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Ranked: most dangerous countries in the world 2024

The most dangerous countries in the world to visit in 2024 have been updated in the latest Travel Risk Map

The most dangerous countries to visit in 2024 are Afghanistan, the Central African Republic , Iraq, Libya, Mali , Somalia, South Sudan, Syria , Ukraine and Yemen according to the latest Travel Risk Map , an interactive tool produced by security specialists at  International SOS .

The map is used to predict the safest and, conversely, the least safe countries in the world to visit and has four layers in total covering a country’s security risk, medical risk, and the impact of the pandemic on travel and domestic operations.

For the security layer of the map, countries are indexed according to their travel security risk rating, which uses five risk definitions : insignificant, low, medium, high and extreme.

International SOS uses several criteria to assess how the conditions in the country may impact visitors’ safety and security.

These include the threat posed to travellers by political violence (including terrorism, insurgency, politically motivated unrest and war), social unrest (including sectarian, communal and ethnic violence) and violent and petty crime.

Other factors assessed include transport infrastructure, the capability of security and emergency services, and the threat of natural disasters. It’s also possible to use the map to assess medical risk and road safety standards around the world.

MOST DANGEROUS COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD

These are the nine most dangerous countries in the world according to International SOS. They have been assessed as carrying an ‘extreme travel security risk’.

• Afghanistan
• Central African Republic
• South Sudan

The most dangerous countries in the world include Ukraine, where Russia launched an invasion in February 2022; Afghanistan, which saw the Taliban take over in August 2021 as foreign forces pulled out of the country; Syria, which has been embroiled in civil war since 2011; and Yemen, which has also been mired in a years-long civil war leading to the deaths of thousands and a major humanitarian crisis .

Despite ongoing instability in Mali – which saw the UNESCO-listed historic city of Timbuktu taken under siege by jihadists in September 2023 – the West African nation has been reassessed as ‘high security risk’ as opposed to ‘extreme’.

“Government control and law and order may be minimal or non-existent across large areas. Serious threat of violent attacks by armed groups targeting travellers and international assignees. Government and transport services are barely functional. Large parts of the country are inaccessible to foreigners.” International SOS

In October 2023, Israel launched an invasion of the Gaza Strip in Palestine after a surprise Hamas attack on southern Israel led to the death of 1,200 people and 240 hostages. As of 16 February 2024, the retaliatory campaign has killed over 28,000 Palestinians. To date, International SOS has not updated the map to reflect this.

SAFEST COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD

At the other end of the spectrum, the following 18 countries or territories have been assessed as carrying an ‘insignificant travel security risk’ to travellers and therefore the safest countries to visit.

• American Samoa
• Liechtenstein
• Marshall Islands
• Switzerland

“Rates of violent crime are very low. There is no significant political violence or civil unrest and little sectarian, communal, racial or targeted violence against foreigners. Security and emergency services are effective and infrastructure is sound. Transport services are of a high standard with good safety records and only occasional travel disruption. Industrial action affecting essential services is rare.” International SOS

Complete rankings

Most countries in Europe along with the USA , Australia , New Zealand and Canada  have been assessed as carrying a ‘low travel security risk’. Ukraine is the only European country categorised as a ‘high’ or ‘extreme’ security risk.

Many countries in Asia and the Middle East including Jordan , Oman , Singapore, Japan , China , South Korea , Vietnam , Malaysia and Brunei are considered ‘low risk’.

The most dangerous countries in Asia are Afghanistan and Pakistan ; and Syria, Iraq and Yemen in the Middle East.

The most dangerous countries in Africa are the Central African Republic, Libya, Somalia and South Sudan. In the Americas, Haiti , Honduras and Venezuela are considered ‘high security risk’.

EXTREME (15) Afghanistan Central African Republic Iraq Libya Somalia South Sudan Syria Ukraine Yemen

HIGH (15) Burkina Faso DR Congo Egypt Ethiopia Haiti Honduras Mali Myanmar Nigeria Pakistan Papua New Guinea Venezuela

MEDIUM (68) Algeria Angola Bahrain Bangladesh Belize Bolivia Brazil Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Chad Colombia Comoros Congo Costa Rica Djibouti Dominican Republic East Timor El Salvador Eritrea Fiji Guatemala Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana India India Indonesia Iran Israel Ivory Coast Jamaica Kazakhstan Kenya Korea, North Kosovo Kyrgyzstan Laos Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Madagascar Mauritania Mexico Mongolia Mozambique Myanmar Nepal Nicaragua Niger Peru Philippines Russia Saudi Arabia Sierra Leone Solomon Islands South Africa Sri Lanka Sudan Swaziland (Eswatini) Tajikistan Tanzania Togo Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Uganda Ukraine Zimbabwe

LOW (91) Albania Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Barbados Belarus Belgium Benin Bhutan Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brunei Bulgaria Canada Chile China Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czech Republic Dominica Ecuador Equatorial Guinea Estonia France Gabon The Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Grenada Hungary Ireland Italy Japan Jordan Korea, South Kuwait Latvia Lithuania Macedonia Malawi Malaysia Maldives Malta Mauritius Micronesia Moldova Monaco Montenegro Morocco Namibia Netherlands New Zealand Oman Panama Palau Paraguay Poland Portugal Qatar Romania Rwanda Saint Kitts & Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Senegal Serbia Singapore Slovakia Spain Suriname Sweden Taiwan Thailand Tonga UAE United Kingdom United States Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Vatican City Vietnam Zambia

INSIGNIFICANT (17) Andorra Cape Verde Denmark Finland Greenland Iceland Kiribati Liechtenstein Luxembourg Marshall Islands Nauru Norway San Marino Seychelles Slovenia Switzerland Turks & Caicos Tuvalu

The full interactive map by International SOS can be accessed here .

More rankings and articles can be found in our  remote work  area: ►  Best cities in the world ► Countries with the best healthcare in the world ►  World’s worst countries to drive in ►  Most peaceful countries in the world ►  Best countries for women ►  Poorest countries in the world – ranked ►  Happiest countries in the world ►  World’s most powerful passport ►  Countries with the fastest internet in the world ►  Most stressed countries in the world ►  Most expensive cities for expats ►  World’s most democratic countries

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Most Dangerous Countries in the World 2024

The Global Peace Index (GPI) report evaluates 163 countries on 23 indicators like political terror and murder rate to gauge national safety levels.

In the 2023 GPI, global peace deteriorated by 0.42%, with 84 countries becoming safer and 79 less so, marking the thirteenth decline in fifteen years.

Russia and Ukraine saw significant increases in danger from 2021 to 2023, primarily due to their ongoing military conflict initiated by Russia's invasion.

Afghanistan remains the most dangerous country in 2023, despite a significant decrease in conflict-related deaths from nearly 43,000 to just over 4,000.

Every year, the Institute for Economics and Peace releases its Global Peace Index report. This report is the only one of its kind that measures how dangerous or safe a nation is based on 23 different indicators, including political terror, deaths from internal conflict, and murder rate.

The GPI report evaluates 163 countries that account for more than 99.7% of the world’s total population. The factors analyzed in the report are grouped into three different areas: Safety and Security, Ongoing Conflict, and Militarization. The factors used to compile this report include: the number of internal and external violent conflicts, level of distrust, political instability, potential for terrorist acts, number of homicides, and military expenditures as a percentage of GDP. A score is calculated for each of the 163 nations featured in the report based on these factors. The higher the score, the more dangerous the country is and the lower it ranks in terms of safety.

Top 20 Most Dangerous Countries in the World (Global Peace Index 2023 — higher scores are less safe)

Compared to the 2022 Global Peace Index, the 2023 GPI saw global peace deteriorate by 0.42% overall, the thirteenth decline in the past fifteen years. While 84 countries became safer and more peaceful, 79 became less so, which led to an overall slide. Declines in peace and safety, the report points out, happen faster and move further than improvements.

Unsurprisingly, two of the largest increases in danger from the 2021 report to the 2023 report occurred in Russia and Ukraine , which were at war with one another following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February of 2022. The other three countries with the greatest increase in danger were Haiti , Mali , and Israel , all of which experienced a higher level of domestic turmoil. Needless to say, Israel’s conflict with Hamas, resulting after the attack of October 7, 2023, has added significantly to Israel’s higher danger risk indicator.

Moving back one year, the 2022 Global Peace Index saw 90 countries make safety improvements and 71 countries register deteriorations. Overall, the GPI average deteriorated by 0.3% from 2021 to 2022, and twelve countries showed a “very low” state of peace. These countries have scores above 2.9. For comparison, the world’s safest countries have scores between 1.1 and 1.44.

In addition to determining the most dangerous countries in the world, the Global Peace Index also tracks the safest countries in the world . Also noteworthy is the fact that the GDI measures the safety of people as a whole. Other data sources may focus more specifically on certain demographics, such as the most dangerous countries for women or the most dangerous countries for Christians .

The 12 Most Dangerous Countries in the World

1. afghanistan.

With a 2023 score of 3.448 (slightly safer than 2022's 3.554), Afghanistan remains the most dangerous country in the world for the sixth year in a row. This is remarkable given that, as a war-torn country that has been mired in war, revolution, and civil strife for decades, Afghanistan experienced a significant decrease in conflict-related deaths in 2022, with the number falling by 90.6%, from almost 43,000 to just over 4,000.

According to the United Nations , Yemen is still immersed in the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. More than six years of ongoing military conflict has forced 4.3 million people to leave their homes and put 14 million people at risk of starvation and deadly disease. About 80% of the Yemen population (24 million people) is in desperate need of humanitarian assistance. That said, Yemen has experienced an improvement in peacefulness thanks to the reduction in Saudi airstrikes and cessation of Houthi cross-border attacks due in whole or in part to a ceasefire signed in April 2022. Moreover, conflict-related deaths fell by 63%.

Syria's 2023 GPI of 3.294 can be attributed to ongoing conflict, civil unrest, and widespread violent crime, including robberies, assaults, carjacking, and kidnappings. The Syrian civil war has plagued the country since March 2011 and has been the second-deadliest war of the 21st century. As of March 2019, 5.7 million people had fled Syria, and more than 6 million had been displaced internally. Armed conflict exists mostly between the government and opposition groups, with little to no rule of law or order in place outside the country’s capital of Damascus.

4. South Sudan

The least-peaceful country in Sub-Saharan Africa , South Sudan has been hampered by high levels of internal conflict and remains in a challenging situation. The country is grappling with significant issues related to ongoing conflict, political instability, and humanitarian crises. Despite efforts towards peace and stability, South Sudan continues to face internal tensions and conflicts that impact its overall peacefulness and security. Its GPI score has increased only slightly since the 2022 report, nudging up from 3.184 to 3.221.

5. DR Congo

Poverty and political unrest are an everyday occurrence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo , with rebels and armed forces wandering certain areas at will. Crimes, including murder, rape, kidnapping, carjackings, burglaries, muggings, and highway robberies, are fairly common. Even natural disasters, such as floods, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions, are a concern. Like South Sudan, DR Congo experienced only a small deterioration in GPI between 2022 and 2023, going from 3.166 to 3.214.

While most of the fighting in the Russo-Ukrainian War is taking place in Ukraine, Russia actually ranked as the more dangerous of the two countries, for the period that encompasses the second year of the military conflict. This is partially due to the fact that Russian army casualties in Ukraine count toward Russia's level of danger and partially due to pre-existing economic stresses and an authoritative government that is often notably hostile to its own populace. Additionally, trade embargoes and other international restrictions on Russia have strained Russia's economy and food trade and placed increased hardship on the Russian people.

Of all the countries on the list, Ukraine has experienced the largest deterioration in overall score both regionally and globally. This is primarily due to the Russian invasion in February 2022, which led to widespread conflict, mass displacements, and severe humanitarian crises. The invasion resulted in close to 30% of the Ukrainian population being estimated as refugees or internally displaced. The conflict has had a profound impact across multiple domains, with the largest deteriorations occurring in the deaths from internal conflict, refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), and armed services personnel rate indicators.

The repercussions of Russia's war with Ukraine have been felt worldwide, particularly in the areas of energy and food scarcity, and are expected to continue reverberating through the 2024 report and beyond, causing rises in metrics including food insecurity, military expenditures, and political instability.

8-12. Somalia , Sudan, Iraq , Mali, and the Central African Republic .

The additional countries categorized as having "very low peace" (a GPI of 2.9 or higher) are Somalia, Sudan, Iraq, Mali, and the Central African Republic. Somalia and the Central African Republic are two countries in which more than 20% of the population are either refugees or internally displaced. Sudan has the least peaceful possible score on indicators such as violent crime, political instability, and the presence of refugees and internally displaced persons. Iraq, as a post-conflict country in the Middle East and North Africa region, has recorded improvements in peacefulness. And Mali has become an increasingly prominent conflict zone over the past decade, experiencing varying intensities of civil war.

• GPI (Global Peace Index) is a composite index which uses 23 quantitative and qualitative indicators to measure the peacefulness of countries. GPI scores range from 1-5 and higher scores indicate less peace and greater danger.
• GTI (Global Terrorism Index) is a composite index that compiles data on incidents, fatalities, injuries and hostages to measure the impact of terrorism as a five-year weighted average. Higher scores indicate increased terrorism and, by extension, greater danger.

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World’s most dangerous countries to visit in 2024 revealed

Lebanon, palestinian territories and russia have all seen notable risk rating increases, article bookmarked.

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The world’s most dangerous countries to visit in 2024 have been revealed in a new study.

South Sudan, Afghanistan, Syria, Libya and Somalia were named as the riskiest nations in the 2024 risk map compiled by medical and security consultancy International SOS.

The annual map assesses various factors to inform travellers and businesses about potential threats in countries across the globe.

It pulls together medical and security risk ratings, reflecting the impact of events such as the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and between Israel and Hamas.

This year, for the first time, the map also includes ratings based on the dangers of climate change, after International SOS saw a rising trend in the number of climate-related alerts being issued to clients as rising global temperatures increased health risks around the world.

The data, compiled by Inform (a collaboration between the Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change and Joint Research Centre of European Commission), estimates the future risk of humanitarian crises and disasters caused by climate change.

“Just one example, the extreme heat events this year, with the first ever named heatwave Cerberus hitting Europe, may become commonplace,” said Dr Irene Lai, global medical director at International SOS.

“In addition to the physical impacts of extreme heat, there can be significant negative effects on mental health. It is essential businesses plan for this, adapting our way of living and working to protect health, while also taking steps to slow and eventually reverse the trend in rising temperatures.”

Countries were graded for each category of risk – medical, security and climate change – on a five-level scale ranging from “low” to “very high” for medical and climate change, and “insignificant” to “extreme” for security.

For “security”, Ukraine, Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Yemen, South Sudan, Central African Republic and Somalia were all given the highest warning level of “extreme”.

Parts of Lebanon, Palestinian Territories, Russia and across the Sahel all saw increases in security risk, alongside Ecuador and parts of Colombia following a rise in criminality and unrest.

However, risk ratings decreased for El Salvador and parts of Nepal as a result of sustained downward trends across a number of risk factors.

The safest countries, meanwhile, are all in Europe: Iceland, Luxembourg, Norway, Switzerland and Denmark.

In the “medical” category, the countries labelled “very high” risk are Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen, North Korea, Palestinian Territories, Haiti, Libya, Niger, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Sudan, South Sudan, Central African Republic, Eritrea, Burundi and Somalia.

Countries at “very high” risk when it comes to climate change include: Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen, Chad, Niger, Mali, Nigeria, Central African Republic, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Mozambique.

The UK received a “low” rating across all three categories of risk.

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The Most Dangerous Countries for Flying

These are the 16 countries banned or restricted from operating within the European Union due to safety concerns.

Most Dangerous Countries for Air Travel

GUERCHOM NDEBO | AFP via Getty Images

An aircraft prepares for take-off to leave the Democratic Republic of the Congo at Goma airport on Dec. 8, 2023.

The fasten seatbelt sign is on, and 2024 looks like it will continue to be a bumpy ride for Boeing.

Concerns about flight safety are currently heightened after a mid-flight accident last week resulted in a panel flying off a Boeing 737 Max 9 operated by Alaska Airlines after it left Portland, Oregon. This marks the latest in a series of safety issues for the aerospace company, some of which have been deadly for passengers in recent years.

In the U.S., air travel is typically safer than traveling on the roads. Although global data suggests the risks for flight accidents are low , annual fatalities associated with air travel accidents show that boarding a plane still comes with risk. The European Union keeps a regularly-updated list of airlines that are banned or restricted from operating within the regional block due to safety concerns.

While this list is not a direct reflection of accident or fatality rates in the skies, it’s regularly reviewed by experts on the European Commission to assess which airlines meet international safety standards.

The list was most recently updated in November 2023 and bans 129 airlines in total from entering EU airspace. More than 100 are banned due to “inadequate safety oversight” by local aviation authorities, and another 22 are banned “based on serious safety deficiencies identified.”

The most recent update is based on the “unanimous opinion” of aviation safety experts who met in Brussels through the EU Air Safety Committee. The EU Air Safety List bans all airlines in these 16 countries, indicating that they are among the most dangerous for air travel:

Afghanistan

All air carriers certified in Afghanistan were banned in November 2010 due to “the safety deficiencies identified in its system to oversee civil aviation and on several carriers.” This ban includes Ariana Afghan Airlines and Kam Air.

In 2008, the European Commission banned all airlines in Angola due to “significant safety concerns.”

In June 2020, all Armenian airlines were banned from travel in the European Union due to “concerns about safety oversight of air carriers.” Armenia’s Civil Aviation Committee is working to remove several airlines from the list, and in November 2022, an agreement was signed between the country and the EU to align aviation rules and standards.

Republic of the Congo

All five airlines in the Republic of the Congo are banned from operating in the EU.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Thirteen total carriers are banned from operating out of the DRC. Reporting by the BBC in 2019 indicated that, despite safety concerns, the country is reliant on air travel, as the majority of its provincial capitals are not accessible by reliable roads. The Aviation Safety Network shows that there were more than 40 air accident fatalities between 2000 and 2022.

The country only has one airline on the list, Daallo Airlines, which has been banned from flying in the EU since 2009 .

Equatorial Guinea

A crash in July 2005 killed 60 people after the plane “contacted trees and crashed into a mountainous jungle area.” Another domestic crash in 2008 killed 13 people. While those were the country’s only two deadly air accidents in recent history, all carriers in Equatorial Guinea are banned from operating in the EU.

