Travel & Citizenship

US State Department Travel Advisory Levels Explained for Expats and Travellers

3 min read

In this guide
  1. Quick answer
  2. The four levels at a glance
  3. How should you use an advisory if you plan to move?
  4. What advisories do not tell you
  5. Common mistakes
  6. FAQ
    1. Is Level 2 unsafe?
    2. Do the levels apply to non-US citizens?
    3. Where do I find my destination?
  7. Key takeaways
  8. Related guides
  9. Sources

What do travel advisory levels mean? The US State Department rates destinations on a four-level scale. Level 1 is “Exercise normal precautions”, Level 2 is “Exercise increased caution”, Level 3 is “Reconsider travel” and Level 4 is “Do not travel”. The advisories describe risks and recommended precautions for US citizens, so they are a useful first check before you move or travel.

Quick answer

  • Level 1: Exercise normal precautions.
  • Level 2: Exercise increased caution.
  • Level 3: Reconsider travel.
  • Level 4: Do not travel.
  • Advisories reflect threats as they may affect US citizens, nationals and legal residents.

The four levels at a glance

Level Label Examples shown on the State Department table
1 Exercise normal precautions Australia, Canada, Japan
2 Exercise increased caution Mexico, France, Brazil
3 Reconsider travel Colombia, Jordan, Pakistan
4 Do not travel Afghanistan, Haiti, Russia

These examples come from the State Department listing as I checked it. Levels change, so always read the live page for your destination.

How should you use an advisory if you plan to move?

  1. Open the destination page on travel.state.gov and read the full text, not only the level.
  2. Look at the risk indicators shown for that country, such as crime, terrorism or unrest.
  3. Check the level again just before you book and again before you travel.
  4. Keep copies of your documents and have a plan if you lose your passport. See what to do if your passport is lost or stolen abroad.

What advisories do not tell you

The page I checked did not explain how each level is assigned or what each level requires of you. An advisory is guidance, not a ban, and it is written from the point of view of US citizens. If you hold another passport, also read your own government’s travel advice.

Common mistakes

  • Reading only the level number. The country page explains the specific risks.
  • Using an old screenshot. Levels change.
  • Assuming one level applies to the whole country. Read the full destination page for details.
  • Ignoring documents. A smooth move also needs the paperwork in our documents checklist.

FAQ

Is Level 2 unsafe?

It means “Exercise increased caution”. Read the destination page to see why.

Do the levels apply to non-US citizens?

They reflect threats as they may affect US citizens, nationals and legal residents.

Where do I find my destination?

On the State Department travel advisories page, which lists every country with its level.

Key takeaways

  • There are four levels, from normal precautions to do not travel.
  • Read the full country page, not only the number.
  • Re-check before you book and before you go.

Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not travel or legal advice. Advisory levels change, so check travel.state.gov.

Sources

  • US Department of State: Travel Advisories

Keep reading