How Seriously Should We Take Travel Warnings?

It feels like every time you blink, another country pops up on the U.S. “Do Not Travel” list. Honestly, it’s not shocking. Between the war in Ukraine, upheaval in parts of Africa, tension in the Middle East, and political fireworks basically everywhere, some destinations are genuinely risky right now. But the truth is, every country gets assessed—sometimes with results that might raise your eyebrows.

How does this whole system even work?

The U.S. government assigns each country a travel advisory rating from Level 1 to Level 4. Mexico gets special treatment, with individual ratings for each state. Here’s the gist of the categories:

• Level 1: Exercise normal precautions
  This is the “nothing to see here” tier. Of course, all international travel comes with some risk—life doesn’t come with bubble wrap—but this is about as low-risk as it gets.

• Level 2: Exercise increased caution
  Be extra alert. Specific risks are spelled out in the advisory.

• Level 3: Reconsider travel
  Think twice (or three times) before booking a ticket. There are serious safety concerns here.

• Level 4: Do not travel
  This is the red flashing light. The risks are so severe that the government is basically saying, “Nope. Stay home.” If you’re already there, you might be on your own in an emergency.

Countries like Ukraine, Iran, and Afghanistan are firmly planted in Level 4 territory. On the opposite end, you’ll find Canada, Malaysia, and Ireland—places that get the Level 1 nod of approval.

But here’s where it gets interesting.

Level 2 is kind of the oddball. For example, the U.K. is a Level 2 country, largely due to terrorism concerns. Meanwhile, parts of Mexico, like Quintana Roo—home to Cancun and Tulum—also sit at Level 2. Let’s talk numbers for a second: In 2023, the U.K. (population ~68 million) recorded about 570 homicides. Quintana Roo, with just 1.8 million people, logged nearly 1,600 homicides in the same timeframe.

I used to write for a Cancun news outlet, and let me tell you, some mornings were spent combing through security footage of horrific violence happening frighteningly close to those glossy resorts. The good news—if you can call it that—is that most of this is gang-related, and tourists generally aren’t the targets. But you’re definitely not in Kansas anymore.

On the flip side, the U.K.’s Level 2 status is mainly because of potential terrorism—though in 2024, there was only one attack.

So what’s the takeaway here?

I’m not here to hand out medals for safest vacation spots or dismiss real threats. The point is to contextualize these advisories. Just because you see a scary headline or a new advisory doesn’t automatically mean a destination is a warzone. These warnings are tools—another piece of the puzzle when you’re deciding where to go.

Sure, the U.K. may statistically be safer day-to-day than Quintana Roo, but the nature of the risks is different and worth understanding. And in a plot twist no one saw coming, some travelers are happily exploring Taliban-controlled Afghanistan right now—and even getting encouragement from the Taliban to come visit.

Bottom line? Don’t let a travel advisory instantly kill your wanderlust. Take it seriously, but also take the time to look deeper. It’s a big, messy, complicated world out there—be informed, be aware, and don’t lose your sense of adventure.