Bruno Pugh
Not every destination belongs on your travel bucket list. Some locations face ongoing violence, political turmoil, and security threats that make visiting genuinely dangerous. These aren’t temporary setbacks or isolated incidents—they’re sustained crises that put travelers at real risk. Governments issue travel warnings for these areas, yet some people still underestimate the dangers. Before planning any international trip, it’s worth knowing which places require serious reconsideration. Here are ten places around the world with serious security concerns.
Afghanistan
Travelers face significant safety concerns in Afghanistan due to ongoing instability and limited public services. Access to education and economic opportunities remains uneven, and humanitarian needs continue to grow. With more than 1.5 million people returning from Iran in 2025, support networks are under increasing strain.
Syria
Visitors encounter serious risks in Syria, where years of conflict have reshaped daily life and damaged many cultural landmarks. Though Palmyra has suffered extensive loss, Damascus still remains as one of the world’s oldest inhabited cities, reflecting the country’s cultural depth despite its current challenges.
South Sudan
After achieving independence in 2011, South Sudan quickly fell into civil strife, leaving millions dependent on humanitarian aid. Within this fragile context, the Sudd wetlands stand out as ecologically remarkable, though the country’s political and developmental struggles continue to threaten stability.
Yemen
Conditions in Yemen remain extremely challenging, with ongoing instability and limited access to essential services. Many communities face shortages of food, clean water, and medical care, which creates significant humanitarian needs. The port city of Hodeidah plays a major role in delivering aid, while historic Sana’a shows visible signs of the country’s long period of unrest.
Democratic Republic Of The Congo
Decades of armed conflict plague the Democratic Republic of the Congo, especially in the east. Displacement and limited infrastructure make daily life hazardous. Yet Congo holds natural wonders like Virunga National Park, Africa’s oldest, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It reflects the country’s ecological and cultural richness despite persistent danger.
Russia
Even Moscow, usually seen as a bustling metropolis, has not escaped violence. Terrorist threats and state repression combine to create unpredictable hazards. The attack at Crocus City Hall in early 2024 proved that no part of the country, no matter how central or familiar, is truly safe.
Ukraine
Life in Ukraine remains deeply affected by the ongoing conflict, with many families displaced from their homes since 2022. Agricultural regions face continual disruption, reshaping daily routines and local economies. Towns with empty streets and quiet farms reflect the widespread upheaval felt across the country.
Somalia
Somalia faces significant safety challenges due to instability and recurring humanitarian needs. Large parts of the population struggle with limited access to food, healthcare, and secure travel. However, its long coastline and historic port cities highlight a rich cultural past that contrasts sharply with the difficult conditions many communities experience today.
Sudan
Across Sudan, stability has become difficult to find as the situation that escalated in April 2023 continues to unsettle daily life. Some neighborhoods empty out quickly, while others see families arriving in search of safety. Access to services varies widely, and many communities adjust constantly to shifting conditions.
Iraq
Modern Iraq faces ongoing instability as different groups compete for influence in areas where government services remain limited. Many regions experience shifting security conditions that shape daily routines. Though instability shapes daily life, Iraq remains a place of profound historical significance, with sites like Babylon reminding the world of its enduring legacy.