Minnesota Residents Told ‘Do Not Travel’ to These Locations

Whether you're trying to use up some last minute vacation before the end of the year, or you're booking a winter escape for February or March -- there are a number of places that the U.S. government says you should avoid.

The good news? Turks & Caicos, Cancun, Maui, Fort Lauderdale, Belize, San Diego -- not on the list; and the places that are on the list are traditionally big spring break destinations.

The U.S. State Department has issued Level Four 'Do Not Travel' advisories for several countries, and you can see a full list of all levels of advisories here.

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The U.S. 'Do Not Travel List for December 2024

Afghanistan: The U.S. Embassy in Kabul suspended operations in 2021. Multiple terrorist groups are active in country and U.S. citizens are targets of kidnapping and hostage-taking.

Belarus: Due to Belarusian authorities’ continued facilitation of Russia’s unprovoked attack on Ukraine and given the heightened volatility and unpredictable nature of the regional security environment, do not travel to Belarus.

Burkina Faso: Terrorist groups continue plotting attacks in Burkina Faso. Terrorists may conduct attacks anywhere with little or no warning. Targets could include hotels, restaurants, police stations, customs offices, and schools. Kidnapping and hostage taking is a threat throughout the country.

Burma (Myanmar): Do not travel to Burma due to civil unrest, armed conflict, and arbitrary enforcement of local laws. The risk of wrongful detention of U.S. nationals by the military regime exists.

Central African Republic: Violent crime, such as armed robbery, aggravated battery, and homicide, is common. Armed groups control large areas of the country and they regularly kidnap, injure, and/or kill civilians.

Haiti: Haiti is under a State of Emergency. Crimes involving firearms are common in Haiti. They include robbery, carjackings, sexual assault, and kidnappings for ransom. Kidnapping is widespread, and U.S. citizens have been victims and have been hurt or killed.

Iran: U.S. citizens should not travel to Iran for any reason. Iranian authorities continue to unjustly detain and imprison U.S. nationals, including students, journalists, business travelers, and academics--on charges including espionage and posing a threat to national security.

Iraq: U.S. citizens in Iraq face high risks, including violence and kidnapping. Terrorist and insurgent groups regularly attack Iraqi security forces and civilians. Anti-U.S. militias threaten U.S. citizens and international companies. Attacks using improvised explosive devices, indirect fire, and unmanned aerial vehicles occur in many areas

Lebanon: Do not travel to Lebanon due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, unexploded landmines, and the risk of armed conflict. Some areas, especially near the borders, have increased risk.

Libya: Do not travel to Libya due to crime, terrorism, unexploded landmines, civil unrest, kidnapping, and armed conflict. Crime levels in Libya remain high, including the threat of kidnapping for ransom. U.S. citizens have been targets of these crimes.

Mali: Violent crime, such as kidnapping and armed robbery, is common in Mali. Violent crime is a particular concern during local holidays and seasonal events in Bamako, its suburbs, and Mali’s southern regions. Roadblocks and random police checkpoints are commonplace throughout the country, especially at night.

North Korea: Do not travel to North Korea due to the continuing serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S. nationals. Exercise increased caution to North Korea due to the critical threat of wrongful detention.

Russia: Do not travel to Russia due to the consequences of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces. U.S. citizens may face harassment or detention by Russian security officials, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, limited flights into and out of Russia, and the possibility of terrorism.

Somalia: Do not travel to Somalia due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health issues, kidnapping, piracy, and lack of availability of routine consular services. Violent crime, such as kidnapping and murder, is common throughout Somalia. Illegal roadblocks are widespread.

South Sudan: Violent crime, such as carjackings, shootings, ambushes, assaults, robberies, and kidnappings is common throughout South Sudan, including Juba. Foreign nationals have been the victims of rape, sexual assault, armed robberies, and other violent crimes.

Sudan: Do not travel to Sudan due to armed conflict, civil unrest, crime, terrorism, and kidnapping. Armed conflict is ongoing throughout Sudan and includes heavy fighting between various political and security groups. The situation is violent, volatile, and extremely unpredictable.

Syria: Do not travel to Syria due to the risk of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping or hostage taking, and armed conflict. Exercise increased caution due to the risk of wrongful detention.

Ukraine: Russia’s unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine continues, and even non-frontline regions remain subject to Russian missile and drone attacks. Travelers should react to air alerts and seek appropriate shelter. The security situation can change quickly.

Venezuela: Do not travel to Venezuela due to the high risk of wrongful detentions, terrorism, kidnapping, the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, crime, civil unrest, poor health infrastructure.

Yemen: Do not travel to Yemen due to terrorism, civil unrest, crime, health risks, kidnapping, armed conflict, and landmines. The U.S. Embassy in Sana’a suspended its operations in February 2015. A civil war continues in Yemen.

* Specific warning information provided by the U.S. State Department.

I hear New Orleans is beautiful this time of year. Maybe try that, or Miami, or Seattle, or Tampa -- or basically anywhere else on the planet that's not on the list above. Happy travels!