Iraq, Benin, Tajikistan, Angola, Cambodia, Libya, Rwanda, Cote d’Ivoire, Somalia, and Yemen Pose Significant Travel Barriers with Limited English Proficiency and Heightened Safety Risks for British Travelers

Written By: Shraddha Das

Shraddha Das

I am a passionate travel writer at Travel and Tour World (TTW) with two years of experience covering the ever-evolving world of travel, tourism, aviation, and hospitality. She enjoys turning complex industry updates into engaging stories that inspire and inform readers around the globe. With a keen eye for detail and a love for discovering what makes every destination unique, Shraddha is committed to delivering accurate, insightful, and reader-friendly content that connects people with the world of travel.

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September 6, 2025 12:21 GMT+5:30

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Iraq, Benin, Tajikistan, Angola, Cambodia, Libya, Rwanda, Cote d’Ivoire, Somalia, and Yemen present significant travel challenges for British tourists due to a combination of limited English proficiency and heightened safety risks. These countries, while offering unique cultural experiences and natural beauty, often lack widespread English skills, making communication difficult for travelers. Furthermore, many of these destinations are impacted by political instability, ongoing conflicts, and security concerns, leading to travel advisories from the UK Foreign Office. For British tourists seeking both ease of communication and safety, these regions can pose considerable obstacles, making them less practical choices for a smooth and secure vacation experience.

British tourists are often cautious about visiting destinations where English proficiency is low, particularly in countries where communication may pose significant challenges. According to a recent study by EF Education First, English proficiency varies widely around the world, and some countries are notably less equipped in this regard. The EF English Proficiency Index (EPI) assessed 116 countries, using data from 2.1 million EF Standard English Tests. The results provide a useful reference for holidaymakers deciding where to travel, with a focus on English-speaking ability as an essential factor for many Brits.

The Netherlands, often seen as a model of multilingualism, topped the list with an impressive score of 636 out of 800. Norway and Singapore followed closely behind, scoring 610 and 609 respectively. However, at the other end of the spectrum, Yemen ranked lowest with just 394 points. While these scores don’t necessarily represent the proficiency of every individual in each country, they do offer insights into how widely spoken English is within the population. The general trend is that nations with higher English proficiency tend to have better human capital, more global innovation, and greater productivity.

For British travellers, English proficiency is a crucial factor when choosing a destination. A recent YouGov poll found that just 20 percent of the UK population is fluent in a second language. As a result, many Brits rely on English-speaking nations or places with higher English proficiency to ensure a smooth travel experience. Below is a list of the ten countries with the lowest English proficiency, according to the EF index, along with travel safety advice.

10. Iraq (414/800 points)

Iraq, located in the Middle East, struggles with political instability and ongoing conflicts. While it has improved from the chaos of the early 2000s, travel to Iraq is heavily restricted. The UK Foreign Office advises against travel to most regions, with the exception of areas like the capital, Baghdad, where only essential travel is permitted.

9. Benin (413/800 points)

Benin, known for its cultural history as the birthplace of Vodou, offers a rich landscape of natural beauty, beaches, and markets. Despite its charm, the country faces security concerns, particularly in the northern regions bordering Burkina Faso and Niger. The UK Foreign Office has issued warnings regarding potential terrorist attacks and kidnappings in these areas.

8. Tajikistan (412/800 points)

Tajikistan, situated in Central Asia, is a stunning destination for hikers and mountaineers, offering breathtaking landscapes. Although the country lacks significant English proficiency, it remains free of major travel advisories. However, travelers should be cautious of border closures, which can occur unexpectedly, especially with neighboring nations.

7. Angola (409/800 points)

Angola, a major oil producer in West Africa, has become increasingly accessible to international visitors, though it is still considered a challenging destination. Strict visa requirements and a maximum 30-day stay make it necessary for travelers to plan carefully. Angola’s visa policy limits the ease of access, particularly for those wanting to visit beyond the capital city.

6. Cambodia (408/800 points)

Cambodia, home to iconic sites such as Angkor Wat, remains a favorite among backpackers and tourists. Despite its relatively low English proficiency, the country is known for its warmth and hospitality, and many tourists find their way around with minimal communication barriers. Nonetheless, visitors should be prepared to navigate a language gap, especially outside major tourist hubs.

5. Libya (405/800 points)

Libya has been embroiled in conflict since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi’s regime, with instability affecting the entire country. The UK Foreign Office has advised against all travel to Libya due to ongoing violence, although travel to Benghazi and Misrata is permitted for essential journeys. English is scarcely spoken in the country, adding to the complexity of any potential visit.

4. Rwanda (401/800 points)

Rwanda, often called the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” has recovered from the 1994 genocide and is now known for its stunning parks, including Volcanoes National Park. Despite limited English proficiency, Rwanda is regarded as a secure and welcoming destination. The UK Foreign Office recommends avoiding areas near the DR Congo border, where conflicts have occurred in recent months.

3. Cote d’Ivoire (399/800 points)

Cote d’Ivoire, a former French colony, offers a wealth of cultural and natural attractions, from beautiful beaches to lush forests. While English is not widely spoken, the country remains mostly safe for visitors. However, the UK Foreign Office advises caution when traveling to regions near Mali and Burkina Faso due to risks of terrorism and kidnapping.

2. Somalia (399/800 points)

Somalia has been affected by ongoing civil war, high crime rates, and piracy, making it one of the most perilous destinations for international travelers. The UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to Somalia due to these risks, although some parts of the country, particularly in the north, may be accessible for essential travel only. English is not commonly spoken, making communication even more difficult for foreigners.

1. Yemen (394/800 points)

Yemen sits at the bottom of the list, with the lowest English proficiency worldwide. The country has been devastated by ongoing civil war, leaving much of its infrastructure in ruins. The UK Foreign Office has issued a blanket advisory against all travel to Yemen, citing extreme danger due to the conflict. Yemen’s infrastructure is almost non-existent, and the humanitarian situation remains dire, with millions of people displaced and children out of school.

Iraq, Benin, Tajikistan, Angola, Cambodia, Libya, Rwanda, Cote d’Ivoire, Somalia, and Yemen pose significant barriers for British travelers due to low English proficiency and heightened safety concerns. These countries, while culturally rich, present challenges in communication and security, making them less ideal for tourists seeking ease and safety.

These rankings underscore the challenges that British tourists may face in countries where English is not widely spoken. While many of these destinations offer unique cultural experiences and stunning landscapes, travelers must consider language barriers alongside safety concerns when planning their trips. For travelers prioritizing ease of communication and safety, countries with higher English proficiency may prove to be more practical choices.