worst countries to visit 2023

Places the U.S. Government Warns Not to Travel Right Now

You may want to reconsider traveling to these countries right now.

Do Not Travel to These Countries

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Crime, civil unrest and terrorism are common risk factors for countries that end up on the State Department's "Do Not Travel" advisory list.

In 2024, tourism across the globe is “well on track” to return to pre-pandemic levels, according to projections by UN Tourism.

Global conflicts and natural disasters , ranging from a series of coups across Africa to catastrophic earthquakes in the Middle East affected international travel patterns throughout 2023. Still, international tourist arrivals reached 87% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023, according to estimates by UN Tourism .

In January 2024 alone, about 4.6 million U.S. citizens left the country for international destinations, 17% higher than the same month in 2019, according to the International Trade Administration . But some destinations warrant more caution than others.

On Oct. 19, 2023, following the outbreak of war between Israel and Gaza and flaring tensions in the region, the U.S. State Department issued a worldwide caution advisory due to “increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests.” Prior to this update, the most recent worldwide caution advisory was issued in 2022 after a U.S. strike killed Ayman al-Zawahiri, Osama bin Laden’s successor as leader of Al Qaeda, causing “a higher potential for anti-American violence.” The worldwide caution advisory remains in effect.

The U.S. State Department also issues individual travel advisory levels for more than 200 countries globally, continually updating them based on a variety of risk indicators such as health, terrorism and civil unrest. Travel advisory levels range from Level 1, which means exercise normal precautions, to Level 4, which means do not travel there.

About 10% of countries – 19 total – have a Level 4: “Do Not Travel” advisory as of Mar. 4. In Level 4 countries, the U.S. government may have “very limited ability” to step in should travelers’ safety or security be at risk, according to the State Department. Crime, civil unrest, kidnapping and terrorism are common risk factors associated with Level 4 countries.

So far in 2024, the State Department made changes to the existing Level 4 advisories for Myanmar, Iran and Gaza, and moved Niger and Lebanon off of the Level 4 list.

Places With a Level 4 Travel Advisory

These are the primary areas the U.S. government says not to travel to right now, in alphabetical order:

Jump to Place: Afghanistan Belarus Burkina Faso Central African Republic Myanmar (formerly Burma) Gaza Haiti Iran Iraq Libya Mali Mexico North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) Russia Somalia South Sudan Sudan Syria Ukraine Venezuela Yemen

Afghanistan: The Central Asian country is wrestling with “terrorism, risk of wrongful detention, kidnapping and crime,” according to the State Department. U.S. citizens are specifically at risk for wrongful detention and kidnapping. In 2022, the government reinstituted public floggings and executions, and women’s rights are disappearing under Taliban control. The U.S. Embassy in Kabul halted operations in August 2021. Since the Taliban took control , many forms of international aid have been halted . Meanwhile, in 2023, some of the year’s deadliest earthquakes killed more than 2,400 in Afghanistan while the country continues to face a years-long extreme drought.

Belarus: Belarus, which shares a western border with Russia and a southern border with Ukraine, has been flagged for “Belarusian authorities’ continued facilitation of Russia’s war against Ukraine, the buildup of Russian military forces in Belarus, the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, the potential of civil unrest, the risk of detention, and the Embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to Belarus.” The U.S. Embassy in Minsk halted operations in February 2022.

Burkina Faso: Terrorism, crime and kidnapping are plaguing this West African nation. Terrorist attacks may target hotels, restaurants and schools with little to no warning, and the East and Sahel regions of the country are under a state of emergency. In late November 2023, hundreds died in clashes between state security forces and rebels near the country’s border with Mali. In June, more than 2 million people in Burkina Faso were displaced due to “violence linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group.”

Central African Republic: While there have not been specific incidents of U.S. citizens targeted with violence or crime, violent crime and sudden closure of roads and borders is common. The advisory states that “Embassy Bangui’s limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens, crime, civil unrest, and kidnapping” is a factor in its assessment. Recent data from UNICEF suggests the country has the worst drinking water accessibility of all countries in 2022.

Myanmar (Formerly Burma): Armed conflict and civil unrest are the primary reasons to not travel to this Southeast Asian country, which experienced a military coup in early 2021. Limited health care resources, wrongful detentions and “areas with land mines and unexploded ordnance” are also listed as risk factors. After Ukraine and Israel, Myanmar had the highest conflict-related death toll in 2023.

Gaza : Hamas, a foreign terrorist organization as designated by the State Department, controls much of the Gaza Strip, which shares borders with both Israel and Egypt. On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas fighters broke across the border into Israel, killing hundreds of civilians and soldiers in a brazen attack that stunned Israelis. On Oct. 10, Israel hit the Gaza Strip with “the fiercest air strikes in its 75-year conflict” according to Reuters . The conflict has since escalated into war between Israel and Hamas, with regular Israeli airstrikes leading to extensive civilian casualties in Gaza. As of mid-December, nearly 85% of Gaza’s population were displaced from their homes, according to UN estimates . The region continues to face shortages of food , water, electricity and medical supplies , with conditions deemed “far beyond a humanitarian crisis.” The State Department warns of terrorism and armed conflict within Gaza’s borders.

Haiti: In July 2023, the Department of State ordered all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members to leave the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince in response to the increased risk of kidnapping and violent crime in the country , as well as armed conflict between gangs and police. The travel advisory states that cases of kidnapping “often involve ransom negotiations and U.S. citizen victims have been physically harmed during kidnappings.” The travel advisory also states that “U.S. citizens in Haiti should depart Haiti as soon as possible” given “the current security situation and infrastructure challenges.” A series of gang attacks in late September 2023 caused thousands to flee their homes, and many aid groups have been forced to cut or suspend operations amid escalating violence in recent months.

Iran: Terrorism, kidnapping and civil unrest are risk factors for all travelers to Iran, while U.S. citizens are specifically at risk for “arbitrary arrest.” U.S.-Iranian nationals such as students, journalists and business travelers have been arrested on charges of espionage and threatening national security. Executions in Iran rose sharply between 2021 and 2022, bringing the country’s total to nearly 580 people over the year, according to a report by Amnesty International released in May 2023.

Iraq: The State Department cites “terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict [and] civil unrest” as cause for the country’s Level 4 distinction. Iraq’s northern borders, and its border with Syria, are especially dangerous. Since the escalation of conflict in neighboring Israel in October, there has been an increase in attacks against Iraqi military bases, which host U.S. troops and other international forces. In October 2023, non-emergency U.S. government personnel and eligible family members were ordered to leave the U.S. embassy in Baghdad.

Libya: Following the end of its dictatorship over a decade ago, Libya has been wrought with internal conflict between armed groups in the East and West. Armed conflict, civil unrest, crime, kidnapping and terrorism are all risk factors. U.S. citizens have been targets of kidnapping for ransom, with terrorists targeting hotels and airports frequented by Westerners. The U.S. Embassy in Tripoli halted operations in 2014. In mid-September 2023, floods, which some say were intensified by climate change , killed thousands in eastern Libya. Clashes between armed factions escalated across the country in the latter half of 2023, including in the capital city of Tripoli and in Benghazi.

Mali: After experiencing military coups in 2020 and 2021, crime, terrorism and kidnapping are all prevalent threats in this West African landlocked nation. In July 2022, non-emergency U.S. government employees and their families were ordered to leave the country due to higher risk of terrorist activity. A U.N. report in August 2023 said that military groups in the country, including both Mali security forces and possibly Russian Wagner mercenaries, were spreading terror through the use of violence against women and human rights abuses. Democratic elections were supposed to occur in February 2024, but Mali’s military junta postponed the plans indefinitely. In December, the U.N. officially ended a decade-long peacekeeping presence in the country, which had been among the agency’s deadliest missions, with hundreds of the mission personnel killed since 2013.

Mexico: Each state in Mexico is assessed separately for travel advisory levels. Six of the 32 states in Mexico are designated as Level 4: Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas. Crime and kidnapping are listed as the primary risk factors throughout the country. Nearly 112,000 people were missing across the country as of October, a number the U.N. has called “alarming.”

North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea): U.S. passports are not valid for travel “to, in, or through” this country, home to one of the world's longest-running dynastic dictatorships. The travel advisory states that the Level 4 distinction is due to “the continuing serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S. nationals.” In July 2023, a U.S. soldier fled across the border into North Korea, where he is believed to be in North Korean custody, the first American detained in the North in nearly five years. He was returned to U.S. custody in September 2023.

Russia: The travel advisory for Russia cites its invasion of Ukraine , harassment of U.S. citizens by Russian government officials and arbitrary law enforcement as a few of the reasons for the Level 4 designation. Chechnya and Mount Elbrus are specifically listed as Level 4 regions. Terrorism, civil unrest, health, kidnapping and wrongful detention are all noted as risks.

Russia Invades Ukraine: A Timeline

Somalia: A severe drought resulting from five failed rainy seasons in a row killed 43,000 people in 2022, and caused a famine amid conflict with Islamist insurgents . Violent crime is common throughout Somalia , pirates frequent its coast off the Horn of Africa, and medical facilities, where they exist, have limited capacity. Crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health and kidnapping are all risk factors. In January 2024, some passengers aboard a U.N.-contracted helicopter were taken hostage by al-Shabaab militants after the vehicle crashed in central Somalia.

South Sudan: Crime, kidnapping and armed conflict are the primary risk factors for South Sudan, which separated from Sudan in 2011, making it the world’s newest country . Weapons are readily available, and travelers have been victims of sexual assault and armed robbery.

Sudan: The U.S. evacuated its embassy in Khartoum in April 2023, and the country closed its airspace due to the ongoing conflict in the country, only permitting humanitarian aid and evacuation efforts. Fighting has escalated in the region between two warring generals seeking to gain control after a military coup in 2021 ousted the country’s prime minister. Civil unrest is the primary risk factor for Africa’s third largest country by area. Crime, terrorism, kidnapping and armed conflict are also noted. The International Criminal Court began investigating alleged war crimes and violence against African ethnic groups in the country in 2023. Millions have fled their homes due to conflict, and the U.N. has said its efforts to provide aid have been hindered by a lack of support, safety and resources. As recently as December 2023, the United Nations warned of catastrophic famine , with millions of children at-risk for malnutrition .

Syria: The advisory states that “No part of Syria is safe from violence,” with terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed conflict and risk of unjust detention all potential risk factors. U.S. citizens are often a target for kidnappings and detention. The U.S. Embassy in Damascus halted operations in 2012. Fighting in neighboring Israel has escalated since October, and the conflict has spilled over into Syria, where the U.S. has carried out air strikes following drone and rocket attacks against American troops in Syria and Iraq, triggered by the Israel-Hamas war.

Ukraine: Russian setbacks in their invasion of Ukraine buoyed hopes in Ukraine in 2023. However, Ukraine is a Level 4 country due to Russia’s invasion, with crime and civil unrest also noted as risk factors. The country’s forces shot down two Russian fighter jets on Christmas Eve 2023, in a move Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said “sets the right mood for the entire year ahead.”

Venezuela: Human rights abuses and lack of health care plague this South American nation, which has been in a political crisis since 2014. In 2019, diplomatic personnel were withdrawn from the U.S. Embassy in Caracas. Threats in the country include crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, wrongful detention and poor health infrastructure.

Yemen: Six of the nine risk factors defined by the State Department – terrorism, civil unrest, health risks, kidnapping, armed conflict and landmines – are all present in Yemen. Despite private companies offering tourist visits to the Yemeni island of Socotra, the U.S. government argues those arranging such visits “are putting tourists in danger.” Civil war and cholera are also both present throughout the country. The U.S. Embassy in Sanaa halted operations in 2015. The country has experienced a relative lull in the civil war fighting, but as peace negotiations have gotten traction, flare ups in the fighting have jeopardized progress. Most recently, the U.S. and U.K. have carried out a series of airstrikes in the country, targeting Iran-backed Houthi sites.

Other Countries to Watch

Since Jan. 1, the State Department has updated travel advisories for 17 different countries as well as for the West Bank and Gaza, adding information about specific regions or risk factors, or simply renewing an existing advisory. Travel advisory levels can change based on several factors in a nation, such as increased civil unrest, policies that affect human rights or higher risks of unlawful detention.

The State Department has given about 25 countries an assessment of Level 3, meaning it recommends people “reconsider travel” to those destinations.

On Oct. 14, one week after the deadly Hamas attack on Israel, Israel and the West Bank were both moved from Level 2 to Level 3, while Gaza remains at Level 4. The region’s travel advisory was updated in November to reflect travel restrictions for certain government employees who have not already left the area, and it was updated again on Jan. 3.

Following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in early October, the U.S. State Department raised Lebanon ’s travel advisory level from a Level 3 to a Level 4 level due to “the unpredictable security situation related to rocket, missile, and artillery exchanges” between Israel and Hezbollah or other militant groups. In December, the U.S. Embassy in Beirut returned to normal staffing and presence, and on Jan. 29, the country was moved back to Level 3. Crime, terrorism, armed conflict, civil unrest, kidnapping and unexploded landmines are listed as the country’s primary risk factors. However, the country’s borders with Syria and with Israel, as well as refugee settlements within Lebanon, are specifically noted as Level 4 regions.

China became a Level 3 country in late 2020, with an update in December 2022 citing “the surge in COVID-19 cases, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, and COVID-19-related restrictions” as the reason for the advisory. In June 2023, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) was moved from the Level 3 to the Level 2 list, but travelers are still advised to be cautious in the area due to “arbitrary enforcement of local laws.” Meanwhile, Macau remains at Level 3.

Following an attempted coup in August 2023, Niger was elevated to Level 4 in August and the Department of State ordered all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members to leave the U.S. Embassy in Niamey. In early January 2024, the overall risk level for the country was lowered back to Level 3. Despite the new classification, the State Department still asks non-emergency government personnel and eligible family members to depart the country.

In mid-December 2023 there was an explosion at Guinea’s main fuel depot which has since affected access to health care and basic goods and services. The country was subsequently designated a Level 3 nation after having previously been Level 2. Concerns about civil unrest, health, crime and fuel shortages impacting local infrastructure were listed as the primary risk factors contributing to the change.

Several Level 3 countries are among the worst countries for human trafficking, as designated by the State Department’s annual Trafficking in Persons Report . Level 3 countries on this list include Papua New Guinea, Guinea Bissau, China and Chad. There are also nine Level 4 countries designated as among the worst for human trafficking: Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, Myanmar, North Korea, Russia, Syria, South Sudan and Venezuela.

Over 70 countries are currently at Level 2, meaning the State Department recommends travelers “exercise increased caution” when traveling to those destinations.

Botswana became the newest Level 2 country on Feb. 26 after having previously been Level 1, with crime noted as the primary risk factor.

