Traveling across national borders has become increasingly easier and more affordable. However, there are some places that should be avoided due to dangerous conditions. Certain dangerous places, on the other hand, are also desirable tourist destinations. If you decide to visit such places, you should at least be aware of the risks and take sensible precautions.
When planning your next trip, you may want to avoid top 25 most dangerous and inhospitable towns and cities on Earth.
Caracas, Venezuela
Caracas, the capital of Venezuela has been a site of sudden and violent protests in the past few years. It is also said to have one of the highest murder rates in Latin America and the Caribbean coast. Especially close to drug trafficking areas on the Colombian border. Street crimes such as muggings and theft are also common, making this an undesirable destination for most tourists.
Ciudad Juarez, Mexico
Mexico’s problems with drug traffickers are well known and Ciudad Juarez is one of the nation’s most violent cities right now.
There’s nothing worse than living in a city or country where the law enforcement is in the pockets of the bad guys. The flow of drugs and human trafficking throughout the country usually stems from Ciudad Juarez.
Cape Town, South Africa
Due to the prevalence of poverty and social unrest in this city, it is suffering from an extremely high crime rate. Although many tourists are drawn to South Africa because of its natural beauty and proximity to nature preserves and other attractions, Cape Town can be a dangerous place.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Many cities in Brazil have very high crime rates, and Rio de Janeiro is one amongst them. Street crimes are common in many areas, especially at night. It’s possible to enjoy the resorts and beaches of this city, but common sense precautions should be taken.
Guatemala City, Guatemala
Guatemala City, the capital of Guatemala, is tormented by drug cartels, drug-related violence, and gang activity. Despite the high murder rate, robberies, muggings, and holdups, the city remains one of the most visited places in Central America.
Acapulco, Mexico
While tourism to Acapulco is still popular, drug violence has now made this into a dangerous area. Recent statistics reveal that this city has one of the world’s highest murder rates -142 per 100,000 people.
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.
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.
Kabul, Afghanistan
This has been one of the most dangerous cities in the world for some time. It is still a war zone, although U.S. troops are gradually being removed from the country. Terrorist attacks, including many bombings are common.
Karachi, Pakistan
Pakistan is experiencing a great deal of political unrest, and crime as well as terrorism is rampant. Assassinations are common, as well as suicide bombings and gang warfare. Karachi is one of the centers of this violence and tourists are advised to avoid this city.
San Pedro Sula, Honduras
This city has ranked as one of the world’s most violent for several years now. It has the highest homicide rates in the world. Arms trafficking is a big problem, and illegal firearms are prevalent throughout the city.
Aleppo, Syria
Aleppo was at the front line of the Syrian civil war that began in 2011. The city is on the mend, some of the evacuated population are returning to rebuild their lives. Nonetheless, Syria is still a war zone, and not safe for foreigners to travel to.
Juba, South Sudan
Although a site of stunning animal migrations, South Sudan in Africa has been in a state of war since 2013. Due to ongoing armed conflict and violence in the city of Juba, it is not safe to travel there.
Sanaa, Yemen
Ever since the catastrophic bombing that took place at several World Heritage sites in Sanaa in 2015, the country has been in economic and political turmoil. There is a very high risk of being a target for terrorist activity and kidnapping.
Aswan, Egypt
Aswan is the capital of the Aswan province in the south. There are political tensions and reports of assaults on foreign men and women.
Mexico City, Mexico
This city has had a reputation in the past for being a dangerous place. There has also been recent seismic activity in the area – earthquakes are a very real danger.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
The capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, is inland. Saudi Arabia as a whole is also at risk of terrorist attacks. Potential targets for terrorists are tourists, religious sites, and other busy locations.
Kingston, Jamaica
Kingston, Jamaica’s capital, and largest city is notorious for its violent crime. The city also hosts the Bob Marley Museum in the peace-loving musician’s former home. In tourist areas be sure to protect your valuables and cash.
Natal, Brazil
A few years back, the Brazilian government deployed a squad of more than a thousand armed policemen to bring restore calm after a gang-driven riot occurred.
Since then, Natal has been cited by the UN as having of the largest murder rates per capita.
Medellin, Colombia
This is considered to be Colombia’s most dangerous city. The murder rate in Medellin has increased dramatically over the years as rival gangs fight to gain control over territory and drug trade deals.
Pablo Escobar, the notorious drug lord who has managed to escape from the arms of the police numerous times, has set up base in the city.
Distrito Central, Honduras
Dangerous weather isn’t the only that that torments the municipality of Distrito Central. Violent crimes on both men and women are something of a norm to the people of Honduras. Gunfights erupt sporadically during the daytime between the police and several drug cartels.
San Salvador, El Salvador
San Salvador is a haven for many of the country’s street gangs who ill, extort, and smuggle illegal arms and narcotics. In 2015, almost 2,000 people were brutally murdered by street gangs, and most of the crimes that occurred that year were never solved.
Kinshasa, The Democratic Republic of Congo
The Virunga Mountains used to invite nature lovers from around the globe to feast their eyes on majestic gorillas, but it is no longer safe. In the capital city, Kinshasa, crime and gangs tear the city apart.
Islamabad, Pakistan
Islamabad has been the capital of Pakistan, it’s a high-risk area for terror attacks and kidnappings, especially for Westerners. The most dangerous times to visit this city would be during religious holidays and political elections.
Mount Sinabung, Indonesia
Located on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, Mount Sinabung is an active strata volcano. It is a dangerous place to live in or to visit because severely damaging eruptions occur here frequently. When these eruptions occur, thousands of people are left without shelter or livelihood.
Thanks to the ease of travel, the world has never been smaller. But no matter where you go, there are risks. When it comes to traveling, the medical risk is also a consideration, and International SOS rates countries and regions, evaluating the availability of healthcare, the threat of infectious disease, and more.
Do you feel a shiver run down your spine already?
Full of beauty, danger, and adventure, the world is undoubtedly a fascinating place!
