The U.S. government has issued an urgent “Do Not Travel” advisory for two countries due to severe safety risks, including terrorism, violent crime, and the inability to assist American citizens in these areas.
According to the U.S. State Department, travel to certain parts of Colombia is strongly discouraged due to escalating violence and terrorist activity. High-risk areas, including Arauca, Cauca, and the Colombia-Venezuela border, are particularly dangerous, with organized criminal groups involved in extortion, robbery, kidnapping, and murder. The warning also highlights the presence of active terrorist organizations in these regions, making them unsafe for travelers. Additionally, the U.S. government has restricted its employees from visiting these areas, signaling the gravity of the situation.
The State Department also cautioned that U.S. nationals entering Colombia without proper visas could face terrorism-related charges and possible detention.
In addition to Colombia, the U.S. government has placed Burkina Faso on its no-travel list. The West African country is currently facing significant instability, with widespread terrorist activity and violent crime. The advisory specifically warns against all travel to Burkina Faso, citing ongoing terrorist threats and a high risk of kidnapping, particularly in the Sahel and East regions, as well as the capital, Ouagadougou. U.S. government personnel are prohibited from traveling beyond the capital, and the U.S. State Department acknowledges that it cannot provide reliable emergency services outside of Ouagadougou.
Given the grave risks in both countries, the U.S. government urges American citizens to remain informed about potential dangers when considering international travel.