France, which saw nationwide protests throughout 2023, has civil unrest and terrorism noted as risk factors for its Level 2 status, and Sweden’s Level 2 status is associated with risks of terrorism.

The Level 2 travel advisory for the Bahamas was updated in January to reflect water safety concerns. The advisory warns that “activities involving commercial recreational watercraft, including water tours, are not consistently regulated” and notes that government personnel are “not permitted to use independently operated jet-ski rentals on New Providence and Paradise Islands.” It also warns visitors to be mindful of sharks, weather and water conditions. The advisory also says that crime is a primary risk factor with gang-on-gang violence contributing to high homicide rates in some areas. Visitors are asked to “be vigilant” and to not physically resist robbery attempts.

Bangladesh 's Level 2 travel advisory was updated in October 2023 to add a note about the country’s general election , which took place Jan. 7, 2024. The advisory states “demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.” The U.S. has since claimed the country’s election was not free nor fair.

In November 2023, several Level 2 travel advisories were updated with new cautionary information. The advisory for Ghana was updated to reflect threats against LGBTQI+ travelers specifically, noting “anti-LGBTQI+ rhetoric and violence have increased in recent years.” Meanwhile, the advisory for South Africa was updated in February to note that routes recommended by GPS may be unsafe with higher risk for crime.

Turkmenistan was moved off of the Level 2 list to become the newest addition to the Level 1 list on Jan. 22, meaning normal precautions are recommended but there are no risk factors causing travelers to practice increased caution.

The State Department asks travelers to pay attention to travel advisory levels and alerts , review country information pages for their destinations and read related country security reports before going abroad.

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Tags: Russia , Ukraine , Travel , Coronavirus , Travel Tips , Israel , Gaza , violence , Civil War , crime , kidnapping

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Here are the top 19 countries that the US State Department says aren't safe for American citizens to travel to

• The State Department ranks countries worldwide by their safety level for US citizens.
• The countries deemed too dangerous for travel are often known for civil unrest, military actions, and kidnappings.
• Avoid traveling to these 19 countries that the US has labeled as "Do Not Travel." 

The State Department cautioned against traveling to Venezuela due to "crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, and the arbitrary enforcement of local laws" as well as "wrongful detentions, terrorism, and poor health infrastructure." 

Many Venezuelan migrants have fled to the US to seek asylum from "crimes against humanity," Insider previously reported. 

"Violent crimes, such as homicide, armed robbery, kidnapping, and carjacking, are common," the State Department's warning said, adding that there is a "risk of wrongful detention of U.S. nationals." 

"Do not travel to Iraq due to terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, civil unrest , and Mission Iraq's limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens," the State Department has cautioned .

"Terrorist and insurgent groups regularly attack Iraqi security forces and civilians. Anti-U.S. militias threaten U.S. citizens and international companies throughout Iraq." 

The US conflict in Iraq post-9/11 has been one of the most deadly, amounting to tens of thousands of deaths, Insider previously reported. 

The State Department advised against  traveling to Somalia due to "crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health issues, kidnapping, and piracy."

"Violent crime, such as kidnapping and murder, is common throughout Somalia, including Puntland and the Somaliland region. Illegal roadblocks are widespread," the department warned of the East African country, where "terrorists continue to plot kidnappings, bombings, and other attacks."

In October, two car bombings in the country's capital of Mogadishu left over 120 dead and 150 more injured, Reuters reported. 

The US State Department warned of "kidnapping, crime, and civil unrest" in the poverty-stricken country of Haiti. 

"Kidnapping is widespread, and victims regularly include U.S. citizens. Kidnappers may use sophisticated planning or take advantage of unplanned opportunities, and even convoys have been attacked. Kidnapping cases often involve ransom negotiations and U.S. citizen victims have been physically harmed during kidnappings," according to the department's December 2022 warning. 

Hundreds of Haitians have also died due to a cholera outbreak, Insider reported in December. 

The State Department has warned against travel to Ukraine since Russia launched a full-scale invasion in February 2022.

"Those choosing to remain in Ukraine should exercise caution due to the potential for military attacks, crime, and civil unrest," per the agency. 

The Federal Aviation Administration and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency have "prohibited flights into, out of, and over Ukraine due to ongoing military actions."

Afghanistan

US citizens should not travel to Afghanistan due to "armed conflict, civil unrest, crime, terrorism, and kidnapping," the State Department said . 

"Travel to all areas of Afghanistan is unsafe and the risk of kidnapping or violence against U.S. citizens in Afghanistan is high," according to the department. "The U.S. Embassy in Kabul suspended operations on August 31, 2021. Since that time, U.S. citizens have been unjustly detained."

The department added that its ability to assist detained Americans is "extremely limited." 

Americans shouldn't travel to Yemen because of "terrorism, civil unrest, health risks, kidnapping, armed conflict, and landmines," the State Department said . 

"A civil war continues in Yemen. In addition, terrorist groups continue to plot and conduct attacks in Yemen," according to the notice. "Military conflict has caused significant destruction of infrastructure, housing, medical facilities, schools, and power and water utilities."

The US government cannot assist American citizens in emergencies since the US Embassy in Sana'a suspended operations in 2015, according to the department. 

The US warns against traveling to Syria due to "terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed conflict, and risk of unjust detention," according to the State Department. 

The country has endured armed conflict since 2011, the department said , adding starkly that "no part of Syria is safe from violence."

"Protests and demonstrations are quelled by government forces through aggressive tactics and protestors, activists, and political dissenters are routinely detained without access to legal representation or communications with friends and family," the State Department warned.

The State Department placed Sudan on the list due to civil unrest, crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and armed conflict. 

"Sudan is experiencing sporadic civil unrest and protests across the country," the department said . "Crime, such as kidnapping, armed robbery, home invasion, and carjacking can occur. This type of crime is more frequent outside of Khartoum."

There is also violence along the borders with Chad and South Sudan, per the agency. 

South Sudan

South Sudan is rife with armed conflict among different political groups and ethnicities, according to the State Department. 

"Violent crime, such as carjackings, shootings, ambushes, assaults, robberies, and kidnappings is common throughout South Sudan, including Juba. Foreign nationals have been the victims of rape, sexual assault, armed robberies, and other violent crimes," the department warned , adding that weapons are "readily available" to the population at large.

North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)

The US State Department warned of the "serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S. nationals" in North Korea, calling it a "critical threat." 

"All U.S. passports are invalid for travel to, in, or through the DPRK unless specially validated for such travel under the authority of the Secretary of State," the department warned. "The U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in North Korea as it does not have diplomatic or consular relations with North Korea."

Tensions between North Korea and other democratic nations have risen as the country continues to conduct ballistic missile tests . 

US citizens should avoid travel to Libya due to "crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and armed conflict," according to the Department of State . 

"Crime levels in Libya remain high, including the threat of kidnapping for ransom. Westerners and U.S. citizens have been targets of these crimes," the department said. "Militia or armed groups sometimes detain travelers for arbitrary reasons, do not grant detainees access to a lawyer or a legal process, and do not allow detainees to inform others of their status."

The State Department warned against travel to Iran due to kidnapping and arbitrary arrests and detentions on "spurious charges." The US doesn't have diplomatic relations with Iran.

"Iranian authorities continue to unjustly detain and imprison U.S. nationals, particularly dual national U.S.-Iranian nationals--including students, journalists, business travelers, and academics--on charges including espionage and posing a threat to national security," the department warned.

Burma (Myanmar)

The State Department cited protests and military actions as reasons not to travel to Burma, adding that at least one US national had been wrongfully detained by the Burmese military.

"Do not travel to Burma due to civil unrest and armed conflict," the State Department warned . "Exercise increased caution due to wrongful detentions and areas with land mines and unexploded ordnance."

The State Department has warned against travel to Russia since President Vladimir Putin launched his invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. US citizens in Russia may be harassed, singled out, or arbitrarily detained, the department said. 

"The U.S. government's ability to provide routine or emergency services to U.S. citizens in Russia is severely limited, particularly in areas far from the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, due to Russian government limitations on travel, the number of U.S. staff, and the ongoing suspension of operations, including consular services, at U.S. consulates," the department said. 

The State Department warned against travel to Mali because of crime, terroristic threats, and kidnapping. 

"Violent crime, such as kidnapping and armed robbery, is common in Mali. Violent crime is a particular concern during local holidays and seasonal events in Bamako, its suburbs, and Mali's southern regions.  Roadblocks and random police checkpoints are commonplace throughout the country, especially at night," the department said. 

Central African Republic

US citizens should avoid travel to the Central African Republic due to crime, civil unrest, kidnappings, and the embassy's limited capacity to provide support to US citizens, the State Department warned . 

"Although there have been no specific incidents of violence or threats targeting U.S. citizens, civil unrest, demonstrations, and election-related violence (including renewed outbreaks of armed conflict) may occur throughout the country, including the capital of Bangui," the department said. "Violent crime, such as armed robbery, aggravated battery, and homicide, is common."

Burkina Faso

Terrorism, crime, and kidnapping should ward US citizens off from travel to Burkina Faso, according to the State Department. 

"Terrorist groups continue plotting attacks in Burkina Faso," the agency said. "Kidnapping and hostage taking is a threat throughout the country. On May 10, 2019 a hostage rescue operation freed four international hostages that had been kidnapped in Burkina Faso and in neighboring Benin."

The US is not able to provide emergency assistance to its citizens in the country, the department added. 

The State Department warned against travel to Belarus in eastern Europe due to "arbitrary enforcement of laws, the risk of detention, the Russian military attack on neighboring Ukraine, and the buildup of Russian military in Belarus along the border with Ukraine."

"Due to Russia's unprovoked attack on Ukraine from Belarus, U.S. citizens located in or considering travel to Belarus should be aware that the situation is unpredictable and there is heightened tension in the region," the department said. 

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Ranked: most dangerous countries in the world 2024

The most dangerous countries in the world to visit in 2024 have been updated in the latest Travel Risk Map

The most dangerous countries to visit in 2024 are Afghanistan, the Central African Republic , Iraq, Libya, Mali , Somalia, South Sudan, Syria , Ukraine and Yemen according to the latest Travel Risk Map , an interactive tool produced by security specialists at  International SOS .

The map is used to predict the safest and, conversely, the least safe countries in the world to visit and has four layers in total covering a country’s security risk, medical risk, and the impact of the pandemic on travel and domestic operations.

For the security layer of the map, countries are indexed according to their travel security risk rating, which uses five risk definitions : insignificant, low, medium, high and extreme.

International SOS uses several criteria to assess how the conditions in the country may impact visitors’ safety and security.

These include the threat posed to travellers by political violence (including terrorism, insurgency, politically motivated unrest and war), social unrest (including sectarian, communal and ethnic violence) and violent and petty crime.

Other factors assessed include transport infrastructure, the capability of security and emergency services, and the threat of natural disasters. It’s also possible to use the map to assess medical risk and road safety standards around the world.

MOST DANGEROUS COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD

These are the nine most dangerous countries in the world according to International SOS. They have been assessed as carrying an ‘extreme travel security risk’.

• Afghanistan
• Central African Republic
• South Sudan

The most dangerous countries in the world include Ukraine, where Russia launched an invasion in February 2022; Afghanistan, which saw the Taliban take over in August 2021 as foreign forces pulled out of the country; Syria, which has been embroiled in civil war since 2011; and Yemen, which has also been mired in a years-long civil war leading to the deaths of thousands and a major humanitarian crisis .

Despite ongoing instability in Mali – which saw the UNESCO-listed historic city of Timbuktu taken under siege by jihadists in September 2023 – the West African nation has been reassessed as ‘high security risk’ as opposed to ‘extreme’.

“Government control and law and order may be minimal or non-existent across large areas. Serious threat of violent attacks by armed groups targeting travellers and international assignees. Government and transport services are barely functional. Large parts of the country are inaccessible to foreigners.” International SOS

In October 2023, Israel launched an invasion of the Gaza Strip in Palestine after a surprise Hamas attack on southern Israel led to the death of 1,200 people and 240 hostages. As of 16 February 2024, the retaliatory campaign has killed over 28,000 Palestinians. To date, International SOS has not updated the map to reflect this.

SAFEST COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD

At the other end of the spectrum, the following 18 countries or territories have been assessed as carrying an ‘insignificant travel security risk’ to travellers and therefore the safest countries to visit.

• American Samoa
• Liechtenstein
• Marshall Islands
• Switzerland

“Rates of violent crime are very low. There is no significant political violence or civil unrest and little sectarian, communal, racial or targeted violence against foreigners. Security and emergency services are effective and infrastructure is sound. Transport services are of a high standard with good safety records and only occasional travel disruption. Industrial action affecting essential services is rare.” International SOS

Complete rankings

Most countries in Europe along with the USA , Australia , New Zealand and Canada  have been assessed as carrying a ‘low travel security risk’. Ukraine is the only European country categorised as a ‘high’ or ‘extreme’ security risk.

Many countries in Asia and the Middle East including Jordan , Oman , Singapore, Japan , China , South Korea , Vietnam , Malaysia and Brunei are considered ‘low risk’.

The most dangerous countries in Asia are Afghanistan and Pakistan ; and Syria, Iraq and Yemen in the Middle East.

The most dangerous countries in Africa are the Central African Republic, Libya, Somalia and South Sudan. In the Americas, Haiti , Honduras and Venezuela are considered ‘high security risk’.

EXTREME (15) Afghanistan Central African Republic Iraq Libya Somalia South Sudan Syria Ukraine Yemen

HIGH (15) Burkina Faso DR Congo Egypt Ethiopia Haiti Honduras Mali Myanmar Nigeria Pakistan Papua New Guinea Venezuela

MEDIUM (68) Algeria Angola Bahrain Bangladesh Belize Bolivia Brazil Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Chad Colombia Comoros Congo Costa Rica Djibouti Dominican Republic East Timor El Salvador Eritrea Fiji Guatemala Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana India India Indonesia Iran Israel Ivory Coast Jamaica Kazakhstan Kenya Korea, North Kosovo Kyrgyzstan Laos Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Madagascar Mauritania Mexico Mongolia Mozambique Myanmar Nepal Nicaragua Niger Peru Philippines Russia Saudi Arabia Sierra Leone Solomon Islands South Africa Sri Lanka Sudan Swaziland (Eswatini) Tajikistan Tanzania Togo Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Uganda Ukraine Zimbabwe

LOW (91) Albania Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Barbados Belarus Belgium Benin Bhutan Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brunei Bulgaria Canada Chile China Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czech Republic Dominica Ecuador Equatorial Guinea Estonia France Gabon The Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Grenada Hungary Ireland Italy Japan Jordan Korea, South Kuwait Latvia Lithuania Macedonia Malawi Malaysia Maldives Malta Mauritius Micronesia Moldova Monaco Montenegro Morocco Namibia Netherlands New Zealand Oman Panama Palau Paraguay Poland Portugal Qatar Romania Rwanda Saint Kitts & Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Senegal Serbia Singapore Slovakia Spain Suriname Sweden Taiwan Thailand Tonga UAE United Kingdom United States Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Vatican City Vietnam Zambia

INSIGNIFICANT (17) Andorra Cape Verde Denmark Finland Greenland Iceland Kiribati Liechtenstein Luxembourg Marshall Islands Nauru Norway San Marino Seychelles Slovenia Switzerland Turks & Caicos Tuvalu

The full interactive map by International SOS can be accessed here .