All airlines operated out of Eritrea were banned in 2012, due to safety concerns and “the absence of adequate mitigating measures taken by the competent authorities of Eritrea,” according to reporting by the Independent .

Sixteen different airlines out of Kyrgyzstan are banned from operating in the EU. In January 2017, a fatal accident killed four passengers and 35 others after a cargo plane crashed near an airport.

No airlines are currently operating out of Liberia, but the EU list still bans airlines certified in the country. The most recent deadly crash on record occurred in 2013 and resulted in the deaths of 11 people.

In 2014, all airlines operating out of Libya were banned. The European Commission released a statement saying, “Recent events in Libya have led to a situation whereby the Civil Aviation Authority is no longer able to fulfill its international obligations with regard to the safety of the Libyan aviation sector.”

Airlines operating out of Nepal were banned by the EU in 2013 over safety concerns. In January 2023, a crash killed 72 people and left no survivors, making the incident one of the worst in the country’s recent history. The plane was operated by Yeti Airlines, one of the carriers on the EU’s banned list, and was caused by a pilot error.

There have been fatal air travel accidents nearly every year since 1946 in Russia, with 2015 one of the only exceptions in more than half a century. In August 2023, a non-commercial plane crash famously killed Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of a Russian mercenary group that was rebelling against military leadership in Moscow, and all others on board. The EU bans about 20 airlines in total from operating out of Russia and entering EU airspace.

Sao Tome and Principe

In November 2009, all airlines operating out of Sao Tome and Principe were added to the EU’s Air Safety List, banning them from operating in EU airspace. Of the move, the vice-president of the European Commission said, “We cannot accept that airlines fly while not complying with international safety standards. This endangers all of us who unknowingly could be on an unsafe plane.”

Sierra Leone

No airlines are currently operating out of Sierra Leone, but the EU list still bans airlines certified in the country.

All airlines operating out of Sudan were added to the EU’s list of banned carriers in 2010, with a statement saying that the move was due to “a poor safety performance of the civil aviation authority of Sudan resulting from persistent non-compliance with international standards in the area of oversight.” In 2020, a crash killed 18 people shortly after leaving El Geneina Airport.

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30 Most Dangerous Cities in the World

We see trees of green, red roses, too, and have to agree with Louis Armstrong that this is a wonderful world. Unfortunately, that doesn't mean that it's always a safe one.

Safety is always a top priority for any traveler. And while we don't think you should necessarily avoid a city with a high crime rate, it's essential to be aware of the statistics to plan your trip with extra precautions. That could mean avoiding traveling alone, researching the best neighborhoods to stay in, not staying out late or booking with a local tour company. 

We'll leave the planning up to you but wanted to help out by providing you with a list of the 30 most dangerous cities in the world, based on murder rates.

What Makes a City Dangerous

Before we get to the list, let's talk for a second about what exactly makes a city dangerous — it's more complex than you'd think. 

Our list of the 30 most dangerous cities bases the ranking on homicides per 100,000 inhabitants. And while that provides some key information to keep in mind while planning a trip, it also doesn't tell the whole story. 

A city, for instance, is not a reflection of an entire country, and one dangerous city doesn't mean you should shun a whole nation as a worthy destination. Besides, cities themselves are microcosms where crime is unequally spread. Certain areas of a city may be safe, while others may be more dangerous. 

Consider, for instance, that two U.S. cities have one of the highest homicide rates in the world. They are both cities that you've heard of and have probably visited. It would be ludicrous to think the entire United States is dangerous or that every cosmopolis has the same issue with violent crime. You probably wouldn't avoid visiting any city in the country but would simply exercise caution in specific areas. 

As you read the dangerous cities list, keep this in mind to avoid missing out on some fantastic destinations.

What Countries Have Several Dangerous Cities?

That said, three countries, in particular, have multiple cities with high levels of crime reported: Mexico (eight cities), Brazil (10 cities) and Venezuela (four cities). In fact, all the top 10 most dangerous cities in the world are in these three countries. 

For Mexico, drug trafficking has created an internal conflict riddled with gang violence. Most of the Mexican cities on the list exist within the Narcozone, areas of the country that are controlled by different cartels and where cartel-related violence can be rampant. While many of these locations are probably not on your travel radar, you’ll be surprised by the most dangerous Mexican city, which has some of the most famous tourist attractions in the country. 

Does this mean you should avoid Mexico? Absolutely not. There are plenty of places in the country that are safe for tourists and residents. Even some of the places on the list are well worth a visit as long as you’re careful. 

Brazil's Crime Problem

Though Brazil doesn’t have the same drug-trafficking problems Mexico faces, its violent crime rate is partially due to extreme social inequality. There are plenty of very wealthy Brazilians, but much of the country lives off of the informal economy, which provides no social protections like health insurance.

Millions of people in Brazil live hand-to-mouth, leading to spikes in gang violence, robberies and murders. As with Mexico, however, missing out on going to Brazil would be a pretty big mistake. 

Political Instability in Venezuela

Venezuela’s case is a bit different. Even though it was once one of the most affluent countries in Latin America, for the past two decades, the country has been wrapped up in political instability that has caused a near-total collapse of the economy.

With gorgeous islands, the majestic Andes, the Amazon and the tallest waterfall in the world , Venezuela is filled with beauty. Sadly, this is one country that we would advise you to avoid, at least until the situation improves.

Which Cities Have the Highest Murder Rate?

Now, here's our list of the 30 most dangerous cities, with murder-rate statistics sourced from Statista. As we've stated, the top 10 cities are all in Mexico, Venezuela and Brazil.

Cities in the United States, Jamaica, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Colombia and South Africa also appear in the top 30.

Each country only has one city listed, except the United States, which has two. 

• Los Cabos, Mexico: 111.3 (murders per 100,000 people)
• Caracas, Venezuela: 111.2
• Acapulco, Mexico: 107
• Natal, Brazil: 102.6
• Tijuana, Mexico: 84.8 (tie)
• La Paz, Mexico: 84.8 (tie)
• Fortaleza, Brazil: 83.5
• Ciudad Victoria, Mexico: 83.3 
• Ciudad Guyana, Venezuela: 80.3
• Belem, Brazil: 71.4
• Vitoria da Conquista, Brazil: 70.3
• Culiacan, Mexico: 70.1
• St. Louis, Missouri: 65.8
• Maceio, Brazil: 63.9
• Capetown, South Africa: 62.3
• Kingston, Jamaica: 59.7
• San Salvador, El Salvador: 59.1
• Aracaju, Brazil: 58.9
• Feira de Santana, Brazil: 58.8
• Ciudad Juarez, Mexico: 56.2
• Baltimore, Maryland: 55.5
• Recife, Brazil: 55
• Maturin, Venezuela: 54.4
• Guatemala City, Guatemala: 53.5
• Salvador, Brazil: 51.6
• San Pedro Sula, Honduras: 51.2
• Valencia, Venezuela: 49.7
• Cali, Colombia: 49.6
• Chihuahua, Mexico: 49.5
• Joao Pessoa, Brazil: 49.2

How to Stay Safe While Traveling to Dangerous Cities

Now that you know the grim statistics, you can still plan a trip to these dangerous cities to enjoy all the good things they offer. Precautions vary city by city, but there are some general things you can do to make sure you have a safe trip. 

Research is the most important one. Spend time looking up the safest neighborhoods, common scams and places to avoid. Try to look for blogs or articles written by locals or people who've spent a significant amount of time in the city and actually know its ins and outs. 

Plan Your Budget Wisely

You'll also need to be willing to shell out a bit more money. We love budget travel as much as anyone, but nothing is more important than being safe.

Get the more expensive flight if it means arriving in the city during the daytime rather than at night. Book the pricier accommodation if it's in a more stable part of the city. Take an Uber rather than walking or taking the bus when you go out at night. Don't take unnecessary risks just to save a few bucks. 

Similarly, while we absolutely champion solo travel , some places are better with friends. There can be safety in numbers, so if you're feeling apprehensive about visiting a city, try to get at least one person to go with you. 

As with anywhere in the world, keep your guard up, but also have an open heart and mind.

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• Travel and tourism in the U.S. ›

The Most Dangerous Places In The World To Visit

International medical and security specialists International SOS have released their map of the most dangerous places on the planet for 2020. The research divides destinations into five different categories - Insignificant, Low, Medium, High and Extreme risk. The safest places on Earth were named as Finland, Norway and Iceland while the highest levels of risk are present in Libya , Somalia, Afghanistan and Venezuela.

Description

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The 10 Most Dangerous Places To Travel To Around the Globe

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International travel is as easy as packing a suitcase and hopping on a plane, allowing people to explore countries all over the world with ease. While there’s always a degree of risk involved – the same as you’d experience in your own city – there are some places that tourists tend to avoid due to war, unrest, and crime. If you are thinking about traveling in the United States only, check out our list of most dangerous cities in the US . However, there are a number of cities around the world that are both incredibly dangerous and desirable vacation destinations. Here are the 10 most dangerous places to travel to, so if you’re planning on traveling to one of them, be sure to be aware of the risks and take reasonable precautions.

Ciudad Juarez, Mexico

Millions of tourists visit Mexico every year, but the violent organized crime makes it a more risky destination for travelers. Mexico’s issues with drug trafficking are well known and Ciudad Juarez is one of the nation’s most violent cities. Police corruption is a significant problem, as officers are often employed or paid off by drug cartels, which means that many crimes go unpunished.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Many cities in Brazil have high crime rates, and none are more dangerous than Rio de Janeiro. Yet, Rio remains the most popular tourist destination in Brazil, attracting upwards of 1.2 million travelers every year. The city is actually safer than it was a decade ago, but street crime is still common in many areas, especially at night. Political tension and the accompanying demonstrations are a concern, so check your country’s travel alerts before you book a trip. It’s possible to enjoy the lush rainforest and white sandy beaches, but use common sense and take reasonable precautions.

Caracas, Venezuela

Caracas is easily the most dangerous city in the world to visit. The capital city of Venezuela continues to face an epidemic of violence, in part because of a poor political and economic environment for residents. Street crimes such as muggings and theft are common, as are murder by firearm and kidnappings, making this an undesirable destination for most tourists. Backpackers continue to visit the nation because of the beautiful landscapes and cheap cost to visit. Many other cities in Venezuela also have incredibly high crime rates, but the capital has the second-highest murder rate in the world, giving it the top spot on the list of most dangerous places to travel. So if you were planning a trip to Venezuela we suggest checking out more tourist-friendly areas like Margarita Island .

Guatemala City, Guatemala

Although Guatemala, a Central American nation in the Caribbean, holds many tourist attractions, it’s a nation plagued with drug-based violence, as well as human and arms trafficking. It has a high murder and low solve rate, and other common crimes include street robberies, bus holdups. and carjackings. If you’re planning on visiting Guatemala, it’s advisable to remain in safer regions and avoid Guatemala City.

Baghdad, Iraq

Bombings, gunfire, and other violent events are common in Iraq. This country has been on the “do not travel” list for Americans for many years and Baghdad remains a dangerous place. This is another war-torn country that has been decimated by insurgent and United States military attacks and is not likely to be safe anytime soon. Since the violence in Baghdad usually consists of unpredictable outbreaks of terrorism, it’s not a place that people should visit without a good reason.

San Pedro Sula, Honduras

This city has ranked as one of the world’s most violent for several years now. According to many sources, it has the highest homicide rates in the world – 169 per 100,000 people. Arms trafficking is another big problem, and illegal firearms are prevalent throughout the city. Most tourists only face opportunistic crimes such as muggings and theft. The Maya ruins and golden beaches may be a draw, but this is a city that tourists would do well to take serious precautions in.

Kabul, Afghanistan

Kabul has been one of the most dangerous cities in the world for many years. It is still a war zone, although U.S. troops prepare to exit the country. Terrorist attacks, including many bombings, remain common. Like Baghdad, Kabul is a city where violence can erupt at any time. Afghanistan is the most dangerous country in 2019, according to the Global Peace Index.

Cape Town, South Africa

Due to the prevalence of poverty and social unrest in this city, it suffers from an extremely high violent crime rate, mostly related to drugs and gangs, with an estimated 100,000 people in over 130 different gangs in 2018. Although many tourists are drawn to South Africa because of its natural beauty and proximity to nature preserves packed with wildlife, Cape Town can be a dangerous place. The safest way to enjoy a visit to this city is to avoid the more dangerous neighborhoods and don’t travel alone at night, especially if you are a woman.

Acapulco, Mexico

Not long ago, this city was considered a safe and luxurious resort area. While tourism to Acapulco is still permitted, gang violence and drug-related murder have made this a dangerous area for travelers and those who live there, and the area has seen a huge decline in tourism since 2014. Recent statistics reveal that this city – called Mexico’s “murder capital” – has one of the world’s highest murder rates -142 per 100,000 people, making it one of the most dangerous places to travel to. People visiting Acapulco are advised to not leave the safety of the resorts where they are staying, as most crime occurs in surrounding areas.

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Home > News > The 22 Most Dangerous Tourist Destinations in the World

The 22 Most Dangerous Tourist Destinations in the World

The world is full of fascinating places that attract tourists in their droves. There is a lot of variety in these destinations, from tropical paradises to mountainous peaks, and they attract people ranging from sunseekers to thrill-seekers.

However, as incredible as some locations can be, they can also be very dangerous . The danger can be from different sources, from natural hazards to high crime levels .

While some of these locations aren’t the worst places to visit, there are underlying reasons why you should proceed with care. Here’s a look at some of the most dangerous tourist destinations on the planet.

Top 22 Most Dangerous Vacation Spots on Earth

Death valley, california.

Main danger: car accidents

Death Valley is the hottest place on the planet; temperatures at Furnace Creek have reached 134 °F. The extreme temperatures have taken the lives of many people who’ve been careless enough to stray away from the roads. If the heat wasn’t enough, rattlesnakes are another hazard.

Regardless, Death Valley is still a popular tourist attraction, partly because of how dangerous it is. If you do find yourself in Death Valley, make sure you stick to the roads and take plenty of water with you to avoid dehydration and heatstroke. 

The Danakil Desert, Ethiopia

Main danger: heat exhaustion

The Danakil Desert, located on the border between Ethiopia and Eritrea is also dangerous because of the sheer heat. Although it is not quite as hot as Death Valley, the Danakil Desert will still reach around 131 °F.

The high temperatures are partly because of the geothermal activity in the region, which are also responsible for lakes of acid and poisonous gases. The desert is a popular tourist destination, but visitors are recommended to stick with guides at all times.

Mount Everest, Nepal

Main danger: hypoxia

Mount Everest tends to attract an extreme variety of tourists. That is, those who want to climb to the top of the world’s tallest peak. Every year around 1,200 intrepid explorers will set off from the foot of the mountain. Unfortunately, only around half make it to the top, and some will die trying.

As you scale the mountain, the conditions become increasingly severe. Low oxygen levels, freezing temperatures, and fatal falls are just a few of the things people here must be careful of. It’s estimated that more than 200 bodies still remain on the mountain, frozen where they perished.

Acapulco, Mexico

Main danger: criminal activity

Acapulco, Mexico, is a city that attracts sun-seekers in their droves, mostly from elsewhere in Mexico, but the city also receives some international visitors. Visitors to this famous beach resort get to make the most of stunning beaches with clear blue waters.

Acapulco used to be a major destination for tourists from the United States, but this is no longer the case. Since its heyday, the city has seen an explosion in crime, including homicide, causing overseas visitors to choose other destinations instead. If you want to visit the city, it’s wise to be very careful during your stay.

Kingston, Jamaica

Jamaica is a tropical paradise and home to the legendary Bob Marley. The country is also steeped in history, having been under Spanish and British colonial rule, and is the birthplace of the Rastafarian religion.

People from all over the world flock to Jamaica’s pristine beaches and soak up the vibrant yet laid back culture. However, as is the case with many tropical paradises, things are not so paradisical below the surface. Poverty and crime rates are high, especially in the country’s capital, Kingston. Visitors here are advised not to stray away from the safety of the resorts.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro is one of the world’s premier tourist attractions. The wonderful beaches and stunning backdrop make for a vacation that you will not forget. As if the natural beauty wasn’t enough, there’s also the lively culture that makes the city irresistible for so many people.

However, Brazil is a developing country that has high unemployment rates. People from all over the country flock to cities like Rio in the hope of finding work, and many are not successful. The result is high rates of crime, and visitors are advised to be very careful.

Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

Main danger: falling off cliffs

Ireland’s natural beauty, rich history, and warm welcome help make the country a popular tourist destination. Modern cities like Dublin are rich in culture and arts, with plenty to do for visitors. However, many people come for the country’s rustic beauty rather than its rural attractions.

One such attraction is the stunning cliffs of Moher, located on the island’s rugged west coast. The sights are spectacular, with views of the coastline and over the Atlantic ocean. However, as beautiful as the sheer drops are, they are also very dangerous. Many people have fallen to their death after getting too close to the edge to get a better look.

Mount Washington, USA

Main danger: hypothermia

Many more adventurous tourists are attracted to Mount Washington in British Columbia, USA. The mountain has ski resorts, while it also attracts hikers and climbers who want to get closer to nature and take in the stunning views.

While mountain exploring is typically risky, Mount Washington has a particular hazard that people need to be careful about: high winds. The winds here can reach as high as 203 mph, enough to blow people away to their deaths. Visitors also need to be careful of the temperatures, reaching -40 °F.

For good reason, Mount Washington is reputed to be the world’s most deadly little mountain. It’s the highest peak in the northeastern United States and is prone to dynamic weather fluctuations year round.

Although the mountain is just a little over 6000 feet elevation, it receives severe temperature changes and strong winds that exacerbate the dips.

The majority of accidents on Mount Washington include hypothermia episodes and visibility problems.

Half Dome, Yosemite National Park, California

It doesn’t get better than California’s Yosemite National Park for people who like the outdoors. Vast woodlands, stunning waterfalls, and scenic mountains make up just a few of the reasons to come here. Unfortunately, as beautiful as mother nature can be, she can also be very, very dangerous.

Although bear attacks are rare, it’s the mountains that are more likely to lead to untimely deaths. The Half Dome peak is one of the most dangerous of all. People have fallen to their death trying to hike to the top, while climbers are also at increased risk of lightning strikes.

