In addition to ramping up its travel advisory level, the State Department has said all U.S. citizens inside this South American country should "depart immediately."

The U.S. State Department has heightened its warning against travel to Venezuela, reissuing its advisory on May 12, 2025, with new and more severe language that urges "[a]ll U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents in Venezuela" to "depart immediately.

On Monday, May 12, the United States offered two new travel advisories warning travelers to avoid two specific countries. The latest announcement comes after the U.S. added six travel advisories between May 7-8,

And in most cases, a Level 4: Do Not Travel warning comes with strict rules for any Americans in the country on a diplomatic basis. They generally can't be out at night and are allowed to travel in very limited areas. That's the case of the warning in Somalia, which the U.S. State Department just updated. The overall language is very clear.

The State Department on Monday issued another Level 4 Travel advisory warning Americans not to visit a foreign nation. Americans already in the country are advised to leave immediately. The Level 4 advisory -- which is the most serious of the four levels -- says Americans should not visit Venezuela for any reason.

Earlier this month on May 8, travelers from the United States received a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" warning regarding Russia due to: Danger associated with the continuing war between Russia and Ukraine. The risk of harassment or wrongful detention by Russian security officials.

The State Department issued advisories in May for Cuba, Spain, the U.K., Trinidad and Tobago, and several other countries.

Making the U.S. State Department's "do not travel" list counts as the Oscar, Grammy or Emmy of dangerous-place designations. Generally a country is put on this list only when it's truly dangerous for Americans to go there.