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There are countries where there is constant fighting and there is a danger to life. But in some states, conflicts are hidden, and they can manifest themselves at any time. Just like natural disasters, no one can foresee them. Before choosing a country for travel, you should definitely check the current state of affairs in it.
We present you a list of the most dangerous countries in the world to travel to. Some countries on the list (in terms of their danger) are of course controversial, for example, Russian tourists are now actively traveling to the Philippines and Cambodia, but nevertheless, these countries pose a danger to tourism.
1. Afghanistan
The modern stage of development of Afghanistan began in 2001, when, after the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, American troops invaded the country to search for and punish the international terrorist Osama bin Laden (according to the official version). As a result of the invasion, the Taliban regime was overthrown and the modern Republic of Afghanistan, led by Hamid Karzai, was established. But the Taliban movement was not completely suppressed and militants are still hiding in the mountainous areas of Waziristan on the border with Pakistan. They constantly carry out armed attacks on allied forces and organize terrorist attacks. Although the official government in Afghanistan is supported by the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan (ISAF), it controls only a small area around the capital Kabul.Thus, it is not safe for a tourist to be in Afghanistan. This is a very poor country with a lot of religiously intolerant people. Here you can either accidentally get into the epicenter of an explosion or terrorist attack, or become a victim of a kidnapping or robbery.
Despite constant wars, Afghanistan still has some tourist attraction. This is a country with a rich history. On its territory, many artifacts have been preserved, collected over more than 5,000 years of civilization on this land. But, unfortunately, during the recent reign of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, several important historical sites were deliberately destroyed. Among them, the tallest Buddhist building in the world is the Bamiyan sculpture. It was declared pagan and blown up.
2. Pakistan
Pakistan, a former part of colonial India, has always been turbulent. There is instability in this country politic system, government forces are constantly fighting rebels and terrorists. There is a threat of a military conflict with India. Most dangerous areas Pakistan - these are the territories along the border with Afghanistan (controlled by the Taliban), the Balukhistan region, as well as The largest city countries Karachi. Clashes between different tribes and religious groups often occur in these areas.Travelers to Pakistan are attracted by the incredibly beautiful mountain landscapes. The northern part of the country is a popular destination for mountain climbing. In addition, there are a lot of ancient architectural monuments in Pakistan: excavations ancient civilization in the Indus Valley - Mohenjo-Daro, the capital of the Indian Gandhara people - Taxila, Lahore Fortress, Shalimar Gardens, etc.
3. Iraq
Internal conflicts between warring groups in Iraq, such as the Kurds, Sunni Muslims, Shia Muslims (Mahdi Army), Arab Socialist Party (Ba'ath Party), Iraqi Communist Party, are complemented by external conflicts with neighboring states Iran and Kuwait. The US military plays a major role in resolving the situation in the region. They are called upon to confront the international terrorist organization Al-Qaeda, whose main unit is located in Iraq.Among the entire territory of the country, Iraq can be identified as the most troubled zone. This is the central part of the country along with the capital Baghdad. The most likely danger of terrorist attacks, explosions, and military conflicts exists in the area from north to south from Tikrit to Halla and from west to east from Ramadi to Mandali.
For tourism operators, Iraq is perhaps the biggest loss. The area in the valley of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers is the cradle of many civilizations. This land is home to the largest number of archaeological sites, which attract both scientists and ordinary tourists. Just 85 km from Baghdad are the ruins of the ancient city of Babylon, which served as a base for allied forces since the start of the Iraq War in 2003. The presence of the military caused significant damage to the architectural monument. In addition to Babylon, the ancient Sumerian city of Ur, the capital of Arcadia, the city of Stesiphon, and the capital of Assyria, the city of Ashpur, are located on the territory of Iraq.
4. Syria
The country of Syria in the Middle East has been in a state of civil war since 2011. The armed opposition and rebels have been fighting the government forces of the country's unchanged president since 2000, Bashar al-Assad, who was re-elected to a third term in June 2014. Before this, his father Hafez al-Assad led the country for 30 years.The territory of Syria is the cradle of many great states of antiquity - Assyria, Phenicia, Mesopotamia, Persia, the Arab Caliphate, etc. Saladdin and Alexander the Great left their traces on Syrian soil. Every pebble, every grain of sand in this country witnessed important historical events.
The most attractive from a tourism point of view is the city of Damascus - the most ancient capital in the world. In Damascus, the part called the Old City has been well preserved. Here are the ancient pre-antique quarters, as well as the famous eastern market Hamidiya and the spice market Bzuria.
The historical part of Damascus is classified as an object world heritage UNESCO. There are several dozen valuable architectural structures here, including the Basilica of St. Zechariah (now a mosque) with the relics of John the Baptist.
Syria is also famous for its preserved crusader castles built in the 12th-13th centuries. The most famous castle, Krak des Chevaliers, is included in all history books. This is the most fortified fortification, which no one has yet managed to take by storm.
5. Algeria
In Algeria, the fragile order is maintained through constant military suppression of uprisings and the persecution of terrorist (al-Qaeda-linked) and fundamentalist (religious Islamic) groups. It is not uncommon for explosions and gunfire to be heard throughout the country, including at airports and hotels. Participating in or observing demonstrations is especially dangerous.The north of the country – the Mediterranean coast and the Atlas Mountains – is considered a relatively safe area of Algeria. The Sahara Desert is considered a dangerous territory, where it is not recommended to travel on your own. Travel can only be made with an organized tourist group and under reliable security. The danger of traveling in the Sahara is the same as in the neighboring countries of Tunisia or Morocco.
