golfkat Travel Blog

To be clear, level 4 is a do not travel warning from the U.S. Department of State. You can find more detail for each listed location at travel.state.gov

Travel Advisories – United States Department of StateAs a first step in planning any trip abroad, check the Travel Advisories for your intended destination. You can see the world at a glance on our color-coded map.. Note that conditions can change rapidly in a country at any time.travel.state.gov

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I have been to two Level 4 countries.

1. Burma (Myanmar) Do not travel to Burma due to civil unrest and armed conflict. Reconsider travel to Burma due to COVID-19-related restrictions and limited and/or inadequate healthcare resources. Exercise increased caution due to wrongful detentions and areas with land mines and unexploded ordnance.

12. Russia Do not travel to Russia due to the unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces, the potential for harassment against U.S. citizens by Russian government security officials, the singling out of U.S. citizens in Russia by Russian government security officials including for detention, the arbitrary enforcement of local law, limited flights into and out of Russia, the Embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens in Russia, COVID-19-related restrictions, and terrorism.

16. Ukraine Do not travel to Ukraine due to Russia’s full-scale invasion. The Department of State continues to advise that U.S. citizens not travel to Ukraine due to active armed conflict.

The security situation throughout Ukraine remains volatile. U.S. citizens in Ukraine should stay vigilant and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. There are continued reports of Russian forces and their proxies singling out U.S. citizens in Ukraine for detention, interrogation, or harassment because of their nationality. U.S. citizens have also been singled out when evacuating by land through Russia-occupied territory or to Russia or Belarus.

In defense of both countries, I never felt in danger, either personally or health-wise.  Burma (Myanmar), despite a brutal military dictatorship, is a country of peaceful people.  Most people I encountered are just trying to survive, pray to their deity, and stay out of trouble.  I felt safe and welcome the entire time I was in Myanmar.

My only encounter in Russia that was somewhat troubling was my own fault. I missed my train, and had a terrible time trying to re-ticket, and join a later train.  Fortunately, a young Russian man who spoke English was able to help me with the rather mean and loud ticket agent.

Would I go to either country again?  Probably not.  Russia, after Putin provoked Ukraine into a war, does not deserve a single tourist dollar from me or any Americans.  Burma might yet, someday, become a more peaceful country, returning to their religious roots and simple way of life.

I had an opportunity to visit Ukraine, when I was in Russia.  It certainly does not sound like a good place to visit.

For now, let me stick to places like Japan, Argentina, South Africa (visit with Barry the V), and Greece (my Greek brothers).