New Smyrna Beach, Florida

Main danger: shark attacks

Florida’s New Smyrna Beach is a surfer’s paradise. The perfect waves attract surfers from all over the world, helped by Florida’s warm climate. Unfortunately, however, danger is lurking just beneath the waves. The waters off New Smyrna Beach are teeming with sharks.

Florida is known as the world’s shark attack capital, and New Smyrna Beach is one of the most dangerous Florida locations of all. It’s also well known that sharks and surfers tend not to make a good combination. It’s not that the shark thinks people are on the menu, but they mistake surfers for their usual prey: seals. Regardless of the reason behind an attack, the results are unpleasant and potentially life-threatening.

Bangkok, Thailand

Thailand is home to many of the world’s most incredible tropical beaches, attracting millions of tourists each year. However, beaches are not the only attraction; the country offers legendary nightlife, a famously warm welcome, rich history, and shopping galore.

Beaches aside, one of Thailand’s many attractions is its famous capital city: Bangkok. The city has so much to offer to people from all walks of life, whether you’re looking to see the sights, go shopping, or just party. However, crime is rife in the city, with commonplace scams and robberies against tourists. A corrupt and disinterested police force does not help the situation.

Pripyat, Ukraine

Main danger: decaying structures and potential radiation

Pripyat used to be a normal Russian Town (now Ukrainian). There wasn’t much to attract visitors, and the town and surrounding areas were little known. However, that would all change in 1986 when an accident took place that shocked the world.

In 1986, a nuclear meltdown occurred at the nearby Chernobyl nuclear power plant. Such was the high levels of radiation that inhabitants of the time had no choice but to leave, and it’s been unoccupied since. Despite the radiation levels still being dangerous, many people are drawn to the city to get a glimpse of the past.

Hawaii National Park, Hawaii

Main danger: poisonous gases

In addition to beaches that many people dream about visiting, Hawaii is also known for its active volcano activity. The small group of islands sits directly over a fault line, making it one of the most active volcanic regions on the planet. The activity makes for a fascinating site for tourists, while it also presents plenty of danger.

Not only is lava extremely hot, which presents obvious dangers, but poisonous gases and ash fill the air in some areas. The volcanoes and surrounding areas have taken the lives of unwitting tourists and other people who didn’t take sufficient care.

Bikini Atoll, The Marshall Islands

Main danger: high radiation levels

Bikini Atoll is one of the most stunningly beautiful locations on the planet. Pristine beaches and clear blue waters appear irresistible and would otherwise attract visitors in their droves to get a taste of paradise. Except, Bikini Atoll is not quite as paradisiacal as it might first seem.

Bikini Atoll has been the location of numerous explosive nuclear tests, which devastated wildlife in the area. Not only that, but the tests mean that even 60 years later, the site has dangerously high levels of radiation. However, people are still attracted to the Atoll, partly because of the recovering reefs.

Snake Island, Brazil

Main danger: venomous creatures

If you were to step foot on snake island, just off the coast of Brazil, you would be in one of the world’s most dangerous locations. You can probably guess the reason why going by the island’s name. Yes, the island has lots of snakes, deadly snakes at that.

The island is home to thousands of golden lancehead vipers, one of the most venomous snake species on the planet. The island is so dangerous that the Brazilian have closed it to the public, with few people allowed to set foot there.

Oymyakon, Russia

Main danger: extreme cold

One of the coldest inhabited places on earth is this little village in Siberia. Due to the weather extremes, this is one of the most deadly locations on earth. The lowest temperature ever recorded was below –60 degrees Celsius.

Darvaza Gas Crater, Turkmenistan

The crater is a natural gas field that has been burning since 1971 and is referred to as the “Gates of Hell.”

Massive heat, boiling muck, and gases are released from the football-sized hole. Additionally, the crater’s access road is a rather difficult one. Even a minor error might be deadly.

La Oroya, Peru

Main danger: lead levels

This Peruvian city is well-known for being among the most deadly locations on earth due to its extreme pollution.

Arsenic, cadmium, and lead are among the many contaminants present in La Oroya, a mining town. These contaminants are present at far greater levels than the WHO deems safe.

The blood lead levels of the city’s population have been discovered to be frighteningly high, and many are reportedly suffering from respiratory problems.

Fraser Island, Australia

Despite the fact that Australia is home to many stunning beaches, you should absolutely stay away from this one. On Fraser Island, one of the deadliest beaches may be found.

Wild Dingo canines that are hostile and poisonous spiders live on the island. Not only that, but the seas close to the island are home to deadly marine species, such as sharks and poisonous jellyfish.

If you do decide to stop there, use great care and avoid the dogs.

Naica Crystal Cave, Mexico

Main danger: lava flow

The largest crystals in the world, mostly formed of gypsum, are found in the caverns. If you could avoid it, this is not the location you need to be going to. It’s not one of the worst places to visit from a beauty standpoint, but it definitely ranks up there from a safety standpoint.

Due to the lava flowing under the surface, the cave is quite warm. In addition, the humidity is quite high, which might harm the lungs.

You are not permitted to enter the cave, yet a few individuals have managed to do so.

Norilsk, Russia

Main danger: toxic air

Norilsk’s metallurgical complex is the reason it is one of the world’s most polluted cities.

Nickel smelting has caused the city to be quite filthy. As a consequence, the whole city is covered in smog and acid rain.

Since there are so many heavy metals in the city, even the soil may now be mined for metals.

Vanuatu, Pacific Ocean

Main danger: natural catastrophes

Natural catastrophes that affect the nation include strong cyclones, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes.

The lives of the island’s inhabitants are in very high danger due to the island’s vulnerability to natural calamities.

How to Stay Safe in Dangerous Tourist Destinations

Keeping yourself and loved ones safe under any circumstances is important, and you need all the best tools at your disposal to make this process easier.

At Armormax we have tons of heavy-duty products to make vehicles safer and more secure. We also have products that are effective safeguards for individuals, like our B6 bulletproof backpack inserts .

Wherever your travels take you, stay as safe as possible with the most protective equipment available.

Armormax Team 205 articles

Frequently Asked Questions

What countries should americans not visit.

There are several countries that the United States government discourages its citizens to travel to, including notorious crime havens like Afghanistan, Venezuela, Iraq, Iran, and North Korea. Anyone traveling to these nations needs to be cognizant and aware.

Is Egypt a safe country to visit?

Although Egypt is a relatively safe tourist destination, there is still a chance that something negative could happen if you're not 100% careful. The U.S. government recommends tourists to Egypt exhibit caution due to the embassy's limited ability to aid in the case of an attack.

Which country's visa is the most powerful?

Japan is known for holding an extremely powerful visa. This visa allows entry to 193 countries around the world.

What is the most dangerous street in the world?

North Yungas Road in Bolivia is notorious for being the most dangerous road in South America, if not the world. It literally translates to "Death Road" since this narrow road traverses the Cordillera Oriental Mountains.

What is a golden passport?

Wealthy foreigners may get citizenship or residence by investing a particular sum of money in a nation via "golden passports," also known as citizenship by investment (CBI) schemes. There are schemes for immigrant investors in more than a dozen nations, including the US.

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Most Dangerous Places in Mexico

There are many reasons to visit Mexico. Beautiful beaches, delicious food, a rich culture with a complex history, and friendly people are just some reasons the country attracts millions of tourists each year.

However, it’s also true that there are places in Mexico that just aren’t very safe. Some main reasons for unstable areas are the presence of drug cartels and unreliable law enforcement. Violent crime and kidnapping are some of the most worrying things to look out for, and some states are far worse than others.

The 16 Most Dangerous States in Mexico

In this post, we’ll look at the most dangerous places in Mexico as defined by the U.S. Department of State and the travel notices it sets. We’ll also examine the crime rates in Mexico and see how they compare to other countries.

Dangerous States in Mexico:

Mexico Travel Warning Map

5 Do Not Travel States

“Do Not Travel” is the most severe travel notice that the U.S. Department of State issues, out of four possible travel advisory levels. It is what the department issues when there are greater, potentially life-threatening risks in an area.

There are currently five Mexican states with a “Do Not Travel” advisory :

Colima is a small Mexican state on Mexico’s Pacific coast and is the home of Manzanillo, a beach town with tourist resorts and consistently warm weather. It is posted as a “Do Not Travel” state because of the prevalence of violent crime, kidnapping, and gang activity, which are widespread.

U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to the city of Tecomán, the Colima/Michoacán Border, and the non-tourist areas of Manzanillo.

2. Guerrero

Located between the states of Michoacán and Oaxaca, Guerrero is also listed as a state that should be avoided. The reasons for this are violent crime and kidnapping. There are several armed groups that act independently of the government in this state, and they have been known to set up roadblocks and to use violence toward travelers.

The very popular resort towns of Acapulco and Ixtapa are located in Guerrero. Both of these locations attract large numbers of tourists each year that are seeking sun and beautiful beaches. Agriculture and livestock breeding are other important parts of the state’s economy.

Most of Guerrero is restricted for U.S. government employees, except for portions of Taxco.

3. Michoacán

Michoacán is situated between Colima and Guerrero, forming three neighboring states on Mexico’s Pacific coast with a “Do Not Travel” designation. This is for the same reason as the other two: a high prevalence of crime and kidnapping.

Part of the Monarch Butterfly Reserve is located in Michoacán, as are many Spanish colonial towns that make it an attractive location for tourists.

The Sinaloa Cartel is one of the most famous drug cartels in the world, and they are responsible for trafficking an immense portion of the illicit drugs that enter the United States. They are also one of the main reasons this state is so dangerous.

Mazatlán, a very popular resort destination for tourists coming to Mexico, is located in the state of Sinaloa, and it is one of the few places U.S. government employees are allowed to travel to.

5. Tamaulipas

Tamaulipas is located on the Gulf of Mexico and borders the US state of Texas to the north. It is an important center for Mexico’s fishing industry.

The state is listed as “Do Not Travel” because of high incidences of violent crime and kidnapping. There are armed groups committing organized crime activities such as kidnapping, carjacking, armed robbery, murder, and more, especially along the northern border.

11 “Reconsider Travel” States

The states in this “Reconsider Travel” category are listed as such because of “serious risks to safety and security” as described by the U.S. State Department. The State Department provides additional, area-specific advice for these areas.

• Baja California

In Mexico, the “Reconsider Travel” designation is usually due to increased levels of violent crime and kidnapping in the area. Most of the violent crime in these Mexican states takes place between members of criminal organizations, but these incidents sometimes take place in areas that are frequented by tourists. Collateral damage is often the greatest risk to visitors.

How Dangerous is Mexico?

It isn’t easy to say exactly how dangerous Mexico is. The truth is that danger levels in the country vary by region, just as in any other country. Some people are more at risk than others, as well. For example, young males form the vast majority of homicide victims.

With that in mind, it’s certainly true that it is important to take more precautions to stay safe in Mexico than it is in many other countries.

How Many Homicides are there in Mexico?

As demonstrated by the table above, the homicide rate is significantly higher in Mexico than it is in the United States or the United Kingdom.

Is Mexico Safe for Tourists in 2022?

There are plenty of places that are safe in Mexico for tourists in 2022, but it’s important to exercise caution and carefully plan your destinations. Mexico is among the top countries worldwide for total tourist visitors — tens of millions come to the country each year, and the vast majority have a trouble-free stay.

However, there are occasionally tourist victims of violent crime. Sometimes this is because the tourists were engaged in illegal activity, and sometimes it is simply collateral damage from gang violence. Generally, resorts and popular tourist areas are safe. The Mexican government sometimes deploys marines to these areas to ensure the safety of visitors.

Some measures visitors can take to keep themselves safe include not traveling alone or at night, remaining aware of their surroundings, and taking extra care when using ATMs. Learning basic Spanish can also increase your level of safety.

Which Are the Safest States in Mexico in  2022 ?

The only states in Mexico that do not have a travel advisory from the U.S. State Department are Yucatán and Campeche. It is advised to exercise normal precautions that should be taken when traveling anywhere, but there isn’t an elevated safety risk in either of these states. They are located on the Yucatán Peninsula, an area that constituted a large part of the Maya Civilization.

The Mexican state of Yucatán is a popular destination for many. It’s known for beautiful beaches, tropical rainforests, cenotes, and for being the home of the ancient Maya people. The ruin of Chichen Itza is located here and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The pink lakes of Las Coloradas on the coast in the state of Yucatán are another attraction that draws many tourists.

The capital city of Yucatan is Merida, sometimes referred to as the “White City.” It is the largest city on the Yucatan Peninsula and serves as the cultural capital of the state. It is also one of the safest cities in Mexico.

The state of Campeche is located on the Yucatan Peninsula next to Yucatan, Tabasco, Quintana Roo, and Guatemala. Its capital city is San Fransisco de Campeche and it has one of the smallest populations of any Mexican state. Mining and oil production are the largest contributors to the state’s economy.

One of the most popular tourist destinations in Campeche is the city of Ciudad del Carmen, which is on the coast. It boasts peaceful beaches and colonial buildings that make for a beautiful and relaxing atmosphere. While the coastal areas are noteworthy for being quiet in Campeche, the most beautiful beaches in Mexico are found elsewhere.

Other states that are generally considered safe include Mexico City, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Quintana Roo, and Puebla.

Crime Rates by State

Whereas the information regarding the most dangerous states in Mexico is mostly focused on violent crimes such as homicide, kidnapping, and violent robbery, the crime rates described below consider non-violent crimes as well. These types of crimes include petty theft, pickpocketing, and others that don’t threaten your physical wellbeing.

Crime rate per 100,000 inhabitants in 2020, by state in Mexico.

Crime rate in Mexico in 2020, by state (per 100,000 inhabitants), Source: Statista

The region in Mexico with the highest crime rate, by far, is Mexico City. But that doesn’t mean that it’s necessarily the most dangerous state. It’s important to recognize just how massive Mexico City is when thinking about its safety. There are well over 20 million people in Greater Mexico City, and it ranks fifth among the most populous cities in the world.

The incredible size of Mexico’s capital city means that there are many drastically different parts of the city, and the most dangerous parts aren’t those that are usually visited by tourists and foreigners. It’s common for residents of these safer parts of Mexico City to feel much safer in the city than when traveling to other parts of the country.

Also, evident in the above table is that the state of Tamaulipas has the third-lowest crime rate in the country. This could be misleading, as the state is listed as one of the five “Do Not Travel” states by the U.S. Department of State. While there may be lower levels of petty crime, higher instances of kidnapping and violent crime make it one of the least safe states in Mexico.

At least three of the five most dangerous states in Mexico are on the half of the list with the lowest crime rates. It is also possible that crime reporting in these states is not as comprehensive or effective as in states with higher reported crime rates.

What is the Safest Place in Mexico?

Merida, the capital city in the state of Yucatán, is probably the safest city in Mexico. It has a low rate of homicides and is widely considered to be one of the safest places in Latin America. One reason for being safer is its geographic isolation, which makes it less appealing to drug cartels.

Is it Safe to Move to Mexico?

If you plan carefully and take basic safety precautions, yes, it is safe to move to some areas of Mexico. The most dangerous states and areas of the country should be avoided, and it’s important to maintain good safety practices wherever you live in the country. Many foreigners move to Mexico each year and live safely in places like Mexico City, Merida, or Puerto Vallarta.

What is the Most Dangerous Country in Latin America?

The country with the highest homicide rate in Latin America is Venezuela. The political situation in Venezuela is highly unstable, and the economy has been in dire straits for several years, putting a strain on public services and basic safety. Honduras also has a high homicide rate in Latin America, and Mexico comes in as the third-most dangerous. The safest country in Latin America is Chile.

Is Mexico More Dangerous Than the US?

When looking at homicide rates, Mexico is clearly more dangerous than the US. But homicide rates don’t paint the whole picture. The vast majority of homicides in Mexico take place between members of criminal organizations, and foreigners are not often the ones affected. The homicide rate for US citizens inside Mexico is significantly lower than for US citizens living within the USA.

• Coastal Cityscape with Beach and Skyscrapers: © Daniel Elizalde S/Shutterstock

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• Visit These Most Dangerous Places In The World That Are Not For The Faint-Hearted In 2024!

21 Oct 2021

While there are plenty of places in the world that would easily pass as the reflection of paradise, there are others where one is not even advised to tread owing to unknown dangers that lurk in every corner. Here, we have talked about exactly those places that one must NOT visit if they’re looking for the ideal holiday destination which is also safe rather than just being pretty. For all the people who are in the mood of having a world tour, then it is advisable to avoid certain places that are proven as the most dangerous places in the world to visit. We have listed some of the most dangerous ones among them right here. If you are ready for some serious adventure, these places are meant for you.

10 Most Dangerous Places In The World

If you weren’t aware of all these most dangerous places to visit in the world and had them in your bucket list all this time, you’re in for a (nasty) surprise! Scroll down and take in the horror!

• Death Road Road – Extremely Dangerous Road
• Snake Island – The Deadliest Place On Earth
• Lake Natron – The Most Inhospitable Areas On Earth
• Oymyakon – Experiences An Extreme Climatic Condition
• Death Valley – Most Extreme Place On Earth
• Skeleton Coast – Harsh Climate
• Danakil Desert – A Volcanically Active Area
• Gates Of Hell – Door To Hell
• North Sentinel Island – Forbidden, Dangerous And Mysterious Place
• Madidi National Park – A Jungle Paradise

1. Death Road Road – Extremely Dangerous Road

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North Yungas Road is known as the “Death Road” for all the right reasons that you can guess. Driving up or down this 43-mile (69-kilometer) switchback is extremely dangerous because of fog, landslides, waterfalls and cliffs falling 2,000 feet (610 meters) in each turn. Until 1994, almost 300 drivers were killed every year, justifying its nickname and putting it in the list of the most dangerous places to visit in the world .

The road extends far enough to connect the Amazon rainforest to the capital city, surrounded by mountainous terrain. This means that merchants were not unusual to cram into trucks and buses trying to sell their wood and crops in the area. The hairpin turns, however, were not wide enough for each vehicle — further leading many trucks to go down with people and their livelihoods.

