Most Dangerous Vacation Destinations

Traveling is often referred to as the only thing you can buy that makes you richer. But it comes with a lot of risks. Whether due to political instability, high crime rates, or deadly wildlife and geography, some of the most thrilling vacation destinations come with precarious personal safety conditions. There are, of course, countries around the world embroiled in conflict, but they are not tourism hot spots. For this list, we looked at potential vacation destinations that come with risk, using warnings issued by the U.S. Department of State and the U.K. Foreign Office to narrow things down.

As of 2025, the U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel warning advising U.S. citizens that violent crime in Venezuela is pervasive, both in the capital Caracas and throughout the country. Country-wide shortages of food, water, medicine, electricity, and other basic goods have led to violence and looting. Furthermore, visitors run the risk of kidnapping and wrongful detention by Venezuelan authorities, as well as getting caught up in the mass-protests that have been a feature of the country's fragile political situation. The country's stunning beaches and majestic landscapes are certainly a draw, but they should be weighed against the dangers. 

Mali is home to eyepopping architecture and historical sites unlike any you'll find elsewhere in the world, especially in the famous city of Timbuktu. Unfortunately, it's also known for high levels of violent crime, including kidnapping. The Federal Aviation Administration has even advised American civil aviation to avoid flying below 26,000 feet over the airspace of the country. There have been incidents of armed banditry, car-jacking, and kidnapping in northern Mali, according to the British government. Furthermore, the threat of terrorism remains high. 

Kenya has been a popular tourist destination for good reason — incredible wildlife safaris, vibrant cultural centers, unique boutique hotels, and some of the best national parks in the world. While it's possible to have a safe vacation in the country, tourists need to be keenly aware of exactly where they are traveling, as certain regions pose a high risk for terrorism and kidnapping. Crime is a concern throughout the country, including the capital city of Nairobi. In 2013, an attack on a shopping mall in the capital left 71 people dead, including many foreign visitors. 

Nicaragua is a popular travel gem for people on a budget with surfing and Samantha Brown-approved volcano hiking being just two of many adventures the country has to offer. The country's government officials have indicated they are worried about the safety and security of travelers. The U.S. Department of State has Nicaragua under a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory, and recommends special caution be taken by journalists, business representatives, aide workers, and others who may become political targets for arbitrary detention.

Turkey is home to some of the world's most incredible archeological wonders, as well as mouth watering food and unique cities teeming with history. It's unfortunately also a country where visitors need to be on alert for petty street crime and the possibility of terrorism. (There are also other considerations to keep in mind when visiting Turkey.) The U.S. Department of State cautions visitors to avoid any area near the border with Syria due to the potential for violence. In 2016, an attack on Istanbul's Atatürk Airport left 45 people dead, and in 2025, the country was rocked by massive protests against the government. 

The Philippines offers a wide variety of adventures such as swimming in Kayangan Lake, touring Malcapuya Island, hiking through the Samaguing Cave or around Taal Volcano to see the main crater lake, fumaroles, boiling mud ponds, geysers, and dry lava fields. However, tourists are advised to avoid all non-essential travel to the Sulu Archipelago and through the southern Sulu Sea. Furthermore, exercising extreme caution is recommended when traveling to the island of Mindanao, due to continued terrorist threats, insurgent activities, and kidnappings, according to the U.S. Department of State. 

Colombia was not on people's travel radars until relatively recently. The country boasts many diverse landscapes and cultures that tourists would be hard pressed to find anywhere else in the world. Special emphasis has been put on Cartagena's (one of the best cities to escape the winter cold) UNESCO World Heritage sites and Bogotá's major infrastructure improvements. And while the country's reputation as a hotbed for cartel activity has changed dramatically since the days of Pablo Escobar, crime and gang violence remain major concerns. In 2024, Colombia was one of 10 countries throughout the world designated as having extreme levels of conflict by Armed Conflict Location & Event Data. 

Honduras is one of the most beautiful countries in Central America but the level of crime and violence remains critically high, and the country maintains a Level 3: Reconsider Travel warning from the U.S. Department of State. Honduras regularly features among the countries with the highest murder rates in the world, and according to World Population Review, in 2023 it was #4 for homicides. Disease is also a concern in Honduras, with the U.S. Department of State specifically warning travelers about the possibility of contracting dengue fever in the country. 

Egypt is and has been one of the most popular international destinations for tourists in the world thanks to its unrivaled collection of archeological sites. At the same time, issues like crime, detention, and the possibility of terrorism make it a country where tourists should remain on alert. Certain areas in the country, such as parts of the Sinai Peninsula, have been designated as Level 4: Do Not Travel zones by the U.S. Department of State. The U.K. government also specifically warns visitors to be on high alert for sexual assault, especially solo women travelers. 

India's one-of-a-kind cities and spectacular historical sites draw millions of visitors to the country each year. Many likely leave the country without incident. However, safety concerns such as the threat of terrorism and sexual assault are not to be taken lightly. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control advise travelers to be on alert for potential health threats including measles, yellow fever, and the possibility of coming in contact with rabid animals. Air pollution is also a concern in India, with the Air Quality Life Index noting that the country is the second most polluted in the world. 

North Korea is famous for being the most isolated dictatorship in the world. This is one of the reasons why it attracts foreigners. But travel to North Korea is heavily discouraged due to the serious risk of arrest and long-term detention under the country's system of law enforcement, which imposes unduly harsh sentences, including for actions that in the U.S. would not be considered crimes. The regime has detained tourists who traveled independently and those who were part of organized tours.

The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 3: Reconsider Travel notice for Bangladesh, as well as Level 4: Do Not Travel warnings for regions in the eastern part of the country. Despite the tourist draw of inviting beaches and world-class spices and textiles, potential civil unrest and the threat of terrorist attacks should keep potential visitors on alert. Bangladesh is also prone to catastrophic natural disasters, including deadly cyclones, flooding, and heatwaves. 

Ethiopia has long lived in the shadow of neighboring Kenya even though it has as much to offer — glorious mountains, unique historical sites, and world-famous food. It is an underrated adventure destination in many ways. However, tourists in Ethiopia do need to be on alert for the potential of violent civil unrest, terrorist attacks, and kidnapping. There are certain areas of the country, including near the border of Eritrea, where travel is not recommended at all.

Algeria, Africa's largest country, is a fascinating tourist destination. Its charming cities, colonial and modernist architecture, and desert landscapes attract thousands of tourists every year. However, safety considerations need to be taken when visiting. The U.S. Department of State continues to warn tourists against traveling to the remote areas of southern and eastern Algeria as the threat from terrorism and kidnappings is high.

South Africa is on many adventurers' bucket lists. The country has regal beaches, unique cultures, and is known for being one of the best places for up-close sightings of wildlife. But several of the country's major cities, including Cape Town and Johannesburg, are considered to be among the most dangerous in the world. South Africa has a very high level of crime, including rape and murder, and incidents of carjacking and robbery are common, particularly at night. It is totally possible to have an incident-free vacation in the country, but tourists should remain alert and exercise caution when visiting.

Brazil's world-famous beaches and electrifying cities have long been a draw for tourists from all around the globe — and it doesn't hurt that it's considered the friendliest country in South America. However, the country's reputation for having a high crime rate is well earned. While you're likely to have a safe visit if you take precautions like avoiding Brazil's infamous favelas, robberies can happen anywhere, including Rio de Janeiro's stunning beaches. The Centers for Disease Control also recommend that visitors take precautions against diseases like yellow fever and dengue.