Do you know the 9 most dangerous places to travel in the world?
While there are plenty of safe places to travel, our wonderful world is also home to some of the most dangerous countries for travellers.
I found 9 dangerous countries, from Ukraine to Yemen and Belarus. Join me as I explore each destination and explain what makes them so dangerous.
Ready? Let’s roll.
9 Most Dangerous Countries to Travel
How did I find the top nine most dangerous countries for travellers?
I looked at each country's Global Peace Index score and the United States Bureau of Consular Affairs’ travel safety advisories.
Next, I averaged the GeoSure Global scores in each country and then used AI to calculate a weighted score reflecting each country’s safety.
The result? My final list of the 9 most dangerous places to travel:
- Ukraine
- Sudan
- Yemen
- Burkina Faso
- The Central African Republic
- Myanmar
- Haiti
- Mexico
- Belarus
Ready to learn what makes these countries so dangerous, even with excellent travel insurance? Let’s roll.
1. Ukraine
Ukraine is currently the most dangerous country to visit.
Unsurprisingly, Ukraine tops my list as the most dangerous country to travel to.
Ukraine is rich in culture and history, with beautiful cities like Kyiv and Lviv, stunning landscapes, and resilient, welcoming people.
However, the country is fighting for its existence in the largest-scale war since WWII.
The majority of Ukraine’s major cities are consistently under missile and drone threat. Essential services cannot be guaranteed, and the conflict has no end in sight.
While the likelihood is still quite low, the possibility of Russia using chemical or nuclear weapons cannot be entirely dismissed.
With so much uncertainty, I advise against all non-essential travel to Ukraine.
What are the Dangers for Travellers in Ukraine?
Missile and drone attacks. The ongoing conflict results in constant threats to safety, making it imperative to stay alert and prepared for emergencies.
2. Sudan
Sudan is on my list of most dangerous places to travel.
Sudan is another land of rich history and diverse cultures. It boasts everything from Meroe's ancient pyramids to Khartoum's bustling streets.
However, it's currently a dangerous place to visit due to an intense power struggle that escalated into a brutal civil war in April 2023.
The conflict is between Mohammed “Hemedti” Dagalo, head of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), and Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, head of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). This battle has led to the deaths of over two thousand people and displaced more than two million.
The violence includes heavy weapons, indiscriminate small arms fire, and airstrikes in populated areas, causing a severe humanitarian crisis.
The SAF has launched airstrikes in civilian zones, while the RSF and other groups have engaged in looting, hostage-taking, and robberies.
Access to food, water, and medicine is critically limited.
What are the Dangers for Travellers in Sudan?
Airstrikes and violent conflict. The ongoing civil war poses extreme risks, making it unsafe with severe shortages of essential goods.
3. Yemen
Yemen is one of the most dangerous places to travel to and should be avoided.
Yes, Yemen is a country with a rich cultural history. but, unfortunately, it’s also one of the world’s least developed nations.
My research showed a staggering 80% of the population, or 21.6 million people, are food insecure and lack access to basic services.
Despite a recent decrease in the intensity of the civil war, Yemen remains a failed and fractured state with no single controlling entity.
Healthcare and emergency services are almost non-existent, making it incredibly difficult for travellers to receive necessary care.
The long-term resolution of the civil war remains elusive, and the possibility of renewed hostilities looms large.
While some may consider travel to the island of Socotra, I strongly recommend against all travel to Yemen due to its dangerous and unstable conditions.
What are the Dangers for Travellers in Yemen?
Lack of essential services. With almost non-existent healthcare and emergency services, the risks are extremely high, compounded by the ongoing potential for violence.
4. Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso is on my list of danegrous places to travel.
In Burkina Faso, you can explore the vibrant markets of Ouagadougou, the capital city, and experience the rich cultural heritage at the National Museum.
Here, you can also find the UNESCO-listed Ruins of Loropéni.
But before you go, know this: Burkina Faso, located in West Africa, faces significant safety challenges, making it a highly risky travel destination.
The country has been grappling with increasing activity from violent extremism, particularly in the poorer Sahel region.
Frequent militant attacks and high levels of criminality pose serious risks to visitors, while the underdeveloped medical system makes it difficult to receive adequate care.
The political landscape is equally unstable, with chronic instability fueled by frequent coups adding a high degree of uncertainty to Burkina Faso’s future.
Given these conditions, I strongly advise against travelling to this country.
What are the Dangers for Travellers in Burkina Faso?
Militant attacks and political instability. The ongoing insurgencies and frequent coups create a highly unpredictable and dangerous environment.
5. The Central African Republic
People in the Central African republic are friendly but the country is still a dangerous place for travellers.
In the Central African Republic, you can visit the stunning Dzanga-Sangha National Park, home to diverse wildlife, including forest elephants and lowland gorillas.
But it is currently one of the most dangerous places to travel.
Ongoing armed conflict between the government and rebel forces, coupled with high levels of violent crime, makes CAR extremely unstable.
