23 Countries the U.S. Warns Americans Against Visiting Now: The Full Story

9. Mali: Jihadist Insurgency & Kidnapping Hotspot

The "Do Not Travel" advisory for Mali highlights the extreme risks from terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crime, particularly in central and northern regions but increasingly affecting Bamako. Al-Qaida and ISIS-affiliated groups are active, frequently targeting Westerners. The government's control is weak outside major urban centers. The full story is a nation battling a deeply entrenched insurgency, making it one of West Africa's most perilous destinations for any American traveler.