If you’re planning an international trip anytime soon, take note. A new travel warning from the U.S. State Department urges Americans to avoid Colombia and Burkina Faso. These once-popular destinations now face serious threats that make them unsafe for tourism. The warning cites rising violence, terrorism, and political instability as key concerns. Officials placed both countries under Level 4, the most severe travel advisory.

This alert doesn’t just suggest caution, it urges action. When the U.S. issues a Level 4 advisory, it means the risks are high and ongoing. From criminal networks to terror attacks and weak local enforcement, the dangers continue to grow. Here’s what you should know about this new travel warning and what it means for your safety.

What’s Behind the Warnings?

The U.S. State Department issued the new travel warning based on worsening security conditions in both countries. Officials evaluated factors like recent attacks, political unrest, and threats to American citizens before issuing this directive.

Colombia: Crime and Conflict on the Rise

Colombia offers beautiful landscapes and a vibrant culture, but crime and conflict are surging. Guerrilla groups like the National Liberation Army (ELN) still control parts of the countryside. These groups carry out kidnappings, extortion, and bombings, making remote areas especially dangerous.

Criminals often target tourists. Express kidnappings, where victims are abducted and forced to withdraw money, have become more common, which makes it a prime country for a new travel warning. Cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena report increasing street crime. Visitors who flash valuables or walk alone at night face heightened risks.

To reduce danger, travelers should stick to well-lit areas, avoid isolated neighborhoods, and use hotel safes. Staying alert and blending in can help avoid becoming a target.

Burkina Faso: A Worsening Terror Threat

Burkina Faso faces a growing threat from terrorist groups linked to Al-Qaeda and ISIS. These groups now operate with little resistance in many regions. They frequently carry out attacks on civilians in markets, churches, hotels, and government buildings.

Extremists view foreigners as prime targets and many travelers have fallen victim to ambushes and kidnappings. Even urban areas now feel the effects of this violence, while the government struggles to maintain control beyond the capital, Ouagadougou.

Security forces in Burkina Faso remain under-resourced and overstretched. They often can’t respond quickly to attacks. In rural areas, many communities have fled their homes, leaving large regions lawless and vulnerable. American visitors face real threats without consistent access to help or evacuation.

The U.S. government doesn’t issue a Level 4 new travel warning lightly. This is the highest level of advisory and reflects an urgent need to avoid all non-essential travel. When authorities label a country Level 4, they do so to protect lives, not discourage adventure.

Officials update these warnings using intelligence, embassy reports, and incidents involving American citizens. In this case, the evidence shows Colombia and Burkina Faso pose extreme risks to travelers.