Foreign Office ‘do not travel’ list of 17 countries UK government says to avoid
A recent index by the World Population Review has highlighted 21 of the “worst countries” for UK tourists. This list includes 17 countries that have been labeled with a ‘do not travel’ advisory by the UK Foreign Office due to various factors like conflicts, escalating crime rates, and global tensions. These destinations have been deemed too dangerous for British travelers due to the increased risk of violence, kidnapping, imprisonment, or even death.
Travel is highly subjective, with each individual’s personal preferences influencing whether they think a given country is one of the worst countries in the world to visit (or live in) or one of the best countries to visit (or in which to study abroad). However, in a handful of countries, visitors face an unsettlingly increased risk of being violently harassed or kidnapped, unlawfully imprisoned, seriously harmed, or even killed. These countries qualify as the worst countries in the world to visit.
Here is a breakdown of some of the countries on the list and the risks associated with each:
- Afghanistan: With new Taliban-enforced laws restricting women’s voices and appearances in public, the security situation in Afghanistan is volatile, prompting the Foreign Office to advise against travel to the country.
- Belarus: Under President Alexander Lukashenko’s rule, activities deemed illegal by the regime could lead to arrest, with limited support available from the FCDO in case of conflicts.
- Burkina Faso: Terrorism and violence make this West African country unstable, with a high risk of kidnappings and outbreaks of violence.
- Central African Republic: Tensions and violence persist in this nation, leading to a high threat of terrorism despite no recent history of such incidents.
- Haiti: The prevalence of gang violence in Haiti raises concerns about kidnappings, armed robberies, and other crimes, particularly in areas like Port-au-Prince.
The list also includes countries like Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Niger, Russia and Ukraine, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. The World Population Review additionally advises against traveling to countries like Myanmar, Israel, Palestine, and North Korea.
These destinations have been flagged as high-risk for British tourists due to factors such as terrorism, conflicts, criminal activity, and political tensions. The Foreign Office recommends avoiding travel to these countries to ensure the safety of UK citizens abroad. Share your thoughts in the comments section below.