The US State Department has reinforced its Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory for Libya, its highest-level warning, urging Americans to avoid the country entirely due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping and landmines. The advisory is notable for the extreme precautions it recommends, including preparing a will, drafting end-of-life instructions and leaving DNA samples with a medical provider so family members could identify them if necessary.

The department warns that clashes between armed groups and government-aligned forces can erupt without warning, weapons are widespread, and kidnappings and assassinations are common, with US citizens among past victims. There is currently no US Embassy in Libya, meaning the government cannot provide emergency assistance, so travellers who go anyway are advised to have an independent evacuation plan, share documents and login details with loved ones, arrange professional security, and set up a "proof of life protocol" in case of hostage-taking. The warning follows a similar Level 4 advisory recently issued for parts of Israel, including areas near Gaza, the Israel-Egypt border and northern Israel, due to armed conflict.