5 travel advisories that could affect your spring break vacation plans

March is a busy month for travel, as it is the start of spring breaks for many schools and universities, and the start of warmer weather as the first day of spring rolls around.
But did you know that if you are traveling internationally, there are certain countries that are rated at certain risk levels by the U.S. Department of State?
The State Department classifies a country as risky to travel to based on crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health and other factors that may pose a threat to travelers’ safety and then evaluates the risk level of a country on a scale of 1-4, according to the State Department’s travel advisory page.
Here’s what you need to know before you decide to travel to some of these nations, or in some cases, what you need to know to avoid traveling to these nations altogether for your own safety.
5 travel advisories for the month of March you may have missed
U.S. warns Americans to ‘reconsider’ or ‘not travel’ to these Middle Eastern countries
The following countries are under a Level 3: “Reconsider Travel” advisory due to the armed conflict in Iran:
Israel (including the West Bank and Gaza)
Qatar
Kuwait
Jordan
Bahrain
United Arab Emirates
Saudi Arabia
Pakistan
Oman
Cyprus
The following country is under a Level 4: “Do Not Travel” warning due to the armed conflict in Iran:
Iraq
What should travelers to the Middle East do in light of the warnings?
Travelers should heed the warnings local authorities and be alert to any guidance from the U.S. Embassies.
Travelers should also do the following:
Visit the State Department website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
Check the the Embassy website for the latest information on travel in these areas.
Maintain a high degree of situational awareness and exercise caution at all times, especially at checkpoints and other areas with a significant presence of security forces.
Avoid demonstrations and crowds and follow the instructions of security and emergency response officials.
If you are in Iraq, leave immediately as the U.S. government will not be able to help you if you are there.
U.S. warns travelers to ‘exercise increased caution’ while visiting this popular country
The State Department gave a “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution” advisory to Turkey because of terrorism risks, risks of arbitrary detention and armed conflict in the country.
It says that terrorist groups continue to plot attacks in the country with little to no warning in highly populated locations, including tourist destinations, transportation hubs, markets, shoppings malls and local government facilities. This includes hotels, clubs and restaurants, as well.
The agency said travelers should pay special attention when traveling in airports or at major events.
The State Department also warned travelers “do not travel” to southeast Turkey “due to risk of terrorism and armed conflict.”
It also added that the Turkish government has a reputation for detaining and arresting individuals, including U.S. citizens, based on cursory evidence.
Americans should also be aware that Turkey’s government has a zero-tolerance policy for protests not approved by the government or any criticisms of the government, including on social media.
To find out more about what travelers to Turkey should do in light of the State Department’s travel advisory, you can check out our article here.
U.S. warns travelers to ‘exercise increased caution’ in this popular Caribbean nation
The State Department gave a “Level 2: Exercised Increased Caution” advisory for Belize because of crime.
“Isolated incidents of violent crime can happen even during the day and in tourist areas, though the south side of Belize City has historically had the highest concentration of violent crime,” the State Department’s website says. “Crimes include sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder. Much of this violence is linked to gangs.”
The State Department especially warned travelers to “reconsider travel” in Southside Belize City due to violent crime activity.
To find out more about what travelers to Belize should do in light of the State Department’s travel advisory, you can check out our article here.
U.S. downgrades travel advisory from ‘do not travel’ to ‘reconsider travel’ for this South American nation
The U.S. downgraded its travel advisory level for Venezuela from “Level 4: Do Not Travel” to “Level 3: Reconsider Travel,” according to the State Department.
The State Department removed the “wrongful detention,” “unrest” and “other” risk indicators, and re-added that travelers should “reconsider travel” to Venezuela due to crime, kidnapping, terrorism and poor health infrastructure.
The State Department is also gradually resuming embassy operations in the country.
“In January 2026, the U.S. Department of State began a phased approach to resuming embassy operations in Venezuela. The Venezuela Affairs Unit located in Embassy Bogotá will continue to serve as the remote mission to Venezuela until the resumption of operations at the U.S. Embassy in Caracas,” the State Department said.
Despite the downgrade in travel advisory status, there are still many areas of the country that people are advised not to travel.
See the Venezuela State Department travel advisory for more information.
U.S. warns travelers to ‘reconsider’ going to this central American nation
The State Department gave a “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” advisory to Guatemala due to crime and terrorism risks.
Gang-related violence, scams and extortion-related crimes are common in some areas of the country.
“Crimes include robbery, carjacking, drug trafficking, assaults and murders. Local law enforcement often struggles to address serious crimes. This leads to low arrest and conviction rates,” the travel advisory noted.
“There is risk of terrorist attacks and other terrorist activities from cartels, gangs, and criminal organizations in San Marcos Department, Huehuetenango Department, Zone 18 in Guatemala City, and the city of Villa Nueva,” the travel advisory added.