Under no circumstances should you intentionally or unintentionally hurt feelings. local residents. There is a ban in the country on photographing local residents, and especially photographing women and military personnel.
6. Libya
The long period of rule of Muammar Gaddafi, who actively used the military to suppress popular uprisings, did not lead to anything good. In 2011, the country began a civil war, during which the rebels were supported by NATO and European Union countries. Support came in the form of funding and direct participation of troops and aviation. In October 2011 Muammar Gaddafi was killed, and power passed to a temporary government body - the Transitional National Council. In August 2012, after the elections of the General National Congress, power passes to the legitimate government.Despite the overthrow of the regime of Muammar Gaddafi, the power of the official authorities extends only to the territory of Tripoli and surrounding areas. The rest of the country is divided into several quasi-states - autonomous regions with their own government and army. The Fezzan region has a high degree of autonomy, the region Western Mountains, Benghazi region, city-state of Misurata. At the same time, the cities of Bani Walid and Sirte were destroyed for supporting the Gaddafi regime.
Safety for a traveler in Libya depends on the region where he is going. Only Tripoli can be considered relatively safe. In other parts of the country, armed attacks and kidnappings often occur; it is not for nothing that in ancient times the territory of Libya and its coastal waters were considered the most dangerous in terms of pirate attacks.
Despite the significant security threat, there are people who still strive to get to Libya, since its territory contains many architectural monuments of the ancient period and the period of the Roman Empire. These are the cities of Cyrene, Apollo, Sirtik (Leptis Magna), Sabratha. In the Tadrart-Akakus mountains you can see examples of ancient rock art. In the southwest of the country there is the oasis of Ghadames.
7. Democratic Republic of the Congo
Country in Central Africa Democratic Republic Congo, according to IMF data for 2012, is the poorest in the world. In addition to poverty and an unstable political situation, the country is constantly experiencing conflicts between tribes and communities, which are often bloody. Even in the 21st century, cases of cannibalism have been recorded in the Congo, there is the highest rate of rape of women, and sexual slavery exists.
Moving around the Congo, especially on your own, is extremely dangerous. Tourists can get caught up in fighting between tribes, many of whom are armed, or become victims of street robbers who are particularly hungry for gold. Tourists can be robbed by both criminals and ordinary residents or street urchins, for whom it is normal to take gold and valuables from a visitor.
8. Yemen
The state in the south of the Arabian Peninsula, Yemen, is the poorest in the Arab world. A significant part of the territory is occupied by desert, unsuitable for agriculture or other activities. The main revenue item in the country's budget is income from oil and gas. But mineral reserves are constantly decreasing.There are several dangers for tourists in Yemen. Firstly, the country has very cruel laws, which provide for the death penalty even for minor violations. Secondly, Yemen is the country with the largest number of weapons (AK-47 assault rifles) per capita. Thirdly, a large number of Islamic separatists and terrorists from other countries find refuge in this country.
But neither such dangerous factors nor the unbearable heat can stop some travelers coming to Yemen to see the “desert Manhattan” - ancient city Shibam, one of the most ancient cities in the world, the capital of the state of Sanaa, the historical city of Zabid and the Socotra archipelago with alien species.
9. Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe has a totalitarian regime under President Robert Mugabe, who is currently the oldest head of state (he is 90 years old). The reforms he carried out in agriculture, which implied the expropriation of the estates of “white” owners, led to devastation, inflation and unemployment. The adult unemployment rate was 95%, and the inflation rate in 2008 was . a record in the world – 231 million%.Both robbers and gangs, as well as police officers, pose a great danger to tourists. It is very dangerous to be on someone else’s territory, because the owner can easily shoot a stranger. Due to fuel shortages and rising prices, you may find yourself without transport in the middle of Zimbabwe. There are very frequent cases of mine explosions here.
The main thing that can attract tourists to Zimbabwe are the numerous nature reserves and National parks. The famous Victoria Falls are located on the territory of this country.
10. Burundi
Burundi is a small country east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. It has no access to the sea, but is washed by the waters of the world's longest freshwater lake, Tanganyika (second in volume and depth after Lake Baikal). After a military dictatorship and the assassination of several presidents, a fragile peace remains in the country, which at any moment can be disrupted by armed representatives of one of several warring tribes. It is extremely dangerous to move around the country by car. Both the police and the rebels can fire a burst of machine gun fire at a person who does not know local customs. With the onset of darkness, a curfew begins, during which it is extremely dangerous to go outside.11. Angola
From the beginning of the struggle for independence from Portugal (1950s) to the present day, Angola has been turbulent. For a long time, with the support of the USSR and Cuba, the country followed the communist path of development. After the collapse of the USSR, the ruling party reoriented itself towards the United States and began to carry out market reforms. But armed confrontations between the official authorities and the opposition still continue in the country. There is brutal persecution of members of opposition parties. Under the slogan of preserving the “spiritual and cultural heritage” of Angola, mosques in the country are being demolished.In addition to constant armed confrontations, protests, and speeches, Angola has significant economic problems. There are high levels of poverty, unemployment, hunger, and rampant crime here. A lot of weapons have been preserved in the country since the war, some areas are mined. In some areas (especially in the Cabinda region), terrorist groups are common and can attack both the police and civilians and tourists. Street thefts are common in Angola's capital, Luanda. Wallets, bags, and mobile phones are often stolen on public transport. Robberies often occur in broad daylight, and especially at night. It's better not to stop anywhere on the road.
