Russia Joins Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, Sudan, North Korea, and Venezuela Could Explode Into Travel Chaos Because of Major War in 2026 – You Won’t Believe Where You Should Never Visit Again: A New Report

Published on December 10, 2025

Ukraine, Russia, Israel, Taiwan, Sudan, North Korea, Venezuela, and more could explode into chaos in 2026, making global travel more dangerous than ever before! With tensions already at an all-time high, these flashpoint countries are poised to spiral into all-out war, and you won’t believe where you should NEVER travel again! Ukraine remains at the mercy of Russia’s ongoing invasion, with no end in sight to the devastation. Israel and Hamas are locked in a violent struggle, while Taiwan could become the next battlefield in the China-Taiwan conflict, leading to disastrous consequences for global trade and travel. Meanwhile, Sudan is caught in a horrific civil war, North Korea continues its belligerence, and Venezuela remains in crisis, with a deadly border dispute with Guyana. These danger zones are likely to get even worse in 2026, making tourism a grave risk. Travel advisories already caution against visiting many of these regions, but things are only going to escalate. From terrorism to military aggression, kidnapping to cross-border shelling, these countries are rapidly becoming no-go zones for tourists. Don’t say we didn’t warn you – the world is on the brink and travel to these countries might be more dangerous than ever before! Stay safe, stay informed, and avoid these volatile hotspots at all costs!

Russia–Ukraine War

• Conflict status: Russia’s full‑scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022 and shows no sign of ending. Western intelligence and analysts warn that the war could continue into 2026, especially if a negotiated settlement fails. Fighting along the frontlines and indiscriminate missile strikes on civilian infrastructure continue.
• Travel implications: The U.S. State Department lists both Russia and Ukraine as Level 4 (“do not travel”) countries because of war, wrongful detentions and terrorism[1]. The Times of India summary of U.S. travel advisories notes that Russia and Ukraine remain Level‑4 destinations due to ongoing armed conflict[1]. Services such as commercial flights have been repeatedly cancelled and foreign embassies have closed. Travellers risk injury or wrongful detention and should avoid both countries until the conflict ends.

Israel, Gaza and the West Bank

• Conflict status: The October 2023 Hamas attack triggered a major war in Gaza and clashes have continued despite intermittent cease‑fires. Analysts predict that fighting between Israel and Hamas could resume or expand in 2026[2]. Tensions along Israel’s border with Hezbollah and in the West Bank have also increased.
• Travel implications: The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem urges people to reconsider travel to Israel and the West Bank due to terrorism and civil unrest and to avoid all travel to Gaza because of armed conflict[3]. The advisory notes that terrorist groups may attack tourist locations with little or no warning and that roads near Gaza and the Lebanese/Syrian borders are often closed or restricted[3]. As long as the Gaza war continues, travellers should expect flight disruptions, curfews and a high risk of attack.

Sudan’s Civil War

• Conflict status: Since April 2023, Sudan’s national army (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia have fought a brutal civil war. The conflict has devastated Khartoum and spread across Darfur and Kordofan. The International Crisis Group warns that external actors backing rival factions could prolong the war into 2026[4].
• Travel implications: Canada’s travel advisory urges travellers to avoid all travel to Sudan. It reports heavy fighting across the country, closure of Khartoum airport, disruption of electricity, banking and medical services, and rampant lawlessness[5]. Foreigners have been targeted in violence and those remaining in Sudan are advised to leave if safe[6]. Continued war will likely keep Sudan off‑limits to tourists.

Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) vs. Rwanda (M23 Insurgency)

• Conflict status: Rwanda‑backed M23 rebels have seized large parts of eastern DRC. Analysts fear the confrontation could draw Rwanda and the DRC into open war[7]. Fighting is driven by competition over mineral resources and ethnic tensions.
• Travel implications: A Reuters investigation reports that in October 2025 the M23 announced that foreigners can only enter M23‑controlled areas with visas issued by the rebel group, making Congolese government visas invalid[8]. This effectively places travel into rebel‑held areas at the mercy of an armed group and underscores the risk of kidnapping or being caught in cross‑fire. Given the risk of escalation, travel to eastern DRC and its borders with Rwanda and Uganda is extremely dangerous.