More rankings and articles can be found in our  remote work  area: ►  Best cities in the world ► Countries with the best healthcare in the world ►  World’s worst countries to drive in ►  Most peaceful countries in the world ►  Best countries for women ►  Poorest countries in the world – ranked ►  Happiest countries in the world ►  World’s most powerful passport ►  Countries with the fastest internet in the world ►  Most stressed countries in the world ►  Most expensive cities for expats ►  World’s most democratic countries

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Lead image:  Hi JOE/Shutterstock

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These Are The Most Dangerous Countries To Visit In 2023, According To This Year's Travel Risk Map

Safety is an important factor when traveling. With recent incidents abroad, travelers are taking extra precautions when planning trips. Countries like Afghanistan, Iraq, Mali, Syria, and Ukraine all rank as some of the most dangerous destinations for business and pleasure travel in the world, according to the recent Travel Risk Map .

The index is put together by risk assessment firm International SOS’s global security and medical specialists. The map was created in 2015. This year is the first time the index counted mental health disorders such as anxiety, eating disorders, depression, and schizophrenia.

Related: Tourist Murdered While Wife Hid In Hotel Bathroom

How is the list compiled?

Countries’ security levels are determined by the threat to employees by political violence, including politically motivated unrest, terrorism, social unrest as well as petty crime, and other factors.  

The countries at “extreme risk” for 2023 because of security include Afghanistan, Iraq, Mali, Somalia, Syria, and Ukraine. These countries experienced a “serious threat of violent attacks by armed groups targeting travelers and international assignees,” according to the site.

Ukraine was ranked “medium risk” but is now at the extreme level after its February invasion by Russia.  

What are the “low-risk” countries?

The countries that rank “low risk” are the U.S., Canada, Australia, and most European countries. In the medical category, which ranks countries’ COVID-19 health care, infectious disease standards, and the quality of pharmaceutical supplies, the “low-risk” countries are the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and most of Western Europe.  

The “very high-risk” countries in the medical category include Afghanistan, Haiti, Mali, Niger, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, and Syria.  

Countries that received high scores in medical safety and security ranked low in the mental health category and vice versa. The index shows that between 15% and 17.5% of people experienced mental health problems in Western Europe and most of Scandinavia. On the other hand, 17.5% to 20% experience mental health issues in Australia, Greenland, Spain, and New Zealand.  

According to the World Health Organization, one in seven people in the world deal with at least one mental or substance abuse disorder. WHO reveals that anxiety and depression rates increased by 25% during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Dr. Irene Lai, medical director at International SOS said in a statement, “With travel and health risks on the rise in many regions, it is important for organizations to also focus on mitigating the ongoing impact of mental health issues.”

Lai continues, “Although other acute medical issues which may have a significant impact regularly arise, mental health problems remain in the background and cannot be overlooked.”

Related:  Seattle Is The Best City For Singles To Find Love, Study Says

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Mapped: The most dangerous places to travel to in 2023

You can check which countries pose the most risk to travellers using this interactive map

• 10:30, 28 MAR 2023

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An interactive map has revealed which countries are the most dangerous to travel to in 2023. Ukraine, Libya, Syria and Somalia are among the destinations which pose the highest risk to travellers.

Created by security and risk experts International SOS , the Travel Risk Map ranks the safety of countries across the world according to medical, security and mental health risks. Security risk is ranked out of five, ranging from countries where the rates of violent crime are low to those where government control and law and order is “minimal or non-existent”.

Medical risk is also ranked out of five, and takes in factors such as infectious disease, standard of emergency medical services and access to pharmaceutical supplies. Meanwhile mental health risk looks at the share of the population with any mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, using data from the Institute for Health metrics and Evaluation, Global Burden of Disease.

READ MORE: The Google Maps tip that will make your next holiday abroad so much easier

War-torn countries including Ukraine, Afghanistan, Libya and Somalia all pose an “extreme” security risk. The UK, the US, Canada, Australia, China, Argentina, along with most European countries, are ranked as having a “low” security risk.

The least dangerous countries to travel to are Iceland, Greenland, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Switzerland, Luxembourg and Slovenia. Their level of security risk is ranked as “insignificant”.

Travellers visiting Europe, the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and South Africa face the lowest medical risks. Niger, Libya, Iraq and Somalia are among the countries where the medical risk is “very high”.

In terms of mental health risk, countries including Spain, Ireland, Iran and Australia rank the highest, with 17.5 - 20 per cent of the population affected by mental health issues. Poland, China, Mexico, Japan and South Africa were among those with the lowest rates, with 10 - 12.5 per cent of the population affected.

All the medical risk ratings were taken in November 2022 while security ratings were taken in March 2023. You can check the risk ratings of any choice via the interactive map here .

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Map reveals most dangerous places in the world to visit in 2023

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A map has revealed some of the most dangerous places to travel to in 2023 – and the list now includes Ukraine for the first time.

Travel risk management company International SOS released yesterday its annual Travel Risk Map to help people and businesses know where is safe to jet off to.

Using a ‘data-driven’ approach, experts ranked Afghanistan , Syria , Mali, Iraq and Ukraine as ‘potentially the most dangerous’ countries to visit next year.

Before the Russia-Ukraine war began, the firm considered Ukraine a country of ‘medium’ risk in terms of security but has now notched it up to ‘extreme’.

The UK, Germany and France as well as most parts of Europe remain relatively low-risk, the index said.

This is reflected in the countries International SOS said are the best ‘safe bets’ to travel in 2023 – Norway, Finland, Switzerland, Denmark and Iceland.

South America, according to International SOS, remains a patchwork of high and low-risk regions.

Argentina and Chile, for example, are low while Colombia’s uptick in criminality amid the pandemic has led to a rise in high-risk zones.

The index ranked countries based on various factors, such as personal security, which scored each nation on factors like crime rates, civil unrest, and terrorism threats.

Health was a chief concern for experts, with infectious disease rates and how accessible healthcare services are being big factors.

For the first time since the map began in 2015, map-makers took into account mental health rates as well.

Rates of mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety are pronounced in the UK and large parts of Europe, experts found.

Mental health is, in general, spotty across the world. International SOS ranked countries based on data from the worldwide study, the Global Burden of Disease .

The results aren’t great. One in seven people in the world right now is experiencing one or more mental or substance use disorders. 

In nations such as Greenland, Spain, Australia and Japan, between 17.5-20% of people are experiencing some form of mental health condition, the index found.

Iran, roiled by months of rage, exhilaration and women-led protests against the country’s strict morality laws, also ranks with the worst mental health globally.

For some sort of peace of mind for travellers, the index found there was next to no decline in security risk across Europe.

This is despite the Ukraine war rattling markets and, in part, sending cost-of-living standards to new and horrifying lows across the continent.

Dr Irene Lai, medical director at International SOS, said: ‘With travel and health risks on the rise in many regions, it is important for organisations to also focus on mitigating the ongoing impact of mental health issues.

‘Although other acute medical issues which may have a significant impact regularly arise, mental health problems remain in the background and cannot be overlooked.

‘Organisations must handle multiple physical and mental health issues to effectively maintain their Duty of Care responsibilities.’

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected] .

For more stories like this, check our news page .

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10 most dangerous countries to travel in 2023: Stay safe by avoiding these destinations

While international travel is witnessing a gradual rise, tourists are looking to experience new cultures and destinations, but to prioritise safety be aware of the risks associated with certain destinations. Before planning your holiday do check if there are any ongoing issues in the country where you plan to visit.

By CNBCTV18 Travel Desk   Jul 26, 2023 3:42:33 PM IST (Published)

Travelling the world is an exhilarating experience, but there are certain destinations where every traveller needs to be cautious due to the prevalence of crime, civil unrest, terrorism among other dangerous factors. If you're planning a foreign holiday, one of the most important things to check is whether the destination you wish to visit is safe or not. Recently, the US State Department released a list of some countries that are unsafe to travel. We have collated that data to reveals 10 of the most dangerous countries to travel to in 2023. (Image: Reuters)

1. Venezuela: Grappling with crime and unrest | The US State Department strongly advises against travelling to Venezuela due to the high risk of crime, civil unrest, and kidnapping. The arbitrary enforcement of local laws and limited health infrastructure add to the concerns. The situation has prompted many Venezuelan migrants to seek asylum in the US, seeking protection from alleged crimes against humanity. (Image: Reuters)

2. Iraq: Plagued by terrorism and conflict | The US State Department has warned against travelling to Iraq due to ongoing terrorism, kidnapping, and armed conflicts. Militant groups continuously target Iraqi security forces and civilians, posing a threat to citizens and international companies in the region. (Image: Reuters)

3. Somalia: Battling crime and terrorism | Somalia remains a dangerous destination due to widespread crime, terrorism, and civil unrest. Violent crimes, including kidnapping and murder, are common throughout the country, with terrorists constantly plotting kidnappings, bombings, and other attacks. (Image: Reuters)

4. Haiti: Struggling to combat kidnapping and unrest | Haiti's poverty-stricken circumstances have resulted in a high risk of kidnapping, crime, and civil unrest. The State Department warns that kidnapping victims, including US citizens, are often physically harmed during these incidents. (Image: AP/Dieu Nalio Chery).

5. Ukraine: Reeling from Russia's invasion | Since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, the State Department cautions travelers against visiting Ukraine due to the potential for military attacks, crime, and civil unrest. The ongoing conflict has led to flight restrictions by aviation safety agencies. (Image: Reuters)

6. Afghanistan: Armed conflict and Terrorism | With the continued presence of armed conflict, civil unrest, and terrorism, Afghanistan is a highly dangerous destination for US citizens. The risk of kidnapping and violence against Americans in the country is exceptionally high. (Image: AP/Bernat Armangue)

7. Yemen: Grappling with terrorism and civil unrest | Yemen faces an array of threats, including terrorism, civil unrest, health risks, armed conflict, and landmines. The ongoing civil war has resulted in significant destruction of infrastructure, medical facilities, schools, and utilities. (Image: Reuters)

8. Syria: War-torn land with no safe zones | Due to terrorism, civil unrest, and armed conflict, no part of Syria is considered safe from violence. The government's aggressive tactics in response to protests have led to frequent unjust detentions and a lack of access to legal representation. (Image: Reuters)

9. Sudan: Ongoing unrest and armed conflict | Sudan experiences sporadic civil unrest and protests throughout the country. The prevalence of crime, including kidnapping and armed robbery, poses significant risks, particularly outside of the capital, Khartoum. (Image: Reuters)

10. South Sudan: ravaged by armed conflict | South Sudan is fraught with armed conflict among different political groups and ethnicities. Violent crimes, such as carjackings, assaults, and robberies, are common, and weapons are readily available to the general population. (Image: Reuters)

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Thinking of traveling abroad next year? You might want to steer clear of Afghanistan, Mali, Syria, Iraq and Ukraine, which rank among the world’s most dangerous destinations for business and pleasure travelers.

That’s according to this year’s “Travel Risk Map,”  compiled by global security and medical specialists from the risk assessment firm International SOS.

The index takes into account countries’ security levels based on the threat posed to employees by political violence (including terrorism, insurgency, politically motivated unrest and war); social unrest (such as sectarian, communal and ethnic violence); and violent and petty crime, among other factors, per the agency’s site.

The most “extreme risk” countries for 2023 in terms of security include Afghanistan, Syria, Somalia, Mali, Iraq and Ukraine. These nations were targeted for “minimal or non-existent” government control and law across large regions, as well as “serious threat of violent attacks by armed groups targeting travelers and international assignees,” per the site.

Once ranked a “medium risk” country, Ukraine was upgraded to “extreme risk” after getting invaded by Russia in February. Over the weekend, Ukrainian nationals fled Kherson after sustained Russian shelling rendered the area virtually unlivable .

Meanwhile, “low risk” countries include the US, Canada, China, Australia and most of Europe, while Scandinavian nations constituted the highest number of “insignificant” risk nations — the safest designation. In fact, Europe saw virtually no overall increase in security risk despite the Ukraine-Russia conflict and its resulting economic upheaval, Metro reported.

The firm also assessed nations’ medical safety as it pertains to business travel, rating countries on everything from COVID-19 health care to the infectious disease standards of emergency medical services and access to quality pharmaceutical supplies.

Clocking in at “low risk” in the medical category are the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and most of Western Europe. Meanwhile, “very high risk” nations include Mali, Niger, Libya, Syria, Afghanistan, North Korea, Somalia and Haiti.

For the first time since the map’s creation in 2015, the International SOS factored in countries’ mental health based on research from the  Global Burden of Disease Study . The index counts anxiety, depression, eating disorders and schizophrenia as mental health disorders.

Interestingly, many countries that scored well in the medical safety and security categories ranked poorly in terms of mental health and vice versa. According to the index, between 15% and 17.5% of people have experienced mental health issues in Western Europe and most of Scandinavia. Meanwhile, a whopping 17.5% to 20% — the highest amount — have suffered these problems in Greenland, Spain, Australia and New Zealand.

Iran also scored poorly in the mental health category, which experts attributed to the nation’s strict morality laws. On Tuesday, a man was killed by Iranian security forces for allegedly celebrating the country’s World Cup loss to the US amid nationwide protests against the regime.

Meanwhile, mental health issues have been on the rise internationally with around one in seven people globally (some 11% to 18%) suffering one or more mental or substance use disorders, per the World Health Organization.

Though specific factors aren’t cited, COVID-19 could be partially to blame as the global prevalence of anxiety and depression increased by 25% in the first year of the pandemic, according to WHO.

“With travel and health risks on the rise in many regions, it is important for organizations to also focus on mitigating the ongoing impact of mental health issues,” Dr. Irene Lai, medical director at International SOS, said in a statement.

“Although other acute medical issues which may have a significant impact regularly arise, mental health problems remain in the background and cannot be overlooked.”

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Home » Budget Travel » Top 10 WORST Countries to Visit – Honest Backpacker Experiences (2024)

Top 10 WORST Countries to Visit – Honest Backpacker Experiences (2024)

With 195 countries scattered across the globe, the world is your playground offering endless opportunities for exploration. Some countries beg for your attention, with endless recommendations from reliable sources (like us!).

We travel to open our minds and “find ourselves”. But sometimes, we end up finding a big, steaming heap of shit instead. 

