Amid rising tensions in the Middle East, including the escalation in Iran and other global crises, the U.S. Department of State continues to regularly update travel advisories for its citizens.

According to this institution, every country in the world is classified into four safety levels, ranging from Level 1, considered the safest, to Level 4, which includes high-risk countries where travel is advised against.

In the highest risk category, Level 4, are countries such as Iran, North Korea, Iraq, Lebanon, Russia, Belarus and Afghanistan. Meanwhile, Level 3, where reconsideration of travel is recommended, includes countries such as Israel, Bahrain, Cyprus, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Albania is classified at Level 2, meaning that U.S. citizens should exercise increased caution during their stay. The same level also includes other countries in the region such as Serbia, Bosnia, Kosovo and Turkey. Meanwhile, Level 1, where risk is considered minimal, includes countries such as Croatia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Slovenia and Romania.

Recently, several Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain have been moved from Level 2 to Level 3, shifting from a call for increased caution to a recommendation to reconsider travel. Iran remains in the highest category, with a clear advisory to avoid all travel to this destination.

The list of countries by level covers a wide range of states worldwide, from those with high safety at Level 1 to areas with extreme risk at Level 4, reflecting the current global security situation.