10 Countries Tourists Should Absolutely Avoid

By: James Stafford

Figures for acts of violence on tourists are difficult to come across, but travel notices are an easy way for travelers to identify which cities to avoid.

The U.S. State Department puts out travel notices when there is a long-standing, extended situation that causes a country to be too risky for regular travel.

The Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs advises Americans to use extreme caution when traveling to these 10 countries in 2014:

Advertisement

10. Madagascar

Since January 2009, Madagascar has been exposed to vicious conflicts and corruption because of governmental discontent. Should you decide to visit, the State Department advises tourists to exercise caution, especially in certain areas.

Madagascar Flag

9. Saudi Arabia

As a result of the continual presence of a number of terrorist units around the nation, some allied with al-Qaida, the State Department urges travelers to exercise caution when traveling to Saudi Arabia. Those who do choose to visit are advised to make certain that their lodging house hires strict security.

Saudi Arabia Flag

8. Pakistan

The presence of a number of foreign and native terrorist bands presents a possible risk to U.S. residents all through Pakistan. Across the nation, terrorist acts of violence often take place against noncombatant, government, and foreign targets. Acts of violence have encompassed fortified attacks on heavily protected locations, together with Pakistani military connections. The Government of Pakistan upholds intensified security procedures, predominantly in the main towns.

The Western edges of Pakistan must be evaded specifically, as stated by the State Department. Bands posing dangers to American residents consist of al-Qaida, Taliban and native sectarian assemblies. The terrorists have a propensity for focusing on areas Americans are to be expected be in, for example lodging houses, nightclubs, eateries and open-air activity events.

Pakistan Flag

7. Colombia

Tens of thousands of U.S. residents safely stay in Colombia every single year for various reasons. Security in Colombia has developed considerably in recent years, together with traveler and business travel endpoints such as Bogota and Cartagena, but hostility related to narco-trafficking continues to distress certain country regions in addition to big cities, chiefly Buenaventura, a Pacific Ocean harbor town mainly recognized for drug trading and brutality.

Colombia Flag

Advertisement

6. Central African Republican (CAR)

Despite the fact that the capital of Central African Republican, Bangui, is considered harmless by the State Department, it does caution against traveling anyplace outside of that region. Armed rebel bands, outlaws, and thieves pose the biggest risk for visitors.

Central African Republic Flag

5. Sudan

As stated by the State Department, Americans must avoid all travel to Sudan, mainly the Darfur region, because of indeterminate security circumstances and the likelihood of hostility and provocation directed at Westerners.

Sudan Flag

4. Algeria

Bombings, false roadblocks, kidnappings, ambushes and assassinations occur regularly in Algeria, particularly in the Kabylie region of the country, says the State Department. Since early 2007, suicide car bombings have become a particularly popular terrorism tactic.

Algeria Flag

3. Yemen

American residents must postpone non-essential travel to Yemen because of a rise in terrorist movements, as stated by the State Department. As lately as March 18th, a South Korean march was assaulted by a suicide bomber nearby Sana’a International Airport. In September, armed terrorists hit the U.S. Embassy in Sana’a, Yemen.

The U.S. Department of State cautions U.S. residents of the high security danger level in Yemen because of terrorist actions and civil turbulence. The Department advises U.S. residents to postpone travel to Yemen and those U.S. residents presently residing in Yemen to leave instantly.

Yemen Flag

2. Georgia

The districts of South Ossetia and Abkhazia are especially dangerous, states the State Department. A complete rise in corruption and brutality, together with the possibility of shooting, are the main worries in these areas, in addition to the regions nearby.

Georgia Flag

Advertisement

1. Mexico

Together with numerous accounts of the swine flu, this has been termed a stage five epidemic by the World Health Organization. The State Department cautions against staying in Mexico due to amplified drug cartel brutality, mainly on the U.S. limit.

For the most recent security material, U.S. citizens residing and traveling overseas must frequently observe the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website where the present Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings and Country Detailed Material can be obtained.

Mexico Flag

Advertisement

Advertisement

Loading...