Brits travel to all corners of the globe for a number of reasons, whether it be for holidays, business or to see loved ones.
However, there are a number of countries where the Foreign Office says Brits should avoid travel at all cost.
War, criminality, and geopolitical tensions are among the main reasons why some countries are deemed unsafe for travel.
The World Population Review published a list of 21 countries deemed the “worst places to visit” for tourists from the UK and US.
Among them are 17 countries that the Foreign Office has already labeled ‘do not travel’ zones.
You can find a full list of the 21 countries below:
Afghanistan: After US troops left the country in 2021, the Taliban took back control and have implemented strict, fundamentalist Islamic rules such as a ban on women’s voices in public. The Foreign Office warns that the “security sitiation is volatile” and therefore advises against travel to the country.
Belarus: Led by President Alexander Lukashenko, the country is a strong supporter of Russia in its invasion of Ukraine. The Foreign Office says “You face a significant risk of arrest” as authorities in Belarus have a record of clamping down on those they accuse of opposing the government.
Burkina Faso: Terror activity and spontaneous outbreaks of violence are common here. There is also a risk of kidnappings. The Foreign Office’s no travel order excludes the capital, Ouagadougou.
Central African Republic: Armed robbery and battery are common here. There is also a threat of civil unrest. The Foreign Office’s no travel order excludes the capital, Bangui.
Haiti: The country has been plagued by gang violence for years. Criminal groups control 80 percent of the capital, Port-au-Prince, making kidnappings a big danger.
Iran: Diplomatic relations between Iran and the West have been strained for years, and have worsened due to rising tensions in the Middle East. The Foreign Office says “British nationals are at significant risk of arrest.”
Iraq: Terrorist activity is a risk. The Foreign Office’s no travel order excludes the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
Lebanon: Tensions in the Middle East have also made this country unsafe. The Foreign Office says “due to risks associated with the ongoing conflict between Israel, Lebanese Hezbollah, and other non-state actors.”
Libya: Civil unrest means gunfire between various armed factions breaks out frequently.
Mali: Terrorism, armed robbery, and gunfire are major risks.
Niger: The Foreign Office excludes the capital city of Niamey from the no-travel order.
Russia: The war in Ukraine means Russia is a dangerous place to travel. Western tourists could risk arrest.
South Sudan: Armed conflict, carjackings, shootings, robberies, kidnappings, and cattle raids are common.
Sudan: Military conflict is ongoing between rival factions. The borders with Chad and South Sudan are especially dangerous.
Syria: The civil war in the country is ongoing. Westerners are often targeted by kidnappers.
Ukraine: Russian troops are in the east of the country, but all cities are targeted by Russian airstrikes.
Yemen: The Houthi Rebels still control much of the country. The Foreign Office says the country has “unpredictable security conditions”
The World Population Review also warns people against traveling in other countries that are not on the no-travel list.
They are Myanmar, Israel, Palestine, and North Korea.