Exploring countries and hidden gems is awesome! But it is important to avoid countries and places that impose a big risk to our well-being. In this blog, I have compiled a detailed list of countries to avoid traveling to as a solo traveler. Why?? You may have this question in mind.
Well, it means your health and safety are at extreme risk. I have researched these countries. Countries listed may have a high threat of terrorist attacks, conflict, and violent social unrest. It could be a combination of risks.
It means, if you travel to any of those countries you’re at a high risk of safety and health. Travel safety can vary from one country to another, and conditions in each country may change over time due to political, social, and economic factors.
Your safety comes first. It is important to do thorough research on any country you have an interest in. Plan and prepare well before you travel. This ensures a great solo experience!
Here are the 13 Countries to avoid traveling to as a solo traveler.
1) . Afghanistan: This country has an extremely dangerous security situation.
- The ongoing conflict and political instability under Taliban control.
- Has a high risk of terrorism, kidnappings, and bombings.
- The country has strong strict social and cultural norms.
- Has limited access to healthcare and emergency services.
- Cultural and language barriers for solo travelers.
The security situation in Afghanistan is not worth the risk. There’s a significant risk of being caught in violence or becoming a target of kidnapping by militant groups.
2). Syria: This country has a prolonged civil history war with frequent violence.
- Travelers are at high risk of kidnappings.
- Bombings and sniper attacks are common.
- Access to essential services and medical care is limited.
- Presence of terrorist organizations.
- The country has strong strict social and cultural norms.
As solo travelers, you’re at risk of becoming victims of violence. The ongoing conflict in Syria makes it unsafe for solo travelers.
3. Yemen: This country has experienced political instability, and humanitarian crisis for many years.
- The country has a high risk of terrorism, kidnappings, and bombings.
- Accessing healthcare and healthcare facilities is Inadequate
- Known for its frequent displacement of civilians.
Due to ongoing conflict and the security situation in Yemen, it is unsafe for solo travelers.
4). Iraq: Do not travel to this country including the Kurdistan region of Iraq due to;
- Persistent volatile security situation and terrorism.
- Known for high risk of kidnappings, bombings, and shootings.
- Has limited access to quality healthcare.
- Also known for unpredictable security conditions.
Iraq remains an unsafe country for solo travelers. You could be targeted by various armed groups.
5). South Sudan has had a civil conflict and lawlessness including Juba for many years.
- Known for high risk of armed robberies, kidnappings, and violence.
- Has limited healthcare facilities and services.
- Has economic challenges and poverty.
Due to the political instability and security situation, it makes it an unsafe country for solo travelers.
6). Somalia; This country faces the following issues;
- Piracy, terrorism, and lawlessness.
- Also known to have a high risk of kidnappings, bombings, and shootings.
- Lacks proper access to healthcare and emergency services.
Due to the high risk of violence and lawlessness in Somalia, it is unsafe for solo travelers.
7). Libya has ongoing violence, civil conflict, and terrorism.
- Known to have a high risk of kidnappings, bombings, and shootings.
- Ongoing political instability and corruption.
- Does not have proper healthcare facilities.
The security situation in Libya is unpredictable. Solo travelers could easily become targets of various armed groups.
8). North Korea is known to have strict government control and surveillance.
- Impose restricted freedom of movement.
- Known to have limited access to information and communication.
- Impose harsh penalties for perceived infractions.
This country is unsafe for Solo travelers, you could be subject to arbitrary detentions.
9). Venezuela has an unstable political and economic situation
- Known to have a high crime rate, including robberies and violent crimes.
- Does not have proper healthcare and medicine shortages.
- Experiences shortage of Food, water, medicine, and petrol.
- Political protests and civil unrest are common.
It is wise to avoid Venezuela. Solo travelers are easily at risk of becoming victims of crime or being caught in civil unrest.
10). The Central African Republic has a dangerous security situation.
- Known for high levels of violence, armed conflict, and crime.
- Armed robberies, kidnappings, and attacks are common.
- Lacks basic services and infrastructure.
- Do not have quality access to healthcare
Due to ongoing security risks, the Central African Republic is unsafe for solo travelers.
11). Mali; the security situation has continued to deteriorate especially the southern Mail.
- Terrorism threats and ethnic conflicts have continued to increase.
- Has seen a high risk of kidnappings, attacks, and landmines.
- Do not have proper access to quality healthcare.
Due to ongoing insecurity and violence in Mail, it is unsafe for solo travel. Solo travelers could become targets by armed groups.
12). Haiti has continued to have high levels of violent activities.
- Known to have high crime rates and political instability.
- Kidnappings, armed robberies, and violence are common.
- Do not have proper access to quality healthcare.
- Experiences economic challenges, poverty, and lack of services.
- Risk of disease outbreaks.
Due to the above risks and more, Haiti is an unsafe country for solo travelers.
13). Sudan has continued to experience political unrest, ethnic conflicts, and terrorism.
- Has a high risk of kidnappings, protests, and violence.
- Do not have proper access to quality healthcare.
- Has continued to experience economic challenges and corruption.
Due to the political instability and security situation, it is an unsafe country for solo travelers.
Thank you and share with us your thoughts.
