Map Shows US Travel Warnings for Asia Right Now
4 min read
Newsweek has created a map showing where in Asia the U.S. has travel warnings in place.
The U.S. State Department told Newsweek: “We have no higher priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas.
“We take seriously our commitment to provide U.S. citizens with clear, timely, and reliable information about every country in the world so they can make informed travel decisions.”
Why It Matters
While many of America’s travel advisories for Asia have been in place for longer than the current administration, recent weeks have seen a growing number of countries around the world issue travel warnings for their citizens traveling to the U.S.
Most of these have come from Europe – earlier this month, Germany, the United Kingdom, Finland and Denmark all revised their guidance.
Data based on preliminary figures from the International Visitor Arrivals Program, run by the National Travel and Tourism Office, shows a drop in people from some European countries visiting the U.S.
Newsweek has broken down where in Europe the U.S. has warnings in place here.
Such notices are not necessarily uncommon, but they come amid shifting geopolitical dynamics, with U.S. President Donald Trump setting new trade tariffs, and hinting at more to come.
What To Know
According to the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs, the following Asian countries are under a Level 4: Do Not Travel warning:
- North Korea: Due to the serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S. nationals.
- Myanmar (Burma): Due to armed conflict and civil unrest following the 2021 military coup.
Meanwhile, several countries, including the following, are listed under Level 3: Reconsider Travel:
- Pakistan: Due to terrorism and sectarian violence. The U.S. State Department notes that terrorist groups “continue plotting attacks in Pakistan.”
- Bangladesh: Due to civil unrest, crime, and terrorism. Some areas have increased risk.
The following countries currently fall under Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution:
- China: Due to arbitrary enforcement of local laws and exit bans. In a November 2024 update, the U.S. government warned that American citizens may face detention “without fair and transparent treatment.” This update was a downgraded from Level 3, following the release of three American citizens—Mark Swidan, Kai Li and John Leung—who had been imprisoned in China.
- India: Due to crime and terrorism, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir.
- Hong Kong: While technically separate from mainland China under U.S. advisories, Hong Kong also falls under Level 3 guidance for similar reasons
- Indonesia: Due to terrorism and natural disasters.
- Philippines: Due to crime, terrorism, and civil unrest—particularly in the southern region of Mindanao.
What People Are Saying
The U.S. State Department told Newsweek: “As Secretary Rubio has noted, we are committed to regularly evaluating our travel advisories to ensure they reflect current realities.
“The Department of State routinely updates our Travel Advisories for all countries based on a comprehensive review of all available safety information and ongoing developments.
“We review and update Travel Advisories routinely and based on developments or new information related to the safety and security of U.S. citizens.”
The U.S. State Department said in its warning for China: “The People’s Republic of China (PRC) government arbitrarily enforces local laws, including exit bans on U.S. citizens and citizens of other countries, without fair and transparent process under the law.
“Foreigners in the PRC, including but not limited to businesspeople, former foreign-government personnel, academics, relatives of PRC citizens involved in legal disputes, and journalists have been interrogated and detained by PRC officials for alleged violations of PRC national security laws. The PRC has also interrogated, detained, and expelled U.S. citizens living and working in the PRC.
“U.S. citizens traveling or residing in the PRC may be detained without access to U.S. consular services or information about their alleged crime. U.S. citizens in the PRC may be subjected to interrogations and detention without fair and transparent treatment under the law.”
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning responded at the time, saying at a press conference: “We have always opposed artificially creating a ‘chilling effect,’ and we hope that the U.S. will continue to foster more opportunities for cultural and people-to-people exchanges.”
Travel industry analyst Henry H. Harteveldt, of the Atmosphere Research Group, told Newsweek: “Even the most seasoned or frequent of travelers will pay attention to them, and may change their travel plans as a result. Travel advisories both signify where diplomatic relations between countries have hit a rocky patch, or could lead to a chill in diplomatic relations if the country that is the subject of the advisory feels the advisory is unwarranted.”
But he added: “Travel advisories are like a bad weather advisory. They inform people there is a risk of something bad potentially occurring and urging people to take caution. Generally, travel advisories don’t specifically state people should not visit a particular country or destination, or prohibit them from doing so.”
What Happens Next
The U.S. State Department updates travel advisories as conditions change. Analysts expect ongoing revisions to warnings for Myanmar and Pakistan as security and political conditions shift throughout 2025.
American citizens planning to travel abroad are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive real-time safety updates and make it easier for embassies to contact them during emergencies.
“Travelers should always check the latest guidance before departure,” a U.S. State Department official said. “These advisories can change quickly depending on evolving threats and on-the-ground intelligence.”
Update 4/1/25 4:41 a.m. ET: This story has been updated with a comment from travel industry analyst Henry H. Harteveldt.
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