At The Broke Backpacker, we’ve ended up at some of the most unexpected, worst countries to visit. They left us empty, hoodwinked, and perplexed. It’s not because they’re necessarily “bad” or dangerous countries, it’s just that they don’t always match the postcard-perfect image we’ve been sold.

In the midst of it all, trying to figure out the gems from the duds is a skill I’m yet to fully master. Usually, the only way to know is to hit the road and see for yourself.

Or… I ask my team mates 😉 W hich is the worst country to travel in the world? Because we’ve had our fair share of terrible travel destinations – and t hey were quick to answer with some hard truths. 

In the end, you’ll have two options:

• Option one: ignore all of us and do you, baby.
• Option two: make like Forrest Gump and RUN. 

Whatever path you choose, I’ve warned you.

2. Dubai, UAE

5. costa rica, 6. bali – indonesia, 7. honduras, 10. bolivia, final thoughts on the worst countries to visit.

‘Magical, mysterious Morocco’ has been a stalwart of the backpacking and indie-traveller scene for almost a century now.

As far back as the 1940s, Beat Generation writers like William Burroughs would spend extended sabbaticals in the pretty but gritty port city of Tangier (writing poetry and taking full advantage of the region’s laissez-faire attitude towards sex tourism). Then, of course, the first-wave hippies were quick to ride on the Marrakesh Express.

Morocco is entry-level North Africa for many budget backpackers seeking a taste of an Aladdin fairy tale. Each year, millions are tempted by promises of abundant hashish, surreal landscapes, and ancient Moor and Berber cities.

But what I found in Morocco was relentless, punishing heat, and some of the worst people I have ever encountered in all my travels.

Let’s start with Marrakech. As a foreigner, you will not be left alone. Ever. Aggressive and rude shopkeepers, panhandlers, beggars, con artists and drug-pushers will plague you every time you step outside your Riad.

And while Marrakech is the worst example, it doesn’t end there. I had panhandlers trying to hard-sell pieces of utter tat on hiking trails and even inside the plunge pool of a fucking waterfall.

And yet some people love travelling to Morocco . Romantic Essaouira was the slaver city of Astador in Game of Thrones, the hash IS good, and there are plenty of lovely street cats.

Aiden : Gear Manager & Senior Editor

As a connoisseur of vintage cinema, I was excited to visit Casablanca but was of course totally disappointed by the squalid, dirty, and sad shithole that I found. I even sought out ‘Rick’s Cafe’ and was served an overpriced, tepid beer which made me ill.

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I’m going to start this with a quote from a fitting meme: “ you can tell a lot about a person by how they feel about Dubai .”

Now I’m not judging… Ok fuck it, I kinda am. Most of the people I’ve met who love travelling to Dubai are dicks.

Yet I am an eternal optimist when it comes to travel. So in fact, it was quite hard to come up with somewhere I hated. I didn’t hate Dubai : I found it interesting to observe the excesses of capitalism gone wild from an outside perspective.

Though, I felt like an outsider who couldn’t get below the surface of the city – because it felt like it didn’t go any deeper. Everything about Dubai felt “top show”. There were no pavements to wander and to get lost in the rhythm of footsteps.

Instead, it was a battle against traffic consisting of as many supercars as taxis. Even the cultural areas of the city felt fake like a Disneyland version of the Arab world made palatable for Western suitabilities.

Gone are the busy, hot, dirty, and lively souks with locals flocking tanned leather goods and exotic ingredients. Instead replaced by an outdoor museum for the benefit of the tourists. 

Journey further out and you find the other side of relentless development of mega-cities. Impoverished immigrants live in poor conditions, tempted here by the prospect of riches and rewards, only to end up trapped thousands of miles away from home working in terribly dangerous environments. 

A playground where the rich try to outdo each other by building a new fuck-off skyscraper, diamond-encrusted Rolex, or gas-guzzling vehicle. All at the expense of the environment and immigrants filled with false hope.

Nic : Editor & Roaming Renegade

Dubai is sickening, fake and everything that the world shouldn’t be. Although, yeah, it’s one of the worst places to travel in my opinion, it’s still interesting to see.

A multicoloured land of incredible scenery and colourful traditions, India had long captured my imagination as a child. I yearned to visit the Taj Mahal, to bask in the ancient power of fallen civilisations, and to feast upon spiced meat of questionable origin.

A whirling juxtaposition of teeming metropolises and empty, vast landscapes, India would keep me guessing. I spent two years wandering dusty roads, camping out in dilapidated train stations and relying on the kindness of the Couchsurfing community to shave my scraggly beard and mend my tattered clothes.

I met incredible, amazing, generous, horrible, disgusting, and dishonest people during my journey – and India left a deep, lasting impression on me.

In truth, India remains one of my favourite countries. And yet, the country as it stands is in a freaking shambles – it’s one of the worst places to travel. With corrupt politicians pilfering the poor and everybody out to fuck everybody else over, I found it difficult to connect with people.

India, in fact, turned me into a bit of an asshole. I found myself increasingly turning to aggression to shake the touts who, (wrongly) assumed I had money. There are only so many times one can be grabbed on the street, or shaken rudely awake, as some motherfucker gazes upon thee with the three immortal India questions…

“What country you from?”

“You want look at my shop?”

And, of course…

“Are you married?” and if not “why?”

India stretched my patience, but it also stretched my cash and gave me incredible personal development. Whilst shouting at folks to “get the fuck out of my face”, I felt myself grow in confidence and wisdom.

Will : Founder & Chief Adventurer

India is an absolute gem, uniquely beautiful and horrible at the same time . If you’re broke and in search of adventure, go. If you don’t want to share personal space with human excrement, don’t.

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

After endless recommendations and a lifetime of dreams, I was pumped to visit Vietnam . Young sprites talk about the cheap, life-changing voyage that always tops backpackers’ favourite destinations. 

What I was not expecting was the inordinate intensity of Vietnam.

From the moment I landed in Ho Chi Minh, I was greeted by extraordinary heat and humidity mixed with a waft of rotting food. Then there’s the locals – who can’t bring themselves to muster even a hint of a smile at any point in the day.

It’ll change after I get out of Ho Chi Minh – I told myself. 

oh, how naive of me.

The sheer amount of people is insanely overwhelming and the bikes… fuck me. Even I got road rage and I wasn’t even driving.

It seemed that my mere presence on the streets at any point pissed off any and every local, and I ended up adopting the same passive-aggressive attitude that 90% of people I crossed seemed to have.

Don’t get me wrong: Vietnam is still a fan favourite with many backpackers. If you’re a keen (and extremely confident) motorbiker, I’m assured the driving the Ha-Giang Loop is a must-do for you. Even most of the other Broke Backpacker team members have a deep passion for this country. 

So don’t just take my word for it. But if you’re looking for a relaxing, welcoming, easy-going country, Vietnam is one of the worst places to visit in the world.

Laura : Senior Editor & Chill Goddess

I spent six long, stressful weeks travelling North to Hanoi. It was rainy season too, so all my stuff was humid for the entire trip and I spent Christmas day trying to dry out my backpack (that was growing its own fungus farm at this time) with a hairdryer.

Many people swear by Costa Rica being their favourite backpacking spots , and I can see why. The nature is stunning, the pura vida lifestyle is incredibly infectious and the geography of the country is just magnificent.

The cultural cocktail of volcanoes, jungles, and Pacific and Caribbean vibes here is phenomenal. Sounds idyllic, right?

I want to make one thing clear… I did (kinda) enjoy my trip to Costa Rica. HOWEVER, my time there was forcibly extremely brief.

Well because no one warned me how expensive Costa Rica is !

I spent 5 months backpacking Central America in 2023. Whilst Costa Rica was beautiful, it was more of the same and about triple the price when compared to neighbouring countries such as Nicaragua. Costa Rica ran through my budget like Usain Bolt. 

In comparison to the rest of Latin America, it is far from the most dangerous of countries. Yet, I can confidently say it’s an overrated Instagram-hyped destination full of American tourists on “vacation”.

Joe : Junior Editor & Lover of Life

Don’t get me wrong, Costa Rica is gorgeous. I will come back one day. But, some advice for my fellow budget backpackers: guys… give this one a miss.

When you hear someone say “ That’s so Bali ”, they are usually talking about lush clothes shops, bangin’ brunch spots, or beautiful yoga studios.

Canggu is the pinnacle of this. Sexy Aussies roam the streets, HUGE billboards tower from above, and scooters zoom around playing Tetris on the roads.

There is a reason why everyone is backpacking in Bali ; it’s got it all. Whatever you dream of, you can have it here. And the cherry on top, it’s at a fraction of the cost you’d pay at home. 

Sounds bloody fantastic, right? 

Well, unfortunately, the desire to experience Balinese culture and get off the beaten track often gets lost on the sidelines. 

I’m not going to lie, I had a great time eating mind-blowing food and getting 10x hotter at the un-airconditioned gyms. But did I get to experience local culture and nature here? Hell no. 

The hubs of Canggu, Ubud, and Uluwatu are brimming with bustling streets, wild traffic, and locals trying to sell you penis bottle openers to take home to gift ya mum. It’s just not a bad place to visit as a tourist right now. I encourage you to venture out of these swarms of tourists and ex-pats into nature and local Balinese life. 

Where are these hidden gems in Bali, you ask? The good news is, you don’t have to travel far to find them. If you drive just 10 minutes out of the madness, you will be rewarded with magical, lush landscapes that fill your soul with happiness. 

To dive into the good stuff; head up north . Experience the magic of Amed, Munduk, or Sideman. Get off the beaten track , climb a mountain, marvel at vibrant coral reefs, or splash around in the waterfalls. 

Bali can be FUCKING AMAZING; if you let it show you what it’s got. 

Dani : Junior Editor & Oceanic Explorer

An abundance of rice paddy fields, majestic temples, and authentic local warungs (restaurants) packed with friendly faces await. You’ll feel the true Bali that lives underneath all its shiny, gentrified layers.

To be fair, my 72 hours in Honduras were very experimental. I went in with high hopes despite the HORROR stories of violence, I gave it a chance.

The first red flag was the look on the immigration officer’s face as I handed over my passport. His first comment was “You sure you aren’t going to Nicaragua?” I had a pit in my stomach, but I pushed my doubts to the side and embodied the badass female solo traveller persona. 

As I crossed the physical border, I was overwhelmed with unwanted attention. In Spanish, we call it “Mal de Ojo” Or Evil eye. As me and my friend boarded a bus, all eyes were on us, in the worst of ways. 

My Intuition was literally screaming “ ABORT ABORT” so I did. I found shelter in a hotel and took the next bus to Nicaragua. To be fair, I’ve also heard lots of amazing stories about Utila and Roatan , the best diving spots in Central America .

Amanda : Junior Editor & Senior Dreamer

If I could go back, I would definitely plan a bit better, hire a car, and travel with locals. Honduras Is INCREDIBLE, I just had a shit start to my experience.

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Japan is a country that is on almost every traveller’s bucket list, it’s one of those dream destinations to visit . It’s a place that stands proud of its uniqueness, travellers here will often find themselves mumbling the words “only in Japan” and shaking their heads in utter culture shock.

From snow-capped mountaintops to world-class scuba diving, from ancient villages to futuristic cities, Japan truly has got it all.

Whilst I am extremely grateful that I got to experience this extraordinary country, travelling here I never really felt like I could relax, take a breath, and connect to the people around me. Japan is INTENSE … 

The Japanese culture is one that I found difficult to relate to. There is an epidemic of loneliness in Japan, which has led to high suicide rates and a rapidly declining population .

In my greatest attempts to learn the language , and immerse myself in the culture, I was often met with smiling faces – yet a withdrawn and uninterested attitude.

In Tokyo, the metros were often packed shoulder to shoulder yet so quiet you could hear a pen drop, in the world’s largest city, I felt so surrounded by humanity yet so utterly alone . Japan is truly gorgeous but for many backpackers , it isn’t the most friendly or welcoming country and it can be hard to connect here with others and even to stay in touch with yourself!

Audy : Junior Editor & Hitchiking Hero

Whilst I found parts of Japan to be utterly magical, ultimately, I found it one of the loneliest places I have ever visited. It’s important to note that Japan had an isolationist policy for hundreds of years and that this is a country where most people ONLY speak their native tongue.

Have you ever been hit in the face with an invisible brick wall? 

If your answer is no, then I’m just going to assume you haven’t yet been to Bahrain… I’m here to inform you of all the things you haven’t missed out on.

My visit to this minuscule Middle Eastern nation was the last stop on an otherwise glorious European summer that also took me to Oman. Though in Bahrain’s neighbourhood, Oman wowed with turquoise wadis, salty days in the Arabian Sea, and other magical moments that still have me yearning to return. 

But Bahrain… well… it may just be one of the most boring places I’ve ever visited in my life. In my books, THAT alone makes it the worst travel destination.

And it is absolutely ranked firmly as the hottest.

Even as I type this, the moment of stepping outside of a deep air-conditioned home to be smacked by heat so thick and all-consuming it felt like an assault rushes back in. If you think Bali’s hot, or another Asian, African, or South American country… rest assured that this tiny Kingdom has got it beat. 

But still: I tried. I visited the famous souq, spent a (admittedly nice) fiery sunset at a historical fort, and even popped into the desert for a bit. And even though I wasn’t too experienced of a traveller at the time, I couldn’t help but feel a distinct lack of life.

Natural beauty was all but non-existent, and any semblance of cultural exchange seemed to be out of reach. Perhaps the closest I came was while visiting the Al Fateh Grand Mosque, which is decked from top to bottom in creamy marble and despite being one of the largest mosques in the world, was still devoid of character that I’ve found in the dozens of places of worship I’ve visited in the years since then.

Though I spotted some apparent locals in the souqs, nearly everyone actually working appeared to be from somewhere else. There was nothing akin to the colourful Omani hats and distinct local vibe I’d seen just a few hundred miles away. To be brutally honest: I quite frankly felt like I was in a colony on the moon.

If culture, local life, and natural scenery call you the way it does me – Bahrain won’t be your cup of tea. But if you somehow find yourself there the way I did, you can visit the Sultanate of Oman , just an hour’s flight away. 

Samantha : Travel Writer & Adventure Expert

Though I’d love to round Bahrain up with a positive, I’m on the struggle bus trying to find one.

Many say that Bolivia is the destination that separates comfortable backpackers from the adventurous. Cheap food, unique landscapes (like the famous Salar de Uyuni), colourful markets, and the best-preserved native culture in Latin America.

This was my first backpacking trip – hoping to have new experiences. And mate, did I have them.

After crossing the border from Argentina into Bolivia, I could feel the gazes of the locals. The energy as a whole isn’t welcoming, yet understandable if you consider the context of Bolivian history . At first glance, the street seemed like a vision of the past, as if technological advances had not reached this country.

