What Countries Are On High Alert For Travel? Find Top 20
Travel advisories have identified a number of countries as high-risk due to conflict, crime, political instability, or health threats. Travelers who venture into these regions face significant dangers, limited consular support, and unpredictable conditions.
Knowing which countries are on travel-alert watchlists allows you to make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary risks. It is essential to understand the current situation before planning international trips in 2025.
Some countries may appear safe on maps, but on-the-ground realities such as terrorism, civil unrest, and natural disasters make them extremely hazardous. Ignoring these warnings can lead to severe consequences, including kidnapping, injury, or loss of life.
In this guide, we review 20 countries currently on high alert worldwide, analyzing their risks and highlighting why travelers should exercise caution. This helps you prioritize safety while planning trips and understanding global risk zones.
What Countries Are On High Alert For Travel? Find Top 20
1. Afghanistan – Best for Armed-Conflict Alert
Afghanistan remains extremely dangerous due to ongoing insurgency and terrorism. Major cities are prone to attacks, and government control is limited. Travelers face high risk of violence, kidnapping, and instability.
Roads are often unsafe, and healthcare infrastructure is minimal. Foreigners are frequent targets for political or criminal motives. Emergency evacuation options are limited and unpredictable.
Travel insurance is rarely effective in conflict zones. Movement restrictions are common, and checkpoints are high-risk areas. Non-essential travel is strongly discouraged.
Pros:
• Clear advisory
• Risk awareness
• Prevents travel
• Security alert
• Avoids danger
• Crisis awareness
• Saves lives
Cons:
• Constant conflict
• No safe zones
• Poor services
2. Yemen – Best for War-Zone & Terrorism Alert
Yemen is under severe travel restrictions due to ongoing civil war. Terrorist attacks and airstrikes are common. The risk to civilians and travelers is extremely high.
Infrastructure is damaged, including roads, hospitals, and utilities. Humanitarian support is scarce and unreliable. Foreigners face extreme difficulties in emergencies.
Travel advisories strongly discourage all non-essential travel. Insurance coverage is limited or void. Safety cannot be guaranteed.
Pros:
• Public warning
• High risk alert
• Prevents naive travel
• Clear danger
• Security priority
• Awareness boost
• Travel caution
Cons:
• Nationwide war
• No healthcare
• Extreme danger
3. Somalia – Best for Terrorism & Civil-Unrest Alert
Somalia suffers from terrorism, piracy, and clan-based conflict. Lawlessness is widespread, and government control is weak. Kidnapping and violent crime are significant risks.
Urban centers provide limited protection, and consular support is minimal. Travel outside main cities is extremely dangerous. Infrastructure failures make survival difficult.
Travelers should avoid the country entirely unless absolutely necessary. Evacuation options are uncertain. Security remains unstable nationwide.
Pros:
• Public warning
• Known danger
• Prevents travel
• Crime alert
• Awareness boost
• Crisis prevention
• Risk signaled
Cons:
• Widespread conflict
• Weak governance
• High kidnapping risk
4. Libya – Best for Civil-War & Instability Alert
Libya is affected by civil war, militia control, and fragmented governance. Armed clashes and landmines threaten civilians and visitors. Travel is highly unsafe.
Urban areas are unstable, and foreign nationals are at risk of violence. Basic services are often unavailable. Infrastructure is damaged.
Travel bans from many countries are in place. Entry for foreigners is discouraged. Emergency support is minimal.
Pros:
• Clear advisory
• Conflict awareness
• Prevents travel
• Security alert
• Crisis warning
• Risk highlighted
• Avoided danger
Cons:
• Civil war
• No services
• Extreme danger
5. Democratic Republic of the Congo – Best for Armed Conflict & Crime Alert
The DRC is plagued by armed groups, banditry, and civil unrest. Remote areas are extremely dangerous. Kidnapping and robbery are frequent.
Major cities offer limited protection. Infrastructure is poor, and healthcare access is minimal. Travel outside controlled areas is risky.
Official advisories discourage non-essential travel. Insurance is often void in conflict zones. Risks are unpredictable and severe.
Pros:
• Conflict warning
• Crime alert
• Public awareness
• Risk prevention
• Safety boost
• Travel caution
• Life-saving alert
Cons:
• Nationwide instability
• Poor infrastructure
• Violence risk
6. South Sudan – Best for Civil-Unrest Alert
South Sudan experiences widespread civil conflict and political instability. Crime and armed violence are common. Travelers face extreme risk.
Roads are often unsafe, and access to healthcare is limited. Foreigners may encounter kidnapping or harassment. Consular support is minimal.
Travel advisories strongly discourage non-essential travel. Emergency evacuation is unreliable. Safety is unpredictable.
