Tips & Advices
21 countries have “Do Not Travel” warning. Here’s what to know about the U.S. State Department advisories.

Twenty-one countries around the world have a “Do Not Travel” warning from the U.S. State Department, as of April 30. The agency regularly updates or reissues its international travel advisories, which give Americans a risk assessment for each country.
Here’s what to know about the warnings and how the State Department issues them.
What are the State Department’s travel advisory levels and what do they mean?
The State Department has four levels of travel advisories:
- Level 1: Exercise normal precautions
- Level 2: Exercise increased caution
- Level 3: Reconsider travel
- Level 4: Do not travel
The agency issues travel advisories for every country in the world. Factors considered in setting advisory levels include crime, terrorism, civil unrest, the risk of wrongful detention, health, the likelihood of a natural disaster and current events, the State Department says.
Level 1 is the lowest advisory and indicates there is some risk in any international travel. Level 2 means there are “heightened risks to safety and security,” which could apply to specific areas of the country.
Level 3 advises Americans to reconsider traveling to the nation because of “serious risks to safety and security.” Level 4 is the highest advisory level indicating there is a “greater likelihood of life-threatening risks.” The department advises Americans to write a will and leave DNA samples if they decide to travel to a Level 4 nation in preparation for possible worst-case scenarios.
Some nations could have multiple levels, with parts of the country more of a concern. For example, the advisory for Mexico, as of April 30, has specific levels for each state within the country, ranging from Level 1 to Level 4.
In each advisory, the State Department explains the factors contributing to the level designation, identifies possible areas of more risk and gives advice on what to do if you decide to travel to that country.
Examples of countries with each travel advisory level
Here are examples of countries in each advisory level, as of April 30:
Level 1: Canada, Australia, Ireland, Portugal, Argentina and multiple Caribbean islands, including Aruba and St. Lucia, are among the Level 1 countries.
Level 2: Popular European tourist destinations, including France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom and Germany, have Level 2 advisories. Other examples are mainland China, South Africa, Morocco, Peru, The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands.
Level 3: Countries with Level 3 advisories include Colombia, Egypt, Guatemala and Jamaica. Most of the Level 3 nations include specific higher risk areas that the State Department says to avoid.
Level 4: The State Department has designated 21 nations as Level 4, advising Americans not to travel to them. They include Russia and Ukraine due to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. Others at Level 4 include North Korea, Syria, Iraq, Sudan and South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Venezuela and Haiti.
How often does the State Department review travel advisories?
The State Department says it reviews Level 1 and 2 travel advisories at least every 12 months and Level 3 and 4 advisories at least every six months.
“A Travel Advisory will also be updated anytime there is a change in U.S. government posture, normally as it relates to ongoing security concerns,” the department says.
How to look up travel advisories around the world
You can find the State Department’s travel advisories in a searchable list and a map on the agency’s website, as well as on the map below.
Tips & Advices
The Critical Insurance Update You Can’t Ignore

Summer vacations are in full swing, and many travelers are planning beach holidays, cultural excursions, or adventure trips to some of the most popular summer destinations around the world. But while planning a summer getaway this year, a new move in the tourism sector is changing things up: mandatory travel insurance. While insurance was once optional, recent trends have made having it a rule across the world.
Many countries have made travel insurance mandatory as a condition of entry in recent years. Japan has joined nations like Russia, Georgia, Switzerland, Iran, Uruguay, Cuba, Costa Rica, and the whole of the Schengen region in making proof of insurance compulsory for foreign tourists. Why? The step is prompted by a steep increase in unpaid medical bills left behind by uninsured tourists.
The old freedom to buy insurance on one’s own terms is no longer applicable in many places, so this change is more than a challenge to travelers. There is even the possibility of travelers being denied entry or being pressured into buying costly, last-minute insurance. All the Schengen nations have long required a minimum of €30,000 (around $35,000 USD) medical coverage, but with more and more nations such as Japan mandating travel insurance (the move is currently in the planning stages), the trend is going global.
Travel insurance is no longer a matter of choice for travelers heading to an increasing number of destinations. With the recent surge in bookings for summer vacations, neglecting this new travel mandate can ruin even the most well-planned trips. Travelers must stay informed and comply with the new trend ahead of time. Here, we’ll discuss which countries require travel insurance for entry, why it matters, and how travelers can have a hassle-free, memorable vacation this summer.
