Dangerous Countries for Tourists
Nations with High Incidence of Kidnapping, Terrorism and Civil War
The world's hot spots are located on almost every continent, so it's wise to check the most up to date warnings and advisories.
There are plenty of countries around the world that are making the headlines these days, but the news is far from pleasant. Even savvy and experienced travellers need to consider the risks very carefully when planning a trip to some of the more volatile regions of the world. If you're not employed by a multinational oil or energy company, which send their workers to these countries whether they want to go or not, then you would be well advised to stay out of the places listed below.
Iraq
The security in this Middle Eastern country remains highly unstable, and foreign nationals are easy targets for kidnapping, extortion and murder. Terrorists and other insurgent groups are continuing to attack convoys with military and non-military personnel in and around the International, or "Green" Zone. Travelling by ground vehicles is especially hazardous. Going to or from Fallujah, Basra, Kirkuk and Baghdad can result in lethal consequences because of explosive devices placed on the roads.
Afghanistan
Sadly, the situation in this country continues to deteriorate and absolutely no part of it is considered safe. Members of the Taliban and al-Qaeda still occupy many areas including the Afghan/Pakistan border and carry out attacks against foreign coalition forces and western nationals. Seventy people were killed last November in a suicide bombing in Baghlan province. Kidnappings occur at random and are frequent. In July 2007 twenty-three South Korean aid workers were abducted in Ghazni, and unfortunately two of them lost their lives.
Pakistan
Many of the dangers which exist in Afghanistan are also present here. Former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was assassinated last December, and the explosion which claimed her life also killed an additional twenty people. Radicals have not hesitated to attack foreign workers and residents in and around hotels, clubs and restaurants, and fatal suicide bombings have taken place in Islamabad, Peshawar and Lahore. The U.S. consulate in Karachi has been closed indefinitely due to the lack of security.
Yemen
Two Belgian tourists were killed by al-Qaeda agents in the Hadramout Governorate in January of this year. In July of 2007, eight Spanish tourists and two Yemenis were killed at the Belquis temple in Marib by a vehicle-borne explosive device. As of this date Canadian and U.S. officials are advising their citizens to avoid all travel to this country.
Central African Republic
Security and assistance for tourists and foreign workers is virtually non-existent. Banditry and kidnappings occur with alarming frequency, and the borders with Sudan, Cameroon and Chad are perpetually dangerous. It's not unheard of for medical convoys to be fired upon and two World Health Organization doctors were killed in April, 2006. Petty crime is endemic in the capital, Bangui.
Colombia
Apart from areas with well established tourist facilities like Leticia and the Rosario Islands, travelling in this South American country poses several risks, the most serious of which is kidnapping by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the National Liberation Army (ELN). People who are working for, or even thought to be working for oil and mining companies are most susceptible to abduction and being held for ransom. Nobody, regardless of nationality or ethnic origin is immune to these dangers.
Israel, the West Bank and Gaza
Armed conflict in this part of the Middle East has been going on for decades, the violence is truly frightening and it doesn't look like it's going to end anytime soon. Tourists and all other foreigners are strongly advised against non-essential travel to Ramallah, Jericho and Bethlehem. Travelling through the West Bank is particularly difficult due to ongoing military incursions and mutiple checkpoints, and the cities of Nablus and Tulkarem are vulnerable to terrorist attacks. The Israeli/Lebanese border is far from stable and experiences sporadic upheaval.
In many cases embassy officials can do little or nothing to assist travellers in distress. It's recommended you avoid protests and other politically themed gatherings, because they can turn violent rather quickly. If you find yourself in any of the nations listed in this article, keep a very low profile and be vigilant at all times.
Sources for this article:
U.S. State Department, Bureau of Consular Affairs
Canadian Office of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