Pros:
• Public advisory
• Risk awareness
• Travel caution
• Crisis warning
• Security alert
• Conflict signaled
• Safety boost
Cons:
• Civil conflict
• Limited services
• Unstable region
7. Sudan – Best for Political & Security Alert
Sudan remains volatile with political unrest and armed clashes. Terrorist activity is present in multiple regions. Travel outside controlled areas is unsafe.
Urban areas offer some protection but remain unpredictable. Healthcare and emergency support are limited. Road travel can be hazardous.
Foreigners are advised to avoid all but essential travel. Security risks remain high. Evacuation may be difficult.
Pros:
• Public warning
• Conflict alert
• Safety awareness
• Risk prevention
• Security signaled
• Travel caution
• Crisis alert
Cons:
• Political unrest
• Poor services
• Violence risk
8. Mali – Best for Terrorism & Crime Alert
Mali faces terrorist activity and armed attacks. Kidnappings and roadside ambushes are frequent. Travel outside major cities is dangerous.
Infrastructure is limited and unreliable. Healthcare access is minimal. Civil unrest occurs regularly.
Travel advisories advise postponement or cancellation. Non-essential travel is strongly discouraged. Risk is extremely high.
Pros:
• Public alert
• Crime awareness
• Travel caution
• Risk prevention
• Safety boost
• Security alert
• Conflict warning
Cons:
• Widespread violence
• Poor services
• Kidnap risk
9. Syria – Best for War & Civil-Unrest Alert
Syria remains a high-risk destination due to ongoing war and terrorism. Large areas are conflict zones. Civilians and foreigners face constant danger.
Infrastructure is destroyed, healthcare is minimal. Movement is restricted and checkpoints are hazardous. Travel insurance often invalid.
Advisories strongly discourage any non-essential travel. Risks remain extremely high. Safety cannot be guaranteed.
Pros:
• Clear advisory
• War alert
• Conflict awareness
• Safety prevention
• Security signaled
• Crisis warning
• Travel caution
Cons:
• Ongoing war
• Limited services
• Extreme danger
10. Iraq – Best for Terrorism & Instability Alert
Iraq is affected by terrorism and political instability. Remote areas are unsafe. Kidnapping and violent attacks occur frequently.
Urban centers may offer limited security. Infrastructure and healthcare are unreliable. Travel requires extreme caution.
Travel advisories discourage non-essential trips. Insurance is limited in conflict zones. Risk remains high.
Pros:
• Public warning
• Terrorism alert
• Travel caution
• Risk awareness
• Crisis warning
• Safety alert
• Conflict signaled
Cons:
• Violence risk
• Poor services
• Unstable regions
11. Haiti – Best for Civil Unrest & Crime Alert
Haiti is plagued by gang violence, political unrest, and kidnappings. Urban areas are particularly dangerous. Travel outside safe zones is risky.
Roads and infrastructure are unreliable. Healthcare is limited, and consular support is minimal. Civil disturbances occur frequently.
Non-essential travel is discouraged. Security cannot be guaranteed. Emergency response is limited.
Pros:
• Public advisory
• Crime alert
• Travel caution
• Risk awareness
• Safety boost
• Security warning
• Conflict alert
Cons:
• Violence risk
• Poor infrastructure
• Kidnap danger
12. Venezuela – Best for Crime & Political Instability Alert
Venezuela faces widespread crime, political unrest, and civil disorder. Kidnapping and robbery are common. Travel outside main cities is unsafe.
Infrastructure and public services are unreliable. Healthcare access is limited. Security forces may be unable to protect foreigners.
Advisories recommend postponing travel. Insurance coverage may be limited. Risks remain unpredictable.
Pros:
• Crime alert
• Public warning
• Risk awareness
• Travel caution
• Security warning
• Safety boost
• Conflict alert
Cons:
• High crime
• Poor services
• Political unrest
13. Nigeria – Best for Terrorism & Kidnapping Alert
Nigeria faces terrorism in the northeast and widespread crime nationwide. Kidnapping is a major risk. Travel outside major cities is dangerous.
Security forces may be overwhelmed. Road travel is risky. Healthcare services are limited.
Travel advisories discourage non-essential trips. Evacuation options are limited. Safety cannot be guaranteed.
Pros:
• Terrorism alert
• Crime awareness
• Travel caution
• Risk prevention
• Security warning
• Safety boost
• Public advisory
Cons:
• Kidnapping risk
• Poor infrastructure
• Unstable regions
14. Pakistan – Best for Political & Terrorism Alert
Certain regions in Pakistan are high-risk due to terrorism and political instability. Travel outside major cities is dangerous. Kidnapping and militant attacks occur.
Infrastructure and healthcare may be unreliable. Road travel carries additional risk. Consular support may be limited.
Advisories caution non-essential travel. Safety precautions may not guarantee protection. Risk remains high.
Pros:
• Terrorism alert
• Conflict awareness
• Travel caution
• Risk prevention
• Safety boost
• Public warning
• Security signaled
Cons:
• Violence risk
• Poor infrastructure
• Unstable regions
15. Israel/Palestine – Best for Military Conflict Alert
The region experiences frequent military conflicts and civil unrest. Travel may expose visitors to rocket attacks or clashes. Security is highly volatile.