12. Nigeria
The most populous country in Africa, Nigeria has gathered more than 200 ethnic groups within its borders. Clashes often occur between them, which significantly hinders the establishment of stability in the country. Many rebels in Nigeria are fighting government forces. Frequent clashes between gangs, rebels and government troops occur in the Delta, Bakassi and Bayelsa regions. Civilian locals and foreigners are often kidnapped here.In addition to the risk of armed attack, tourists in Nigeria are at risk of contracting yellow fever, AIDS or other dangerous diseases.
13. Kenya
Kenya is a country of African safari. This type of entertainment is especially popular among tourists. But the walk may not be as safe as it seemed at first glance. Most of the country's population lives very poorly, which provokes them into robbery and theft. Kenya has a high rate of AIDS. Residents of the capital Nairobi and other parts of the country are very rarely seen smiling. The streets are full of beggars and pickpockets. The Kibera slum area in Nairobi is considered particularly dangerous. Some guides can arrange excursions to this area, but no one can guarantee safety.14. Somalia
Somalia is best known as a country of pirates. Indeed, in coastal waters There are still attacks on ships. Since 1991, Somalia has been in a civil war that has led to the division of the country into five independent territories (Somaliland, Puntland, Maakhir, Galmudug and Northern Somalia), which are ruled by paramilitary leaders. Somalia has no central government and the political situation is chaotic.Rare travelers in the country are subject to threats of armed attack, kidnapping for ransom, mine explosion, capture by pirates, etc.
Somalia is the second country in the world after North Korea for intolerance towards Christians. The majority of the population professes Islam (Sunni Muslims), and the country has Sharia law instead of secular laws. It is especially dangerous for women to be in Somalia.
Among the circumstances that can attract tourists are the most beautiful untouched beaches and diving spots. It should be borne in mind that women are prohibited from being naked on the beach. In addition to the beaches in Somalia, the Laas Gaal caves are of particular interest, where rock paintings dating back 10 thousand years have been preserved almost in their original form. Due to objective circumstances, most of the territory of Somalia has not yet been explored.
15. South Africa
Despite the large number of African countries with unstable political situations, poverty and hunger, the most dangerous country in Africa in terms of tourism is the Republic of South Africa. The effects of apartheid are still being felt in South Africa. Most of the population (blacks) are below the poverty line. There is a high crime rate. High social tension remains. In May 2008, black riots took place in Johannesburg and Duban to punish migrants from other African countries who were stealing jobs from the local population. Armed conflicts are a common occurrence in South Africa.Serious crimes are also frequently recorded in South Africa. There are frequent cases of kidnapping for ransom. Children are also kidnapped. It is especially dangerous to be in poor areas of South Africa. Individual tourists and tour groups may be attacked by armed men. There are frequent cases of luggage theft on the way to the hotel. The streets are filled with large numbers of unemployed people and beggars.
South Africa has a high rate of AIDS infection (about 20% of the country's adult population).
16. Haiti
Due to the beauty of the surrounding nature and beaches with golden sand, Haiti could be considered a paradise for tourists. But this is hampered by the unstable political situation in the country, the highest level of poverty among the countries of America, and frequent natural disasters. After the last earthquake in 2010, when, according to official data, 210 thousand people died, many residents still live in temporary housing - slums and tent cities. Many residents are starving, and the country has experienced a large-scale outbreak of cholera. The streets of Port-au-Prince are restless, with frequent demonstrations and armed conflicts. The police cannot fully guarantee the safety of visitors.17. Sudan
In Sudan, for a long time, as a result of the arbitrary division of borders and ignoring the ethnic component, a civil war was fought. Since 2011, the once united country has been divided into two states – Sudan itself and South Sudan. In both states, the remaining armed groups continue to fight. According to international data, Sudan is the last refuge for terrorists who fled from other countries. The situation in the province of Darfur remains very tense, where ethnic cleansing continues. A large number of the country's residents are forced to emigrate to the neighboring state of Chad. Between Sudan and South Sudan There is a dispute over the Abyei region, where large quantities of oil are produced.Radical armed groups, which strengthened their influence during the civil war, have not ceased to operate in Sudan. Each territory of Sudan has its own laws, and some areas (which make up most of the country) are prohibited for tourists. Anyone who violates the ban may face any danger.
Sudan has access to the Red Sea. The coastal area has excellent beaches with golden sand. But in a Muslim country, it is not advisable for women to appear on the beaches without outerwear. Pirate ships ply in coastal waters. Among the attractions in Sudan, many tourists strive to see the pyramids of Meroe, the Nubian Desert, and the Jebel Marra mountains.
18. Palestine
As a result of the UN plan in 1947 to partition Palestine, the Jewish state of Israel and the Arab regions of the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and the Golan Heights (disputed territory between Israel and Syria) were formed on the territory of the corresponding historical region in the Middle East. The entire Arab world opposed the creation of Israel and the Arab-Israeli conflict began, which continues to this day.Now on the territory of prosperous Israel, Arab Muslims are trying to create an independent state of Palestine. Radical Palestinians, unlike the Israelis, do not want to resolve the conflict peacefully and oppose the existence of Israel as a state. The most dangerous region of Israel is the “enemy territory” Gaza Strip, controlled by the Islamic organization Hamas. From this territory on the shore Mediterranean Sea There is almost continuous artillery shelling of Israeli territory. From time to time, Israel strikes back. Weapons are smuggled into the Gaza Strip from Egypt.
Despite military operations and Islamic radicalism, many tourists strive to get to Israel, including the Palestinian territories, to walk around the Holy Land and get to the temples where the spread of Christianity began. Many Christians are attracted by the dream of seeing a silver star marking the birthplace of Jesus Christ.
