The US State Department announced on Wednesday that it is scrapping its travel warnings for specific countries, instead launching a four-level "travel advisory program."

Kenya is placed in the second tier under the new system. When visiting countries in that grouping, US citizens are urged to "exercise increased caution."

Burundi is designated a level-three destination. The US tells prospective visitors to "reconsider travel" to Burundi due to crime and armed conflict.

Rwanda is the only East African country given a level-one rating, under which US citizens are advised to "exercise normal precautions."

Tanzania and Uganda are both placed in the level-two group along with Kenya.