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

The United States Department of State has a large database of travel advisories for hundreds of countries across the globe, providing travel advisories to travelers that give them all of the information they need to ensure their safety while they travel abroad.

Sometimes, these advisories warn against traveling to a particular country completely, and that was the case this week when the United States issued an updated "do not travel" warning to one particular country in Africa.

Levels of Travel Advisories

The United States categorizes its travel advisories into four distinct levels, spanning from the less serious Level 1 to the most severe Level 4 warnings.

A Level 1 travel advisory serves as a gentle reminder for travelers to “exercise normal precautions” while abroad. Destinations given this category are generally considered safe and include countries like Canada, Australia, and Greece.

Level 2 advisories are a bit more severe, urging visitors to “exercise increased caution” in locations where issues such as theft or minor crime are more prevalent. Countries such as Brazil, France, Italy, and India currently fall under this classification.

At Level 3, the warning becomes more serious, with travelers advised to “reconsider travel” because of heightened safety concerns. This category includes countries like Colombia, Pakistan, and Uganda.

Level 4 advisories are the most severe, plainly warning travelers to “do not travel” due to extreme risk. Nations assigned this level include Iran, North Korea, and Russia.

'Do Not Travel' to Mali

Mali is a landlocked country in western Africa that is home to the Bandiagara Escarpment. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Bandiagara Escarpment is a massive sandstone cliff stretching over 90 miles that includes traditional Dogon villages built into the rock face.

It's a beautiful country that is full of adventure, from hiking the Niger River delta to summiting Mount Hombori. Unfortunately, however, the United States has deemed Mali unsafe for travel.

On Friday, Jan. 9, the United States issued a Level 4 "do not travel" warning for Mali, warning against traveling to the country "for any reason" due to crime, terrorism, kidnapping, unrest, and health.

Here is what the State Department warns about the country in the updated advisory:

• Crime: Violent crime is common throughout Mali. Crimes include kidnapping, assault, armed robbery, home invasion, and carjacking. Violent crime is a major concern in Bamako especially during local holidays and seasonal events. Roadblocks, including by armed groups, occur throughout the country. In cities, police checkpoints are possible, especially at night. Highways across the country often face attacks on government, civilian, and commercial target.
• Terrorism: There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Mali. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more. Terrorist and armed groups target foreigners to kidnap for ransom. Terrorists may attack without warning.
• Kidnapping: The threat of kidnapping of Westerners by criminal or terrorist groups remains high throughout the region. Extortion and kidnapping for ransom are significant sources of financing for terrorist and criminal groups.
• Unrest: Periodic street demonstrations occur throughout Mali. Although some are planned and peaceful, demonstrations can occur spontaneously and turn violent. The majority of these are contained by security forces, but U.S. citizens should avoid street demonstrations and always maintain security awareness.
• Armed Conflict: Armed conflict between the Malian government and armed groups is common throughout Mali. Many terrorist and separatist armed groups are active throughout the country. These groups may plan and carry out deadly attacks against Malian government and military facilities, including in and around Bamako. Conflict between these groups often results in civilian casualties.
• Health: Medical services for routine and emergency procedures are limited. Health facilities are available in major cities. It may be harder to find adequate health care in rural areas.

The updated "do not travel" advisory comes after the Department of State ordered non-emergency employees and family members to leave Mali back in October due to safety risks.

As of Jan. 9, the Department of State has lifted this mandate. However, the "do not travel" warning is still in place, and government employees working in Mali are not allowed to travel outside of Bamako due to safety risks.