An American tourist planning a trip to Libya is being urged to reconsider all travel under the federal government’s highest warning, according to the U.S. State Department.
Federal authorities recently updated the advisory notice for the North African nation, the agency said.
The updated bulletin maintains the country at a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” status, according to federal officials.
The warning represents the strongest possible travel advisory the department can issue, the agency said. The overall advisory level did not change, according to the department.
Americans are warned not to visit the country for any reason, the advisory states. The notice cites crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, landmines and health concerns, according to officials.
“Do not travel to Libya for any reason,” the advisory states.
Clashes between armed groups and government-aligned forces can break out at any time, the department warned.
Weapons remain widespread throughout the country, according to federal authorities.
Criminal organizations are known to be involved in drug and human trafficking, the advisory states. Gangs also carry out targeted kidnappings, assassinations and other smuggling activity, according to the warning.
“Kidnapping is widespread, and victims have included U.S. citizens,” officials warn.
Americans who still intend to travel are advised to finalize legal and personal arrangements before departing, according to the department.
“Prepare a will and end-of-life instructions,” the advisory states.
Travelers are also advised to designate insurance beneficiaries or draft a formal power of attorney, according to the alert.
Americans could face extremely limited options for help in an emergency, federal officials warned.
The State Department recommends having a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government assistance, according to the guidance.
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“There is currently no U.S. Embassy in Libya,” the advisory states.
The U.S. government cannot provide emergency services to Americans in the country because of the security risks, officials added.
Terrorist attacks could occur with little or no warning, the State Department warned.
Demonstrations can turn violent and disrupt transportation networks and other essential services, according to the advisory.
Landmines and unexploded ordnance pose another danger throughout the North African country, officials warned. The locations of the explosives are often unmarked or difficult to recognize, the advisory states.
Travelers are advised to avoid roadside ditches, shoulders and unmarked trails, according to federal guidance.
Visitors must never touch anything that could be unexploded munitions, the department warned.
For Americans who decide to travel to Libya despite the warning, the State Department recommends having an independent exit strategy, the agency said. The evacuation plan must not rely on American government support, according to the notice.
Officials also advise travelers to share important documents and digital login information with loved ones, according to the guidance.
Travelers should develop a communication plan and consider hiring a professional security organization, the department said.
The State Department further recommends establishing a “proof of life protocol” with loved ones in case a traveler is taken hostage, according to the alert.
“Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your family to access them for identification purposes,” the advisory states.
Fox News Digital reached out to the State Department for further details, the outlet reported.
The warning comes as U.S. officials continue issuing travel and security advisories for destinations around the world, according to the report.
Americans who are planning to travel to Israel are also being urged to reconsider their plans due to terrorism and unrest, the outlet reported.
Certain areas in that country carry the highest Level 4 “Do Not Travel” warning, according to the report. Those locations include areas near the Gaza Strip, the Israel-Egypt border and parts of northern Israel due to armed conflict, the report states.
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