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2. Snake Island – The Deadliest Place On Earth

There is an island about 25 miles off Brazil’s coast where no local would ever dare to walk. There are rumors that the last fisherman who strayed too close to his shores was found drifting in his boat days later, lifeless in a blood pool. The mysterious island is known as Ilha da Queimada Grande, and setting foot there is reportedly so dangerous that the Brazilian government has made it illegal for anyone to visit. The island’s threat comes in the form of the golden lancehead snakes – a pit viper species and one of the world’s deadliest serpents. The is certainly the most dangerous place on earth. 

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3. Lake Natron – The Most Inhospitable Areas On Earth

Let’s not allow the ring of salt marshes along the edge of Lake Natron fool us. This lake is better known as one of the most inhospitable areas on Earth. North Tanzania’s Lake Natron looks and acts a lot like a lake of fire. The lake’s high levels of Natron (sodium carbonate decahydrate) make its waters corrosive to human skin and eyes, sometimes reaching a ph level of over 12.

The lake also contains red-colored bacteria, resulting in its unique pink-red hues. Even if most species cannot handle the 120-degree lake water, cyanobacteria have made Natron their home and turned the lake its trademark reds and oranges. Surprisingly, 2.5 million Lesser Flamingos call Lake Natron their home, considering that it is one of their only breeding grounds, further making the protection of the lake a priority for the climate. It is among the 10 most dangerous places in the world.

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4. Oymyakon – Experiences An Extreme Climatic Condition

Oymyakon is a small village located in the Oymyakonsky district in Russia. This place is considered to be one of the most dangerous places because of its extreme climatic condition. The severe temperature makes it impossible for life to sustain in this region. The temperature drops to as low as -40 degrees Celsius (-90 degree Fahrenheit), making it impossible for tourists or travelers to visit the place safely as not many can survive this temperature.

Apart from the heat, people do not visit this place as no vegetables are available and nothing can be grown, so the lack of food is another major issue. Only about 500 people have managed to settle down in this place and survive the bitter cold.

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5. Death Valley – Most Extreme Place On Earth

Death Valley is a desert valley on the California and Nevada border with extreme heat. It is known as one of the hottest places across the world. There are only a few deserts in the Middle East and Africa, approaching peak temperatures during the summer which can give competition to the Death Valley. The hottest place on Earth had its hottest month record in July 2018. The average temperature, including overnight lows, was 108.1°F. For four days in a row, the daily highs hit a temperature of 127°F, it’s the highest recorded temperature.

A band of settlers lost here in the winters around 1849-1850 gave Death Valley its forbidden name. While only one person died here, as far as we know, they all thought this valley would be their cemetery. They were saved by two of their young men who had learned to be scouts, William Lewis Manly and John Rogers. As the men climbed over the Panamint Mountains from the valley, one of the men turned and looked back, saying, “goodbye, Death Valley” earning its place in the top dangerous places in the world.

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6. Skeleton Coast – Harsh Climate

Skeleton Coast is spread across the south of Angola to the north of Namibia. It stretches from the Kunene River (south) to the Swakop River. The skeleton coast ranks in the list of “the deadliest places on earth” because of it’s harsh climate, and it offers almost zero chance of survival. The weather, hot winds, and lack of food, and water makes it difficult for travelers to explore this silent place.

Apart from harsh climatic conditions, the area is filled with bones of numerous animals (bones of whales, elephants, turtles, seals, etc.), giving a sour appearance to the place. Apart from natural conditions, human threats (gang violence and robbery) make it unfit for tourists to explore the place. Undoubtedly, it is among the most dangerous places on Earth .

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7. Danakil Desert – A Volcanically Active Area

One of the most uninhabited environments in the World is the Danakil Desert in East Africa. With temperatures that regularly exceed 50°C (122°F), volcanoes and geysers that spew toxic gas, the Danakil Desert is not an easily accessible location for travel enthusiasts. Your physical health can take a massive hit even if you stay there for a short period of time. This is amongst the weirdest places across the world . 

The most adverse effects occur due to the presence of high concentration of poisoning vapors of sulfur in the region. This region is a volcanically active area and on top of that, to increase the risk, the air temperature in the desert rarely falls below 50 degrees Celsius. Thereby making the Danakil desert one of the most dangerous areas in the world.

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8. Gates Of Hell – Door To Hell

The Turkmenistan Darvaza Gas Crater is known as the “Gates of Hell.” It is a natural gas field within an underground cave; Geologists set it on fire to prevent methane gas from spreading, and it has been burning since 1971. It is located in the middle of the Karakum Desert, about 260 kilometers north of Turkmenistan’s capital, near the village of Derweze, Ashgabat.

The gas reserve that has been discovered here is one of the World’s most extensive natural gasses. Locals gave the name “Door to hell” to the area, referring to the explosion, boiling mud, and orange flames in the large crater, 70 meters (230 ft) in diameter. The hot spots spread across an area 60 meters (200ft) long and roughly 20 meters (66 ft) deep. It is among the top 10 dangerous places in the world.

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9. North Sentinel Island – Forbidden, Dangerous And Mysterious Place

North Sentinel island is situated in the Andaman Islands and is considered one of the most dangerous places in the world for tourists to visit. The native people of this place have been living in their traditional way and have denied all possible ways to connect with the outer world. The tribal people living on this island are not used to outside people and if tourists step foot on their island, they see them as a threat and indulge in acts of violence.

This is amongst the strangest islands on the earth and attracts globetrotters with its tales. Another reason why people are asked not to visit the place because of the safety of the tribal community. They have absolutely no immunity and tourists can carry some disease-causing germs and may spread it to the whole community.

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10. Madidi National Park – A Jungle Paradise

Madidi National Park is situated along the Amazon river in Bolivia and has an area of around 19,000 square kilometers. The national park, which is a dense forest, is filled with all kinds of flora and fauna, and some of these plant species are dangerous and not edible. The forest is filled with predators owing which tourists are advised against visiting the park on their own. The forest is one of the largest protected areas of the world because it houses highly dangerous animals, birds, and plants and bags a place in the list of most dangerous places to visit on earth.

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Our earth is home to many wild and dangerous places sitting right alongside the famous tourist destinations where we have always wanted to take a trip . We hope this list of the most dangerous places in the world helps you craft your bucket list better. Don’t forget to share this with all your travel buddies as well!

Frequently Asked Questions About The Most Dangerous Places In The World

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Home » South America » Travel Safety

Is Colombia Safe for Travel? (Insider Tips 2024)

Colombia used to be considered one of the most dangerous countries in the world. Rife with violence, even as late as 2002, it had one of the highest homicide rates in the world. So some people thought I was on a death wish when I booked a one-way flight there.

But today it’s another story. With a BOOMING tourism sector, Colombia is now a popular destination with glowing beaches, dense rainforests, momentous mountains, and rich history.

However, though the civil war ‘officially’ ended in 2016, drug trafficking and militias are still active. So is Colombia safe? Or just how dangerous is Colombia?

Don’t worry. The Broke Backpacker team LOVE this country, so with this guide for safe travel in Colombia, you’ll have an amazing time AND stay safe whilst doing it!

We’ll look at whether it’s safe to use public transportation (spoilers: YES), safety in remote areas , getting around Colombia safely, and everything else in between. We’ll even talk travel tips for female solo travelers.

Whether you’re thinking about backpacking through Colombia alone or long-term, or if you’re just worried about an upcoming two-week trip, it’s ok. I’ve got you! Here’s the full story: staying safe in Colombia goes like this .

There is no such thing as a perfect safety guide, as things change quickly. The question of “Is Colombia Safe?” will ALWAYS have a different answer depending on who you ask.

The information in this safety guide was accurate at the time of writing. If you use our guide, do your own research, and practice common sense, you will probably have a wonderful and safe trip to Colombia.

If you see any outdated information, we would really appreciate it if you could reach out in the comments below. Otherwise, stay safe friends!

Updated April 2024

Is Colombia Safe to Visit Right Now?

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Yes! It absolutely is safe to travel to Colombia , today. Around 5,188,312 international visitors were welcomed in Colombia from January to November 2023 as recorded by Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism . Most tourists had a secured visit.

But let me flip that on its head too… Is it dangerous to backpack Colombia? Well… yes, it can be too. It makes a huge difference to know a few tips for staying safe in Colombia.

The truth is, most places in the world are dangerous in some form or another . Colombia has one of the fastest-growing tourist markets globally. It’s hard to argue with the millions of tourists who visit and leave totally unaffected.

Regardless of the status of travel advisories, Colombia is the new darling of South American travel . The country has been ‘rediscovered’ despite the misconception that it’s unsafe to visit Colombia. 

You might think of Pablo Escobar and drug-related criminal activity, but today Colombia is becoming increasingly estranged from its violent past . Though not the safest place in the world, serious progress is happening. 

So what do we have to consider with safety in Colombia? Crime rates remain relatively high but that’s mainly involving petty theft (mugging and pickpocketing) – so there are areas to avoid. Kidnappings and illegal armed groups are extremely rare now but are still a slight risk.

Landmines are an ongoing issue. Then there’s nature; earthquakes occur regularly, intense rains cause landslides, and there are dangerous critters lurking in the jungles. Needless to say, security situations can change pretty quickly.

However, that doesn’t keep the tourists away, nor backpackers, and it shouldn’t keep you away either . Tourism is BIG news here. Colombia is safe to visit these days with sensible heads on….

Stick to the main routes or go with a reputable tour company. If you’re visiting the Lost City , you have to book a tour. You may be backpacking, but sticking to the tourist routes is probably your safest bet right now.

In Colombia, when choosing a city to visit or good hostels to stay in , research and caution are essential. You don’t want to end up in a sketchy area. 

To help you out, here are some of the safest areas to visit in Colombia below.

Quick side note: all of these areas we’re going to list below can be dangerous if you act carelessly. To stay safe, stick to our safety tips and use your travel common sense.

Don’t let the news and prejudices about this glorious country stop you. I’ve been backpacking in Bogota and other major cities and it quickly turned Colombia into one of my favourite countries. They can all be visited safely. 

• Cartagena – On Colombia’s Caribbean coast, it’s an old port city within a walled city. When visiting Cartagena , Bocagrande is the safest neighbourhood to stay in – home to gated communities and wealthy Colombians with CCTV cameras and security everywhere.
• Medellin – With Pablo Escobar gone, life in the city changed: violent crime plummeted. In fact, today it’s safer than many other major cities in South America. One of the best areas to stay in Medellin is the Laureles Neighborhood.
• Minca – This little mountain town attracts floods of tourists. For that, you’re well protected and very few problems are reported. 
• Eje Cafetero (The Coffee Region) – One of the most chill areas to stay in Colombia, you can explore beautiful, small towns and interact with friendly locals. Many towns are safe to walk around at night, too. 

Dangerous Places in Colombia

We don’t necessarily align our thoughts with the US government, but this time we do and with good reason: I strongly recommend you take the advice. At present, the USA Government travel advice for Colombia restricts travel to these high-risk areas: 

• Arauca, Cauca (excluding Popayán)
• Norte de Santander
• The Colombia-Venezuela border 

There is absolutely no reason for tourists to visit these places anyway. Travel to Venezuela is an extremely bad idea in the current climate. 

So yeah, not all places in Colombia are safe. Yet there are some places considered “unsafe” by some but can be visited safely – with extra precautions and vigilance. Here are some of those places:

• Cali (Santiago de Cali) – Cali is known to be Colombia’s most dangerous and violent city. You COULD visit it, but your overall safety will shoot up if you decide to stay away. 
• Bogota – There are good reasons to visit the capital city and Bogota IS safe , but statistically it’s got the second highest crime rate in Colombia.
• Central Medellin – In general, this city is a safe destination for travellers, but avoid the city centre. This is where the vast majority of the problems are reported. 
• Barranquilla – A super cool place to experience Carnival de Barranquilla , but a high crime rate for Colombia, in general. If you head to the festival, check out these hostels in Barranquilla where you can meet friends before getting out.

It’s important to know that you CAN be safe in Colombia, but you need research. Basically, your general rule is, the more tourists, the less chance you have of encountering serious issues: the second rule is the more tourists, the more chance you have of petty issues. So decide your balance between major cities and small towns.

Avoid ANYWHERE at night (unless locals tell you otherwise) and always ask locals which areas you should avoid. A bit of caution goes a long way!

Keeping your money safe in Colombia

 One of the most common things to happen to you whilst travelling is losing your money. And let’s face it: the most annoying way for this to actually occur is when it’s stolen from you.

Petty crime is pretty much a problem all over the world.The best solution? Get a money belt.

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Most visits to Colombia are trouble-free. But knowing a few safety tips for Colombia really helps. Here are our top Colombia safety tips:

• Monitor local media – stay up to date with security issues and weather.
• Don’t look rich – ideal targets for potential thieves.
• Carry a decoy wallet – Have a few pesos in a crappy throwaway.
• Split your cash up – and hide it well . You DO NOT want to lose all your money at once.
• Say no to illegal cabs – no, no, no, no. Nope. Never a smart move.
• Don’t use ATMs after dark – thieves operate best at night and ATMs are the perfect spot.
• Always keep an emergency stash of cash – Never keep all your cards/ currency in one place. And hide it all from thieves with a hidden money belt .
• Carry a copy of your passport and visa – local cops don’t get paid a lot and can hassle tourists who don’t carry these.
• Learn some Spanish – this will get you far.
• Be aware of scams – more info on this to come.
• Be responsible with drugs – sensible head on at all times. 
• Watch your belongings in crowds – an easy place for pickpockets.
• IF someone wants to rob you, don’t resist – your money, or your life, is not worth it.
• Go with a well-reviewed guides on treks – they know where to walk and will spot the venomous snakes that you’d step on.
• Know your limits – getting dead drunk, high, and exhausted isn’t a good idea.
• DON’T walk around at night – always get a cab.
• Take a good medical kit with you – you never know when you might need it!
• NEVER accept drinks or cigarettes from strangers – politely turn them down. Scopolamine spiking happens.
• Avoiding political protests and demonstrations – It’s not the time.

Safety tips for Colombia don’t vary much from anywhere else in the world. Staying safe isn’t too difficult. Traveling smart and trusting your instincts is key!

Yes, Colombia is safe to travel alone. However, that doesn’t mean you can wander around the country without a care in the world. 

Here are a few travel safety tips for Colombia to keep in mind when you travel by yourself to Colombia.

• Meet other travelers – There’s safety in numbers. Plus, it’s the best way to beat the “solo traveling blues” and share travel tips.
• Read reviews – for staying in good hostels or going on organized tours.
• Blend in – Look at what other people are wearing. A singlet and short shorts isn’t always a good idea.
• The same goes for talking loudly – shouting around in English (or your native language) makes you stand out like a BEACON.
• Get some Spanish in your brain – If you’re lost, this will help you become un-lost. If you want to meet locals, this is how. Learning at least a little bit of Spanish goes very, very far.
• Trust your gut – If something doesn’t feel right, get out of there. Be smart, but also remember that Colombians are REALLY friendly in essence. 
• Don’t listen to fear-mongering stories – Tourism is still in its infancy here meaning people are happy to see you and chat (which is why Spanish helps).
• Be aware of travel warnings – especially at border areas. 
• Head out into nature, see the smaller towns, but stick to tourist areas where other backpackers are , and you’ll be fine.

I’m confident that Colombia is safe to travel alone. I know because I’ve done it and met many others who have too. 

It’s not be the best place for a nervous first-time solo traveler, but if you’re smart and flexible, you’ll be better prepared for this amazing new experience and to be welcomed into a vibrant society!

Well we’ve established that Colombia is safe for solo travelers. But when it comes to being a female solo traveler , there are always other things to consider – sad but true.

Everyone, regardless of gender, should be able to travel where they want. For that matter, a lot of women (despite audible concerns) travel to Colombia anyway. 

It may not be the safest places in the world to visit for women travelling alone, but it shouldn’t be overlooked for women altogether. Many women travel to Colombia alone, perfectly safely! But here are some things to know:

• Colombia is still a pretty macho society – Catcalls are still accepted behaviour. Ignore it, walk by, and be confident. This is part of the culture and society you’re visiting and reacting won’t make your day any better.
• Dress according to the destination – some areas can be surprisingly conservative.
• Get a SIM card – Keep in touch with people back home.
• Do your research – Are there security concerns? Is this hostel good for solo females ?
• Don’t drink too much – Keep clear judgements.
• Remember: most of the violent crime you hear about is gang-related i.e. gangs attacking other gangs.
• Take taxis but DON’T hail one – Download a taxi app or get your hostel to call you one. 
• Don’t leave your bag on the floor – even literally right next to you.
• Make a fuss – Shout and alert people nearby. This will likely spook any would-be thief. Ideally, get the attention of tourist police. Tourism is important for Colombia, and they want to make sure you don’t leave with any bad stories to take home with you.
• Try not to look lost – It’s a good way to look like a target.

Lastly, and most importantly, YOU CAN ALWAYS SAY NO .

Cartagena (Bocagrande)

Cartagena can actually be a very safe place to visit, especially if you choose the right area. A very wealthy but also very secure area is Bocagrande. It’s a great family and expat heaven.

Is it safe to go to Colombia with your kids? Maybe you’ve watched too much Narcos, but if you’re thinking this is a drug-riddled war-zone, you couldn’t be more wrong.  

It’s not easy, but most definitely Colombia is safe to travel for families. For example, the UK’s advice for travel to Colombia has no overall restrictions.

All sorts of tourists are heading to check out the hidden-in-plain-sight gem that is Colombia. Everybody’s welcome and that goes for families too.

Colombia is a country on the up. The arts and literary scenes are flourishing, tourism is booming, and you’ll be happy to know that  Colombian culture is family oriented.  There’s you as an individual – and then there’s the family as a whole, which is usually the center of a Colombian person’s life.

On top of that, family-friendly activities and adventurous outdoor exploration abound. You can spend nights in a jungle treehouse, play around on beach havens, and trek through cloud forests, amongst other things.

Without a doubt, Colombia is safe for families to travel. Take all the usual precautions that you would when traveling with children (medication, snacks, first aid kit, etc. etc.) and you’ll all have an unforgettable time.

Honestly, it’s not totally safe to drive in Colombia . Unless you’re a super-confident driver, it’s not worth the stress. If you’re planning on driving in Colombia, take extra precautions choosing your route. 

Only take well-established routes between tourist areas. More rural areas put you at risk of being pulled over, questioned, or worse. Road conditions vary a lot.

Don’t drive at night. There are too many hidden hazards.