19. North Korea
Since 1953, North Korea (DPRK) has become a closed state with a planned economy. Power in the country belongs entirely to the Workers' Party of Korea with the transfer of the posts of the head of the party by inheritance. The current successor, Kim Jong-un, succeeded his father, Kim Jong-il, in December 2011.North Korea's isolationist policies extend to tourists. Only Chinese citizens have easy access to the country; others who wish to do so must go through a long procedure for obtaining permission to enter the country. Advantage is given to organized groups of tourists who have been verified by the Korean intelligence services.
Russians can only get to North Korea on the Vladivostok-Pyongyang flight from Air Koryo. There are only a few areas in the country where tourists are allowed. These are the capital Pyongyang, the Kumgangsan zone on the border with South Korea and the new economic zone Rason in the north of the country.
Tourists in North Korea are attracted by natural attractions. The most famous of them is Heavenly Lake on the border with China. Many Chinese and Korean rulers and famous people have stated that their birth or formation is connected with the Heavenly Lake. This was also stated by Kim Jong Il. The Heavenly Lake appeared in 969 in the crater of a revived volcano. The 105-story Ryugyong Hotel is of great interest in Pyongyang.
Anyone can enter Pyongyang, except journalists, US citizens and South Korea. Literature about North Korea cannot be imported into the country, with the exception of that published in the DPRK, as well as any materials of a propaganda nature. Until 2013, tourists were not allowed to bring mobile phones into the country. Even in Pyongyang you cannot enter all areas. The government has developed special sightseeing routes for tourists. The police strictly monitor the movement of tourists around the city. The country is prohibited from photographing military installations or any objects not authorized by the government. In North Korea, the only threat is from government organizations. But the threat is serious, and under no circumstances should you break the rules.
20. Cambodia
Recently, Cambodia has become an increasingly attractive country for tourism. There's a lot here beautiful beaches and natural attractions. Cambodia is home to the world's largest religious building - the Angkor Wat temple complex.But tourism operators strongly discourage travelers from deviating from well-worn routes, as large areas of the country remain unexplored and may contain mines from the civil war. Other possible dangers in Cambodia include infectious diseases and snake bites. The population in the country is peaceful, but there are aggressive young people who can own weapons. In Cambodia, weapons are a fairly common item to buy/sell.
21. Philippines
The island nation of the Philippines is considered quite peaceful. The people here are generally friendly and hospitable. But among the seven thousand islands that make up the Philippines, there are several dangerous regions. These are the islands of Tawi-Tawi, Sulu, Zamboanga, Basilan, Mindanao, and North Cotabato. These islands are considered the most disadvantaged in terms of the development of drug addiction and crime. There have been recorded cases where tourists in cafes or local eateries were given a drug that renders them unconscious. In such a situation, you can lose not only valuable things, but also your health. The Philippines is also dangerous from the point of view of natural disasters: rain storms, floods, earthquakes.22. Sri Lanka
In 2009, the civil war in Sri Lanka ended between government forces and the independence movement of the Tamil diaspora led by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. The war is over, but small groups of separatists are still hiding in the jungle and may carry out terrorist attacks. For this reason, tourists are not recommended to go exploring the jungle on their own, as you may accidentally end up in a minefield.It is not allowed to photograph military installations in the country. You should also not leave things unattended - they may be considered a threat. It is advisable to travel around Sri Lanka with identification documents.
The most famous resort towns in Sri Lanka: Moratuwa, Galle, Kandy, Anuradhapura, Nuwara Eliya. On the island there is the Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of the most revered shrines of Buddhism.
23. India
The risk of terrorist attacks remains high in India. Explosions or armed attacks can occur anywhere and at any time. The most dangerous regions of the country: the states of Jammu and Kashmir, especially the Ladakh region, the cities of Manali and Leh. Militant activity is particularly active along the Indian-Pakistani border. The exception is the Atari-Wagah section. There is a high risk of armed attacks, extortion and kidnapping in the northeastern states of Nagaland, Assam, Tripura and Manipur. Extreme caution should be used when traveling to these states.India is also dangerous in terms of infectious diseases, viruses, insect bites and poisonous snakes. Before traveling to this country, it is recommended to get all possible vaccinations. In India, you should avoid drinking untreated water or swimming in local ponds or rivers.
24. Mexico
The country of Mexico is a fairly common destination for tourist trips. Well developed here travel business, many attractions and beautiful beaches, local residents happily welcome tourists. However, not all areas of Mexico are safe.An unfavorable criminal situation remains in Mexico. A significant amount of drugs are transported through the country to the United States. This process is led by the local mafia, led by dangerous drug lords. A large number of criminals who fled the United States are hiding in the northern regions of Mexico. Mesik has twice the per capita murder rate of Russia and four times the rate of Ukraine. Weapons are used here not for intimidation, but for their intended purpose.
A tourist in Mexico has nothing to fear if he does not enter poor neighborhoods with slums and travels to the northern states of the country. It is better to check with your guide or tour operator for safe places. Local travel agencies provide tours only on proven routes. It is not advisable to make independent forays.
25. Colombia
Colombia is a fabulous country with incredibly beautiful landscapes and cities. There are a lot of natural and architectural attractions concentrated here. But Colombia has a bad reputation due to rampant crime and drug trafficking.Colombia has the highest number of murders and kidnappings in the world. For more than 40 years, the country experienced a civil war, where drug lords, among other things, defended their interests. After the end of the war, armed formations remained in the country, which could make themselves felt at any moment. In terms of high crime rates, the most dangerous departments in Colombia are: Putumayo, Magdalena Medio, Northern Santander, Vichada, Arauca, Vaupes, Antioquia and Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC-EP) are still active in Colombia, and their units kidnap people, including tourists, and demand ransom for them. They use the money they receive to finance their activities.
