10 Most Dangerous Countries to Avoid Visiting in 2025: In an era of unprecedented global connectivity, travel has become more accessible than ever. However, not all destinations are safe for tourism. Ongoing conflicts, high crime rates, political instability, terrorism, and weak rule of law have rendered several countries extremely dangerous for travelers. This comprehensive report highlights the 10 most dangerous countries to avoid visiting in 2025, based on recent data from the Global Peace Index (GPI), Global Terrorism Index (GTI), UNHCR, and international security organizations.
1. Syria
Capital: Damascus
Reasons for Danger: Ongoing civil war, terrorism, displacement, humanitarian crisis
Syria remains embroiled in a brutal civil war that began in 2011. The conflict has led to massive displacement, with over 12 million Syrians forcibly displaced, including 7.2 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) and 6.2 million refugees primarily hosted in neighboring countries such as Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Türkiye . The country is also grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis, with 16.7 million people in need of assistance and protection .
In terms of terrorism, Syria ranks 5th globally in the 2024 Global Terrorism Index, highlighting the significant threat posed by terrorist activities within the country . The ongoing conflict, presence of extremist groups, and widespread destruction make Syria extremely dangerous for travelers.
2. Afghanistan
Capital: Kabul
Reasons for Danger: Taliban rule, terrorism, human rights violations, displacement
Since the Taliban’s takeover in 2021, Afghanistan has witnessed a surge in gender-based violence, terror attacks, and extreme law enforcement measures. The country had the fourth-highest crime rate globally in 2023. In the 2024 Global Terrorism Index, Afghanistan ranks 6th globally for the impact of terrorism .
At the end of 2023, Afghanistan was a major country of origin for refugees, with 6.4 million Afghan refugees recorded globally . The combination of political instability, human rights abuses, and ongoing violence makes Afghanistan highly unsafe for travelers.
3. Yemen
Capital: Sana’a
Reasons for Danger: Civil war, humanitarian crisis, terrorism
Yemen is facing one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Ten years of conflict have driven more than 4.5 million people from their homes, and 18.2 million are in dire need of humanitarian assistance and protection services . In the 2024 Global Peace Index, Yemen is ranked as the least peaceful country in the world .
The ongoing civil war, coupled with the presence of terrorist groups, has led to widespread violence and instability. In the 2024 Global Terrorism Index, Yemen ranks 23rd globally for the impact of terrorism .
4. Somalia
Capital: Mogadishu
Reasons for Danger: Lawlessness, terrorism, famine
Somalia remains largely lawless, with various regions controlled by tribal factions and militias. The al-Shabaab terrorist group frequently targets foreigners, and kidnapping, extortion, and maritime piracy along the Somali coast are rampant. In the 2024 Global Terrorism Index, Somalia ranks 7th globally for the impact of terrorism .
The country is also facing severe food insecurity, with the UN highlighting the risk of famine in Somalia . The combination of terrorism, lawlessness, and humanitarian crises makes Somalia extremely dangerous for travelers.
5. South Sudan
Capital: Juba
Reasons for Danger: Ethnic violence, civil war, displacement
South Sudan, the world’s youngest country, has been plagued by ethnic conflicts and civil war since gaining independence in 2011. At the end of 2023, South Sudan had a significant internally displaced population, with 9.1 million people displaced within Sudan (including South Sudan), making it the largest IDP population ever reported .
In the 2024 Global Peace Index, South Sudan is ranked as the third least peaceful country in the world . The ongoing violence and instability make South Sudan highly unsafe for travelers.
6. Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
Capital: Kinshasa
Reasons for Danger: Rebel violence, displacement, weak governance
The DRC is rich in minerals but plagued by armed conflict in its eastern provinces. Rebel groups, including the M23 militia, control parts of North Kivu and Ituri. Prior to the escalation of conflict in 2025, a resurgence of fighting caused mass casualties and the displacement of over 738,000 people between January and March 2024 .
In 2025, nearly 7 million people are internally displaced across the eastern provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, and Tanganyika . The ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis make the DRC extremely dangerous for travelers.
7. Iraq
Capital: Baghdad
Reasons for Danger: Terrorism, political instability, sectarian tensions
Despite some improvements in security since the fall of ISIS, Iraq remains unstable. Frequent bombings, assassinations, and militia violence still affect major cities. In the 2024 Global Terrorism Index, Iraq ranks 11th globally for the impact of terrorism .
Sectarian tensions between Sunni and Shia populations persist, and political protests often turn violent. The ongoing instability and threat of terrorism make Iraq unsafe for travelers.
8. Venezuela
Capital: Caracas
Reasons for Danger: Political unrest, economic collapse, high crime rates
Venezuela suffers from one of the highest crime rates in the world, including murder, robbery, and kidnappings. Caracas has frequently been listed among the world’s most dangerous cities. The country is also experiencing economic collapse, leading to shortages of basic necessities.
At the end of 2023, there were 6.1 million Venezuelan refugees and other people in need of international protection globally . The combination of political unrest, economic hardship, and high crime rates makes Venezuela highly unsafe for travelers.
9. Mali
Capital: Bamako
Reasons for Danger: Terrorism, political coups, insurgency
Mali has experienced repeated military coups and a surge in Islamist insurgency in recent years. The northern and central parts of the country are largely controlled by jihadist groups like al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and ISIS affiliates. In the 2024 Global Terrorism Index, Mali ranks 3rd globally for the impact of terrorism .
Kidnapping of foreigners is a common tactic for ransom, and even the capital, Bamako, is not immune to attacks. The ongoing insurgency and political instability make Mali extremely dangerous for travelers.
10. Ukraine (War-Affected Regions)
Capital: Kyiv
Reasons for Danger: War with Russia, missile strikes, landmines
While western Ukraine and Kyiv have returned to a semblance of normal life, eastern and southern regions remain war zones. The Russian invasion that began in 2022 has resulted in thousands of civilian deaths, destroyed infrastructure, and ongoing missile attacks. Military operations are unpredictable, and many areas are littered with unexploded ordnance and landmines.
At the end of 2023, Ukraine had a large number of refugees and internally displaced persons, with 6.0 million Ukrainian refugees globally and 1.3 million internally displaced people who returned home in 2023 . Travelers are strongly advised to stay away from conflict zones such as Donetsk, Luhansk, and parts of Kharkiv.
Global Travel Warning Levels
- Level 4 (Do Not Travel): Syria, Afghanistan, Yemen, Somalia, South Sudan
- Level 3 (Reconsider Travel): Iraq, Venezuela, Mali, DRC, Ukraine (war zones)
Traveling is an enriching experience, but safety must come first. While geopolitical situations can change rapidly, many of these countries have faced years of instability and violence, making them hazardous for even the most seasoned travelers. If you must travel for work, journalism, or humanitarian aid, it is critical to register with your embassy, maintain constant communication, and follow local security protocols.
Before planning any international trip, always check the latest government travel advisories and avoid high-risk regions unless absolutely necessary. Your curiosity and sense of adventure should never cost you your safety or freedom.
