These Are The Most Dangerous Places To Travel Abroad

There are lots of currently dangerous places to travel abroad that you should keep in mind when making travel plans. There comes a point in our lives when we are driven to travel the world, exploring all of its iniquities. Though, knowing where to and where not to travel is the smartest and safest way to travel in this world. Refer to this list the next time you’re planning a vacation!

1. Afghanistan

Ther are a lot of preserved historical sites in Afghanistan that attract many foreign visitors to the country. Namely is the Minaret of Jam, which stands as the only remnant of Afghanistan’s lost city of the Turquoise Mountain.  Also standing as a long cultural remnant of Afghanistan, in Kabul, is the Marjan the Lion Memorial. 

As of October 22, 2019, Afghanistan is level 4 on the TSA’s travel advisory. This is due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and armed conflict. Though, this is strictly an advisory, meaning you still have the option to travel to Afghanistan. 

If you do so decide to travel there, you are advised to draft your will, sign a power of attorney, discuss the safe care of your children and loved ones, and obtain medical evacuation insurance. So, as Afghanistan is listed as one of the most dangerous places to travel abroad, traveling there is extremely frowned upon.

2. Iraq

Babylon, the center of Mesopotamia, is a worldwide historical site that baffles everyone. Another attraction is Erbil, which holds one of the UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. Within the city is the Erbil Civilization Museum which is a great way to learn about the history and culture of Iraq. 

Iraq was labeled as level 4 on the TSA’s travel advisory on December 26, 2019, January 3, 2020, as well as January 11, 2020. If you travel to Iraq, you are at high risk of being affected y terrorism, kidnapping, and armed conflict. Attacks by IEDs are also a very strong risk as there are many attacks within the country, mainly heavily in Baghdad.  Again, the long relationship between the United States and Iraq has not been positive. This status is due to the damage done to the Embassy compound which was backed by Iranians. 

3. South Sudan

Many tourists traveling to South Sudan tend to visit the churches, cathedrals, and sacred religious sites privy to the culture of the country. Though, some are even attracted to the day tours, specifically the Bahr El Jebel Safaris.  There is also the option to take a hike through the Imatong Mountains, which allows you to view the plains in Uganda.

Not very recently, Somalia has been counted as one of the most dangerous places to travel abroad. As of November 26, 2019, the TSA is advising United States citizens to not travel to South Sudan. Similar to Iraq, you are at risk of crime, kidnapping, and armed conflict. Many of the crimes include carjackings, ambushes, assaults, and shootings. It is stated by TSA that many foreign nationals have been the victims of many of these and even more violent crimes. The fighting in-country is mainly between political and ethnic groups. The violence is not maintained as guns are easy for the citizens to obtain. 

If traveling to South Sudan, it is advised that you not attend any demonstrations or public gatherings and to steer clear of border areas. Note that photography is strictly controlled, which means you have to obtain authorization from the Ministry of Information before even snapping a picture. 

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4. Somalia

Hargeisa, within Somalia, acting outside of the federal government, is the self-proclaimed capital of Somaliland. It is known for its’ peaceful and non-violent atmosphere, opposite to the majority of Somalia. Within Hargeisa are many monuments featuring the struggles endured with Sia Barre’s totalitarian rule in the 90s. Also, unlike the rest of the country, there are indicators of law and order, namely the police presence and tourists. 

The TSA has advised United States citizens to not travel to October 28, 2019. This is due to the country’s economic and social status which includes crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health issues, kidnapping, and piracy. Pirates, yes pirates, are very active along the Horn of Africa, especially near Somalia. Somalia is high rates of piracy since it is considered international waters. The country is known for its illegal roadblocks disguised for kidnapping and murders. Somalia is also known for having multiple terrorist attacks in heavily populated and touristy areas. It suits Somalia to be named one of the most dangerous places to travel abroad. 

5. China

China is known for having a very rich culture as well as preserving many of its historical sites. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mount Huangshan, which is pined over for its unique formation, hot springs and the many seas of misty and melancholy clouds, as CNN Travel states. This destination seems to be an all-time favorite for many tourists visiting China, though the TSA guidelines have advised United States citizens from traveling to the country. It has very recently been deemed as one of the most dangerous places to travel abroad.

As of February 2, 2020, TSA has placed China on threat level 4 due to the Coronavirus. Chinese authorities have restricted air, road, and rail travel in the areas surrounding Wuhan, the initial outbreak site, in its efforts to contain the outbreak. Traveling to a different region would be ideal either as viruses have no borders. China is a heavily populated country so transmission rates could be largely increased. 

Hope this helps you plan for your next vacation! Let us know where you are going in the comments below!

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