You should only travel around Colombia on government roads. There are a lot of pickpockets on public transport, from whom locals prudently hide their wallets and valuables. It is customary here to travel with bags and backpacks tightly pressed to the body in front.
Cases of cocaine overdose are not uncommon in Colombia. This is a country where drugs are produced in large quantities and are easy to obtain. But abuse leads to a large number of deaths.
26. Venezuela
Venezuela attracts tourists with incredibly beautiful nature and a large number of tropical islands and beaches. Here is the tallest and most impressive waterfall in the world - Angel Falls. The rich flora and fauna attracts active and curious travelers. Many have remained fascinated by the thousands of species of orchids that grow in the rainforests. But besides beautiful nature There are also dangers in Venezuela.This country is involved in drug trafficking. The routes for transporting cocaine to the United States run through Venezuela. The capital of the country, Caracas, is very dangerous city where a large number of murders occur. Most crimes are not solved. In addition to the capital, the territories on the border with Colombia are dangerous.
27. Brazil
The most famous city in Brazil is Rio de Janeiro with Capacabana Beach, the statue of Jesus Christ and Sugarloaf Mountain. In 2014, Rio de Janeiro became the key host city for the FIFA World Cup at the Maracanã Stadium. The Summer Olympic Games will be held here in 2016. Rio de Janeiro has always been the center of colorful festivals and the most important events in Brazil.But a tourist in this city faces several dangers at once. Firstly, you should never try your luck by planning a trip to Fawele - a slum area. They will rob you here and can easily kill you. In Brazil, murders are committed four times more often than in the United States. There are frequent cases of robbery with violence. Secondly, during mass processions and festivals, in crowded places such as Capacabana beach, pickpockets become more active. Valuables should not be taken with you. Thirdly, riots often occur in Rio de Janeiro and other cities in Brazil. Large groups of aggressive people are dangerous for tourists.
In Brazil there is an extreme Snake Island. This is not only the name, but a reflection of the really high concentration of snakes on the island - there are 1-5 snakes per 1 m2. Most snakes are poisonous. The bite of a Spearhead snake causes instant tissue death and death. Officially, visiting the island is prohibited, but many extreme sports enthusiasts still try to get to it.
28. Honduras
In addition to beautiful nature and beaches, travelers are attracted to the territory of Honduras by the ruins of the Mayan civilization. But Honduras is a country with very high level crime. Criminals of all stripes operate here - from large drug lords who are trying to take control of drug traffic from Colombia to the United States, to robbers and pickpockets. Pickpocketing, bag snatching and even armed robbery are not uncommon in Honduras. You need to be especially careful at night (when it is better not to go out at all), as well as when interrupting in crowded places.It is also not recommended to go it alone. The most dangerous areas of Honduras for tourists: the capital of the state of San Pedro Sula, the cities of Tela and Santa Rita de Colon (attraction El Rubi waterfall). Visiting the areas bordering Nicaragua and El Salvador is undesirable and unsafe.
Small settlements and villages are considered relatively safe in Honduras, where order is maintained by local self-defense forces. Self-defense forces, together with government agencies, are effectively fighting smugglers, poachers and “black loggers.”
29. Ivory Coast
The African country of Cote D'Ivoire has large areas of dense equatorial jungle, crystal clear lakes and excellent beaches. But we should not forget about the spread of various infections carried by insects. Cote D'Ivoire is very hot and stuffy almost all year round.Hazards in Côte D'Ivoire also involve human factors. The crime rate remains high here and the drug business is developed. Since 2010, the country has been in a political crisis that has developed into a civil war.
30. Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is located on the same island as the state of Haiti. There is a developed tourism business here, which relies on natural attractions: waterfalls near the city of Jarabacoa, the Armando Bermudez nature reserve, the Padre Nuestro underwater cave system. The Dominican Republic has many beautiful beaches and popular diving spots (Catalina and Saona Islands).But being in the Dominican Republic is not so safe. On the one hand, natural disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes often occur here. On the other hand, the Dominican Republic maintains a high crime rate, which is also associated with involvement in drug trafficking.
On city streets you should beware of pickpockets and robbers. They can attack either alone or in a group, with or without weapons. But the outcome of such a meeting is predetermined. The police very rarely solve cases of street theft. Of greatest interest, in addition to valuable equipment and gold jewelry, are citizens' passports, driver's licenses, and credit cards.
In addition to street robbers, you should be wary of large groups of angry people. In the Dominican Republic, there are frequent cases of pogroms and riots on the streets committed by local residents. Tourists are advised not to enter poor areas.
It happens that the beauty and mystery of a country captivates a person more than the dangers that await him there. It seems that all troubles will pass by, but more and more tourists fall into the hands of bandits, terrorists, pirates, invaders and robbers.
The most dangerous countries for tourism - the top ten
Most of the most dangerous countries in the world are located on different continents, but they are united by one thing: each of them was once a European colony. Life in them is not so easy not only for visitors, but also for indigenous residents.
Below is a list of the most dangerous countries for tourists, recognized by many experts:
1. Somalia. You can hear it called “modern Tortuga”. The entire coast is guarded by local pirates, they rob ships and capture people.