The open-air markets, with questionable hygienic conditions (I’m talking about the heads dead animals hanging in the open air with flies dancing happily around them) , give off a smell of rotting food.

You’ll face long lines of shouting sellers harassing you to buy goods – to the point of being almost aggressive. And something as common as drinking water is scarce.

It’s one of the worst places I’ve travelled as a tourist in 10 years.

I spend 3 weeks exploring Bolivia , and the transportation (oh my god, the transportation) , it’s literally a pain in the ass with bused slamming down as we trudged across these routes with huge potholes. Long trips on packed, uncomfortable buses, with a cocktail of local food vendors, unbathed humans, heat and dust. You get the picture: at the very least – it’s the worst place to visit in South America, in my opinion.

But not everything is bad. As soon as you leave the tourist route, you’ll find places where time stops and smiles welcome you – because they rarely see a person from another country. You can contemplate what simple life is like, people know, talk, and help each other. 

Seba: Digital Wizard & Latino Legend

Bolivia will give you a large dose of grounding and humility. After travelling for 10 years, my perception would be very different and I think I would love to return.

Get Insured Before Your Travels

Even some top travel destinations can become some of the most dangerous countries in the world if you’re not well prepared. Solid travel insurance should be the first thing on your list when you’re jetting off for any adventure.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Look, in the opinion of The Broke Backpacker, most of the worst countries in the world to travel aren’t what you’d expect. Actually, we even had some pretty hard debates between us when we put this list together. 

Sometimes, it just comes down to the fact that it’s waaaay more expensive than our poor budgets can afford. Other times, it’s just because of how lonely and isolated we felt when we were solo travelling there. Though often, giving a country another chance can completely flip your perspective too – so there’s hope for Vietnam yet. 

Through it all, I believe the biggest takeaway is for you is to trust your gut and embrace the opportunity to explore. Think of how much Nic discovered about life in Dubai: each experience teaches you something valuable.

But yeah, if you still desperately want to visit Dubai – I’m probably going to think you’re a bit of a dick. 

Have you got a different opinion about some of the worst places you’ve visited? Let us know in the comments!

• Don’t forget the essentials with our in-depth backpacking packing list . 
• Sort your international SIM card out to avoid unnecessary hassle.
• Real adventures begin when you learn how to travel off the beaten track .
• Backpackers and frugal travellers can use our budget travel guide.
• Get yourself covered with trusty travel insurance before you leave.  
• Investing in the best travel backpack for you will change your life!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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Worst Places to Travel in 2023

9 minute read

By WalletGenius Staff

Traveling is one of the most enriching experiences one can have, but not all destinations are worth seeing. While some places are a feast for the senses, others can be a nightmare for even the most experienced traveler. As we enter the year 2023, it’s essential to know which destinations should be avoided due to their high crime rates or lackluster attractions.

Whether you’re a solo traveler or a family looking to explore the world, it’s crucial to be informed about which places to steer clear of. In this article, we’ll explore some of the worst places to travel in 2023 and provide you with the necessary information to make informed decisions about your travel plans. So, sit back, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s take a journey through some of the world’s most uninviting destinations.

Nagoya, Japan

Nagoya, the fourth-largest city in Japan, is often overlooked by travelers in favor of more popular destinations like Tokyo and Kyoto. Despite having some notable attractions such as Nagoya Castle and the Atsuta Shrine, the city is infamous for its heavily industrialized landscape, which can be a turnoff for tourists seeking a more traditional Japanese experience. In fact, Nagoya has the reputation of being the most boring city in Japan , which may deter even the most adventurous travelers.

One of the main reasons why Nagoya may not be an appealing travel destination is its lack of charm and character compared to other Japanese cities. While it is a bustling metropolis with a population of over 2 million people, Nagoya’s cityscape is dominated by modern skyscrapers and concrete buildings, which can be underwhelming for visitors expecting a more picturesque atmosphere. Additionally, the city is not known for its culinary scene, which is a significant draw for many travelers to Japan. While Nagoya has its own regional cuisine, it may not be as appealing to international tourists who are not familiar with it.

Atlanta, United States

Atlanta, Georgia, may not be on the top of everyone’s travel list. While it is the capital city of Georgia and a significant economic center, it is often overlooked by tourists in favor of more popular destinations like New York City or Los Angeles. One of the main reasons why you might want to skip traveling to Atlanta is its lack of character compared to other major cities in the United States.

Another reason why you might want to skip traveling to Atlanta is its reputation for being a boring city. While it has some notable attractions such as the Georgia Aquarium and the birthplace of Martin Luther King, Jr., these can be easily covered in a day or two. Additionally, Atlanta can be quite expensive, and the public transportation system is not as efficient as other major cities in the United States, making it challenging to navigate. Overall, if you’re looking for an exciting and dynamic travel destination, Atlanta may not be the best choice.

Acapulco, Mexico

Acapulco, Mexico, was once a glamorous travel destination that attracted many people around the world. However, in recent years, the city has gained a reputation for being one of the most dangerous places in Mexico due to its high crime rates. Acapulco has experienced a surge in violent crime, including drug-related activity and homicide rates that surpass those of many other cities in Mexico.

The dangers in Acapulco are not limited to the streets but also extend to the beaches and other tourist hotspots. Tourists have reported being robbed and assaulted while enjoying the beach, and some have even been caught in the crossfire. With the threat of violence looming over every corner, Acapulco is undoubtedly one of the worst places to travel in 2023, and travelers should exercise extreme caution or consider visiting other, safer destinations in Mexico.

Casablanca, Morocco

Casablanca, Morocco, is often overshadowed by other Moroccan cities like Marrakech and Fez, and for a good reason. While the city has some notable attractions such as the Hassan II Mosque , one of the largest mosques in the world, and the Old Medina, it can be underwhelming compared to other destinations in Morocco. The city is heavily industrialized and lacks the charm and character that many travelers associate with Morocco. The architecture is predominantly modern and lacks intricate designs and bright colors that are typical of Moroccan buildings.

Moreover, Casablanca can be a noisy and chaotic city, with heavy traffic and pollution. The city lacks the tranquility and calmness that many travelers seek on their vacations. While the city may be worth a short visit, it may not be a destination that travelers want to spend a long time in, especially if they are looking for an authentic Moroccan experience. Overall, if you are planning a trip to Morocco, you might want to consider other destinations that offer a more unique and enriching experience.

Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town, South Africa, is a city that has been plagued by a range of issues that have made it one of the worst places to travel in 2023 . One of the most significant problems facing the city is its high crime rate. Cape Town has one of the most violent cities in the world, with violent crime and gang-related activity being prevalent in many parts of the city.

Another issue facing Cape Town is its persistent water crisis . The city has been experiencing a severe drought in recent years, resulting in a water shortage that has led to strict water restrictions. Additionally, the water crisis has led to other issues such as poor sanitation, which can pose a health risk to travelers. Overall, while Cape Town has much to offer in terms of natural beauty and culture, the high crime rate and water crisis make it a destination that many travelers may want to avoid in 2023.

Nassau, Bahamas

Nassau, the capital city of the Bahamas, is a popular destination for tourists. The city has a vibrant culture and boasts beautiful beaches, making it an attractive destination for those looking for a tropical getaway. However, while the city may be a cool place to experience once, it can quickly become overcrowded and feel like a tourist trap . Many visitors complain about the high prices and the pushy street vendors who can be quite persistent in trying to sell their wares.

One of the main contributors to Nassau’s crowdedness is the influx of cruise ships that dock at the city’s port regularly. While the ships bring in a significant number of tourists and revenue to the city, they also contribute to overcrowding and have led to concerns about the environmental impact on the surrounding waters. Additionally, many tourists who arrive on cruise ships only have a limited amount of time to spend in the city, which can result in a rushed and less authentic experience. As a result, travelers who want to avoid crowds and have a more immersive experience may want to consider visiting other parts of the Bahamas or spending more time exploring Nassau beyond the typical tourist hotspots.

San Pedro Sula, Honduras

San Pedro Sula, Honduras, is known for its high levels of violent crime, making it one of the most dangerous cities in the world. The city has been plagued by drug trafficking, gang activity, and political instability, leading to a pervasive sense of insecurity among its residents and visitors. The murder rate in San Pedro Sula is one of the highest in the world, and incidents of robbery, theft, and assault are also common. The US Department of State has issued a Level 3 travel advisory for the city, warning travelers to avoid all non-essential travel due to the high risk of violent crime.

In addition to the safety concerns, San Pedro Sula also lacks many of the attractions that make other destinations in Honduras popular among travelers. The city has limited tourist infrastructure, and most visitors who come to Honduras do so for its natural beauty and cultural heritage, which are largely absent in San Pedro Sula. While the city may have some interesting historical sites and local markets, the risks associated with traveling to San Pedro Sula make it a destination that most travelers would be better off avoiding in 2023.

Death Valley, California

Death Valley, located in California, is known for its extreme weather conditions and harsh terrain, making it a challenging destination for many travelers. With temperatures soaring well above 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months, Death Valley can be a difficult place to visit for those who are not used to extreme heat. The high temperatures can also make outdoor activities, such as hiking and camping, dangerous and uncomfortable.

In addition to the weather conditions, Death Valley is also known for its remote location and lack of amenities. The park covers a vast area of over 3,000 square miles, with limited options for food, water, and gas. This can make it difficult to plan a trip and ensure that you have all the necessary supplies to stay safe and comfortable. While Death Valley is home to some unique and stunning landscapes, the extreme weather conditions and remote location make it a destination that many travelers may want to avoid in 2023.

Mount Everest, Nepal

Mount Everest, located in Nepal, is known as the highest peak in the world, attracting thrill-seekers and adventure enthusiasts from all over the globe. However, the climb is not for the faint of heart. The journey to the summit is filled with extreme weather conditions, steep slopes, and high altitudes, which can lead to a condition known as hypoxia . This occurs when the body doesn’t get enough oxygen, leading to dizziness and confusion, and it can even be fatal. The lack of oxygen can also make climbers more susceptible to frostbite and other cold-related injuries.

Despite the high risk of injury and death, around 800 people set out to conquer Everest each year. However, not all of them are able to make it to the summit, and some don’t make it back down alive. In fact, more than 200 bodies still remain on the mountain, frozen where they perished, serving as a reminder of the danger that comes with attempting to climb this iconic peak. For these reasons, many travelers may want to think twice before attempting to climb Mount Everest and consider alternative, safer adventures for their travels in 2023.

France’s Eroding Coastline

France’s stunning coastline, particularly along the Normandy and Brittany regions, has long been a popular destination for tourists. However, in recent years, the erosion of the coastline has become a significant concern, making it a place that tourists should consider giving a break in 2023. Climate change and human activity have contributed to the erosion, causing cliffs to crumble and beaches to disappear. The result is not only the loss of beautiful natural landscapes but also the threat of potential dangers to visitors who venture too close to the unstable cliffs.

The erosion has also affected the local communities, particularly those who rely on tourism for their livelihoods. Some towns have taken steps to combat the erosion, however, the problem remains a significant concern, and tourists should be mindful of the impact of their visits on the fragile coastline. While the eroding coastline may still be a stunning destination, it needs time to heal.

Caracas, Venezuela

Caracas, the capital city of Venezuela, is known for its high levels of violence and crime, making it one of the most dangerous places to travel to in 2023. The city has a reputation for street crime, including robberies, thefts, and kidnappings, which can occur at any time and in any location. The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 4 travel advisory for the city, urging travelers to avoid all travel to Venezuela due to the high crime rate.

The situation is so dire that many countries have closed their embassies and consulates in Caracas, leaving travelers with few options for assistance in the event of an emergency. While Caracas may have some interesting historical and cultural sites, the risks associated with traveling to the city make it a destination that most travelers should avoid in 2023.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro is a city known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and lively atmosphere. However, it is also known for its high levels of crime and violence, making it a destination that many travelers may want to avoid in 2023. The city has been experiencing a surge in violent crimes, including robberies, muggings, and homicides. This has led to increased police presence and security measures in tourist areas, but it is still recommended that travelers exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings.

While there are some destinations that are best avoided entirely, others simply require extra precautions and careful planning. When it comes to traveling, it’s important to do your research and understand the risks before setting off. By avoiding high-risk areas and taking the necessary steps to ensure your safety, you can still enjoy the thrill of travel without putting yourself in harm’s way.

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This article was worked on by a number of the WalletGenius staff, including freelancers, full-time writers, and editors.

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Most dangerous countries to visit in 2023

The most dangerous countries in the world have been revealed - and you may be surprised by some that have made the list.

A study conducted by Global Guardian analysed the risk factor if travelling to certain countries in 2023.

Countries have been ranked from "low risk" to "extreme risk", with the highest warning given for reasons including ongoing conflict, criminal activity or being "insecure" against militant groups or disasters.

The countries that make the extreme list are Ukraine - due to the ongoing invasion from Russia - as well as Pakistan, Libya, Syria, Somalia, Yemen, Afghanistan, the Central African Republic and Burkina Faso.

However, holiday hotspot Mexico made the high risk list, due to the ongoing violence problems.

Earlier this week, 12 people were killed by a masked drug cartel in the Mexican state of Guanajuato.

While the tourist hotspots remain relatively unaffected, some of the violence has spilled into destinations such as Cancun.

Sri Lanka was also on the high risk list due to ongoing unrest caused by the country's economic crisis.

This led to TUI cancelling flights and the FCO advising against travel although this has now been lifted.

Thailand and Turkey were both on the medium risk list, along with Tunisia, Egypt and Morocco.

There are currently 19 destinations on the Australian Smart Traveller website with "do not travel" warnings. They are: Burkina Faso, Niger, South Sudan, Central African Republic, Libya, Mali, Chad, Somalia in Africa; Russia, Syria, Ukraine, Iran, North Korea, Yemen, Belarus, Venezuela, Iraq, Myanmar and Afghanistan. 

This article was written in conjunction with The Sun UK.

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These Are The Most Dangerous Countries To Visit In 2023, According To This Year's Travel Risk Map

Countries like Afghanistan, Iraq, Mali, Syria, and Ukraine all rank as some of the most dangerous destinations to travel in the world.

Kelsey Marie • Dec 8, 2022

Safety is an important factor when traveling. With recent incidents abroad, travelers are taking extra precautions when planning trips. Countries like Afghanistan, Iraq, Mali, Syria, and Ukraine all rank as some of the most dangerous destinations for business and pleasure travel in the world, according to the recent Travel Risk Map . 

The index is put together by risk assessment firm International SOS’s global security and medical specialists. The map was created in 2015. This year is the first time the index counted mental health disorders such as anxiety, eating disorders, depression, and schizophrenia.

Related: Tourist Murdered While Wife Hid In Hotel Bathroom

How is the list compiled?