One thing I’ve learned in Colombia is that traveling on public transport is safer. Bus travel is your buddy in Colombia. Companies vary in levels of quality, so do your research.

Night buses are safe in Colombia. Though, comfort is a luxury here, especially traveling long-distance.

Colectivos (minibuses) or busetas (local buses) are used for short-distance travel. These are relatively safe AND cheap. Just always be aware of pickpockets.

Other than the Medellin Metro , there are no public trains in Colombia. Though there is the Turistren (yes, tourist train ) between Bogota and Zipaquira. It’s safe to travel by train in Colombia this way.

When using taxis in Colombia, ONLY USE OFFICIAL TAXIS . Ask your accommodation where to find these. Illegal taxis are active and you don’t want to find out the consequences of using them.

Better yet, Uber is safe in Colombia. They’re much safer and cheaper than taxis. They also have local taxi apps which work great. 

Air travel is safe and convenient in Colombia if you don’t mind the carbon footprint. Overall, and surprisingly, public transport is safe in Colombia.

Pro Safety Tip: Downloading an app called Tappsi is a good way to check taxis. You’ll know the car’s registration and driver’s ID and they’ll log the journey.

So, unfortunately, scams do happen in Colombia and scammers target tourists. I wholeheartedly believe that most of them are not bad people: many are just less fortunate and scamming tourists is a quick fix for their situation. 

Serious and violent crime is rare – express kidnappings, sexual assault, drug cartels, and murder shouldn’t scare you here, we want to avoid petty theft too. One of the best ways to avoid being scammed is to understand how they are practised. Here are some typical examples:

• The overpriced service – Ask for prices before you accept a service.
• Fake taxis – no, not that kind – actual fake taxis. Using them makes you vulnerable. 
• The distraction techniques – “Look at this!”… then the pocket’s picked of unsuspecting victims. Ignore them.
• ‘Plain clothes police officers’ – These are people masquerading as police officers and after your money.

Generally, Colombias are super friendly. Sometimes it feels a bit eerie, especially in large cities. But really, most of the time they are just trying to be kind and inviting. 

However, if someone is too close for comfort or it just feels weird, don’t feel bad for them to remove yourself from the situation. If someone is making you feel uncomfortable, don’t worry about making them uncomfortable. Your safety is always more important.

Everyone’s packing list is going to look a little different, but here are a few things I would never want to travel to Colombia without…

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must.

Yesim stands as a premier eSIM service provider, catering specifically to the mobile internet needs of travellers.

Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off.

As soon as you know you’re heading to Colombia, prepare yourself with trusty travel insurance .

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Here are some quick answers to common questions about safety in Colombia.

What should you avoid in Colombia?

Avoid these things in Colombia to stay safe: – Avoid standing out or looking rich – Hand over the goods if you’re being robbed – Say no to illegal cabs – Don’t use ATMs after dark

Is Colombia safe to live in?

Yes, Colombia is generally safe to live in, and in recent years more expats are moving to Colombia, all of them enticed by warmer climates, nice people, and amazing scenery. Blending in is key, Spanish is a must, then you’re less prone to problems faced by tourists and backpackers. 

What is the most dangerous part of Colombia?

Altos de Cazucá, also known as District 4 of Soacha, is the most dangerous part of Colombia. Travellers are advised to avoid this district completely. Soacha is located close to Bogota.

Can you drink the water in Colombia?

The tap water in Colombia is safe to drink in many places – but not everywhere. Colombia is working on their water systems and water treatment is improving . Check with locals when you arrive. In rural areas, it may pose health risks but bottled water is cheap.

Yes, Colombia is safe, but only if you take care. 

It would be such a shame to miss out on Colombia because of scary stories that have come out of this country, based on an outdated reputation. Those days have largely passed. The incredible coffee, extremely friendly people, wild nature, epic major cities, mind-boggling landscapes and drastic beaches… how could you miss that?

Colombia still isn’t what we’d class as 100% safe. There are pickpockets, fraudulent taxis, occasional muggings, and people posing as local authorities. Be sensible, trust your gut, and monitor local media to help you avoid any danger.

Avoid anything political or security-related. Any isolated or deserted areas, you need not investigate. Respect local laws.

With this guide, you have an even safer destination. You now have a ton of travel tips with your safety in mind. Ultimately, most trips to Colombia are trouble-free, but stay clued up. With that, you’ll be less worried about potential dangers, and more interested in getting properly absorbed into this amazing country. 

Remember the emergency number: 123 . Get the number down of your embassy too.

Then get booking your tickets! You’ll probably find one of us here too…

Looking for more info on traveling to Colombia?

• Get inspired by these EPIC bucket list adventures !
• Swing by one of these fabulous festivals
• Don’t forget to add an epic national park to your itinerary
• See exactly how to travel the world for a year , even if you’re broke
• Plan the rest of your trip with our fantastic backpacking Colombia travel guide!

Disclaimer: Safety conditions change all over the world on a daily basis. We do our best to advise but this info may already be out of date. Do your own research. Enjoy your travels!

Updated April 2023 by Laura Hall

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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11 Comments

I find this guiding quite accurate. I have visited Colombia +20 times over the last 20 years and in most remote and rural areas. While most of the cities have progressed positively over the last 10-15 years due to foreign investment, tourism and increased job posdibilities some cities have went in the oposite direction, ex Caii, Palmira and Buenaventura. It was an interesting reading. I am travelling out of Cali tomorrow with my family after another great visit. Reg Inge

I live in Colombia and for me it is a beautiful country, People are still stuck in Pablo Escobar era, but that is in the past, I mean, saying like: “Germany is a dangerous country because of hitler”, Man that was long time ago. Same thing with Colombia, although Pablo Escobar was a little bit recent (1980, 1990) but it doesn’t mean that 1 person will change the way we look an entire country. Colombia can be dangerous, Nobody can’t say it is not. But I think people are still saying this country is dangerous because of 1 single person. Kinda unfair. And why seeing only the bad things? We can enjoy the amazing places, foods, traditions of this country. And we are not done yet. Colombia is still fighting to achieve our president’s goal of “total peace”. I am proud of this strong and persistent nation. And I will never stop being it.

Thanks for your comment.

Well the “Pablo Escobar” era wasn’t just dangerous because of one man was it? It was dangerous because of multiple, huge, powerful drug cartels warring with each other, with the government and then the para-militaries were also adding to the melee.

But yeah we agree, Colombia has turned a corner since then and is indeed a brilliant and beautiful country to visit. However comparing it to Germany is completely disingenuous, the fact is that street crime remains endemic and that obvious Gringo’s are a target – that is our first hand experience talking.

I think your opinion of Barranquilla is really wrong. There are obviously places you should avoid, but compare to other cities Colombia is relatively safe. As you said, you need to be always careful in some areas of the cities or avoid completely some neighborhoods, but to tell to avoid the city completely is just doing it an injustice. Yes, in Barranquilla there is not so much to see, is really not so much a tourist city outside of the Carnaval time, but still is a really nice place.

I can you tell you right now you’re opinion on Cali is wrong. It’s very clean, vibrant, friendly people, and the home of salsa. One of my favorite cities in Colombia!

Thank you very much for this article!

I agree, I am not from Colombia… I have been working in security matters over 20 years in other countries and recently I am working here (Colombia), theses tips we often use to show our expatriates persons to guarantee a productive and safe staying in this country. From my side you have 20 points.

Some cities are more dangerous than other ones, with more attention to the rural and borders area. We need to have in mind the proactive culture, do not give the opportunity to delinquents, you only need to follow the suggestings…

I’m Colombian. I live in Medellin. This article is pretty accurate. I love my country and we (colombians) hope that many foreing people can come and visit us.

Gracias por comentar! A lot of us on the Broke Backpacker team love Colombia too! <3

We were mugged at knifepoint in Medellin two days after our arrival. On the first day we were followed by shady individuals. No, Colombia is clearly not safe. We had read all the safety warning and were very worried about the security situation, but that did not help us (though we were not carrying anything of value except our phones).

I’ve travelled continuously for the past two years to some pretty bad places and would consider myself a very experienced traveler, but have never felt as unsafe as here. I would strongly advice against travel to Colombia.

Great article!

For a great country! 🙂

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The Most Dangerous Countries In Africa For Travel

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Africa is a beautiful continent and a popular destination for globetrotters seeking adventure, cultural experiences, and enlightenment. Tourists headed for African countries are usually after unparalleled views and experiences that will last a lifetime.

However, if you travel to the wrong place, the trip of your dreams could turn into a nightmare.

Some of the most dangerous places to visit in the entire world are on the African continent, and there are some African countries travelers would be wise to avoid altogether.

The United States Department of State regularly puts out travel advisory warnings, and the latest warnings and lists of places to avoid feature a fair number of African countries.

First, it’s important to understand that the State Department assigns levels from 1 to 4 when classifying the danger associated with travel to various countries. A Level 4 distinction is assigned to the most dangerous countries. Here’s a breakdown of what those levels mean:

1 – Exercise Normal Precautions 2 – Exercise Increased Caution 3 – Reconsider Travel 4 – Do Not Travel

Half of the countries listed under the “4 – Do Not Travel” designation in the first quarter of 2019 are in Africa.

Here’s a closer look at the five “Do Not Travel” countries in Africa, and why officials consider them too dangerous for travel.

Central African Republic

Reason for Level 4 Designation: Crime, Civil Unrest, Kidnapping or Hostage Taking

The State Department has designated the Central African Republic a “Do Not Travel” country for reasons related to crime, civil unrest, and kidnapping risk.

Right now, violent crimes such as armed robbery, battery, and homicide are common in the country. The State Department says many areas of the Central African Republic are currently controlled by armed groups who regularly kidnap, hurt, and even kill civilians.

The State Department warns of demonstrations currently happening in the Central African Republic, and notes that even demonstrations that began peacefully have been known to escalate into violence. The crime in the middle of the country is said to be the most frequent, with armed robberies and kidnappings being commonplace.

The Department also says in the event of unrest or catastrophe, transportation and border access could be closed with little to no notice, and the U.S. government would have a difficult time assisting American citizens in need of evacuation.

Traveler Lee Abbamonte’s experiences in the Central African Republic in 2016 reflected the uneasy and chaotic state of the country. Despite being extremely well traveled, he concluded that the danger of traveling outside the capital city of Bangui is “not worth the risk.”

Reason for Level 4 Designation: Crime, Terrorism, Civil Unrest, Kidnapping, Armed Conflict

The State Department is advising travelers to avoid travel to Libya due to the high threat of crime and kidnapping for ransom. The Department says the risk is especially high for Westerners and U.S. citizens.

Terrorism is also a concern in Libya. Violent extremist activity is common in the country, with groups making threats against the United States on a regular basis.Terrorists have been known to target tourist hotspots like hotels, malls, and transportation hubs. Currently, the State Department recognizes four different terrorist groups , including ISIS, as threats to American travelers in Libya.

The general civil unrest in the country is also a concern for visiting tourists. Large cities in Libya such as Tripoli and Surman have seen frequent armed conflicts and terrorist attacks.

Risk of attack on commercial transportation might be the biggest threat in Libya. Some airports in the country are closed altogether, and flights out of others have the possibility of being cancelled without notice. The FAA has even issued a “ Special Federal Aviation Regulation ” prohibiting certain flights in and out of Libya.

If not for the current unstable nature of the country, Libya would still be a popular tourist destination given its ancient sites and exotic landscapes. But because of the strife, many Libyan tour companies have ceased operation .

Reason for Level 4 Designation: Crime, Terrorism, Kidnapping

The State Department is telling travelers to avoid Mali because of frequent troubles with violent crime such as kidnapping and armed robbery. Northern and central Mali are said to be the worst areas for these problems. Violent crime is also prevalent in the country during local holidays and seasonal events. Visitors should expect frequent interference and roadblocks as police try to address the problem.

The political instability of the country is also a cause for concern. A peace agreement in the northern area of the country in 2015 has been slow to take effect, with militia groups regularly turning to violence to exert their influence in the area.

Terrorism and kidnapping are also concerns in Mali, as attackers often target tourist areas including hotels, restaurants, clubs, and Western diplomatic missions.

In 2017, armed terrorists killed five people at a tourist resort near the capital of Bamako. Two years prior, in 2015, 170 people were held hostage at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Bamako. Over 25 people were killed by terrorists in that takeover.

The United States also isn’t able to assist citizens who might find themselves in trouble in northern Mali, as security concerns prohibit government employees from entering the area.

Like in Libya, the FAA has issued a “ Notice to Airmen ” in Mali, telling civil aviation operators that they are at risk of being fired upon if they choose to fly at certain altitudes over Mali or land at Malian airports.

Reason for Level 4 Designation: Crime, Terrorism, Kidnapping, Piracy

Piracy has long been associated with the country of Somalia . Pirates are active off the Horn of Africa, especially in international waters.

The U.S. State Department also warns of the risk of kidnapping and murder in Somalia, including Somaliland and Puntland, and those moving around the country should expect to see illegal roadblocks.

Terrorism is common in Somalia as well, with terrorists continuing to plan and enact kidnappings, bombings, and other attacks in high-traffic areas like airports, seaports, government buildings, hotels, restaurants, and other venues where lots of people are gathered. Westerners, including U.S. citizens, are often targeted by terrorist groups.

Schools acting as “cultural rehabilitation” centers are also operating around Somalia, and have been known to hold people against their will.

There has also been a risk of cross-border violence along the stretch of land that divides Somalia and Kenya. Large scale attacks by insurgent group al-Shabab have been known to target aid workers and civilians.

Al-Shabab has thousands of members , and the United States has carried out dozens of airstrikes in Somalia over recent years targeting the organization.

Like in Libya and Mali, the FAA has issued a “ Notice to Airmen ” flying civil aircraft at lower altitudes over Somalia given the high risk of terrorist and militant activity.

Travel blogger and entrepreneur Johnny Ward tells the story of his trip to Somalia, where his flight out of the country ended up being cancelled because al-Shabab was attacking the airport he was scheduled to depart from.

Reason for Level 4 Designation: Crime, Terrorism, Civil Unrest, Kidnapping Armed Conflict

As of April 11, 2019, the State Department ordered the departure of all non-emergency government employees from Sudan .

There is a national state of emergency across Sudan, which gives security forces increased power and authorizes the use of force and arrest across the country. Foreigners and nationals have been detained. Security forces are able to arrest anyone they think is upsetting the public order, including protestors.

Demonstrations, rallies, roadblocks, checkpoints, and curfews are prone to occur without warning throughout Sudan.

Much of the tension comes from the standoff between the Government of the Republic of the Sudan and opposition forces. Armed opposition forces are active along the border between Chad and Sudan. Central Darfur as well as southern regions such as the Blue Nile and South Kordofan are also at high risk for militant conflict.

In 2017, a journalist recounted his dangerous experience in Darfur, saying he was kidnapped, tortured, and thrown in jail .

Terrorist groups are also active in the country, and look to target Westerners through suicide bombings, kidnappings, and shootings.

South Sudan

Reason for Level 4 Designation: Crime, Kidnapping, Armed Conflict

The State Department is telling travelers to steer clear of South Sudan in part because of common violent crime. Carjackings, robberies, kidnappings, and other shootings are prevalent in the country, and the State Department says foreign nationals have even been victims of sexual assault and rape.

Conflict between various ethnic and political groups is ongoing throughout South Sudan, and travelers are at risk of being caught in the middle of it all. Like in Mali, the United States government has a limited ability to help American citizens in need in South Sudan, even though there is a U.S. embassy in the capital city of Juba.

It is especially dangerous for journalists to visit the country, as many have described being harassed while working in South Sudan. Some have even been killed.

Aid workers are another group at risk in South Sudan, with humanitarian efforts often targeted by armed groups.

Many Countries In Africa Have Level 3 Designations

A Level 3 designation from the State Department means the U.S. government urges travelers to reconsider visiting these countries in light of safety concerns.

Countries with a Level 3 designation include:

Burkina Faso : Crime, Terrorism, Kidnapping Burundi : Crime, Armed Conflict Chad : Crime, Terrorism, Minefields Comoros : Civil Unrest Democratic Rep. of the Congo : Crime, Civil Unrest, Health Risks, Kidnapping/Hostage Taking Guinea-Bissau : Elections, Crime, Civil Unrest Mauritania : Crime, Terrorism Niger : Crime, Terrorism, Kidnapping Nigeria : Crime, Terrorism, Civil Unrest, Kidnapping, Piracy

For a real-time visual of how safe the State department considers each African country, see its interactive online map .

If you do decide to visit a high-risk area, the State Department has some advice to help keep you stay safe that include taking the following precautions:

You can find a full list of steps the State Department says you should take when traveling to high-risk areas here .

Photo Credit: US Army Africa / Flickr (CC BY 2.0)

Erase sensitive photos or comments from your social media pages

Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and power of attorney

Share important documents and information with loved ones

Establish a family member to be a point-of-contact person with possible hostage takers

Leave valuables behind

Enroll in the State Department’s STEP Program

This Map Shows Where Americans Are Being Told ‘Do Not Travel’ in Mexico

T he State Department issued new travel warnings for parts of Mexico on Wednesday, advising American travelers to entirely avoid five regions due to crime.

The advisory tells Americans “do not travel” to the five Mexican coastal states of Sinaloa, Colima, Michoacán, Guerrero, and Tamaulipas. It also suggests exercising “increased caution” or “reconsider travel” to other parts of the country.

Here’s a map of Mexico’s five states the U.S. deemed most dangerous, as well as the general warnings across the rest of the country. The State Department gave Mexico a level 2 travel warning overall, encouraging travelers to exercise increased caution in general.

“Violent crime, such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery, is widespread,” the advisory states.

The latest advisory gives the five Mexican states the same warning level as risky travel destinations like Syria, Yemen and Somalia.

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10 Most Dangerous Cities In Mexico

As you probably know, Mexico is a southern border country of the United States .

The Pacific Ocean lies to the west, and Guatemala to the south.

The current population of the country is about 129,830,000.

Mexico as a whole tends to get a bad rap.

However, for millions of us that have visited, we can attest that it’s not exactly what it’s made out to be.

From the beautiful resort areas of Cancun and Playa Grande to the amazing historical landmarks like the Tulon Ruins and the ancient Aztec Templo Mayor, Mexico has a lot of awesome qualities.