2. Afghanistan. On this moment Coalition troops are operating in the country. Nevertheless, the atmosphere in the country is very tense and complex. Terrorist attacks occur no less often than before, civilians suffer, drugs are distributed freely. It is not uncommon for foreign visitors to be kidnapped for ransom. In addition, the country is very dangerous for women, violence and humiliation of the weaker sex is quite common, healthcare leaves much to be desired, and poverty dominates.
3. Iraq. A terrorist attack occurs regularly once a week, organized by al-Qaeda militants.
4. Pakistan. The same situation as in previous cases. The hostilities do not stop.
5. Congo. The armed conflict has been going on in the country for 15 years. In total, about 5.5 million died and the number of deaths is constantly growing.
6. Gaza Strip. Israel stopped shelling 4 years ago, but, nevertheless, airstrikes sometimes occur.
7. Yemen. The above-mentioned al-Qaeda groups are creating a tense situation in the country. In addition, state oil reserves are running out, which can also lead to problems.
8. Zimbabwe. Constant robberies and murders due to increased levels of inflation and corruption.
9. Algeria. And here the situation is aggravated by groups associated with Al-Qaeda. Terrorists are seizing airports, hotels, industrial sites, and the entire infrastructure is constantly under threat.
10. Nigeria. This country is the most populous in Africa. Oil production is quite highly developed in it. In this regard, various groups constantly organize robberies and kidnappings of local residents and tourists.
Most of this list is from African countries. Traveling to Europe will be much safer. When compiling this rating, not only criminal acts were taken into account, but also the level of police protection for everyone.
The UN singles out Brazil among other countries as the most criminal. But this fact, unfortunately, does little to stop tourists. The absolute number of murders prevails in Brazil. According to this point, the most criminal country in America is Venezuela. Why is Colombia coming, and in third place are Honduras and El Salvador. Civil wars do not stop in the country. Therefore, at every step you can meet partisans with grenades in their hands, even in cultural institutions. Colombia is also famous for the distribution of drugs, namely cocaine. 75 percent of the powder comes from this country around the world.
From Western Europe it is worth going to Britain. Recently, the situation regarding crime has improved significantly. There is only one murder per hundred thousand people per year. Norfolk is the quietest place. There are 5 times fewer people admitted to hospitals who suffered from bandits and rapists. There may be several reasons. Some of them: improving the work of the police, growing the country's economy, reducing the consumption of alcoholic beverages by British residents. After all, the main reason for the violations is the low standard of living, which cannot be said about the kingdom.
From the above, we can conclude that before going anywhere, you need to make inquiries about this country. If the standard of living in it is quite low, then there will be more crimes in it. It is worth considering this fact, especially if you plan to go on vacation with children. Despite the above dangers, quite a large number of tourists dream of visiting these countries and admiring their sights.
Looking at the unstable world situation, natural disasters, terrorist threats multiplying in last years, involuntarily, when planning your annual vacation, you ask yourself: in which countries can you relax calmly and safely? After all, unpleasant and sometimes tragic situations arise completely unexpectedly. No one could have imagined that Egypt, one of the most favorite holiday destinations for Russians, would be closed after an explosion in the sky of an Airbus, which occurred due to the poor performance of the security service at the Egyptian airport. No one thought that it would ever be dangerous to go on vacation to your favorite resorts in Tunisia, after the shooting of vacationers on the beach in . Who could have thought that the situation with Turkey would also become very ambiguous and, although air traffic with it is open, many are afraid to go there on vacation. It would seem that in the recent past such a safe Europe and its countries - Germany, Austria, France, Spain, Italy, Greece - have now become refuges for migrants who do terrible things there.
In order for your vacation to be safe and calm, you need to thoroughly prepare for it, study several countries where you would like to relax at sea, analyze all the pros and cons, possible man-made and natural problems that may await you there. And only then make a choice: is this foreign country worthy of becoming your vacation destination at sea, does it guarantee you maximum security, or will you go to it at your own peril and risk? We decided to help you with this choice by considering a number of countries where, according to reviews from tourists, you can relax relatively safely and peacefully. But the decision, of course, is yours.
It may not be strange, but the leaders in safe holidays this year are Asian countries, and the leader among them is Vietnam. It is quite difficult to imagine a terrorist with a beard lurking on one of the beaches of this country. Surely, such a type would attract close attention and would not be able to blend in with the crowd. According to the Interpol security rating, Vietnam is a leader among countries with low crime rates. In addition, there is practically no organized crime here, thanks to the stability of the political regime. Vietnam has nothing to do with international political terrorism. In this country, even murders are a rarity, and armed robberies almost never happen. Of course, as in any country in the world, there are pickpockets here. Well, where are they not? The only problem that tourists who come on holiday to Vietnam may have is intestinal upset due to the consumption of unusual food, but this can be easily solved with modern pharmaceutical drugs. We also recommend that you get vaccinated, just in case, against some exotic disease characteristic of a humid climate.
Another safe country in the Asian region. Regarding terrorism issues, this is a very rare phenomenon for China. Almost no serious crimes are committed against foreigners, but there are petty thefts, fraud, and the circulation of counterfeit bills. It’s worth saying right away that China is located in a seismically active zone of our planet; there are sometimes earthquakes here, and the southeast coast is often subject to typhoons and storms, which mainly occur from July to October. But for a relaxing holiday, tourists only need to choose the appropriate season for it or go on holiday to that part of the country where it is comfortable at that time. It's safe to relax on. This place is famous for its natural beauty, rich cultural and entertainment programs, and gorgeous beaches. China is safe for tourists due to the “totalitarianism” of the ruling regime, which successfully ensures peace in local resorts. There are also disadvantages to holidaying in China: the length of the flight, the very humid and hot climate, but that’s where the disadvantages end. And this is a small price to pay for safety and quality of rest.
