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- The US State Department’s travel advisories rate countries across the world to let Americans know what countries are safe to travel to and which ones they should reconsider visiting.
- Fourteen countries around the world are designated "do not travel," due to civil unrest, terrorism, and violent crime. Six such countries are in Africa.
- Here is every country in Africa and its rating from the State Department on travelers’ safety.
- Visit Business Insider’s homepage for more stories.
The US State Department’s public travel advisories let Americans know what countries are safe to travel to and which ones they should be wary of.
With at least five Americans reported dead in the Dominican Republic in the past three months, it’s worth checking these alerts before going on your next international vacation.
The State Department uses four levels of travel guidance to let Americans know what to expect in each country:
Level 1 – Exercise normal precautions;
Level 2 – Exercise increased caution;
Level 3 – Reconsider travel;
and Level 4 – Do not travel.
Fourteen countries around the world are designated "do not travel," mostly because of ongoing armed conflicts. In Africa, six countries are designated Level 4.
Here are the travel advisories for every country in Africa, ranked from most to least risky based on the State Department’s designation levels.
Sudan – Level 4: Do Not Travel
Reuters
The State Department warns of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed conflict, and violent crime including armed robbery, home invasion, and carjacking.
In April 2019, the department ordered the departure of non-emergency US government employees.
Violence has flourished recently as protestors demonstrate against President Omar al-Bashir’s 29 years in power. Government forces stoked chaos when they responded with unprecedented violence against civilians in the latest wave of violence since a 2013 response killed more than 170 protestors.
The country remains in limbo after al-Bashir declared a one-year nationwide state of emergency in February 2019 that would allow for uninhibited government actions against the protestors who are pushing back on his term that has seen atrocities against his own people.
South Sudan – Level 4: Do Not Travel
REUTERS/Siegfried Modola
The State Department warns of armed conflict, kidnapping, and violent crime including carjackings, shootings, ambushes, assaults, and robberies.
Conflicts among various political and ethnic groups have created widespread armed disputes and fostered a restrictive atmosphere. Foreign agents like journalists and US government officials have found the country difficult to navigate given the conditions, according to the report.
Somalia – Level 4: Do Not Travel
Andrew Renneisen / Stringer / Getty Images
The State Department warns of crime, kidnapping, piracy, and terrorism that could affect areas frequented by visitors.
Widespread terrorist attacks and the subsequent violent government responses have claimed hundreds of civilian lives. Wide stretches of the country have also been devastated by famine, displacing residents and leaving them vulnerable to extreme poverty and violence.
See the rest of the story at Business Insider
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Source: Business Insider – feedback@businessinsider.com (Ellen Cranley)