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The New Travel Insurance Update: You Can’t Ignore
Travel insurance costs anywhere between 4 and 10 percent of the total trip amount.
Travel insurance has always been advisable for numerous reasons. Nonetheless, it’s becoming way more than just “good advice.” It’s a law in many countries around the world. Japan is the latest to jump on this bandwagon, and it’s not hard to see why. A lot of tourists leave without paying huge medical bills, which is a huge loss for the country.
Europe’s Schengen countries are essentially the forerunners of this whole trend. If you want a visa, you must provide proof of at least €30,000 in medical coverage and a plan to return home if things really go south. Russia and Georgia are in on it too, as are Cuba, Uruguay, and Costa Rica, where you can’t enter without flashing your insurance papers at the border. And the list keeps growing. The UAE, Qatar, Turkey, and even Tanzania are all joining in on the action. The days of rolling up to a new country with nothing but your passport and a sense of adventure are basically over. If you’re not insured, you’re not getting in.
More and more nations are mandating travel or medical insurance and conducting documentation checks at the border or during visa applications. This is to determine whether the incoming tourist can afford medical emergencies, hospitalization, and, in some cases, repatriation expenditures. So, before embarking on a summer adventure, make sure your policy includes minimum medical coverage and repatriation options. Also, check if there are any rules regarding insurance terms to avoid last-minute disappointments or hassles.
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Countries Where Travel Insurance Is Mandatory
The number of countries that demand travel insurance upon arrival has progressively increased over the years, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. A substantial number of unpaid medical bills by foreigners prompted authorities to impose insurance requirements in an effort to limit the incidence of such situations. Here’s a detailed list of countries where travel insurance is currently mandatory for entry, as well as those expected to join the trend soon, based on evolving regulations and travel policies.
Countries Where Travel Insurance Is Mandatory (as of 2025)
Europe: If you’re traveling to Europe’s Schengen Zone (29 countries), be prepared for significant insurance coverage requirements. All non-EU tourists applying for a Schengen visa must have a minimum of €30,000 in travel insurance, which covers emergency medical care, hospital expenses, and medical repatriation to their home country. This longstanding rule is among the most widely enforced globally. Switzerland, even though part of Schengen, often enforces these regulations more strictly at its borders. Likewise, Russia and Georgia have independently imposed stringent insurance requirements.
Asian Countries: Many Asian countries have mandated medical insurance for international tourists, particularly after the epidemic. For example, all foreign visitors to Iran must have insurance that explicitly covers medical care within the nation. Entry into Brunei, Laos, and Myanmar requires health insurance, particularly with COVID-related provisions. Jordan requires all new travelers to be insured. Japan is the most recent to join the bandwagon, putting it on level with its Asian competitors. Japan’s new travel insurance mandate aims to prevent uninsured travelers from overburdening the country’s high-end medical system.
Middle East & Gulf Nations: A number of Gulf and Middle Eastern countries follow the same trend. Like, health insurance is essential for obtaining a tourist or visitor visa for Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, whereas travel insurance is a prerequisite for visa approval for Turkey. Panama, on the other hand, does not require tourists to have health insurance; nevertheless, digital nomads and holders of special visas must have it.
Latin American Countries: Several Latin American countries have implemented their own insurance requirements. Tourists without valid travel health insurance are either denied entry to Cuba or are required to buy local coverage at the airport. Uruguay mandated comprehensive medical insurance for all foreign visitors in 2023, whereas insurance is strongly advised for visiting Costa Rica and sometimes mandatory based on visa or travel length. While mainland Ecuador does not require insurance coverage for visitors, the Galápagos Islands do.
More and more countries are enforcing travel insurance requirements for inbound tourists to avoid financial losses and other concerns. Some, such as Japan, have planned for it, while others intend to do so in the future.
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Why Travel Insurance Matters
Travel insurance
Travel insurance protects you and your savings when things go sideways overseas. It covers not only trip cancelations, interruptions, and unexpected disruptions, but also medical emergencies, hospitalization, emergency evacuation, and repatriation. It’s one of those things you hope you never need, but when you do, it’s a lifesaver.
