A new global risk map has identified the most dangerous cities and countries for travelers in 2025, ranking locations based on factors such as armed conflict, political instability, violent crime and climate-related risks.
Risk intelligence firms Safeture and Riskline compiled the data for the Risk Map 2025, an annual assessment of safety conditions worldwide, and Newsweek has compiled the top 10 most dangerous cities into a map.
Travel Risks in Conflict Zones
Among the most dangerous cities listed are Bangui in the Central African Republic, Beirut in Lebanon and Gaza City in the Gaza Strip. These locations face persistent challenges such as armed conflict and social unrest, which is compounded by limited access to essential services and infrastructure.
The ongoing civil war in Burkina Faso and the Central African Republic has heightened risks in these regions, with violence and political instability making travel highly dangerous.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza means the area is incredibly unsafe. The Israeli military is continuing its offensive on Gaza, following the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas militants. As of December 3, 2024, over 44,502 Palestinian people have been killed in the conflict.
In Lebanon, Beirut continues to grapple with political uncertainty and economic instability, though a ceasefire deal has been agreed upon between Israel and Hezbollah. The situation underlines the need for extreme caution for anyone considering travel to the region.
Countries such as Afghanistan, Haiti, Libya, North Korea, Sudan and Yemen were also classified as "very high risk," with conditions rendering travel almost impossible. These areas often experience prolonged armed conflict, severe restrictions and a lack of reliable emergency services.
Shifting Safety Trends
The Risk Map highlights how safety conditions have worsened in 77 countries over the past year. Notable among these are Israel, Lebanon and Iran, where political and social tensions persist. In contrast, some nations, including Armenia, Morocco and Cuba, have seen improvements, moving into the "moderate risk" category.
Europe, which has long been considered an area of stability, has seen increased risk in several areas. Countries including the United Kingdom, France and Spain are now classified as "moderate risk," reflecting rising social unrest and the potential for violent demonstrations. Meanwhile, nations like Germany, Switzerland and Luxembourg remain among the safest in the region.
Key Metrics of Risk
The rankings were determined by evaluating a variety of factors, including entry and exit restrictions, transport safety, health risks, economic stability and exposure to natural disasters. Safeture and Riskline emphasized that travelers should consult the database for detailed, destination-specific guidance, particularly for countries classified as "high risk" or "very high risk."
Newsweek has reached out to the U.S. Department of State via email for comment.
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