Since 2020, violence between rebel groups and the Wagner-Group-backed government has escalated, exacerbating the country's insecurity.
The borders with Cameroon, Chad, and the Democratic Republic of Congo are particularly hazardous, controlled by various violent non-state actors and plagued by severe violent crime and frequent armed clashes.
The healthcare system in CAR is far below international standards, making it difficult for travellers to receive proper medical care.
Travel in CAR should only be undertaken with a full (but low-profile) security detail, following careful route assessments and reconnaissance.
What are the Dangers for Travellers in the Central African Republic?
Armed conflict and violent crime. The ongoing violence and inadequate healthcare system create severe risks for anyone travelling to this region.
6. Myanmar
Myanmar is a beautiful but dangerous place to travel.
There’s a lot to do and see in Myanmar.
In Myanmar, you can marvel at the ancient temples of Bagan, where thousands of pagodas dot the landscape. You can also explore the serene Inle Lake, known for its floating villages and unique leg-rowing fishermen.
Sadly, Myanmar is one of the most dangerous places to travel.
Why?
Myanmar is currently embroiled in a severe conflict. A 2021 military coup triggered a civil war that continues to escalate.
Under the control of Tatmadaw (the Burmese military’s political arm), the central government is battling a coalition of ethnic armed groups (EAG) and pro-democratic forces for control over large swaths of the country.
This conflict has led to widespread use of landmines, indiscriminate use of small arms and artillery in populated areas, and a severe crackdown on civil liberties.
The war has also disrupted Myanmar’s logistical infrastructure, complicating travel, the supply of basic goods and services, and medical care.
With the recent "27 October Offensive," it seems increasingly likely that the junta will struggle to control important population centres, trade routes, and resources.
I advise against all unnecessary travel to Myanmar.
What are the Dangers for Travellers in Myanmar?
Armed conflict and logistical breakdown. The ongoing war and disrupted infrastructure pose severe risks, making travel extremely dangerous.
7. Haiti
It's sad but Haiti is one of the most dangerous places to travel.
Haiti is known for the beautiful beaches of Labadee and the historic Citadelle Laferrière, a mountaintop fortress that offers stunning views.
But, if you want to go trekking, get trekking insurance and head to a safer country.
Why? Because Haiti is currently one of the most dangerous places to visit.
As the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, it has become a failed state plagued by violent social upheaval and extreme gang violence.
Over the past three years, the situation has deteriorated significantly.
Gangs now hold primary power in Haiti, with strong ties to political and security elements. Violence has spread from the periphery of the Cité Soleil neighbourhood to previously safe suburbs in the north.
Areas like Cité Soleil and Bel-Air are deemed “no-go zones” and should be avoided at all costs.
What are the Dangers for Travellers in Haiti?
Gang violence and social upheaval. The extreme violence and lack of security make travel in Haiti highly dangerous and unpredictable.
8. Mexico
Would you travel to Mexico if you knew it was on this list of most dangerous countries to visit?
Mexico has beautiful beaches and delicious cuisine, but it’s also currently one of the most dangerous places to travel due to the ongoing drug war.
Cartel activity has infiltrated many levels of the economy and society, driving violence across the country, including in popular tourist destinations like Cancun, Tulum, and Puerto Vallarta.
The primary conflict is between the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG) and the Sinaloa Cartel (CDS). Still, other major transnational criminal organisations (TCOs) like Los Zetas, the Gulf Cartel, and the Juarez Cartel also contribute to the high levels of violence.
Border regions and areas like Tierra Caliente, which includes parts of Michoacán, Guerrero, and Mexico states, should be avoided if possible.
What are the Dangers for Travellers in Mexico?
Cartel violence. The ongoing battles between powerful drug cartels make many regions extremely dangerous, even for tourists in previously safer areas.
9. Belarus
Belarus is last on my list of most dangerous places to travel.
Despite its relatively low crime rates, Belarus poses significant risks for Western travellers.
You can visit the historic Brest Fortress in Belarus, a symbol of Soviet resistance during World War II.
You can also explore the beautiful Mir Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and stroll through Minsk's vibrant streets and parks, the capital city.
Sadly, the country is marked by the threat of arbitrary arrest and detention, government surveillance, and malicious cyber activity.
The ruling regime has faced widespread unpopularity, especially after the contested 2020 presidential election, leading to frequent protests that can quickly turn violent due to heavy-handed tactics by security forces.
Social media posts criticising the government or commenting on the invasion of Ukraine have led to arrests and criminal charges.
With Belarus’ precarious geopolitical situation, further "integration" with Russia, whether by fiat or coup d’état, is a looming possibility.
I strongly advise against all travel for nationals of NATO member countries due to the high risk of arbitrary detention.
What are the Dangers for Travellers in Belarus?
Arbitrary detention and government surveillance. The political instability and heavy-handed response to dissent make it a risky destination for Western travellers.