However, like every other country, Mexico does have a dark side.

Due largely to the drug cartels and organized crime (which includes human trafficking).

In 2021, there were over 43,900 murders and 625 kidnappings in the country.

Sadly, a recent Gallup poll revealed that only 48% of Mexican people feel safe at night in their neighborhoods.

Over the years, the United States has issued several warnings to Americans traveling to tourist destinations.

Just recently,(March of 2023), 4 American tourists were kidnapped, and 2 were found murdered.

Vacation seekers visiting Mexico are asked to use caution and common sense.

That being said, it’s probably a good idea to avoid the following 10 most dangerous cities in Mexico.

We’ve based our rankings on murder rate data, government advisories, and overall reports of crime by locals and visitors.

10. Obregon, Mexico

9. uruapan, mexico , 8. culiacan, mexico, 7. coatzacoalcos, mexico , 6. irapuato, mexico, 4. juarez, mexico , 3. victoria, mexico , 2. acapulco, mexico , 1. tijuana, mexico , 5 safety tips for traveling to mexico , mexico safety overview, when is the best time to travel to mexico, what languages are spoken in mexico, is the water safe to drink.

With a population of 436,400, Obregon is known for its lush mountains and food culture.

But the natural beauty and delicious food are unfortunately overshadowed by crime.

The overall rate of crime is 93 per 100,000 and includes a high number of muggings, carjackings, robberies, and drug dealing.

A poll conducted on local residents found that only 22% of people felt safe walking around during the day. 

Uruapan is a large city with a population of just over 356,700 people.

Founded in 1533, this historic town is filled with beautiful architecture and several bodies of water.

People often visit just to see the cascading waterfalls.

However, tourists must also be on the lookout when coming to this bustling city.

The crime rate is 89 per 100,000 people.

There is a large amount of drug use and dealing that goes on within Uruapan.

This often leads to muggings, carjackings, and armed robberies.

Many of the businesses are also used by drug dealers as fronts, so even going to a bar or arcade can be dangerous. 

Once a low-level crime area, Culican crime rates have increased over the past 3 years.

The overall crime rate is 84 per 100,000 people.

The city has also become embroiled in cartel wars.

It was the site of a deadly turf battle that occurred after the arrest of Ovidio Guzman , son of the infamous organized crime leader, El Chapo.

The homicide rate in Culiacan is 61 per 100,000 people, making it an unstable place to live and visit. 

Coatzacoalcos is a major port city at the southern end of the Gulf Of Mexico.

Founded in the 1500s, it’s rich in history, from ancient architecture to cultural artifacts.

Sadly, it’s also got an overall crime rate of 92 per 100,000.

Though the murder rate is lower than in other places, there are very high rates of assaults, robberies, muggings, and drug dealing. 

Known for its strawberry fields, as well as corn and chickpea crops, Irapuato is also a dangerous place for residents and visitors alike.

Last year, there were 81 homicides per 100,000 people.

The violence the drug cartels wage on each other often spills over onto innocent people.

Several disturbing videos have surfaced showing mass shootings  occurring in bars and clubs.

The US government recommends not traveling to Irapuato, because tourists are often the victims of assault, armed robbery, and kidnapping.

Located on the Caribbean Sea, Cancun has been an iconic vacation destination for decades.

The city is divided into 2 specific areas, the downtown center and the hotel zone (resorts).

Though the resorts are, for the most part, well-patrolled and secure, recently, several incidents have made Cancun less attractive to visit.

While the murder rate is lower than in other areas, at 64 per 100,000 people, cartel-related crime has increased.

Crimes against tourists have been on the rise, including robbery, assaults, and scams.

The Mexican government instituted several regulations regarding Airbnb, bars, and nightclubs in an effort to keep tourists safe.

It is recommended that people stay within the resort areas.

The city of Juarez has a population of 1.5 million and is situated on The River Grande just south of the Texas border.

In fact, residents of El Paso can see Juarez from the other side of the river.

While Juarez is rich in history and culture, it’s also gotten a reputation as a staging area for drug smuggling, gun running, and human trafficking.

The murder rate in Juarez is 86 per 100,000 people.

If you must visit Juarez, it’s strongly recommended that you stay with a group, don’t wander into less populated areas, and don’t go out at night.

Also, be especially weary of taxis and pickpockets. 

 Victoria has a population of approximately 380,000.

The city is a major manufacturing hub, producing auto parts, clothing, and microchips to name a few.

The rural outskirts also produce citrus fruits, sugarcane, and corn.

For the most part,  Victoria is full of hard-working people.

Unfortunately, it’s yet another Mexican city that is used by the drug cartels to move their products.

This leads to many shootouts between rival gangs, as well as the police.

This is the main reason it has a murder rate of 86 per 100,000 people.

Street gangs are also common in the city, which leads to robbery and assaults on innocent people.

If you’re a person of a certain age, Acapulco may stir up thoughts of the Love Boat, as it was a usual port of call for the ship.

Once known as a vacation spot for the rich and famous, Acapulco now has the second-highest murder rate in Mexico.

With 111 homicides per every 100,000 people.

The main reason for this is the many poppy fields that exist in the rural areas of Guerrero (of which Acapulco is a part).

Presently, there are 20 drug cartels fighting over control of those fields so they can produce heroin.

The turf wars, drug trade, assaults, and kidnappings have become so common that the United States has banned all government officials from visiting Acapulco.

Literally, at the border of San Diego , California , Tijuana sees many folks day-tripping to the city.

There are stark differences in the experience most tourists have as opposed to what it’s like for its 2,050,000 residents.

Once the Mexican wedding capital, it’s now the murder capital of the country, as well as one of the most dangerous cities in the world.

In December of 2022, Tijuana reached over 2,000 murders for the year.

That’s 138 per 100,000 people.

The city is overrun with cartels that manufacture, deal, and transport fentanyl.

Unfortunately, drugs breed violence and other crimes.

Common occurrences in Tijuana include robbery, drive-by-shootings, and kidnappings.

However, the majority of day tourists say they’ve never had a problem.

If you plan on visiting, it’s important to stay within the well-patrolled areas.

Also, don’t draw attention to yourself, beware of scams (hotels, taxis, tours, etc), and, for goodness sake, don’t make trouble for yourself.

This includes trying to buy anything that may be illegal.

• Be careful when renting a car, hailing a taxi, or ordering an Uber. There are tons of scams surrounding transportation. Take the bus if you can. Mexico’s public transportation is great!
• Don’t travel outside of resort areas at night.
• Avoid protests. Not only can they turn violent, but it’s illegal for foreigners to take part in them. You don’t want to be caught up in the Mexican legal system.
• Avoid isolated areas. Stay with a group in well-populated and patrolled areas.
• Don’t draw attention to yourself. That means, don’t flash money, don’t overdress, wear a lot of jewelry, or look like you’re lost.

READ THE FULL REPORT: Mexico Safety Review

• OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
• TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
• PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
• NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
• MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
• TERRORISM RISK: LOW
• SCAMS RISK: HIGH
• WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to visit Mexico is from December to April.

That’s the dry season.

Spanish is the official language of Mexico.

English is often spoken, especially in the resort area.

Foreign travelers should avoid drinking tap water.

Bottled water is fine to drink.

Additional Resources

2 Comments on 10 Most Dangerous Cities In Mexico

It’s essential to be aware of safety concerns, and lists like these provide a valuable reminder of the challenges some cities face. Let’s hope for community efforts to improve safety.

These lists serve as a reminder that safety is a shared responsibility. Let’s hope for positive changes in these cities to create safer environments for everyone.

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The 11 Most Dangerous Places in Mexico: Deadliest Cities

Just under 100 million people visit Mexico every year. They’re drawn down south for all sorts of reasons. From the golden beaches of the Pacific coast to the ivory-white sands of the Yucatan , the mystical temples of Chichen Itza to the taquerias of Mexico City, the hills of Oaxaca to the tequila-soaked villages of Jalisco, there’s loads to get through. But what are the most dangerous places in Mexico that everyone should avoid?

Sadly, there’s no shortage of them. Mexico has a bit of a bad rep when it comes to crime and whatnot. Five of the six most murderous cities on the planet are here. There are a whopping 14,000+ cartel-related homicides in the country in a normal year. There have even been reports of drug-related violence spilling into sun-kissed tourist resorts in recent years.

Now we’re not saying don’t go to Mexico. Not at all. This is one seriously incredible country; a land of rich Mayan history, wild jungles, and beaches the likes of which you’ll never encounter again. However, it’s important to be careful and to plan accordingly, which is where this list of the most dangerous places in Mexico can be of help…

Table of Contents

Home to the busiest land border crossing in the world, Tijuana sees more than 50 million people pass through every year. That’s one stat. Another is more shocking: A murder rate of 134 per 100,000 head of population. That translates to over 2,300 killings per year and makes the town the most murderous city on the planet by quite some way!

Really, it’s all down to the geography. Just check where Tijuana is on the map. Plonked neatly on top of the US-Mexico border right below San Diego, it’s unsurprisingly become something of a hotspot for traffickers and cartels. In fact, it’s been fought over by some of the most powerful cartels in the country since the early 1980s and things haven’t really let up since then.

Thing is, much of the violence in Tijuana is limited to specific areas. Thousands of day and night visitors still cross to enjoy the shopping of Downtown Tijuana and the party venues of Avenida Revolucion, where you can sample authentic tacos and hit cool bars, not to mention score cheap pharmaceuticals galore. However, there are certain areas to avoid completely, like the Zona Norte red-light district and the neighborhoods to the east of the town center.

Capping off the lovely Baja California Sur peninsula, Los Cabos is a major tourist hotspot. It has gold-sand beaches, amazing whale watching, and glassy surf breaks, not to mention a reputation for hedonism and luxury that keeps everyone from spring breakers to jet-setter celebs coming back for more.

That’s all despite the fact that it is arguably the most dangerous city in Mexico. To put it in perspective, in 2017, the city had 328,245 residents and a total of 365 homicides reported. That translates to a murder rate of just over 110 per 100k people, putting it roughly in line with the top two most deadly cities on the planet (both of which happen to be in Mexico!).

The New York Times have reported that shootings in Los Cabos indicate conflicts by cartels battling over territory. They do, however, make it clear that tourists were not the target in these shootings. What’s more, the vast majority of tourist visits to the town go off without a hitch, so we’d say have your wits about you but don’t be put off coming to see the humpbacks and get your tequila slammers in Cabo Wabo !

Mention Acapulco and it’s usually yellow-tinged sands and sloshing Pacific waters that come to mind. You wouldn’t be wrong – this town was made famous in the 1950s as the spot John Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy chose for their honeymoon. They came, they sunbathed, they were transformed into fashion icons.

However, Acapulco is a whole load more dangerous than it was back then. The city has seen a surge of violence caused by drug trafficking and warring cartels. The homicide rate in 2022? Are you ready for this? It was a whopping 110 per 100k of population. That makes salt-washed Acapulco the second deadliest town in the world. We’re pretty sure the Secret Service would have something to say about JFK coming back these days!

Of course, lots of people do still come for vacations of jet skiing and hiking in the Sierra Madre. Many won’t even leave the confines of their hotel resort it’s that dangerous. We’d probably follow suit.

It might seem a little ironic that a place with the name La Paz , which means “peace” in Spanish, hits this list of the most dangerous places in Mexico. But so it is in this nation where cartel-fueled violence can collide with serene beaches in the blink of an eye; where even the most picturesque colonial hill towns can be spots you need to watch your back.

This is the capital city of Baja California Sur. Sat amid rugged sierras topped with scraggly cacti and taupe-colored beaches that roll straight off the desert, it’s long been a popular escape for US vacationers keen for that hit of Mexicana life. It’s actually even closer to the America-Mexico border than Cabo!

Although there are no travel restrictions when it comes to La Paz, the crime rate makes most visitors think twice about spending their vacation here. According to the Los Angeles Times , perhaps the biggest concern for travelers is the fact that some of the homicides are taking place close to airports. They also report a soaring rate of violence in recent years, much of it centered on those ever-popular beaches .

As with other cities in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas, the crime rate here continues to rise, mostly due to rival drug cartels operating in the area. According to Business Insider , much of the bloodshed is caused by shootouts between rival gang members and the police. The major drug cartel in the area is the hyper-violent Zetas group, who have been making big moves to claim the territory from the Gulf cartel in recent times. 

Thing is, Reynosa is right there, smack dab on the border with Texas. It’s literally a stone’s throw from the spur-spinning Lone Star State at some points, which has led to concerns that the crime will spill over into the US or cause issues for cross-border American travelers passing through on their way to other parts of Mexico.

If you’re one of them, then you should also know that basically the WHOLE of the surrounding state of Tamaulipas is considered pretty unsafe. Reynosa sees just about a fifth of the overall homicides of the region, and cartels are active from here all the way to Ciudad Mante in the far south.

There was a time when it was the state of Sinaloa that would strike fear into the hearts of readers. After all, that was the epicenter of the hit Netflix drama Narcos: Mexico . Fast forward to 2023 and it’s actually not all that bad. Towns like Culiacán have seen a whopping 50% reduction in violent crime rates in just five years. 

And so the spotlight shifts to Michoacán, a state that’s had such awful stats for murders and kidnappings that there’s been an almost consistent State Department warning against travel since 2008. Within Michoacán itself, it’s the city of Zamora that really stands out like a sore thumb…

The town clocked up the worst murder stats in the world in 2021, with 610 homicides in the 365-day period. On top of that, there were out-of-control rates of kidnapping and theft, auto crime and house theft. Look, it’s just not somewhere you want to be right now! If you must head to this region, stick to Morelia , the romantic state capital, where crime stats are nowhere near as bad.

Ciudad Juarez

Ciudad Juarez is the highest populated city in state of Chihuahua. Situated on the Rio Grande just south of El Paso in Texas , this is one of the most dangerous cities in Mexico and undoubtedly one of the most dangerous on the planet. In 2022, the place clocked up a murder rate of 67.69 per 100k head of population, making it the 9th worst overall – not just in the home of mezcal and mariachi! 

What’s odd for the situation in Juarez is that it’s a major, major destination for US travelers. Thousands of people flock across the urban border crossings each day. Some come for cheap electronics goods or pharmaceuticals. Others come for a hit of Mexicana food. Either way, they’re straying into a town that sees thousands of murders per annum. 

That said, a report by the State Department’s Overseas Security Advisory Council stated that US tourists are not a specific target for violence. The council has warned visitors to be aware of burglary, theft, carjacking and robbery, although the main tourist area in the centro aren’t as bad as more crime-ridden out-of-town districts.

There was a time when Colima would have done nothing more than stoke the wanderlust. This is the home of the surf-washed beaches of Manzanillo and the snow-capped volcanoes of the Nevado de Colima. It might be the fourth smallest state in Mexico but it sure does pack a punch on the travel front.

Sadly, you’re probably going to have to hold off a while to visit. Right now, Colima is officially the most murderous city on the planet. It has a soaring per capita murder rate of 181 per 100,000 people. That makes it worse than ANYWHERE, even Port-au-Prince in Haiti where people report pitched gang battles in the street. 

Things still aren’t quite as bad here as they got in aforementioned Juarez back in 2010. But we’re talking levels of crime similar to that of major cities in Colombia during the throes of the Pablo Escobar era. Yikes.

Ciudad Obregón

Ciudad Obregón is a large city based in the northern Mexican state of Sonora. It was named after the Mexican president, Álvaro Obregón. The US Department of State has warned that non-essential travel to this city should be halted unless the crime rates drop considerably. The reason? They are currently the third-worst in the world on the murder front. 

That adds up to a murder rate of 138/100k head of population, which is just shy of Colima (see above) but still pretty darn awful. Alongside that, you have out-of-control rates of muggings, kidnappings, crimes against women, human trafficking – you name it. It’s probably not the best pick for that upcoming holiday!

If things ever do change then you can look forward to a town that’s a gateway to both the Sea of Cortez and the northern deserts. The wild, pine-studded Sierra de Álamos lurk on one side, and there’s rich whale-watching territory on the other.

It’s the same old story in Irapuato as it is across Mexico. Escalating territory disputes between the two new cartels on the block, the Jalisco Cartel New Generation and the Santa Rosa Lima Cartel, have fueled street violence that’s sent the homicide and gun crime stats to the moon in these parts in the last couple of years. 

It’s gotten so darn awful that little Irapuato, home to a mere 500,000 people, now ranks as the sixth deadliest city on the whole planet. Yep – the WHOLE PLANET. That’s because the per capita homicide rate here clocked up past 81.4 per 100k head of population, sending it above the likes of Cape Town in South Africa and Natal in Brazil. 

What’s so striking is the speed of Irapuato’s rise to infamy. Ten years ago, the place saw a relatively normal level of street violence (at least, it was normal for Mexico). Then came 2018, which counted more murders than the whole decade that preceded it. Just another warning of how even small provincial cities are not immune to the forever-morphing drug wars of Mexico.

Cancun 

Sorry, folks – we know this is a name that lots of readers probably didn’t want to see on this list. However, Cancun has been in the throes of a particularly bad spike in the same cartel-related feuds that have caused chaos in Irapuato in the last five years. Murder rates here have been creeping up, finally hitting a zenith in 2022 at 64.4 per 100,000 population. That’s the 12th worst in the world. Yikes.

What’s so worrying about seeing Cancun falter is that it proves there’s hardly a part of Mexico that’s out of bounds when it comes to the cartel turf wars. This is the quintessential holiday mecca of the country, with white-sand beaches aplenty, nightlife to please any spring breaker, and more lux hotels than you can shake a frosted margarita at.

Visitors to Cancun have been caught up in the violence of recent times, too. Recently, four people were killed in a shooting that took place on one of the town’s idyllic Caribbean beaches. There was also a deadly shooting in a restaurant in 2021 that saw European visitors caught in the crossfire. And there was a brutal assassination in a hotel down on the nearby Maya Riviera to boot. Very worrying. Very worrying indeed!

What is the deadliest city in Mexico?

Colima is currently the deadliest city in Mexico. As of 2022, the mid-sized regional city clocked up a murder rate that made it the most murderous town on the whole planet. There were 601 murders in a population of just 300,000.

How dangerous is Mexico right now?

