Terrorism, crime, and civil unrest are some of the common reasons cited for avoiding travel to these destinations.
The U.S. State Department issued updated travel advisories for three African nations—Mali, Tanzania, and Niger—this week, citing security concerns in these countries.
Mali has been classified as “Level 4: Do Not Travel”—the highest among the four travel advisories issued by the State Department—due to crime, terrorism, kidnapping, unrest, and health challenges in the region, the department said in an update on Oct. 30.
“On October 30, 2025, the Department of State ordered non-emergency employees and their family members to leave Mali due to safety risks. The U.S. government cannot offer routine or emergency services to U.S. citizens outside of Bamako due to safety risks,” the update stated. Bamako is Mali’s capital.
According to the department, violent crime is “common” throughout the West African country, including assault, armed robbery, kidnapping, and home invasion. In Bamako, violent crime is a “major concern” during seasonal events and holidays, it warned.
In September, terrorists affiliated with the Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) group blockaded fuel imports into the nation and have since attacked fuel tankers attempting to reach Bamako. This week, the Malian government suspended school and university classes in the nation due to fuel shortages.
The State Department designated JNIM as a Foreign Terrorist Organization in 2018. The group describes itself as the official branch of al-Qaeda in Mali, and has claimed responsibility for numerous attacks and kidnappings since it was formed in 2017.
“Roadblocks, including by armed groups, occur throughout the country. In cities, police checkpoints are possible, especially at night. Highways across the country often face attacks on government, civilian, and commercial targets,” the department said.
Medical services for emergency or routine procedures are limited in Mali, as public medical clinics often lack basic resources and supplies, it added.
In an Oct. 31 update, the State Department classified the East African nation of Tanzania with a “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” designation, citing terrorism, crime, unrest, and targeting based on sexual orientation.