It is very difficult to believe, but Israel, a country surrounded by warlike and unfriendly neighbors, is considered one of the most safe countries In terms of recreation in the world, in addition, this is a state that guarantees tourists a very rich and varied vacation. There are many religious shrines of different religions, wonderful resorts where you will find the highest level of service, incredible nature, absolutely contrasting in the north and south of the country. Israel, having militant Islamic countries in its neighborhood, has accumulated a wealth of experience in the fight against terrorism. In this country, security services are always on guard; tourists understand this upon arrival at the airport, when they undergo a thorough search. Thanks to such vigilance, which affects all areas of life and recreation in Israel, the Holy Land is very rarely chronicled with sad news. There is a very low crime rate here, and even at night, walking around the city is completely safe: the streets are always well lit, controlled by police officers and cameras. And there is no such thing as “drunken brawling” in Israel at all. All local residents are invariably friendly and kind, many of them speak Russian well, and the inscriptions at resorts in Israel are dubbed into Russian.
A very beautiful and calm country with a large number of historical attractions, with numerous sea and ocean resorts. Every year more and more Russians come here on vacation, especially because the Portuguese are happy to give our compatriots “long-term” Schengen visas. There is no danger of terrorism waiting for you here. All Portuguese are nice, friendly people, they always smile and are ready to help any tourist. Vacationers in Portugal do not have to worry about their personal safety; here you can even walk alone at night and be sure that nothing bad will happen. Of course, there are pickpockets and thefts from car interiors, but nothing more. But we still recommend that tourists do not take large sums of money with them on a walk and hang themselves with jewelry. Is it worth tempting fate? Portugal is not particularly threatened by natural disasters, but fires periodically occur in the central part of the country in the summer. In Portugal, vacationers are not exposed to any dangerous diseases, so no special vaccinations are required.
One of the safest and calm countries beach holiday Abroad. Russians traditionally love to come to the seaside in Bulgaria, because there is a wonderful and healing climate, the locals are our Slavic brothers, there is no language barrier, and the atmosphere is peaceful and relaxing. Bulgaria pleases Russians with low prices and very good service. But you should understand that the economic level of development of the country is not too high, and pickpockets may try to make money at your expense, but still the level of pickpocketing here is not as high as in other European countries. Here, sometimes the car can be opened, especially if you left some expensive items in the cabin. Sometimes tourists in Bulgaria become victims of scammers. But there are no such dangers that threaten the life and health of holidaymakers in Bulgaria. There are no migrants here, this is too poor a country for them and they will safely bypass Bulgaria.
The beautiful Mediterranean island has been included in the top five safest countries in the world by Interpol. One need only say that in the entire long history of Cyprus, there have never been terrorist attacks or serious political unrest. The crime rate here is so low that local residents, out of habit, do not lock their houses. The safety of holidays in Cyprus is due to reasonable government policies and the efficient work of the security services. Political measures are aimed at preventing refugees from entering the territory of the island and categorically refusing to accept them, even despite the insistence of officials from the European Union. Cyprus is a welcoming country for tourists, but is opposed to hosting seekers here better life at someone else's expense.
A country where many different cultures are mixed: Indian, Chinese, Malay, Arab, however, there are no conflicts between representatives of these ethnic groups. Singapore is the second safest country in the world, second only to Luxembourg. In addition, it is the least corrupt state in the world, with a low crime rate. Of course, there are cases of pickpocketing and fraud here too, but this is rare. Many people know that Singapore is a country of complete prohibitions, for violation of which heavy fines await. In general, Singapore has very strict laws; many crimes here are punishable by death. It must be said that it is impossible to solve anything here for money or through acquaintances; the law is the same for everyone, which is why neither locals nor tourists try not to break it. But thanks to this policy, vacationing in Singapore is completely safe and very relaxing. Of the contagious exotic diseases, outbreaks of tropical fever are rare here, but there are none that can be recommended before traveling to this country.
If your goal is to find a country for a relaxing and safe holiday, then New Zealand- that's it. On vacation in New Zealand, tourists will find thousands of kilometers of gorgeous beaches, friendly locals, always ready to help tourists. The country has a low crime rate, here you can feel safe from terrorist threats and other personal violence. The country is famous for its stable economy, which does not give rise to any political or popular unrest. In addition, New Zealand is in first place, sharing it with Denmark, for the lowest level of corruption in the world. Tourists shouldn’t expect natural disasters either; there are no natural disasters here, and there are no poisonous insects or animals.
A series of events that took place in the political and social life of the world community led to the fact that travel to a number of countries became unsafe. The development of the tourism industry is seriously affected by terrorism, which has become the number one problem today, the increasing frequency of natural disasters and outbreaks of viral diseases. Therefore, those planning their vacation Russians you need to be aware where you shouldn't go in 2017.
Among the popular tourist routes, until recently, the leading place was traditionally occupied by Islamic states: United United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Tunisia, Türkiye. It is here that tourists arriving from European countries today encounter various dangerous manifestations of Islamic extremism.
United Arab Emirates
A fairly large number of tourists have reasonably identified the place as a high-risk area. Islamic groups enjoy a significant share of influence in this country. Immigrants from Afghanistan in the UAE are very susceptible to the propaganda of their political views by Islamists, the vast majority of whom, after the many years of war of the Soviet Union in their country, are hostile to native speakers of the Russian language.