Borders and checkpoints are tense. Emergency services may be limited during escalations. Civilians are often caught in crossfire.
Advisories warn travelers to monitor developments closely. Non-essential travel is discouraged. Risk remains high.
Pros:
• Conflict warning
• Military alert
• Travel caution
• Security awareness
• Safety boost
• Crisis signaled
• Public advisory
Cons:
• Violence risk
• Unstable borders
• Checkpoint danger
16. Lebanon – Best for Political Unrest & Instability Alert
Lebanon faces civil unrest, protests, and regional tensions. Travel outside urban centers may be unsafe. Crime and political instability are prevalent.
Infrastructure can be unreliable. Healthcare and emergency services may be limited. Roadblocks or clashes are frequent.
Non-essential travel is discouraged. Safety cannot be guaranteed. Travelers must exercise caution.
Pros:
• Civil unrest alert
• Risk awareness
• Travel caution
• Crisis prevention
• Security warning
• Safety boost
• Public advisory
Cons:
• Violence risk
• Poor services
• Unstable region
17. Myanmar – Best for Civil Unrest & Conflict Alert
Myanmar has ongoing ethnic conflicts and political unrest. Armed clashes occur frequently. Road and transport travel is dangerous.
Infrastructure is limited. Healthcare access is unreliable. Travel outside major towns is extremely risky.
Advisories strongly discourage non-essential trips. Evacuation options may be limited. Safety cannot be guaranteed.
Pros:
• Civil unrest alert
• Conflict awareness
• Travel caution
• Risk prevention
• Safety boost
• Public advisory
• Security warning
Cons:
• Violence risk
• Poor services
• Unstable regions
18. Papua New Guinea – Best for Crime & Kidnapping Alert
Papua New Guinea experiences high crime, kidnapping, and tribal conflict. Travel outside major cities is dangerous. Law enforcement may be limited.
Roads and infrastructure are poor. Emergency and healthcare services are scarce. Foreigners are at risk in remote areas.
Travel advisories recommend avoiding non-essential trips. Security support is limited. Risk remains high.
Pros:
• Crime alert
• Kidnap risk
• Travel caution
• Safety awareness
• Security warning
• Public advisory
• Crisis alert
Cons:
• High crime
• Limited services
• Tribal conflict
19. Honduras – Best for Crime & Gang Violence Alert
Honduras has high rates of violent crime and gang activity. Robbery, assault, and kidnapping are prevalent. Travel outside controlled zones is risky.
Infrastructure and healthcare are limited. Police response may be inadequate. Urban areas may still pose threats.
Advisories strongly discourage non-essential travel. Insurance coverage is limited. Safety is unpredictable.
Pros:
• Crime alert
• Gang violence
• Travel caution
• Risk awareness
• Safety boost
• Security warning
• Public advisory
Cons:
• High crime
• Limited services
• Violence risk
20. Philippines – Best for Natural Disasters & Conflict Alert
The Philippines faces natural disasters such as typhoons and volcanic activity. Certain regions also have armed conflicts. Travel outside major urban areas is risky.
Infrastructure may be damaged during disasters. Healthcare access may be limited. Travel during unrest is unsafe.
Advisories recommend postponing travel during high-risk seasons. Safety cannot be guaranteed. Travelers must stay informed.
Pros:
• Natural disaster alert
• Conflict awareness
• Travel caution
• Risk prevention
• Safety boost
• Security signaled
• Public advisory
Cons:
• Weather risk
• Limited services
• Armed conflict
What Countries Are On High Alert For Travel FAQs
1. What does “Do Not Travel” mean?
It means a country is extremely dangerous due to war, terrorism, crime, or instability. Travel is strongly discouraged.
2. Can I travel safely if I take precautions?
Precautions help but cannot guarantee safety. Conditions are unpredictable and consular support may be unavailable.
3. Will insurance cover trips to these countries?
Often not. Many insurers exclude high-risk or war zones.
4. What if I must travel for essential reasons?
Register with your embassy, have contingency plans, and avoid risky areas. Safety cannot be guaranteed.
5. Are there any safe areas inside these countries?
Some cities may offer limited security. However, risk remains unpredictable and high.
6. How often do travel advisories change?
Updates occur based on political, security, or natural disaster developments. Always check before travel.
7. Should I avoid these countries forever?
Not necessarily. Travel may resume once advisories are downgraded and conditions improve.
Conclusion
These 20 countries are under critical travel alerts due to conflict, crime, political instability, or natural disasters. Non-essential travel is strongly discouraged. Travelers must weigh risks carefully before planning trips.
Emergency preparedness, awareness, and constant monitoring are essential for any necessary travel. Postpone non-urgent trips and choose safer destinations until advisories are lifted.