Countries’ security levels are determined by the threat to employees by political violence, including politically motivated unrest, terrorism, social unrest as well as petty crime, and other factors.  

The countries at “extreme risk” for 2023 because of security include Afghanistan, Iraq, Mali, Somalia, Syria, and Ukraine. These countries experienced a “serious threat of violent attacks by armed groups targeting travelers and international assignees,” according to the site.

Ukraine was ranked “medium risk” but is now at the extreme level after its February invasion by Russia.  

What are the “low-risk” countries?

The countries that rank “low risk” are the U.S., Canada, Australia, and most European countries. In the medical category, which ranks countries’ COVID-19 health care, infectious disease standards, and the quality of pharmaceutical supplies, the “low-risk” countries are the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and most of Western Europe.  

The “very high-risk” countries in the medical category include Afghanistan, Haiti, Mali, Niger, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, and Syria.  

Countries that received high scores in medical safety and security ranked low in the mental health category and vice versa. The index shows that between 15% and 17.5% of people experienced mental health problems in Western Europe and most of Scandinavia. On the other hand, 17.5% to 20% experience mental health issues in Australia, Greenland, Spain, and New Zealand.  

According to the World Health Organization, one in seven people in the world deal with at least one mental or substance abuse disorder. WHO reveals that anxiety and depression rates increased by 25% during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Dr. Irene Lai, medical director at International SOS said in a statement, “With travel and health risks on the rise in many regions, it is important for organizations to also focus on mitigating the ongoing impact of mental health issues.”

Lai continues, “Although other acute medical issues which may have a significant impact regularly arise, mental health problems remain in the background and cannot be overlooked.”

Related:  Seattle Is The Best City For Singles To Find Love, Study Says

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Marta studied Political Science and Media & Journalism at the Catholic University of Portugal (UCP) and has developed her journalistic career working for the Portuguese newspapers Diário de Notícias, Correio da Manhā and media outlets in Brussels. She is a reporter for Travel Tomorrow, and is also engaged in delivering communications services and EU policy research for different consultancies in Brussels. A former Blue Book trainee of the European Commission, Marta has a keen interest in EU and global affairs, and experience in reporting and interpreting information. Whenever she can, Marta loves traveling, exploring nature and learning about regenerative agriculture. She is also quite enthusiastic about space ventures and the cosmos.

Afghanistan leads the list of the most dangerous country in the world to visit in 2023, the medical and security specialist International SOS identified.

1. Risk Map 2023

The organisation recently published the Risk Map 2023 , where it assigns medical risk ratings based on a range of health risks and mitigating factors.  For next year, Syria was named the second-most dangerous destination to visit, followed by Ukraine, Mali and Iraq. Ukraine and Mali are new additions to the Risk Map 2023, with the remaining countries having featured in both the 2022 and 2021 forecast.

While Mali’s security risk has raised a red flag for many years, Ukraine saw the biggest shift over the last 12 months from ‘medium’ to ‘extreme’, following Russia’s invasion in February 2022. Other countries whose security risk was also identified as ‘extreme’ include Central African Republic, Yemen, Somalia and South Sudan, as well as certain areas of Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Pakistan, Mozambique and Israel.

2. Mental health

International SOS medical director Dr Irene Lai highlighted the importance of addressing mental health issues within organisations operating in high-risk areas. “[They] must handle multiple physical and mental health issues to effectively maintain their Duty of Care responsibilities,” said Lai. She suggested organisations to look to use all the tools they have at their disposal to make this challenge more manageable.

For instance, the detail provided by the Risk Map can help decision-makers better protect their staff, gauging which locations are challenged with access to medical care, or are particularly vulnerable to mental health issues. Dr Irene Lai, International SOS medical director

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• Visit These Most Dangerous Places In The World That Are Not For The Faint-Hearted In 2024!

21 Oct 2021

While there are plenty of places in the world that would easily pass as the reflection of paradise, there are others where one is not even advised to tread owing to unknown dangers that lurk in every corner. Here, we have talked about exactly those places that one must NOT visit if they’re looking for the ideal holiday destination which is also safe rather than just being pretty. For all the people who are in the mood of having a world tour, then it is advisable to avoid certain places that are proven as the most dangerous places in the world to visit. We have listed some of the most dangerous ones among them right here. If you are ready for some serious adventure, these places are meant for you.

10 Most Dangerous Places In The World

If you weren’t aware of all these most dangerous places to visit in the world and had them in your bucket list all this time, you’re in for a (nasty) surprise! Scroll down and take in the horror!

• Death Road Road – Extremely Dangerous Road
• Snake Island – The Deadliest Place On Earth
• Lake Natron – The Most Inhospitable Areas On Earth
• Oymyakon – Experiences An Extreme Climatic Condition
• Death Valley – Most Extreme Place On Earth
• Skeleton Coast – Harsh Climate
• Danakil Desert – A Volcanically Active Area
• Gates Of Hell – Door To Hell
• North Sentinel Island – Forbidden, Dangerous And Mysterious Place
• Madidi National Park – A Jungle Paradise

1. Death Road Road – Extremely Dangerous Road

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North Yungas Road is known as the “Death Road” for all the right reasons that you can guess. Driving up or down this 43-mile (69-kilometer) switchback is extremely dangerous because of fog, landslides, waterfalls and cliffs falling 2,000 feet (610 meters) in each turn. Until 1994, almost 300 drivers were killed every year, justifying its nickname and putting it in the list of the most dangerous places to visit in the world .

The road extends far enough to connect the Amazon rainforest to the capital city, surrounded by mountainous terrain. This means that merchants were not unusual to cram into trucks and buses trying to sell their wood and crops in the area. The hairpin turns, however, were not wide enough for each vehicle — further leading many trucks to go down with people and their livelihoods.

Must Read: 15 Rivers Of The World: Soak In The Mesmerizing Sights Around The World

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2. Snake Island – The Deadliest Place On Earth

There is an island about 25 miles off Brazil’s coast where no local would ever dare to walk. There are rumors that the last fisherman who strayed too close to his shores was found drifting in his boat days later, lifeless in a blood pool. The mysterious island is known as Ilha da Queimada Grande, and setting foot there is reportedly so dangerous that the Brazilian government has made it illegal for anyone to visit. The island’s threat comes in the form of the golden lancehead snakes – a pit viper species and one of the world’s deadliest serpents. The is certainly the most dangerous place on earth. 

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3. Lake Natron – The Most Inhospitable Areas On Earth

Let’s not allow the ring of salt marshes along the edge of Lake Natron fool us. This lake is better known as one of the most inhospitable areas on Earth. North Tanzania’s Lake Natron looks and acts a lot like a lake of fire. The lake’s high levels of Natron (sodium carbonate decahydrate) make its waters corrosive to human skin and eyes, sometimes reaching a ph level of over 12.

The lake also contains red-colored bacteria, resulting in its unique pink-red hues. Even if most species cannot handle the 120-degree lake water, cyanobacteria have made Natron their home and turned the lake its trademark reds and oranges. Surprisingly, 2.5 million Lesser Flamingos call Lake Natron their home, considering that it is one of their only breeding grounds, further making the protection of the lake a priority for the climate. It is among the 10 most dangerous places in the world.

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4. Oymyakon – Experiences An Extreme Climatic Condition

Oymyakon is a small village located in the Oymyakonsky district in Russia. This place is considered to be one of the most dangerous places because of its extreme climatic condition. The severe temperature makes it impossible for life to sustain in this region. The temperature drops to as low as -40 degrees Celsius (-90 degree Fahrenheit), making it impossible for tourists or travelers to visit the place safely as not many can survive this temperature.

Apart from the heat, people do not visit this place as no vegetables are available and nothing can be grown, so the lack of food is another major issue. Only about 500 people have managed to settle down in this place and survive the bitter cold.

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5. Death Valley – Most Extreme Place On Earth

Death Valley is a desert valley on the California and Nevada border with extreme heat. It is known as one of the hottest places across the world. There are only a few deserts in the Middle East and Africa, approaching peak temperatures during the summer which can give competition to the Death Valley. The hottest place on Earth had its hottest month record in July 2018. The average temperature, including overnight lows, was 108.1°F. For four days in a row, the daily highs hit a temperature of 127°F, it’s the highest recorded temperature.

A band of settlers lost here in the winters around 1849-1850 gave Death Valley its forbidden name. While only one person died here, as far as we know, they all thought this valley would be their cemetery. They were saved by two of their young men who had learned to be scouts, William Lewis Manly and John Rogers. As the men climbed over the Panamint Mountains from the valley, one of the men turned and looked back, saying, “goodbye, Death Valley” earning its place in the top dangerous places in the world.

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6. Skeleton Coast – Harsh Climate

Skeleton Coast is spread across the south of Angola to the north of Namibia. It stretches from the Kunene River (south) to the Swakop River. The skeleton coast ranks in the list of “the deadliest places on earth” because of it’s harsh climate, and it offers almost zero chance of survival. The weather, hot winds, and lack of food, and water makes it difficult for travelers to explore this silent place.

Apart from harsh climatic conditions, the area is filled with bones of numerous animals (bones of whales, elephants, turtles, seals, etc.), giving a sour appearance to the place. Apart from natural conditions, human threats (gang violence and robbery) make it unfit for tourists to explore the place. Undoubtedly, it is among the most dangerous places on Earth .

Suggested Read: 13 Oldest Countries In The World That You Should Visit In 2023

7. Danakil Desert – A Volcanically Active Area

One of the most uninhabited environments in the World is the Danakil Desert in East Africa. With temperatures that regularly exceed 50°C (122°F), volcanoes and geysers that spew toxic gas, the Danakil Desert is not an easily accessible location for travel enthusiasts. Your physical health can take a massive hit even if you stay there for a short period of time. This is amongst the weirdest places across the world . 

The most adverse effects occur due to the presence of high concentration of poisoning vapors of sulfur in the region. This region is a volcanically active area and on top of that, to increase the risk, the air temperature in the desert rarely falls below 50 degrees Celsius. Thereby making the Danakil desert one of the most dangerous areas in the world.

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8. Gates Of Hell – Door To Hell

The Turkmenistan Darvaza Gas Crater is known as the “Gates of Hell.” It is a natural gas field within an underground cave; Geologists set it on fire to prevent methane gas from spreading, and it has been burning since 1971. It is located in the middle of the Karakum Desert, about 260 kilometers north of Turkmenistan’s capital, near the village of Derweze, Ashgabat.

The gas reserve that has been discovered here is one of the World’s most extensive natural gasses. Locals gave the name “Door to hell” to the area, referring to the explosion, boiling mud, and orange flames in the large crater, 70 meters (230 ft) in diameter. The hot spots spread across an area 60 meters (200ft) long and roughly 20 meters (66 ft) deep. It is among the top 10 dangerous places in the world.

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9. North Sentinel Island – Forbidden, Dangerous And Mysterious Place

North Sentinel island is situated in the Andaman Islands and is considered one of the most dangerous places in the world for tourists to visit. The native people of this place have been living in their traditional way and have denied all possible ways to connect with the outer world. The tribal people living on this island are not used to outside people and if tourists step foot on their island, they see them as a threat and indulge in acts of violence.

This is amongst the strangest islands on the earth and attracts globetrotters with its tales. Another reason why people are asked not to visit the place because of the safety of the tribal community. They have absolutely no immunity and tourists can carry some disease-causing germs and may spread it to the whole community.

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10. Madidi National Park – A Jungle Paradise

Madidi National Park is situated along the Amazon river in Bolivia and has an area of around 19,000 square kilometers. The national park, which is a dense forest, is filled with all kinds of flora and fauna, and some of these plant species are dangerous and not edible. The forest is filled with predators owing which tourists are advised against visiting the park on their own. The forest is one of the largest protected areas of the world because it houses highly dangerous animals, birds, and plants and bags a place in the list of most dangerous places to visit on earth.

Further Read: 11 Largest Castles In The World That You Must Visit At Least Once In A Lifetime!

Our earth is home to many wild and dangerous places sitting right alongside the famous tourist destinations where we have always wanted to take a trip . We hope this list of the most dangerous places in the world helps you craft your bucket list better. Don’t forget to share this with all your travel buddies as well!

Frequently Asked Questions About The Most Dangerous Places In The World

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The Most Dangerous Countries to Visit in 2023?

• Post author: Shane Hebzynski
• Post published: December 13, 2022
• Post category: Afghanistan / Africa / Asia / Australia / Canada / Central African Republic / Democratic Republic of the Congo / Denmark / Destinations / Europe / Finland / Iceland / Iraq / Israel / Mali / Mozambique / New Zealand / News / Nigeria / North America / Norway / Oceania / Pakistan / Somalia / South Sudan / Switzerland / Syria / The Netherlands / Ukraine / United Arab Emirates / Yemen

To get the answer to the most obvious question out of the way. Afghanistan leads the list of most dangerous countries in the world to visit in 2023, as identified by the medical and security specialist International SOS.

The 2023 Risk map

International SOS recently published its Risk Map 2023 , where it assigns medical risk ratings based on a range of health risks and mitigating factors. For 2023, Syria was named the second-most dangerous destination to visit, followed by Ukraine, Mali and Iraq. Ukraine and Mali are new additions to the Risk Map 2023, the other mentioned countries have featured in forecasts for both 2021 and 2022.

Mali’s security risk has raised a red flag for many years, but Ukraine saw the biggest shift over the last 12 months from ‘medium’ to ‘extreme’ because of Russia’s February 2022 invasion of the country. Other countries whose security risk was also identified as ‘extreme’ include Central African Republic, Yemen, Somalia and South Sudan, as well as certain areas of Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Pakistan, Mozambique and Israel.

Mental health

International SOS medical director Dr Irene Lai emphasized the importance of addressing mental health issues within organizations operating in high-risk areas. “[They] must handle multiple physical and mental health issues to effectively maintain their Duty of Care responsibilities,” said Lai. Her suggestion is that organizations use all the tools they have at their disposal to make challenges more manageable.

For instance, the detail provided by the Risk Map can help decision-makers better protect their staff, gauging which locations are challenged with access to medical care, or are particularly vulnerable to mental health issues. Dr Irene Lai, International SOS Medical Director

Safest Countries

Unsurprisingly Scandinavia dominates the top of the safest countries list. Norway was named as the safest destination, followed by Finland, Switzerland, Denmark and Iceland. Almost all of them were considered to have an Insignificant level of security risk in 2022.

However, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection’ (BHTP) has created a different list of the Safest Places to Travel in 2023. This list places The Netherlands, Denmark and Iceland as the top three safest countries to visit in 2023. Also according to BHTP, many of the safest countries to visit in 2023 are located in Scandinavia and the rest of Europe. Their list has only four countries located outside of Europe, which are Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Arab Emirates.

