

Levels of U.S. Travel Advisories

The United States has four levels of travel advisories, ranging from relatively mild Level 1 advisories to the especially severe Level 4 advisories.

A Level 1 travel advisory serves as a gentle reminder for travelers to simply “exercise normal precautions” while abroad. This designation is reserved for destinations widely considered safe, including places like Canada, Australia, and Greece.

A Level 2 travel advisory, meanwhile, urges visitors to “exercise increased caution” when heading to certain countries where issues such as theft pose a higher risk. Brazil, France, Italy, and India are among the nations currently carrying a Level 2 notice.

Level 3 advisories escalate the warning, telling travelers to “reconsider travel” due to more significant safety concerns. Countries such as Colombia, Pakistan, and Uganda fall under this heightened category.

Level 4 advisories are the most serious of all, warning travelers simply “do not travel” to those destinations for any reason. Nations listed at Level 4 include Iran, North Korea, and Russia.

Adventure in South Sudan

While South Sudan might not be among the most common travel destinations for hiking and trekking, there are certainly some adventures to be had in the country, particularly in the Imatong Mountains in southeastern South Sudan, near the Uganda border.

The most prominent point of the mountain range is Mount Kinyeti. Standing at 10,456 feet, it is the country's highest peak and involves a multi-day trek to the summit.

The trek, which is typically around a six to eight-day round trip, involves forests, waterfalls, streams, villages, and wildlife like monkeys, birds, and occasional larger mammals like elephants.

Level 4 Warning for South Sudan

While South Sudan might be appealing for adventure-minded travelers, the State Department warns against visiting the country for any reason right now.

On Nov. 13, the United States Department of State issued an updated travel advisory for South Sudan. In the Level 4 advisory, the State Department warned against traveling to the country for "any reason."

"Do not travel to South Sudan due to risk of unrest, crime, kidnapping, landmines, and health threats," the travel advisory reads.

While the severity of the advisory stayed the same, the State Department added “health” and “unrest” risk indicators to the advisory.

"Armed conflict is ongoing and includes fighting between various political and ethnic groups. Weapons are readily available to the population. In addition, cattle raids occur throughout the country, often leading to violence," the updated advisory reads, warning of unrest in the country.

"Journalists regularly report being harassed in South Sudan and many have been killed while covering the conflict. Reporting in South Sudan without the proper documentation from the South Sudanese Media Authority is illegal. Any journalistic work there is very dangerous."

The advisory also warned of health risks in the country.

"Medical services in South Sudan are extremely limited. Adequate medical treatment, as well as access to routine and emergency procedures, is often unavailable, and even minor health issues could require medical evacuation. All medical services, including medical evacuation, are at your expense. If you purchase additional medical insurance, be sure to keep records of all medical services paid for and provided," the advisory reads.

Needless to say, visiting the country carries plenty of risk.