U.S. Updates Level 4 ‘Do Not Travel’ Advisory for Niger Due to Severe Risks

Throughout the first 10 days of July, the U.S. State Department has been busy updating its log of travel warnings. The warnings serve as a way for Americans to assess the risks of traveling to any foreign country.

“A Travel Advisory is a report from the U.S. Department of State that describes the risks and recommended precautions for U.S. citizens—not foreign nationals—in a foreign destination,” says the State Department website. “The Department of State has no higher priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens abroad. Information contained in these advisories reflects an assessment of threats only insofar as they may impact U.S. citizens, nationals, and legal residents.”

The most severe travel advisory is Level 4 –“Do Not Travel”–meaning Americans are urged to avoid the nation at all costs. On Friday, the U.S. updated its Level 4 advisory for a major West African country.

The four travel warning levels, explained

Advisories range from Level 1 –“Exercise normal precautions”–to Level 4–“Do Not Travel.”

Here’s a look at what each level means:

• Level 1: “Exercise normal precautions” – The lowest risk level, reserved for countries that are generally safe.

• Level 2: “Exercise increased caution” – Certain areas of the country may carry increased risks such as theft, crime, terrorism or political unrest.

• Level 3: “Reconsider travel” – Here is where it starts getting more serious. U.S. citizens are urged to reconsider travel plans, due to “serious risks and security.”

• Level 4: “Do not travel” – The most severe advisory level, due to possible “life-threatening risks.” The United States may not be able to help guests in case of an emergency, and asks citizens not to visit or leave as soon as possible.

The State Department updated its Level 4 advisory for Niger

Back in October, the U.S. State Department elevated Niger from Level 3 to Level 4, telling Americans not to travel to the sixth-largest country in Africa.

The advisory remains at Level 4, but has been revised to include risks for crime, unrest, terrorism, health, and kidnapping. 

“Due to safety risks, only essential U.S. government employees are permitted to travel to Niger,” the advisory reads. “Non-emergency U.S. government employees and family members of U.S. government employees are not assigned to U.S. Embassy Niamey due to safety risks.

“The U.S. government cannot offer routine or emergency services to U.S. citizens outside of Niamey due to safety risks.”

You can access the full travel advisory for Niger here.

This story was originally published by Men’s Journal on Jul 10, 2026, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Men’s Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.