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Most dangerous and safest countries to visit in 2023

Contributors are not employed, compensated or governed by TD, opinions and statements are from the contributor directly

International SOS is releasing its annual interactive  Risk Map 2023 , designed to help organisations and their mobile workers better understand the risk level of each country around the world.

With the ongoing impact of COVID-19 and the security conflict in Ukraine, the risk map provides invaluable information to enable organisations to recognise and understand the specific ways these risks may impact their employees. As global risks continue to evolve around the world, using data-driven tools like the Risk Map can help organisations maintain their Duty of Care responsibilities in these often-uncertain times.

Using data from the maps, the following countries could potentially be the most dangerous to visit in 2023:

• Afghanistan

Many of these countries were also considered the most dangerous in 2022, but it is particularly notable that Ukraine is now ranked as Extreme for security risk considering it was ranked lower, at Medium, before this year’s military crisis began.

Using data from the maps, the following countries may be safe bets to travel to in the coming months:

• Switzerland

Many of these countries have maintained a calm and safe security environment, as almost all of them were also considered to have an Insignificant level of security risk last year.

The map provides a layer illustrating mental health illness globally using external data from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, Global Burden of Disease. It shows the estimated percentage of a location’s population suffering from mental health disorders. This allows organisations, particularly large multinationals, to understand which locations may be particularly vulnerable to mental health issues. This data reveals the extent of the mental health epidemic that employees are facing and that employers must mitigate. Estimates are that around 14% (1-in-7) of people across the world are currently experiencing one or more mental or substance use disorders.

Dr Irene Lai, Medical Director at International SOS comments, “With travel and health risks on the rise in many regions, it is important for organisations to also focus on mitigating the ongoing impact of mental health issues. Although other acute medical issues which may have a significant impact regularly arise, mental health problems remain in the background and cannot be overlooked. Organisations must handle multiple physical and mental health issues to effectively maintain their Duty of Care responsibilities.

“Organisations could look to use all the tools they have at their disposal to make this challenge more manageable. For instance, the detail provided by the Risk Map can help decision-makers better protect their staff, gauging which locations are challenged with access to medical care, or are particularly vulnerable to mental health issues.”

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Worst Countries to Live in 2024

Countries with political strife, high inflation, unemployment, poor healthcare, and substandard education are considered the worst to live in.

The United Nations Human Development Index (HDI) shows Central African countries, including South Sudan and Chad, as having the lowest quality of life.

The Hanke Misery Index, focusing on economic factors, lists Venezuela as the worst country to live in due to extreme inflation and unemployment.

Some countries are wonderful places to live. They have stable governments, reasonable prices for consumer goods, plenty of job opportunities, strong social programs, and robust systems for health care, education, and national security. They may even have ample nature spaces, such as national parks, and strong support for the arts and culture. These are general traits of high-income and developed countries , which is usually a nice place to call home.

On the other hand, picture a country whose residents must endure political strife (possibly even violence), rampant inflation, high unemployment, poor health care, substandard education, and uncertain security, with few social programs, let alone support for the arts. This troubled land would be an “ undeveloped country ,” possibly even one of the [“least developed countries”]((/country-rankings/least-developed-countries), and a much worse place to live. The question is, what is the best way to quickly encapsulate which is which?

Seeking the sub-standard: How to identify the worst countries in which to live

There are several annual metrics designed to measure the quality of day-to-day life in a given country. Some of these metrics concentrate upon a single aspect of a country—for instance, the Hanke Misery Index focuses upon the economy, knowing that a healthy economy is a strong indicator of the quality of the day-to-day life of a country's residents. Others, such as the United Nations' Human Development Index (HDI) , compile a wide range of metrics across a half-dozen or more categories for a more overarching, whole-life approach. These different approaches can result in very different lists of the worst countries in the world in which to live.

Top 10 Worst Countries in the World to Live In - United Nations Human Development Index 2021/22

Note: Scores rank from 0.0 to 1.0. Higher is better.

Central African countries dominate this list. Many of these countries, including Niger , Chad , South Sudan , Mali , and Burkina Faso , are currently at war thanks to civil war, ethnic violence, or terrorist insurgencies. Even for those countries that are not plagued with strife, most people attend school for only a few years, and good jobs are rare, which leaves millions of people living below the poverty line. For example, the average person in Niger attends only 2.1 years of school, and the country's Gross National Income (GNI) per capita is $1201 PPP. To put that in perspective, top-ranked Norway (HDI .957) has a GNI of $66,494 and its citizens attend 12.9 years of school on average. A full list of the most recent HDI rankings can be found on our HDI by country page.

Top 10 Worst Countries in the World to Live In - Hanke Misery Index 2020

The misery index was originally introduced by the late Arthur Okun, a Yale University economist, as a way to track the U.S. economy. More recently, John Hopkins economist Steve Hanke expanded the concept to include 156 countries and established an annual ranking of the world's best and worst countries to live in from an economic perspective. The misery index is simple in concept. The equation adds together the unemployment rate, inflation rate, and bank lending rate, then subtracts the percentage change in real GDP per capita. For most developed countries, the misery index hovers between a very good 0.00 and a passable 20.00. However, it is possible in extreme cases for a country to score so well that its misery index is a negative number—for example, in 2020, oil reserves were discovered in Guyana , resulting in a 25% boost in GDP per capita and a -3.3 misery index.

On the other hand, 2020's worst country in the world to live in, Venezuela , demonstrates the worse end of the equation. 2020 is the sixth year in a row that Venezuela has received this dubious designation—and given the country's 3,713% inflation and 50.3% unemployment rate, which easily overshadow a 30.9% rise in real GDP per capita for an ultimate misery index score of 3827.6, Venezuela seems well on its way to holding onto its best-of-the-worst spot for the foreseeable future.

Top 10 Worst Countries in the World to Live In - Numbeo Quality of Life Index (Mid-2022):

Stats portal Numbeo tracks a vast range of metrics, including its own Quality of Life index. The bottom end of Numbeo's index appears quite different from that of other indexes, as Numbeo analyzes a smaller range of countries and excludes much of Africa .

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What is the harshest country in the world?

Based on the United Nations Human Development Index, South Sudan is the harshest country in the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

• 2020 Misery Index - Cato Institute
• The Worst Countries To Live In, According To The Misery Index
• Misery Index - Investopedia
• Quality of Life Index by Country 2022 Midyear - Numbeo
• Human Development Report - United Nations

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20 Worst Countries to Live in Right Now (Updated 2023)

Moving to a new country can be a life-changing experience. World traveler Amanda Walkins had this to say about her experience: "... it was a constant barrage of new feelings associated with normal activities. The longer I was there, the more I realized that, in fact, it was overall very much like home…"

That said, if you have considered relocating to a different country for work or to have a different experience, there are some countries that you should probably stay away from when you conduct your research. Tragically, the worst countries to live in are not only uncomfortable but dangerous. 

In this article, we'll examine the bottom of the barrel when it comes to relocating. You'll find that the 20 worst countries to live in are considered so because of the danger locals face regularly and the poor quality of life you gain from that experience. 

Based on statistics of danger regarding civil unrest in these areas and economic statistics surrounding the quality of life and prosperity, below are countries you should not have on your list for full-time residency in the near future.

Our Methodology Section 

When researching each of our articles, we carefully follow a complex research process that draws information from across the internet and beyond. We do the hard work of identifying information and collecting it so that you don't have to do it yourself. We will:

• Examine official government statistics from around the world 
• Find various news sources with real authority on the subject 
• Compare and contrast statistics to gauge the country's quality 
• Read blogs by people who've been to or lived in these countries
• Create an in-depth list for your enjoyment
• Update the article regularly to ensure accuracy

The 20 Worst Countries to Live in the World

Below, you'll get an in-depth look at the worst countries to live in around the world and why you should stay away from them. Please read on if you're planning on relocating and want to make sure that you don't end up living somewhere dangerous or threatening to your family.

Angola is located in the southwest corner of Africa and has a culture known for being a bit abrasive, especially to outsiders. Statistics show that there is some economic growth in the area, with a GDP growth rate of 0.2% per year. 

Visitors coming to the country should be concerned about the locals, who can be unpredictable. Currently, Angola’s crime index is 66.48, a very poor number. Furthermore, the area's water and health conditions aren’t great, with the country ranking 163rd in water quality and 49.9 in the health quality index .

While some facilities in the capital of Luanda are available to assist residents and visitors, these resources are limited throughout the country as a whole, and there is a risk for several vector-borne diseases that can be dangerous to your health when traveling based on danger statistics.

19. Suriname

Located in South America, Suriname has features that attract visitors to the area. There are even some positive trends in growth for this area, with statistics indicating that it has been on the rise for several years. For example, the interest rate has decreased in recent years, as has the inflation rate.

However, the danger in Suriname cannot be overlooked. The majority of the economy in the area is poor, which has caused a heavy increase in crime. Between 2018 and 2019, there was an 81% increase in crime , and while that’s decreased in recent years, it’s still very high.

Statistically, Suriname is one of the poorest countries in South America. It has a GDP of just $3.6 billion , ranking it as 152nd in the world. So even if its health index of 60.8 is decent , it’s best to avoid this nation.

While there are gorgeous beaches on this island, the country of Haiti is one of the 20 worst countries to live in due to its poor economy and high crime rate. 

Though Haiti ranks a somewhat respectable 114th in GDP with $20.25 billion, over half of the population lives in extreme poverty, with starvation and hunger being a large part of the issue. That’s one reason why its health index is a meager 52.9 .

The high crime rate of eight people per 1,000 means that there is a chance you can be a victim of a crime by visiting or moving to Haiti. Currently, Haiti is the fourth-worst nation for crime, with an index of 78.4 .

For every 1,000 people in Kenya, there is a death rate of seven percent, which means someone dies every five minutes . This high rate is related to the poor economy and harsh living conditions of the locals. Though Kenya has the 65th largest GDP ($113 billion), wealth disparity impacts most of the population.

Tragically, there is an HIV/AIDS epidemic happening in Kenya that is the leading killer of the local population, with four percent of the nation having AIDS and 35,000 new infections every year.

In addition to this disease, the country has had its share of notorious serial killers in the last few years, attacking those who have recently moved to the area and those who are more prosperous. Kenya ranks as the 34th most crime-ridden nation in the world .

16. Bangladesh

The environment in Bangladesh is not the best to live in, especially if you are planning to raise a family there. While it is not as violent as some countries on the list, it’s still the 20th most crime-ridden country on the globe . 

Furthermore, it is one of the worst countries to live in because of limited access to health care and modern medicine. Its 67.4 health index may seem okay, but it ranks 177th in the world for environmental safety . 

Statistical data indicate that Bangladesh is currently one of the more impoverished countries, and the leading killers of children are diseases that can be treated with modern medicine. Death rates are 5.5 , and a total of 849,561 new deaths a year. 

War-ridden Iraq is another country in the Middle East that makes a list for being one of the worst countries to live in. With the constant terror of war and potential bombs blowing up in the area, there is a reason to be concerned before moving to Iraq.

Data from that region highlights a poor economy due to bad conditions in the country, and it is only 48th in the world’s GDP . Most of this wealth is centered on just a rich ruling class, which explains the civil unrest that plagues the country . 

Some parts are more violent than others, but at least five of the 1,000 people who move to the area are victims of these violent crimes resulting from terrorist attacks. That’s good for a death rate of 4.8 .

In the last decade, Egypt has also undergone civil violence and unrest throughout the country, making it one of the worst countries to live in the world. 

The crime rate in Egypt has increased significantly; statistics regarding the crime rate indicate that there has been a gradual rise in violent crimes over the last five years. It’s ranked the 65th worst country based on crime . 

These crimes include assault, armed robberies, and even high rates of petty theft. In addition to these numbers, the economic data in Egypt indicate that it isn't as high as it was over a decade ago. Ranked 31st in GDP , it does have one of the better economies in the Middle East and North Africa regions. 

Unfortunately, a large number of the citizens are still impoverished with limited access to modern medicine. Egypt’s death rate is 5.8 .

13. Vietnam

Vietnam has been considered one of the worst countries to live in for several decades due to the poor economy of the country and the periodic attacks resulting from civil attacks .

The economy is already one of the poorest in Asia and is expected to weaken further throughout the 2023 fiscal year. Though the GDP is strong at 35th in the world , financial disparity is rampant.

Many of the residents in the country experience a poor credit rating, limiting the quality of life in Vietnam. The country itself has only a BB+ credit ranking , which isn’t poor but also not great. 

There is also limited access to healthcare and technology throughout the country, especially as you navigate the less populated communities. As a result, the death rate is 6.3 .

12. Sri Lanka

The current national economy of Sri Lanka is a negative debt from the government due to outstanding debt to other countries. It actually defaulted on its debt in 2022 as its crisis ballooned.

While some regulations and policies are in place to help current residents, those moving to the country will find that the living conditions are some of the poorest compared to Western countries.

This outstanding debt that Sri Lanka experiences regularly makes it hard to bring in higher quality products, restaurants, and other things that improve overall quality of life. So, while the death rate of 6.6 isn’t terrible, life quality in Sri Lanka is rough.

11. North Korea

The economy in North Korea is not nearly as dire as many of the countries on this list, as it’s worth $18 billion US . However, North Korea is one of the worst countries to live in because of its brutal leadership and hostility to the environment.

North Korea has been so terrible to its own environment , with rampant deforestation, that it has triggered multiple famines and millions of deaths over the years. 

Danger statistics for those not Korean and moving to this area are relatively high, especially if they announce themselves as Christian and practice Western cultural ideas. The Kim dynasty in North Korea has strict laws that all living in the country must abide by to survive.

Even worse, a death rate of 9.1 means that life in North Korea is dangerous and best avoided. 

Although Libya has a great oil and natural gas trade, the sale of these products is slowly working its way through the country. But even though Libya has a republic government that advocates for equality, it’s still one of the worst countries to live in by far. 

That’s because many citizens of Libya reject this new government that went into place in 2011 and commit violent crimes. Though ranked 29th in safety in the world , violent crimes remain an issue.

Violent crime statistics in Libya indicate that outsiders moving to the area have a 50 percent chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime.

Furthermore, Libya’s economy isn’t great ( 89th in the world ), and its death rate is 5.10 , making it a dangerous place to live.

Iran is one of the worst countries to live in for Western travelers or transplants. If you attempt to move to this country, there is a high risk of becoming a victim of civil unrest or a detention sentence.

The economy of Iran is not the strongest in the Middle East, although they have started to build back since the pandemic. Ranked 40th in the world by GDP , most of this wealth is concentrated in the hands of the rich.

The environment is very hot and dry, with long periods of droughts and intense heat throughout the summer months. Health statistics surrounding Iran indicate that many residents suffer from hunger, starvation, and heat strokes regularly. It’s also the 56th most crime-ridden nation in the world.