Mexico certainly is dangerous but it’s very much a case of where you choose to go. The country is vast and there are some places that suffer from high crime rates and bad cartel violence, while others don’t see much at all. That said, we’d also recommend planning well ahead, staying up to date with State Department advice, and steering clear of any of the most dangerous places in Mexico during your travels.

What is the safest place in Mexico?

The coastal town of Tulum is quite possibly the safest place in Mexico . Less touristy than the other resort towns in the Yucatan Peninsula, this town offers great historical structure and is mostly known for its well-preserved Mayan city wall ruins. Other people will say that’s the safest spot is the lovely city of Merida in the Yucatan, a newly founded Digital Nomad hub close to the Caribbean Sea.

For more than 11 years, Joe has worked as a freelance travel writer. His writing and explorations have brought him to various locations, including the colonial towns of Mexico, the bustling chowks of Mumbai, and the majestic Southern Alps of New Zealand. When he's not crafting his next epic blog post on the top Greek islands or French ski resorts, he can often be found engaging in his top two hobbies of surfing and hiking.

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10 MOST DANGEROUS Countries in Africa 2024 – [GPI Rank]

GPI is the acronym for the Global Peace Index. This measures the comparative environments of countries for their peacefulness. In the most recent update for 2023, the GPI ranked 163 individual countries and territories (that made up 99.7 percent of the population of the globe) for their peaceful levels. Over the last decade, GPI showed an increasing trend for rising violence around the world.

This GPI report is drafted and released by the IEP Institute for Economics and Peace. A highly esteemed international panel of experts on peace consults to create the final rankings and report.

These experts come from peace think tanks and institutes to work with data gathered and compiled by the Economist Intelligence Unit. This index became initially launched back in the year 2009. Since then, the reports have been released once per year. The first year saw only 121 countries and territories compared.

RELATED: GPI Reveals World’s 7 Most Dangerous Countries You Don’t Want To Travel To In 2023

How Does the GPI Work?

The way the GPI index works is through carefully quantifying peacefulness on a national and regional scale. GPI researches to what extent the country in question is enmeshed in continuing international and domestic violence. It looks to consider the harmony level in a given country versus its level of discord.

They utilize ten separate indicators to assess the security and safety of society. It is inferred that fewer terrorist acts, lower crime rates, fewer violent demonstrations, stable politics, good relations with neighboring states, and a low number of displaced citizens will indicate that a country is peaceful.

The index has broadened its scope to include 23 separate indicators by the 2023 edition to determine the peaceful score of all nations and territories assessed. These indicators undergo review from the experts’ panel each year. Every indicator yields a score of from one to five.

Eight primary peaceful pillars underpin the GPI rankings. These include the following:

• Stable business environment
• Capable government
• Acceptance of human rights
• Free-flowing information
• Sound international relations with neighboring states
• Lower corruption levels
• Higher levels of human capital
• Fair distribution of national resources

The most important of these pillars in nations that are suffering from violence include lower corruption levels, effective government, good international relations, and accepting the rights of others in society.

Which African countries are the most dangerous?

Somalia, South Sudan and Sudan are considered as the most dangerous countries in Africa in 2023, according to the Global Peace Index. The rank is based on current economical, political, governmental situation and crime statistics. Traveling in these countries on your own is not recommended and you should be guarded by local police guide.

Next, we will consider the ten most dangerous countries within the continent of Africa in 2023. Sadly, most of these nations sit at the very bottom of the GPI index rankings when compared to all of the other countries in the world. 

10. Democratic Republic of Congo – 2.210

The biggest nation of sub-Saharan Africa and second biggest on the continent is the DRC. This Congo (formerly called Zaire) is also the 11th biggest territorially on earth. The population amounts to 84 million, earning it the spot of largest French speaking nation and fourth-biggest nation by population on the continent. The DRC is also the 16th highest populated nation in the globe. There has been a continuous military struggle in the eastern region of Kivu dating back to 2015.

The large territory of the DRC is based on the Congo River Basin. This country boasts vast natural resources but has not been able to capitalize on them because of poor infrastructure, political instability in government, severe corruption, and little development despite several hundred years of colonial exploitation and theft by the Belgians and their imperialist King Leopold.

The three largest cities are capital Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, and Mbuhi-Mayi, the latter two of which are mining cities. The biggest single export from the DRC is raw minerals, over half of which went to China in 2012.

Per 2018, approximately 600,000 native Congolese had immigrated from conflicts in the east and center of the nation to neighboring states that are more peaceful. There are a shocking two million children at risk of starvation, while the conflict has forced the displacement of over 4.5 million inhabitants.

9. Chad – 2.699

Chad, located in central Africa, has faced significant challenges that contribute to its reputation as a dangerous country. One of the primary factors is its volatile internal conflicts. Chad has experienced numerous armed rebellions, insurgencies, and political instability, resulting in violence and displacement of populations. These conflicts often spill over into neighboring countries, exacerbating regional tensions and instability.

Additionally, Chad’s vast and porous borders make it a breeding ground for transnational crime, including arms and drug trafficking, smuggling, and the presence of extremist groups. This poses a serious security threat not only to Chad but also to the wider region.

Moreover, Chad’s geographic location exposes it to various environmental challenges, such as recurring droughts, desertification, and the shrinking of Lake Chad. These factors lead to resource scarcity, competition, and population displacement, further exacerbating social and economic instability.

The absence of strong governance institutions, high levels of corruption, limited access to basic services, and a weak justice system contribute to the country’s overall fragility, making it a breeding ground for violence and insecurity.

8. Nigeria – 2.713

The Federal Republic of Nigeria is a state in West Africa. It is located in the Atlantic Ocean, between the Sahel to the north and the Gulf of Guinea to the south. With over 225 million inhabitants, it is the sixth most populous country in the world and the most populous country in Africa. It has a total area of 923,769 square kilometers (356,669 sq mi).

Nigeria has a Level 3 advisory, reconsider Travel by the U.S. government. 

This is due to the prevalence of violent crime in the nation, which includes armed robbery, assault, carjacking, abduction, hostage-taking, banditry, and rape. Kidnappings for ransom usually target American people who look wealthy as well as dual nationals who have visited Nigeria recently. On interstate routes, kidnapping groups have also stopped victims.

In Nigeria, terrorists are still planning and executing out assaults. Targeting malls, markets, hotels, houses of worship, restaurants, bars, schools, public buildings, transit hubs, and other locations where large groups congregate, terrorists may launch attacks with little or no advance notice. It is well known that terrorists collaborate with nearby gangs to broaden their influence.

7. Burkina Faso – 2.868

According to the Canadian Government, Travelers should avoid all travel to Burkina Faso, especially in the northern area and border region as follows.

Northern region

Due to the proximity of Mali and Niger, where criminal and terrorist groups are active, the threat of kidnapping remains in Burkina Faso’s northern region. If you intend to visit these areas despite the warning:

• maintain constant vigilance
• use a variety of unpredictable routes and itineraries
• use an armed security force as an escort

Border regions

Terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping are all prevalent in Burkina Faso’s border regions, particularly along its borders with:

• Côte d’Ivoire

In certain areas, states of emergency may be declared. When a state of emergency is declared, security forces have expanded their authority to undertake searches, seizures, and detentions of persons of interest. Some civil liberties, such as the right to protest and hold large gatherings, may be suspended.

Curfews may also be imposed by local authorities without notice.

6. Ethiopia – 2.872

Ethiopia has a level 3 travel advisory (Reconsider Travel ) by the U.S. government. 

According to the officials, travelers should reconsider travel to Ethiopia “due to armed conflict, civil unrest, communications disruptions, crime, and the potential for terrorism and kidnapping in border areas.”

Travelers must not visit:

• Tigray region and border with Eritrea due to military clashes, civil unrest and crime.
• Amhara region due to armed conflict and civil instability
• Afar region due to armed conflict and civil instability
• Border area with Somalia due to the possibility of terrorism, kidnappings, and land mines.
• Border areas with Sudan and South Sudan have been closed due to crime, kidnappings, civil unrest, and ongoing fighting between numerous armed groups.
• Border areas with Kenya because of the possibility of terrorism and racially motivated conflict.
• Wollega zones in the Oromia region have been affected by violence and civil instability.

Keep in mind that U.S. officials have very limited consular access to U.S. citizens detained by Ethiopian authorities.

5. Central African Republic – 2.934

The Central African Republic attained its independence in 1960. It then suffered through a variety of dictatorial rulers that included a brief attempt at monarchy. In the 1990s, the clamor for democracy caused the country to undergo its initial multiple-party elections in the year 1993. The first democratically elected president was Ange-Felix Patasse. He later fell to General Francois Bozize during a 2003 year coup.

The following year, the Bush War erupted in the Central African Republic. Although peace treaties were signed first in 2007 then in 2011, the civil war began afresh by 2012. Per the year 2023, the CAR suffers still from that civil war that has not seen a conclusive ceasefire since it began in the year 2012.

The nation is well-endowed with substantial valuable minerals and resources like crude oil, diamonds, gold, uranium, lumber, cobalt, and hydropower, along with significant amounts of arable land, yet it remains one of the ten most impoverished nations on earth. Its GDP per capita ranked by purchasing power parity is the lowest in the world per year 2017.

Finally, the CAR has the dubious dual honors of being the least healthy nation on earth and the worst place to live like a young person.

4. Mali – 2.963

Mali is the large landlocked nation found in West Africa. This eighth biggest state of Africa has a population of only 19.1 million and a capital at Bamako. A high 67 percent of the national population was under 25 years of age back in 2017.

The national economy is built upon mining and agriculture. Among the national resources of great value are gold and salt. In fact, Mali is the third greatest gold producer on the continent to this day.

Mali has been beset by armed conflict since January of 2012. That year, the Tuareg rebels seized control of a northern territory in Mali. By April they had declared their own nation called Azawad. The struggle became more severe because of a corresponding military coup in March of the same year.

Fighting erupted between the Tuareg and various other rebel factions. Mali appealed to its former colonial masters the French for help. France dispatched a military expedition under the name of Operation Serval by January of 2013. It took only a month for the French-led Malian national forces to retake the majority of the northern rebel territory. On July 28th of 2013, the country went to the polls and finished its run-off second election on August 11th. They also engaged in legislative elections on November 24th and December 15th of the same year.

3. South Sudan – 3.221

South Sudan is considered the most dangerous country in Africa and 4th most dangerous in the world in 2022, according to GPI rank.

Recent news & updates:

November 14: 4.9 magnitude earthquake strikes South Sudan-Uganda border region

May 3: South Sudan’s conflicts are not just between communities – Amnesty International

The UN Security Council will soon review the implementation of the arms embargo in South Sudan, which expired on May 31, 2023. Violence in South Sudan is often linked to human rights abuses and crimes under international law and contributes to the dire humanitarian situation in the country. 

The government denies its involvement in much of the violence, calling it “inter-communal” and downplaying its role in conflicts caused by political power struggles and competition for resources.

This account ignores the fact that the root of conflict in South Sudan lies in interethnic political maneuvering and competition among elites for control of power and financial resources. This behavior is fueled by a “winner-takes-all” mentality, which is essential to prevail in a zero-sum political system.

South Sudan is the newest country in Africa is South Sudan which broke away successfully from Sudan back in 2011. The biggest city and capital is Juba. A referendum (supported by the international community) for the independence of South Sudan received 98.83 percent support.

Unfortunately, the nation has experienced first ethnic violence and then a civil war from year 2013 until February 22nd of 2020. At this point, the two rival claimants Riek Machar and Salva Kiir agreed to a unity compromise that saw them form a coalition government together.

With 12 million people who are primarily Nilotic tribes, the nation is also among the youngest nations demographically on earth. About half of the population is less than 18 years of age. Most of the people are Christians with a small minority of traditional African tribal religions also present in South Sudan.

2. Sudan – 3.023

November 14: UNHCR warns of increasing violence and human rights violations against civilians in Darfur

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is deeply troubled by the recent events in Sudan, where the conflict in the Darfur region is intensifying.

A significant number of people are fleeing across borders in large numbers. In just the past week, over 8,000 individuals have sought refuge in Chad, a neighboring country. This number is probably an underestimation due to difficulties in registering the newcomers. The UNHCR, alongside the government and local partners in Chad, is gearing up for the potential influx of more refugees as the turmoil in Sudan continues.

May 3, 2023: Fighting intensifies in Sudan’s capital as US warns of new sanctions (Source: Guardian)

The current conflict in Sudan explained:

The core of the conflict revolves around two individuals: Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the military ruler and head of the army in Sudan, and General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (also known as Hemedti), the deputy leader and commander of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group in the country.

In the past, the two men worked together closely to overthrow the former Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir in 2019 and played a significant role in the military coup in 2021.

However, tensions emerged during talks aimed at integrating the RSF into the country’s military as part of a plan to re-establish civilian rule. The main point of contention was the question of who would hold a position of subordination under the new hierarchy.

According to 2018 national estimates, Sudan counts a population of 43 million and is the third biggest nation by territory on the continent. It is also the third largest of the Arab world. Until a few years ago, Sudan enjoyed the status as largest nation in both Africa and the Arab world before the secession of South Sudan in 2011.

Sudan gained its independence in 1956. It has suffered the rule of numerous unstable military regimes alternating with parliamentary democracies since then. The country went under strict Islamic Sharia law in 1983 under the leadership of Gaafar Nimeiry. It only made tensions reach a boiling point between the Islamic north and Christian south. The rivalries between religious beliefs, language, and political power burst into a violent civil war between the National Islamic Front-backed government armies and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-backed southern rebels. This only ended when South Sudan gained full independence from the north back in 2011.

Up till 2019, Sudan suffered from a 30-year duration military dictatorship under the leadership of Omar al-Bashir. His governing choices led to a Darfur Region war in 2003. The leader has been accused of performing ethnic genocide. In the end, the army killed between 300,000 and 400,000 locals. A successful coup overthrew Bashir on April 11th of 2019.

1. Somalia – 3.036

November 14: Dozens dead and thousands trapped in Somalia’s ‘worst floods in decades’

January 20, 2023: Somalia, extremists claim over 100 killed in intense battle (Source: abcnews.go.com )

Somalia and its 15 million inhabitants have been called the most homogenous country culturally on the continent. Approximately 85 percent of the citizens claim to be ethnically Somali. A few minorities mostly live in the south of Somalia. The two national languages of Somalia are Somali and Arabic. The majority of the population adheres to the Islamic faith as Sunnis.

In 1969, the Supreme Revolutionary Council grabbed power to set up the Somali Democratic Republic. This fell around 22 years after the fact in year 1991. The Somali Civil War destroyed it. This civil war caused the majority of its regions to go back to religious, traditional law.

By the onset of the new millennium, many federal administrations became established. The insurgents suffered the loss of the majority of their territory (that they had managed to seize over the past decades) by 2012 mid-year. An attempt to set up democracy ensued. August of 2012 saw the passage of a provisional constitution. The Federal Government of Somalia arose that same month and year.

Mogadishu the capital then became rebuilt after over two decades of fighting. Somalia’s economy today is highly informal. It relies heavily on livestock, telecommunications, and overseas Somalis remitting money back home to their families.

I’m a South African, it’s painful to realize that one will die having not experienced our own continent as much as we’d like to, no matter how much money you have. I’m so imotional typing cause I know nothing is gonna change, not in our lifetime.

I just had a look at the actual report and according to that data the chorological order based on the scores is as follows: 1. South Sudan (3,221) 2. Democratic Republic of Congo (3,214) 3. Somalia (3,036) 4. Sudan (3,023) 5. Mali (2,963 6. Central African Republic (2,934) 7. Ethiopia (2,872) 8. Burkina Faso (2,868) 9. Nigeria (2,713) 10. Chad (2,699)

But that’s before the recent sudani war I guess

Go to all these places and spread love.

I Thank God my country kenya is not in the list

Is anywhere in life really safe?

Nigeria should be the in the number one list, a country full of crime , i mean everyday crime , wished i am not from this part of the world

Never be ashamed of where you come from.

Yeah an absolute catastrophe of a country. Horrible, constant crime, corruption, you name it they have it. Horrible.

My cousin was a U.S citizen and was abducted in Ibadan. They found his remains along with many others in an abandoned building. We were told that it may have been ritualistic. So sad..

so very sad.. I am looking to volunteer in Africa, I’m so scared. Is there an online arickle I can read about your cousin and the others? Take care

Why you added Syria as part of Africa??? is literally in another continent!))))

Hi, Leren, you’re absolutely right, was the editor’s mistake. we took it off the list, thanks.

Read correctly

Buhari is the founder kidnapping and all the killings in Nigeria 🇳🇬, even a blind man knows it.

Where is South Africa? This post is far from the truth.

Well, we followed the GPI rank. Global peace index.

Please can I use this post on my YouTube content?🙏

Hi Amin, yes 😉 would be great if you can also link it in description.

My name is joshua why is nigeria there but they are the giant of africa

Nigeria is there due the high rate of kidnapping and killings !!!

Very true Dan. I am ashamed to say the least that this is my country. The rate of corruption in that country is unrealistic. May Allah help us all!

Ethiopia should be number 1. Burned human being alive. There is Genocide going on right now.

we try to follow the official sources and data (GPI) in this article

Ethiopia is actually safe especially compared to its neighbors South Sudan Somalia and especially Eritrea , the government are fairly responsible and have reconciled with rebels and put down civil unrests and the burning alive unlike some Eritrean rituals were by gangs now serving life in prison

I am not sure why you put our state picture (Tamil Nadu, India) under Democratic Republic of Congo.

Hi Anand, you are right! There was confusion. We replaced the photo with a correct one. Thanks for the heads up!

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Sharks, lightning, rough surf: The most dangerous beaches in Florida, by the numbers

Heading to the beach? Have a great time! Just watch for sharks. And lightning. And rip currents. And hurricanes.

In 2023, seven of the 10 most dangerous beaches in the U.S., according to the online travel site  Travel Lens , were in Florida based on shark bites, surf fatalities, hurricane frequency and more.

Keep in mind, part of that is surely because 825 miles of our 1,350 miles of coast are sandy beaches , some of the most beautiful in the country. Only Alaska has more coastline and we're a lot warmer. Florida has the third-largest population in the U.S. and every year millions of people visit just to head to the beach (or to see Disney World, but many of them hit the beach, too). More people means better odds of someone getting hurt.

But just so you're aware of the potential threats, these may be the most dangerous beaches in Florida.

What is the most dangerous beach in Florida for shark bites?

