United States Releases List of African Countries Americans Should Avoid Traveling to in 2026
- The United States had placed Niger on its highest Level 4 travel advisory due to worsening security conditions.
- Eight African countries had been listed under the US government’s Do Not Travel category for 2026
- The advisory had cited terrorism, violent crime, and limited emergency response as key risk factors
The United States has updated its travel advisory for Africa, and placed Niger on its highest risk category, warning its citizens against all travel to several countries in 2026.
The move followed what U.S. officials described as a sharp deterioration in security conditions marked by terrorism, violent crime, kidnappings, and limited emergency response capacity.
Source: Getty Images
The advisory, issued by the U.S. Department of State on January 30, 2026, classified Niger under Level 4, the most severe designation in the American travel alert system.
The warning stated that U.S. authorities are unable to provide routine or emergency consular services outside the capital, Niamey, due to ongoing insecurity and movement restrictions across large parts of the country.
Niger added to highest alert
U.S. officials cited escalating militant activity and instability as key factors behind the decision.
Recent incidents, including a gun battle involving Islamic State affiliated fighters at Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, were referenced as indicators of growing danger for foreign nationals.
The advisory noted that foreigners traveling beyond the capital are required to move with Nigerien military escorts.
U.S. government personnel face additional restrictions that include the use of armored vehicles, strict curfews, and bans on visits to restaurants and open-air markets. American citizens who remain in the country were urged to observe similar precautions.
Source: Getty Images
Broader African security concerns
Niger’s inclusion increased the number of African countries under a Level 4 advisory to eight.
The State Department applies this classification to locations where armed conflict, terrorism, or widespread violence pose serious threats to travelers. Countries under this category are considered unsafe for any form of travel.
Security analysts note that Level 4 advisories often have far reaching consequences beyond tourism.
Commercial travel typically declines sharply, investment decisions are postponed, and diplomatic missions reduce their footprint due to safety concerns.
The updated advisory reflects continued instability across parts of the Sahel and Horn of Africa, where insurgent groups, political unrest, and weak state control have persisted. U.S. officials said these conditions have made it increasingly difficult to guarantee the safety of foreign nationals.
Countries on the US no travel list
The U.S. government listed the following African countries under its Level 4 Do Not Travel advisory for 2026:
- Mali
- Niger
- Burkina Faso
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Central African Republic
- Libya
- South Sudan
Trump: 2 reasons US suspended Nigerians
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that President Donald Trump disclosed two security and compliance reasons behind the decision to place Nigeria on a fresh list of countries facing new United States travel restrictions, following the signing of a proclamation that tightens entry rules for nationals of several nations deemed high risk.
The proclamation, signed on Tuesday, December 16, expanded existing US travel controls to cover 15 additional countries, with Nigeria among those subjected to partial restrictions.
Source: Legit.ng