8. Madagascar

If you are planning to move to Madagascar, reconsider your choice: it’s one of the worst countries in the world to live in. After all, it’s only the 129th-best economy in the world right now .

Please keep in mind that some who live there have been relatively safe, but there are many comforts and risks that you take coming from a first-world country. For example, its health ranking is just 54.1 .

Furthermore, population density is odd, as Madagascar is highly populated in one part of the country because the highlands on the Western side are hard to populate.

In these bigger cities, there is a higher crime rate, while smaller crimes are not as violent. The highest risks in this country come at the environmental level, with lots of overpopulation and poor planning. 

There are constant cases of soil erosion, deforestation, and soil degradation, which are impacting the quality of life in the country immensely.

7. Venezuela

Venezuela's natural beauty makes it a tempting place to relocate to as a second home or permanently. However, current statistics indicate that this is not a safe place to travel and is currently one of the worst countries in the world to live in. 

Currently, it has a death rate of 7.0 , a health index rating of 69.6 , and is currently the worst country in the world for crime, with a crime index of 82.1 .

The instability in the government and poor economy that has taken over as a result has made the country a civil battleground. Currently, many residents are experiencing unemployment and severely impoverished conditions.

So, while Venezuela may have a strong environmental rating of 67th in the world , it’s not worth the potential danger to your life. 

6. South Africa

One of the countries with the highest crime levels in the world is South Africa. Currently, it’s the fifth-worst nation for crime, with a crime index of 75.5 .

While more than half of the crimes committed are nonviolent, foreigners who relocate are often the victims of sexual assault and murder. That may explain why its health index is weak at 59.9 . 

Even worse, the economy is on a gradual decline ( currently 37th in the world ), and more rural areas are experiencing higher levels of poverty since the pandemic, and it is affecting the country as a whole. Perhaps that’s why the country has a BB- credit rating .

According to the national travel advisory , it is not safe to relocate and move to Niger at this time. There are high levels of crime and terrorism developing throughout the country. It currently ranks as the 14th worst country for crime, with a rating of 65.8 .

While Niger has been experiencing a change to a more democratic government, there has been civil pushback throughout the country. Perhaps that’s why their health index is a paltry 54.6 .

The economy of Niger consists of agriculture, uranium deposits, and some livestock, but the economic gains are not properly diversified throughout the country, leaving the majority impoverished.

Even with these gains, the country ranks just 132nd in the world in GDP , making Niger one of the worst countries to live in today. The death rate of 12 is particularly concerning.

If you are considering a relocation, Mali is not the place to move in the near future. There is a high chance of terrorist attacks , with residents having almost a 50 percent chance of being close to or a victim of an attack in the larger areas.

In the last few years, the economy has been declining, so those already living in a poor state are more impoverished. As the 119th largest GDP in the world , Mali’s economy is rather weak.

The quality of life is not as high as very little modern medicine and technology available to the masses. There’s a death rate of 9.8 in the country and a health index rating of just 54.6 .

While Lebanon has not had a super strong economy, the last two years have been very devastating, moving unemployment rates to nearly 30 percent after they were only 11 percent.

In fact, Lebanon ranks just 109th in GDP , though its economy is not verified by statistics keepers. Even worse, the most populated cities have a high crime rate of over 60 percent. Things are so bad they don’t even report their crime statistics to most statistics firms. 

It is very difficult to get items into the country, such as vaccines and basic medicines, so the life expectancy is low and unhealthy. The country has a putrid 54.5 health index .

Tragically, nearly 20 percent of their children do not live past 16 because of viral diseases, and others can be treated with modern vaccines. The nation has a 9.8 death rate .

2. South Sudan

South Sudan has been considered one of the worst countries to live in globally for many years. As there is a long history of communism in South Sudan, there is a lot of civil unrest and terrorist attacks in this area.

The economy is so poor it doesn’t even show up on the top 177th list of countries in the world . Sadly, The residents are purposely kept poor to be controlled, and those who are foreign moving to the area are targeted for violent crimes such as kidnappings, extortion, and even murder.

All these issues give South Sudan a death rate of 10.6 and a health index rating of 35.7 , which is the second worst in the world.

Chad easily tops the worst countries to live in for a variety of reasons. Like South Sudan, Chad has the same travel advisory to avoid visits. Civil war and protests have racked the nation in recent years.

Furthermore, those living in Chad are forced to live impoverished and continue watching for terrorist attacks. It’s currently the 138th economy in the world , with poverty running rampant. 

As the climate changes, violence is not the only stress residents are experiencing. As the 165th worst nation for the environment , Chad is doing little to protect its citizens. 

The country continues to become drier, worsening the already limited agricultural economy and animals for food moving out of the country. People are struggling to stay healthy here, and Chad has a 39.2 health index . 

Poor health is likely the result of poor water. The lack of clean water means that starvation, hunger, and poor living conditions are enough to be responsible for nearly 20 percent of deaths yearly. Staggeringly, Chad has a 12.2 death rate , confirming its status as a must-avoid country.

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Air Quality Is Bad Pretty Much Everywhere, New World Pollution Report Finds

T he rules of survival are simple: humans can live weeks without food, days without water, but only minutes without air. Air is the most vital resource to human life, and yet what most of the world breathes in every day is dirty.

According to the 2023 World Air Quality Report published on Tuesday by IQAir, a Swiss firm that monitors real-time air quality around the world and has published an annual assessment since 2018, only 10 countries or territories last year had air quality that met the World Health Organization ’s standard for clean air.

IQAir used as its primary indicator of each country or territory’s air quality the average concentration of PM2.5, or particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller, measured across cities with publicly-available data. PM2.5 is a harmful component of air pollution that comes from a variety of sources, including emissions from coal and oil burning as well as dust storms and wildfires. The WHO says PM2.5 “can penetrate through the lungs and further enter the body through the blood stream, affecting all major organs” and that exposure to PM2.5 can cause cardiovascular and respiratory health issues, such as strokes or lung cancer. Air pollution is associated with an estimated 7 million premature deaths each year.

WHO guidelines recommend exposure to no more than an annual mean PM2.5 concentration of 5 micrograms per cubic meter (5 µg/m3). Of the 134 countries and territories IQAir was able to assess, only Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Puerto Rico, Australia, New Zealand, Bermuda, Grenada, Iceland, Mauritius, and French Polynesia met that threshold in 2023.

Here are key regional takeaways from IQAir’s 2023 World Air Quality Report.

Asia is the world’s most polluted region

All but one of the 100 cities with the most polluted air in the world are located in Asia, with 83 of them located in India, according to IQAir’s report. Each of these cities had PM2.5 levels that exceeded the WHO’s standard by 10 times or more. The most polluted city, Begusarai, an Indian city of more than half a million residents in the western state of Bihar, had PM2.5 levels of 118.9 µg/m3 last year—or 23 times the WHO standard.

Central and South Asia contain the top four most polluted countries in the world—Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, and Tajikistan—and 31% of the region’s cities reported PM2.5 levels more than 10 times the WHO standard, a proportion vastly exceeding any other region in the report.

IQAir cited several reasons for Asia’s air pollution problem—ranging from the large amount of greenhouse gas emissions from coal-fired power plants and peatbog burning to the El Niño weather phenomenon’s delay of the onset of the rainy season, which would have lessened the impact of PM2.5 levels.

Oceania is the world’s cleanest region

Oceania—comprising Australia, New Zealand, and French Polynesia—remained the region with the cleanest air in 2023, according to IQAir’s report, with each of its countries and territories managing to meet the WHO standard. The region also has the largest proportion, 55%, of reported cities meeting the WHO standard.

Europe is the most improved region

Of the 43 nations monitored in Europe, the annual average PM2.5 levels fell in 36 of them, increased for six, and remained constant for one. Bosnia Herzegovina is still the most polluted country in the region, with an annual average PM2.5 level of 27.5 µg/m3, but even that’s down by 18% from 2022. Croatia showed the most improvement, with its annual average PM2.5 level dropping more than 40% compared to 2022. While 39% of European cities had an annual average PM2.5 level of 10 µg/m3 or lower in 2022, 54% were below that threshold in 2023.

The Americas are the most monitored region

With 3,242 cities analyzed or 40% of the total cities in the report, North America was the most-monitored region, while Latin America and the Caribbean continued a trend of significantly expanding their region’s air-quality monitoring network as new government-operated and non-government-operated monitoring stations popped up in numerous cities and countries, including the Bahamas and Ecuador, that were previously unrepresented in IQAir’s reports.

In North America, Canada surpassed the U.S. for the first time in terms of air pollution since the inception of IQAir’s annual report, due in large part to the massive wildfires that burned from May to October last year. The report said that in May last year, the monthly average air pollution in Alberta skyrocketed almost ninefold compared to the same period in 2022.

The U.S. also saw an uptick in air pollution, climbing from a nationwide average of 8.9 µg/m3 in 2022 to 9.1 in 2023, with the southward-drifting smoke from Canada’s wildfires partly to blame. Columbus, Ohio, was ranked as the most polluted major U.S. city for the second year running with an average PM2.5 level of 13.9 µg/m3, while, Las Vegas, Nev., was ranked the least polluted major U.S. city with an average PM2.5 level of 4.9 µg/m3.

Africa is the least monitored region

The only non-Asian city in the 100 most polluted cities in the world in 2023 was Benoni, South Africa, which had a PM2.5 level of 54.9 µg/m3, or 11 times the WHO standard. But more broadly. Africa faces a major challenge in combating air pollution: its lack of data.

Though the continent’s urban population is rapidly growing, only 24 out of 54 countries, representing 66% of the population, have sufficient air quality data to be included in IQAir’s report.

The country of Chad, which ranked the No. 1 most polluted in the world in IQAir’s 2022 report, was not included because of a lack of publicly available monitoring data.

“Lack of air quality data delays decisive action and perpetuates unnecessary human suffering,” said Frank Hammes, global CEO of IQAir. “Air quality data saves lives. Where air quality is reported, action is taken, and air quality improves.”

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2023: Which countries have the worst air quality?

An industrial area sees smoke rises from re-rolling factories at the Shyampur area of Dhaka, Bangladesh, March 16, 2024. /Reuters

Pakistan remained one of the world's three smoggiest countries in 2023, with Bangladesh and India overtaking Chad and Iran due to particulate matter about 15 times higher than the level recommended by the World Health Organization, data published on Tuesday showed.

Average concentrations of PM2.5 – small airborne particles that damage the lungs – reached 79.9 micrograms per cubic meter in Bangladesh in 2023 and 73.7 micrograms in Pakistan. The World Health Organization recommends no more than 5 micrograms.

"Because of the climate conditions and the geography (in South Asia), you get this streak of PM2.5 concentrations that just skyrocket because the pollution has nowhere to go," said Christi Chester Schroeder, air quality science manager at IQAir, a Swiss air monitoring organization.

"On top of that are factors such as agricultural practices, industry and population density," she added. "Unfortunately, it really does look like it will get worse before it gets better."

In 2022, Bangladesh was ranked as having the fifth-worst air quality, and India was eighth.

About 20 percent of premature deaths in Bangladesh are attributed to air pollution, and related healthcare costs range from 4 percent-5 percent of the country's GDP, said Md Firoz Khan, an air pollution expert at Dhaka's North South University.

Indian pollution also worsed last year, with PM2.5 levels about 11 times higher than the WHO standard. India's New Delhi was the worst-performing capital city, at 92.7 micrograms.

China also witnessed a PM2.5 increase of 6.3 percent to 32.5 micrograms last year after five consecutive annual declines.

Only Australia, Estonia, Finland, Grenada, Iceland, Mauritius and New Zealand met WHO standards in 2023.

The IQAir report was compiled using data from more than 30,000 monitoring stations in 134 countries and regions.

Chad, the world's most polluted country in 2022, was excluded from the 2023 listings because of data issues. Iran and Sudan were also taken off the 2023 list.

Christa Hasenkopf, director of the Air Quality Life Index at the University of Chicago's Energy Policy Institute, said 39 percent of countries have no public air quality monitoring.

"Considering the large potential benefits and relatively low cost, it's stunning that we don't have an organized global effort to deploy resources to close these data gaps, especially in places where the health burden of air pollution has been largest," she said.

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World's Top 10 Most Polluted Countries In 2023 Revealed: 3 Asian Countries Lead The List — No, China's Not One Of Them

I n 2023, only 10 countries worldwide had air quality that met the World Health Organization’s guidelines for harmful fine-particle pollution. Most nations exceeded these guidelines, with the most severe pollution recorded in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India .

What Happened : The three South Asian countries had the world’s worst fine-particle air pollution in 2023. The report, released by IQAir, revealed that the majority of nations exceeded the health guidelines for air quality, reported Bloomberg.

The countries most affected were the Middle East, Africa, and Central and South Asia. Based on population-weighted data, Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Tajikistan, and Burkina Faso were the top five most polluted countries in 2023. The report also identified the countries with the least air pollution, including French Polynesia, Mauritius, and Iceland.

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Capitals With the Highest Average Levels of PM 2.5 Pollution, 2023

The capital cities with the worst air quality were New Delhi, Dhaka, Ouagadougou, Dushanbe, and Baghdad. Meanwhile, the capitals with the lowest concentrations of PM2.5 were mostly in Oceania, Scandinavia, and the Caribbean.

PM is an abbreviation for particulate matter, with 2.5 denoting its size at 2.5 microns, equivalent to 1/30th of the diameter of a strand of hair. The minuscule dimensions of PM2.5 pollution contribute to its deadly nature.

According to Glory Dolphin Hammes , CEO of IQAir’s North American division, PM2.5 stands as a pervasive air pollutant responsible for more fatalities than any other pollutant. IQAir has been issuing its annual World Air Quality reports since 2017

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PM2.5 pollution, primarily caused by the burning of fossil fuels, is responsible for the early deaths of over 4 million people worldwide each year. This form of pollution has been linked to increased rates of heart attack and stroke, as well as other serious health issues.

The report points out that certain cities, such as South Tangerang in Indonesia, Rocklea in Australia, and Benoni in South Africa, have high pollution levels compared to their respective regions despite their countries generally having low pollution levels. Additionally, even within the same city, air pollution levels can differ significantly, depending on factors like proximity to parks or power plants.

Why It Matters : The findings of the IQAir report are consistent with the concerning trend of air pollution in recent years. In 2023, Canada’s wildfires caused a significant decline in air quality in major U.S. cities, including Detroit, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. This resulted in the U.S. cities being among the 15 cities with the worst air quality globally.

Even before this, New York’s air quality was rated the worst in the world due to Canadian wildfires. This led to the cancellation of outdoor activities and flights in the city.

The situation was similar in Detroit, which also experienced a plunge in air quality due to the wildfires.

These incidents underscore the global impact of air pollution, with transboundary pollution being a significant concern. The findings of the IQAir report serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for international cooperation to address this critical issue.

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