The US State Department's travel advisories rate countries across the world to let Americans know what countries are safe to travel to and which ones they should reconsider visiting.

Fourteen countries around the world are designated "do not travel," due to civil unrest, terrorism, and violent crime. Six such countries are in Africa.

countries around the world are designated "do not travel," due to civil unrest, terrorism, and violent crime. Six such countries are in Africa. Here is every country in Africa and its rating from the State Department on travelers' safety.

Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

The US State Department's public travel advisories let Americans know what countries are safe to travel to and which ones they should be wary of.

With at least five Americans reported dead in the Dominican Republic in the past three months, it's worth checking these alerts before going on your next international vacation.

The State Department uses four levels of travel guidance to let Americans know what to expect in each country:

Level 1 - Exercise normal precautions;

Level 2 - Exercise increased caution;

Level 3 - Reconsider travel;

and Level 4 - Do not travel.

Fourteen countries around the world are designated "do not travel," mostly because of ongoing armed conflicts. In Africa, six countries are designated Level 4.

Here are the travel advisories for every country in Africa, ranked from most to least risky based on the State Department's designation levels.