New Smyrna Beach, the "shark bite capital of the world," hands down, is the most dangerous beach in Florida for shark bites.

Florida had 16 reported unprovoked shark bites in 2023 , according to a study released by the Florida Program for Shark Research . That's the most of any state and twice that of the next closest one (Hawaii, with 8). Half of those 16 bites were in Volusia County, and five were in New Smyrna Beach just south of Daytona Beach.

Volusia County in total has reported 351 unprovoked shark bites since 1882, according to the program's International Shark Attack File , twice the next closest county of Brevard with 158.

Why? Lots of people, lots of swimmers, lots of fishing (which means lots of bait fish), lots of surfers. The Ponce Inlet/New Smyrna Beach area is popular with surfers and that churns up the water and lowers visibility.

The locals are fully aware of this, of course. You can buy  Shark Bite Capital T-shirts , for a while there was a  Shark Park attraction  (now closed), and in 2022  decorative shark statues designed by local artists and high school students  were installed around town.

How to avoid danger or shark attacks in Florida:

• Swim in a group, sharks are more likely to attack a single person.
• Swim only near lifeguards.
• Don't go in at dawn or dusk, when sharks are most active.
• Avoid shiny jewelry, which can resemble fish scales.
• Don't go in the water if you're bleeding.
• Be careful around sandbars and near steep drop-offs, these are favorite hangouts for sharks.
• Use extra caution when waters are murky.
• Avoid excess splashing, which can draw a shark's attention.
• Don't swim where fishermen are fishing or a lot of baitfish are swimming around.
• Get out of the water if sharks are sighted.

Duuuunnnnn dunn: Florida leads US again in number of shark attacks. See what 2023 report had to say

What is the most dangerous beach in Florida for lightning strikes?

Florida gets a lot of lightning, more than anywhere else in the country. A 10-year study found that on average, the Sunshine State gets 3,500 cloud-to-ground lightning flashes per day and 1.2 million per year. And sometimes it hits people. Sometimes it kills them .

USA TODAY reported in 2023 that Florida also lead the U.S. in deaths by lightning strikes with 85 since 2006. From 1959 to 2017, Florida saw 498 fatal lightning strikes , more than twice as many as the next state (Texas, with 226).

Since 2000, 17 people in Panama City Beach have been killed by lightning.

Studies have found that over 70% of the lightning deaths happened in June, July and August, with slightly more happening on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (likely due to more people outdoors, on beaches and golf courses and in parks).

(It's not a beach, but the single most lightning-dense area in the United States is an unincorporated community in Florida just west of Disney World called Four Corners. A study from environmental technology company  Vaisala found that in 2022, Four Corners saw 474 lightning events per square kilometer, or 1,229 lightning events per square mile.)

How to avoid danger from thunder and lightning in Florida:

• Go indoors or get in your vehicle when storms approach.
• Avoid trees and open-sided shelters.
• Avoid contact with running water.
• Avoid contact with electrical systems such as computers or game systems.

What is the most dangerous beach in Florida for surfers?

According to TravelLens, the popular spring break destination Panama City Beach won that dubious title due to the 24 surf zone deaths that occurred between 2010 and 2023.

The second-most dangerous beach for surfers was Daytona Beach, which had 16 in the same period.

How to avoid danger:

• Don't surf alone.
• Use the right equipment.
• Know the area and read forecasts.
• Pay attention to everything.
• Don't stand up too fast.
• Avoid surfing before or during a hurricane or tropical storm, which Panama City Beach officials attributed to several of their incidents.

In 2023, Panama City Beach made several most-dangerous-beach lists for another reason.

What Florida beach had the most drownings?

From June 15-24, 2023, seven people died after swimming in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Panama City Beach (one was outside the city limits on an unincorporated Bay County beach). That's the most drownings in one location in the U.S. that year, according to a National Weather Service database.

That's not the fault of the beach, though. Officials say six of them happened under double red flags, which means the ocean was closed to the public due to dangerous rip currents and the swimmers, all tourists, apparently went in anyway. Only surfers tethered to a surfboard are allowed to enter the Gulf during double red flags.

The other drowning was a tourist who went swimming under a single red flag, which designates high surf and strong currents.

"Any and every loss of life is a tragedy," the city said in a release. "The city considers these drownings heart-wrenching, unnecessary and preventable.”

Rip currents are river-like underwater currents in the surf zone (from the beach to past the breaking waves) that are moving away from the beach. Powerful rip currents can pull people out into the ocean or just wear them out as they try to swim to shore.

• Check out the surf zone forecast before you go.
• Know how to swim and swim near a lifeguard.
• Bring flotation devices or a United States Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
• Swim near friends.
• Know the beach's address should you need to call for help.
• Know the location of life stations on the beach equipped with life rings that could be thrown to someone in trouble.
• Pay attention to any hazard flags posted at the beach or at lifeguard stations and chairs.

More than 2 dozen reported tornadoes in 3 states amid outbreak in the Plains

Tornado watches are in effect for parts of six states.

There have been more than two dozen reported tornadoes in three states amid a twister outbreak in the Plains on Friday.

Twenty million Americans, from Texas to Iowa, are on alert Friday for tornadoes, large hail and damaging winds, as severe weather is expected to impact the Heartland into the weekend.

The highest tornado threat exists from the Dallas region north to Des Moines, Iowa.

There have been at least 25 reported tornadoes in Nebraska, Texas and Kansas so far on Friday, with some damage reported in northeast Texas and central Nebraska.

Tornado watches are in effect for parts of six states -- Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas, including Dallas -- into Friday afternoon and evening.

The National Weather Service in Omaha issued a tornado emergency for parts of east-central Nebraska Friday afternoon after a confirmed "large and destructive" tornado was seen over Elkhorn, Nebraska.

Two particularly dangerous situation tornado warnings were also in effect in Nebraska near Omaha and near Norfolk.

In Omaha, several houses were destroyed and at least two people have been transported with minor injuries in the storm, police said. Eppley Airfield also saw some damage to private planes, authorities said.

"We've been very fortunate with very few injuries," Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer told reporters during a press briefing Friday. "It seems like our warning systems in the city of Omaha have been very effective."

Three people were injured after a reported tornado severely damaged a building in Lancaster County, Nebraska, authorities said. The incident was reported around 3 p.m. CT. Friday at Garner Industries in Lincoln, the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office said. Approximately 70 people were inside the building when the reported tornado struck, with three transported to area hospitals in non-life-threatening condition, the sheriff's office said.

MORE: How to shelter during a tornado if you don't have a basement

On Saturday, some of these severe storms could stretch as far north as Chicago; Milwaukee; Green Bay, Wisconsin; and Traverse City, Michigan. These areas will mostly see damaging winds and some hail.

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The severe thunderstorms could also produce very heavy rain causing flash flooding, with the highest flash flood threat in Oklahoma, including Oklahoma City and Tulsa, and extending into northern Texas and eastern Kansas. Up to half a foot of rain is possible locally in a short amount of time.

The highest tornado threat on Saturday is across the Plains from Texas to Iowa -- including Oklahoma City; Kansas City, Missouri; Wichita, Kansas; and Des Moines -- in the afternoon and evening.

The tornado threat will decrease but not dissipate on Sunday, with storms expected to redevelop from Texas to Missouri to Illinois in the afternoon and evening. Severe weather with damaging winds, hail and an isolated tornado are possible in cities including St. Louis and Little Rock.

The flash flood threat will also move into Arkansas, including Little Rock, on Sunday.

MORE: 3 life-saving tactics to use if in a car during a flash flood

The current tornado threat comes after Thursday saw four reported landspouts and tornadoes in four states -- Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming and Utah, primarily in rural areas. Parts of Kansas also saw hail larger than a baseball and winds gusting up to 70 mph.

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18 of the Most Dangerous Roads in the World

Proceed with caution.

T here are scenic  national park road trips , iconic  Route 66 drives,  and the  best road trips across the United States,  but these stretches of asphalt, gravel, and/or ice are something else entirely. Not even the  ultimate road trip guide  will properly prepare you for driving on the most dangerous roads in the world. Attempting to tackle one of the most dangerous roads in the world is not for the faint of heart and not for the kind of driver who struggles to find reverse or doesn’t know how to change a tire!

We came up with our list of the world’s most dangerous roads by consulting the experts who have driven some of these harrowing highways and by checking out other lists from the World Most Dangerous Roads  travel documentary TV series. These 18 roads hug the edges of cliffs with no guard rail, are covered in ice, frequently flood, feature 18 lanes of manic traffic, and have sections of their infrastructure that are crumbling that would test even the  best road trip cars .

Col du Chaussy, France

At 5,029 feet above sea level, Col du Chaussy in the Rhône-Alpes region of south-eastern France is a high mountain pass that starts with the famous “Les Lacets de Montvernier.” This special stretch is only about 2 miles long but features 17 hairpin turns as you climb up an actual cliff. There’s a small concrete barrier as you zigzag upward but this improbable road, while impossibly picturesque, is still one of the most dangerous roads in the world. As with all the roads in the country, here’s  why you won’t see a single stop sign in France  on the Col du Chaussy.

Karnali Highway, Nepal

Approximately 50 people die here every year, making a drive on the 155-mile Karnali Highway in the Himalayas of West Nepal a literal death wish. It is one of the most dangerous roads in the world even when it’s not monsoon season because the surface is extremely dusty making visibility poor and includes narrow stretches, landslides, falling rocks, flooded sections, potholes, huge drops off steep cliffs, and significant bumpiness. And now it is only a road passable, at best, during the day as the police have banned driving at night due to the high number of fatal accidents. This highway is dangerous but Nepal is one of the  countries that are safer than you think .

Commonwealth Avenue, Philippines

Unlike other roads and highways on this list of the most dangerous roads in the world, this one isn’t perched on the edge of a mountain or near a crumbling bridge. In fact, it’s a wide urban highway that’s just 7.5 miles long. Eighteen lanes wide to be specific and due to heavy traffic, poor drainage which brings floods on the avenue, and the constant presence of motorbikes and pedestrians that tour buses can’t even see, this road has earned the tragic nickname “Killer Highway” because of the many accidents and fatalities suffered here. For a thrill that doesn’t require a passport, check out Colorado’s  Million Dollar Highway.

BR-116 (“Rodovia da Morte”), Brazil

Any highway called Rodovia de Morte or Highway of Death is bound to be one of the most dangerous roads in the world. Stretching from Fortaleza in the north of the country to the southeast edge along the Uruguay border, this 2,790-mile highway is the second-longest in Brazil and while it is advertised as being completely paved, that designation is dubious as much of BR-116 is in poor condition. But some cracked asphalt is not what makes it dangerous. Unstable weather and steep cliffs regularly cause major accidents and because the Highway of Death passes through some of Brazil’s most poverty-stricken areas, the threat of gangs lurk in several spots along this busy route. Heading to Brazil? Learn about the  unexpected mysteries of the Amazon  before you go.

Taroko Gorge Road, Taiwan

Similar to the Guoliang Tunnel in China, Taroko Gorge Road is one of the most dangerous roads in the world because it is carved out of a mountain and runs through one too. This popular nearly 12-mile stretch in Taiwan is spectacular so you can expect a parade of tour buses, cars, scooters, bicyclists, and pedestrians all sharing the same narrow road, and all trying to navigate blind corners and terrifying bends that look too small to fit around. If you find yourself on Taroko Gorge Road, you better hope the weather is fair, otherwise, you might suffer through landslides, floods, and falling rocks that make sections impassable. For a road trip that’s scenic and safe, check out the  Tail of the Dragon  itinerary.

Bayburt-of Road D915, Turkey

If you fear landslides and have vertigo, it’s best to steer clear of D915 in  Turkey . This challenging road is located on the boundary of the Black Sea region in the northeast of the country and is extreme because, in part, there are no guardrails to separate you from a massive drop. In fact, no one but professional drivers should probably attempt this, although the photographic payoff is immense! The most iconic part of Bayburt-of Road is called Derebaşı Turns. It has 13 hairpins that will have you climbing from 5,617 feet above sea level to 6,677 feet above sea level in just three miles with a steep grade up to 10 percent!

Kahekili Highway, Hawaii

This 20 mile, one-lane road is framed by rock on one side and sheer cliff drops on the other. It’s as stunning as it is terrifying for nervous drivers heading from Kapalua to Wailuku. The legendary Kahekili Highway is famous for snaking turns and narrow passages.

Sichuan-Tibet Highway, China

The constant threat of rock slides, mudslides, and avalanches would make any road one of the most dangerous roads in the world but add in treacherous switchbacks on cliffs and winding through peaks, and you have the 1,330-mile Sichuan-Tibet highway connecting China with Tibet. The statistics of fatalities are staggering, with 75 of every 1,000 losing their life on this road built nearly three miles above sea level in the early 1950s, while passing Buddhist monasteries and herds of yaks. Before you find yourself in this situation, read up on these  tips for driving in dangerous situations .

99-Bend Road to Heaven, China

How many hairpin turns can you fit into 6.8 miles? Turns out, 99 of them! This short stretch in China’s Tianmen Mountain National Park is chock full of sheer drops and twists constructed hundreds of 3,800 feet in the sky. If a straightaway, you could drive this road in less than 10 minutes but what makes 99-Bend Road one of the most dangerous roads in the world is the elevation, the turns, and the sheer lack of anything to keep you from plunging to your death! Not to mention the constant threat of earthquakes  in this part of the world!

Dalton Highway, Alaska

One of the world’s most isolated and dangerous roads, this icy finger of tarmac was built in 1974 as a supply route for the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System. Tackle this route and you’ll need to pack plenty of supplies; there are just three towns on the 413 miles (or eerily, 666 kilometers) route, one of which is named Deadhorse. To complicate matters, large sections have fallen into disrepair, and its most famous claim to fame is a reminder that this isn’t a highway you want to break down on: It’s the longest stretch of road in North America without roadside services of any kind. Don’t forget to check out our guide to plan your Alaska road trip .

Atlantic Road, Norway

This twisting ribbon of coastal concrete might look beautiful, but don’t be fooled; it’s one of Norway’s most dangerous roads when the wild Atlantic comes too close! Drive along it and you’ll feel as though you’re on a rollercoaster ride, thanks to the sharp turns, curves, and twists. When the weather’s bad though—as it often is in this part of the world—visibility can disappear in a matter of seconds. And then you’ve got huge, thundering walls of water which regularly crash over the road’s barriers.

North Yungas Highway, Bolivia

Scarily, this narrow road clinging to the side of a Bolivian mountain was once the main route into the country’s capital, La Paz, which holds the honor of the world’s highest capital city. Authorities eventually built a shiny new highway, but locals still speed down this road that also serves as a popular mountain biking spot. There are several reasons not to look down. One of the most unnerving sights is the dozens of makeshift memorials dedicated to those who’ve lost their lives here. The road has a total drop of 12,000 feet and even today, between 200 and 300 people die on the road every year. No matter what road you’re on, avoid these  rude driving habits  you should stop ASAP.

Guoliang Tunnel, China

Leave the monster truck at home for this one. The inside of this 3/4-mile-long road tunnel is just 16 feet tall and 13 feet meters wide. You’ll find it in the Taihang Mountains of Henan Province, China. It was constructed in 1977 by 13 locals, although the reason that it took five years to build is that several villagers died on the job. There are 30 “windows” carved out of the rock, but we don’t recommend stopping for a selfie. And if the thought of driving through this particular tunnel gives you chills, consider this: Before it was built, locals from the village it connects to used a ladder to get back and forth. These are the top  extreme travel adventures around the world .

Zojila Pass, India

At 5.6-miles and 11,500 feet above sea level, this Himalayan highway connects Ladakh and Kashmir. The uneven road surface means it’s only really suitable for off-road vehicles, and during the colder months, wind, snow, and rain make this road more challenging. This is another place where it’s probably best not to look down; at some points, there are only several thousand yards of nothingness between you and the valleys below.

Karakoram Highway, between China and Pakistan

The Karakoram Highway connects China and Pakistan and at 15,400 feet above sea level, it’s the highest paved road in the world. A total of 82 workers died during construction, mostly due to rockslides, which remain an ever-present hazard to this day. There are no barriers, and many of the drivers who’ve had accidents on the road have been victims of altitude sickness or possibly distracted by the spectacular views of K2. The good news? There are plans to widen the road from 32 feet to nearly 100. The bad news? Authorities believe that this could see the number of vehicles triple. Check out these  forbidden places  no one is allowed to visit.

Canning Stock Route, Australia

This road certainly doesn’t offer much in the way of views. There’s dust, dust, and more dust, and hardly any road signs to point you in the right direction. This 1,150-mile-long track in Western Australia is regarded as the world’s most remote road, and you’ll need three weeks to drive it from start to finish. Doing this road trip during the warmer months is almost impossible due to the searing heat, and drivers are advised to travel in multi-vehicle convoys. The road is in a bad state of repair, which is why drivers are urged to leave room not just for food and drink but for spare parts, too. Don’t miss the  world’s most dangerous tourist destinations .

Skippers Canyon Road, New Zealand

This unpaved road was carved out of the side of a New Zealand mountain 140 years ago, and today, it’s so dangerous that standard drivers’ insurance won’t cover you should you run into trouble. Encounter another vehicle and it’s highly likely you’ll have to reverse for up to 2 miles before you find a passing point. The miners who built it had only hand drills and gunpowder at their disposal, so it’s understandable that it took 20 years to complete. Don’t be surprised if it looks familiar; the road was a backdrop for Mission: Impossible Fallout and several Lord of the Rings movies. If you drive on any of these roads, you’ll want to remember these  driving rules you’ve probably forgotten since driving school .

Tizi-n-Test, Morocco

A narrow, winding road stuck to the side of Morocco’s Atlas Mountains, the Tizi-n-Test was blasted out of the rock in the 1920s and became the first modern road link between Marrakech and the Souss plains. The steep drops mean it’s best avoided if you suffer from vertigo, and local drivers are known to whiz along it at frightening speeds, ignoring rules of the road followed in other parts of the world. The lack of barriers means it should only be attempted in daylight, and during the winter landslides and avalanches occur on an almost daily basis. On the plus side, you’ll enjoy beautiful views of the Atlas mountains, the gorges of Moulay Brahim, and the Souss Valley. After you survive the most dangerous roads in the world, move on to the  12 most dangerous places in the world!