Egypt
Despite the assurances of numerous tour operators, for many years now it has been considered one of the most dangerous places for travelers, known for several high-profile terrorist attacks by radical Islamists. Representatives of these groups are engaged in armed resistance to the authorities. Police officers and service workers state security It is often impossible to control their activities, to resist successfully functioning Islamic foundations and numerous preachers encouraging believers to wage a “holy war” against Western states and Israel.
Tunisia
Thanks to the strict authoritarian regime established in the state, radical Islamist groups are outlawed here. Historical attractions that attract the attention of tourists are under heavy police protection. However, away from large hotels, especially in crowded areas, clashes between local residents and tourists quite often occur.
Türkiye
No one can guarantee absolute safety for tourists in this country. Moderate Turkish Islamists even hold positions in the state parliament and are empowered to control the work of the mayors of some large cities. The Turkish government is also opposed by leftist radicals. This is the reason for the security problems that have not yet been resolved even in the capital of the state, as obvious evidence of which has been the latest terrorist attacks. Russian tourists may face another specific danger here - a clash with representatives of the Chechen diaspora who moved to Turkey, fighters for the independence of Ichkeria, who are hostile to Russian politics.
Israel
Although not an Islamic state, Israel suffers merciless attacks from extremist Muslim groups, the most prominent of which are Hamas and Hezbollah. Frequent terrorist attacks take place in public places, in particular in restaurants, discos, bus stops public transport, which entails a serious danger for tourists. Visiting Jerusalem shrines poses a particular risk for travelers and pilgrims. Local police may not be able to prevent provocations by extremist groups and guarantee the safety of believers arriving in these holy places.
India
A serious level of crime occurs in the country of the eastern destination of the tourism industry - India. Despite the active work and various preventive measures of the local police, it remains high. There is also illegal drug trafficking and trade in various types of weapons, corruption of the bureaucracy is rampant, and numerous sexual crimes are recorded. India has long had a bad reputation as the most dangerous state for women. Young women abducted during their travels usually end up in sexual slavery in one of the brothels. In addition, a significant portion of the risk comes from robbery.
Mexico
When choosing one of the countries of North or South America for travel, it is also advisable to carefully weigh the pros and cons.
Much of Mexico is under the control of drug gangs. Drug trafficking routes pass through some cities. It is especially unsafe in a city bordering the United States called Tijuana. In addition, the country actively develops the transportation of illegally transported migrants here.
One should not neglect the official WHO warning about the danger of contracting swine flu or measles, epidemics of which have become more frequent in the country.
Brazil
The crime rate in this country is returning to levels at the beginning of this millennium. Brazil regularly experiences extremely high rates of violent crime, particularly murder. Travelers who arrive here should be extremely careful in making acquaintances and limit themselves to a minimum of technical means and cash during excursions around the city, especially at night. To avoid being robbed, it is better to travel around Brazilian cities by taxi.
For a sensible traveler, information about the outbreak of the Zika epidemic on the territory of the state will become a kind of barrier preventing the desire to visit Brazil.
Thus, those who want to get only positive emotions from their long-awaited trip should get comprehensive information about the country where they are planning a trip in order to prevent all possible risks.
In light of recent events, traveling around the world has become truly unsafe.
Terrorism is the number one problem not only in countries far from tourism, but also in the territory of the previously safe European Union. Add climate change and the associated increase in natural disasters to the mix, and you have another source of vacation planning headaches. In addition, we should not forget about sudden outbreaks of viral diseases: swine flu, Zika virus - WHO, by the way, still does not advise traveling to South America in principle. To make your choice a little easier, we have compiled a list of objectively dangerous countries that you should avoid this year.
Madagascar
Since January 2009, Madagascar has been rocked by ongoing corruption conflicts at the highest levels of government. As a result, the reputation of the entire country suffers: the police are unable to cope with their duties, the number of robberies of tourists and even murders is growing here.
Egypt
The country's authorities are taking additional measures to ensure the safety of tourist areas. However, the opportunity to get up close and personal with the fiery nature of the locals is very likely. Do you need it?
Brazil
Brazil still boasts an extremely high murder rate. Additionally, the Zika outbreak should also be a barrier for any thinking traveler.
India
Although India ranks as the tenth most powerful economy in the world, it also boasts a serious crime rate. Drug trafficking, arms trafficking, corruption and sexual crimes: India has long been known as the most dangerous country for women. It's definitely not worth taking your friend here.
Mexico
Drug cartels have turned much of Mexico into constant fighting. There are certainly places to go and things to see - but what about swine flu outbreaks and the official WHO warning about the danger?
Algeria
Just a few years ago, tourist trips to Algeria were considered a very promising destination: the low price and exotic nature made the country very attractive to travelers. However, today the level of security here is very low.
Türkiye
The risks of traveling to the beneficial and cheap beaches of Turkey are high. The political upheavals of the past year, terrorist attacks and the abundance of refugees from Iraq and Syria - seriously, it’s worth paying a little extra and going on vacation to safer places.
Saudi Arabia
The presence of a number of pro-terrorist organizations on the territory of Saudi Arabia makes traveling to these parts the most foolish idea. Be patient until better times.
Germany
Well, what can I say, tolerance doesn’t really help on dark streets, but in Berlin there are plenty of secluded corners. The refugee problem, tactfully hushed up by Europeans, is becoming more serious every month.
Balkans
You should stay away from this region in the coming year. Firstly, it can still be dangerous in rural areas - that is, almost everywhere. Secondly, the famous Via Dinarica hiking trail will only be completed at the end of the year, and then it’s worth taking the risk for a walk through beautiful places.