Daniel is a copywriter who has well and truly been bitten alive by the 'travel bug'. After ticking off several North American National Parks and exploring Europe by train, his sights are now set on South East Asia. Usually with at least one camera locked and loaded, you'll find Daniel wherever there are mountains, lakes or beaches.
Unveiling the world’s most perilous destinations, these locations are not for the faint of heart. From war-ravaged regions to crime-infested territories, these destinations, unfortunately, fall under the category of places deemed extremely unsuitable for travel in 2023.
Brace yourself as we explore the 10 most dangerous destinations for tourists right now.
Somalia
In 2023, Somalia remains a highly dangerous place for tourists due to ongoing political instability, the presence of armed militias, and a high risk of terrorism.
Facing frequent outbreaks of violence, Somalia regularly experiences bombings and armed attacks targeting both locals and foreigners. Additionally, piracy in coastal areas poses a significant threat to boat travel and increases the risk of potential kidnappings.
Yemen
Yemen, torn apart by relentless civil war and deep-rooted political instability, emerges as an immensely dangerous destination for tourists.
The country remains a breeding ground for terrorism and faces a myriad of security challenges. With the constant threat of bombings, armed clashes, and the presence of armed groups, venturing into Yemen’s war-ravaged terrain should be avoided at all costs.
Venezuela
Venezuela is still a dangerous place for tourists due to a combination of economic instability, political unrest, and high crime rates.
The economic instability, characterized by hyperinflation and scarcity of essential goods, fuels social discontent and breeds a volatile environment. With soaring crime rates, including robberies, extortion, and violent incidents, travelers are strongly advised not to travel to Venezuela.
Honduras
Although it’s known for its breathtaking scenery, Honduras is marred by danger today.
With soaring levels of violent crime, gang activity, and drug trafficking, the country has earned a reputation as one of the most dangerous places in the world. Travelers face the looming threat of robberies, assaults, and carjackings, particularly in urban areas such as San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa.
Democratic Republic of Congo
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) presents significant dangers for tourists due to ongoing conflicts, armed groups, and high crime rates.
The country faces internal strife, particularly in the eastern regions, which are plagued by violence, rebel activities, and the presence of armed militias. Kidnappings, armed robberies, and attacks on civilians make traveling in certain areas of the DRC highly risky.
Syria
Amidst a backdrop of civil war and political instability, Syria is still an exceedingly dangerous place for tourists to visit.
Once a sought-after vacation destination, it is now a hotbed of terrorism, with numerous extremist groups vying for control. Rampant violence, bombings, and armed clashes with protestors create a volatile environment where both locals and tourists face significant risks to their safety and well-being.
Mali
Mali poses significant dangers for travelers due to ongoing security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, and kidnappings.
The northern regions of Mali, in particular, are known for their instability and the presence of armed groups. Travelers face the risk of attacks, abductions, and encounters with landmines, making it a highly hazardous destination for tourists.
El Salvador
As a nation grappling with rampant violence and gang-related activities, El Salvador stands as a challenging destination for tourists.
With one of the highest homicide rates globally, visitors face a precarious environment shaped by gang violence and criminal enterprises. Robberies, extortions, and other illicit activities, particularly in urban areas under heavy gang influence, make El Salvador an impossibly dangerous destination right now.
Iraq
In a country scarred by years of conflict and instability, Iraq stands as a perilous place for tourists to visit, plagued by ongoing security concerns and violence.
Protests, terrorism, insurgency, and high crime rates loom large, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the nation. The presence of armed militias and the ever-present threat of kidnapping only serve to amplify the dangers of traveling to Iraq in 2023.
Ukraine
Dominating news headlines for over a year now, you’d have to be living under a rock to not know Ukraine is a no-go for any tourist now.
The country’s eastern regions, including Donetsk and Luhansk, remain engulfed in conflict, marked by sporadic fighting and military operations. Travelers face potential dangers from landmines, unexploded ordnance, and the unpredictable nature of the conflict. With more or less all governments strongly advising their citizens to stay well clear of Ukranian and its borders.