Thinking about globetrotting in 2025 or ahead, ensure that you have your medical insurance. Seriously, it’s not just some “recommended” box to tick anymore. The authorities are getting pretty hardcore about it. No insurance? You may be denied boarding, refused entry, or forced to cough up some overpriced local insurance right there at the airport. So, don’t forget to pack your travel insurance before embarking on your next international adventure.
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Why Travel Insurance Can Be a Lifesaver for Your Trip, Find out now

Monday, July 21, 2025
Whether you’re embarking on a short weekend away or a lengthy journey across continents, travel insurance remains one of the most vital components of your travel preparations. Unexpected circumstances can quickly turn your perfect trip into an expensive ordeal, and the right insurance coverage can safeguard you against significant financial burdens.
What Exactly Does Travel Insurance Include?
A comprehensive travel insurance plan typically includes protection against:
- Trip cancellations and interruptions
- Flight or transport delays
- Lost, stolen, or delayed luggage
- Stolen cash, credit cards, passports, or other vital documents
- Medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation expenses
Government guidelines across Ireland and the UK strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance due to the potential high costs of medical care abroad. According to official government resources, the costs associated with emergency medical treatment or repatriation can be extraordinarily high, often amounting to thousands of euros.
Importance of Medical Coverage
Medical coverage is particularly crucial. Accidents or illnesses abroad are unpredictable and costly. Ireland’s official guidance underscores that hospital treatments or emergency flights back home can be extremely expensive without proper insurance. Even a simple travel insurance policy can ensure you’re not left with overwhelming bills and additional stress during an already difficult time.
Types of Travel Insurance Policies Available
Different travel needs require different insurance solutions. Here are the primary policy types to consider:
- Single-trip Policies: Ideal for occasional travelers planning one-off trips.
- Annual Multi-trip Policies: Beneficial for frequent travelers, offering year-round coverage.
- Specialist Insurance Plans: Tailored for specific traveler groups such as families, senior citizens, students studying abroad, and group travelers.
Official advice highlights matching your insurance coverage with your specific travel habits and personal circumstances to ensure maximum benefit and efficiency.
Cost Considerations
Travel insurance costs vary depending on factors like your destination, length of stay, age, and activities planned. According to governmental consumer protection resources, travelers should shop around to obtain the best policy at a fair price:
- Basic European Single-trip Coverage: Approximately €22, suitable for short trips.
- Enhanced Coverage: Includes additional protections such as cancellations, luggage coverage, and up to €5 million in medical benefits, typically costing around €42.
- Annual Multi-trip Coverage: Generally starts at about €80 for Europe and upwards of €120 for global coverage.
It’s important to remember that lower-priced policies typically feature higher deductibles and fewer inclusions.
Additional Cover for Adventure Activities
Standard travel insurance usually excludes high-risk sports or adventure activities. Official Irish and UK government travel advisories clearly indicate the necessity of additional insurance for activities like skiing, scuba diving, skydiving, paragliding, or mountain climbing. Always confirm coverage specifics and add additional adventure sports coverage if needed.
Coverage for Extraordinary Situations
Common events such as extreme weather, natural disasters, strikes, and civil disturbances are typically not covered by standard travel insurance policies. Irish and UK governmental consumer advisories suggest adding specialized disruption coverage to protect yourself fully against these scenarios.
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) – Important but Limited
Travelers within the EU should carry their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), offering access to essential healthcare at reduced costs or sometimes free within public facilities. However, government websites clearly emphasize that the EHIC does not cover costs such as private medical care, repatriation flights, lost baggage, or stolen belongings. Therefore, comprehensive travel insurance remains essential.
Essential Tips Before Purchasing Your Policy
- Obtain your insurance immediately upon booking your travel to activate trip cancellation benefits.
- Always disclose existing medical conditions to avoid coverage disputes.
- Determine whether specific destinations or activities require extra coverage.
- Consider adding excess waivers if you wish to avoid out-of-pocket expenses for minor claims.
- Frequent travelers should evaluate annual multi-trip coverage for better overall value.
- Always read policy documents carefully to understand exactly what’s included.
Final Thoughts
Travel insurance is more than merely optional; it’s the responsible thing to do when you’re planning to travel. Good coverage can protect you against expensive surprises and provide crucial assistance in an emergency while you are overseas. The combination of EHIC and a good travel insurance policy is considered by UK government authorities as the ideal approach to SAFE Guarding your travels.
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