The Most Dangerous Countries In The World For Travel In 2024
Zika Rakita
Senior Security Consultant specializing in Threat Intelligence and Risk Analysis
Traveling is a risky endeavor. Although it is a great way to experience new cultures or explore new markets, it exposes you to multiple threats. Proper travel preparation is necessary to avoid harmful incidents. The following article about the most dangerous countries in the world for travel in 2024 will assist you in the planning process.
What are the Most Dangerous Countries in the World for Travel in 2024?
The No-Go List for Travel in 2024
From conflict zones, crime-infested communities, and corruption-ridden areas to disaster-prone regions and outbreak-vulnerable states, let's see what countries are on the no-go list for travelers in 2024.
Afghanistan
Quick Stats:
Afghanistan has topped the list of the most dangerous countries in the world for several years in a row. It ticks all the boxes regarding travel security risks. In other words, it is swarmed with the following dangers:
Afghanistan’s political climate has been decaying for centuries. The current insecurity can be traced back to the 1979 Soviet invasion, which has left the nation in chaos.
Following the invasion, the Taliban took control in 1996. Under this Islamic fundamentalist group’s rule, many Afghans suffered. Its strict interpretation of Islamic law forced many people to flee.
Although the Taliban had been toppled in 2001 by the U.S.-led invasion, they regained power in 2021 after a 20-year insurgency. For this reason, the state has continued to go through volatility, fueling crime.
Furthermore, Afghanistan grapples with corruption, assassinations, kidnappings, robberies, drug trafficking, and money laundering.
Kabul, the country’s capital, is among the most dangerous cities in the world. People get hurt almost daily. As reported in the latest news, the Islamic State (IS) took responsibility for a vehicle blast that killed five civilians in the Kabul suburbs.
The turf war between the Taliban and the IS destabilizes the country. Although both factions are Sunni Jihadist groups, they engage in intense fighting with each other over territory.
Besides, political unrest has created unbearable living conditions and weakened the national health system.
As a result, we suggest only essential trips to Afghanistan. Also, addressing a security expert would be best.
Read also: Travel Safety Tips For Business Travelers .
Somalia
Quick Stats:
For years, Somalia has been in the company of the most dangerous countries in the world. This negative trend remains in 2024.
Somalia has been in the midst of a civil war since the 90s, which incapacitated all levels of its society.
The country struggles with:
The present political turmoil goes back to the collapse of the central government in 1991. Since then, several unsuccessful attempts have been made to establish a new regime.
Consequently, the nation is now divided into multiple regions controlled by different armed groups. They often engage in fierce clashes, which have caused the displacement of millions of people.
Its capital, Mogadishu, is one the most dangerous cities in the world, in which al-Shabab carries out terror attacks frequently. This notorious terrorist organization has been sowing horror in the region for years. Recently, its members assaulted and captured a UN helicopter.
In addition, the country is a hideout for pirates. These criminals hijack commercial ships, steal cargo, and abduct crew off the coast of Somalia.
Accordingly, traveling there is advisable only with the supervision of a professional security company .
Yemen
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Quick Stats:
As a nation that has been stricken by an internal conflict since 2014, Yemen is among the most dangerous countries in the world.
The following perils plague Yemen:
The Houthi takeover of the capital city, Sanaa, sparked the conflict. In the background, it is an Iran-Saudi Arabia proxy war. Iran supports the Houthis, a Shiite rebel group. In contrast, Saudi Arabia backs the internationally recognized Sunni government of Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi.
The domestic dispute undermined Yemen, plunging the country into a severe humanitarian crisis. This has led to millions of dislocated individuals.
Additionally, Houthis have been waging a month-long campaign against commercial vessels in the Red Sea, heavily hitting the global supply chain. This prompted the U.S. and U.K. to intervene in Yemen.
Therefore, going there requires careful planning and cooperation with a travel risk specialist .
Burkina Faso
Quick Stats:
Burkina Faso is one of the deadliest states. Being in a terrorist hotspot contributes to its insecurity. Sub-Saharan Africa is a region with almost half the deaths caused by global terrorist attacks.
Burkina Faso is blighted by many challenges, including the following threats:
The entire region is rife with failed states. A coup d’etat has become a usual tactic for acquiring power in the Western Sahel. So, Burkina Faso also experienced a military putsch in 2022. The interim government has no power to deal with inherent dangers.
In a recent Jihadist attack in the country’s north, 40 people were killed. The incident followed a similar event in Mali, reflecting the interconnectedness between nations in the region. The escalating aggression resulted in millions of refugees.
The withdrawal of the French army from Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali will derail the peace endeavor. France deployed soldiers there ten years ago. The aim was to curb the growing menace of Islamist militants linked to the IS and al-Qaeda. However, the threat is still extremely high.
On top of these, Burkina Faso is in a region prone to infectious diseases. All things considered, visiting Burkina Faso is hazardous. It is not recommended without professional security support .
Check also: Security Solutions For The Safety Of Journalists .
Haiti
Quick Stats:
Haiti has been confronting economic hardships and political disturbances for an extended period.
Haiti’s security concerns include:
Although the Caribbean is the region least impacted by terrorism, it is home to crime-breeding states, such as Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, and Haiti. Gang shootings and kidnappings torment the latter.
Recently, eight people were abducted in Port-au-Prince, including six nuns. Luckily, they were released. Haiti's capital is classified as one of the most dangerous cities in the world. As stated by the UN, the number of killed, injured, and kidnapped has doubled compared to the previous year.
The existing civil disorder in Haiti comes from the 2010 earthquake that claimed the lives of more than 200,000 people and caused vast damage. Since then, the country has been striving to exit the crisis. Further, this has also debilitated its healthcare.
Following the assassination of President Jovenel Mo?se in 2021, there have been frequent changes in the administration. The political situation remains unsteady, creating a hotbed of criminal activities.
That’s why all but necessary trips to Haiti should be avoided. Seek professional security assistance for travel to this high-risk destination.
Helpful reading: How To Protect Your Business From Political Instability .
Conclusion: The Most Dangerous Countries in the World for Travel in 2024
Traveling offers many benefits but also carries many safety risks. It enables you to learn about new ways of living and grow your business. Still, it puts you in harm's way.
You are particularly jeopardized when visiting hostile environments, such as Afghanistan, Somalia, Yemen, Burkina Faso, and Haiti. These five destinations are the most dangerous countries in the world for travel in 2024. Of course, the list isn't final. Check out other high-risk zones .
Journeys to trouble spots require a systematic approach encompassing awareness, preparedness, and preventive measures. Get in touch at [email protected] for further information and assistance with travel safety.