Venezuela vs. Guyana (Essequibo Dispute)

• Conflict status: Venezuela has long claimed Guyana’s oil‑rich Essequibo region. In late 2025 the Venezuelan government held a referendum on annexing Essequibo, and The Economist notes that U.S. military exercises in the Caribbean and Venezuela’s military build‑up have raised fears of a confrontation that could involve the U.S.[9].
• Travel implications: The U.S. State Department warns that travellers should not travel to Venezuela due to wrongful detention, terrorism, kidnapping, crime and poor health services[10]. It urges U.S. citizens and permanent residents in Venezuela to depart immediately and notes that diplomatic services are suspended[11]. Canada’s advisory for Guyana says the border with Venezuela lacks official crossings, is controlled by gangs and “the security environment near the border is volatile”[12]. Escalation of the Essequibo dispute in 2026 could close border regions and further endanger travellers.

India vs. Pakistan

• Conflict status: Tensions on the India–Pakistan frontier remain high. A terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Indian‑administered Kashmir in April 2025 killed 25 Hindu tourists and led India to launch airstrikes in Pakistan in May 2025. Reuters described this as the worst clash in more than two decades; both sides exchanged heavy cross‑border shelling and Pakistan vowed retaliation[13]. Analysts fear another attack or political crisis could spark a wider war in 2026[14].
• Travel implications: The U.S. travel advisory for Pakistan is Level 3 (“reconsider travel”). It warns travellers not to travel to the immediate vicinity of the India‑Pakistan border or the Line of Control because of terrorism and the potential for armed conflict[15]. Violent extremist attacks occur frequently and the security environment can change with little notice[16]. The UK FCDO likewise advises against all but essential travel within five miles of the border[17]. If India and Pakistan engage in a larger conflict, flights may be suspended and tourism in Kashmir or northern Pakistan would become impossible.

China vs. Taiwan

• Conflict status: Beijing considers Taiwan a breakaway province and has dramatically increased military pressure. The Week notes that Taiwan’s president announced a US$40 billion security package, warning that China’s invasion preparations are accelerating[18]. U.S. officials have testified that the People’s Liberation Army’s drills around Taiwan are not just exercises but “rehearsals” for an invasion[19]. The same article cites data showing that Chinese military aircraft crossed the median line 3,070 times in 2024, up from 953 incidents in 2021[20]. Analysts call the Taiwan Strait one of the world’s most dangerous flashpoints[21].
• Travel implications: A war over Taiwan would disrupt global shipping and air travel through the Taiwan Strait, possibly isolating the island. Even without war, cross‑Strait tensions have led China to impose economic and travel restrictions, including warnings to Japanese tourists[22]. Travellers should monitor official advisories; a conflict could result in flight cancellations, maritime blockades and consular evacuations.

Korean Peninsula

• Conflict status: The International Crisis Group lists the entire Korean Peninsula among the top conflicts to watch in 2025. The Korea Herald reports that tensions are rising due to severed inter‑Korean communications, closer Russia–North Korea military cooperation and the risk of miscalculation[23]. North Korea has signed a mutual defence pact with Russia, raising concerns that a regional incident could trigger a wider war[23].
• Travel implications: North Korea is subject to a U.S. Level‑4 (“do not travel”) advisory because of the risk of wrongful detention. Travel + Leisure’s summary of the advisory notes that the DPRK has arbitrarily detained U.S. citizens, imposed entry and exit bans and does not allow consular access[24]. In the event of a conflict, evacuation would be nearly impossible. South Korea remains open to tourism but would be directly affected by renewed war, and flight routes over the peninsula could be shut.

Haiti (Gang Warfare)

• Conflict status: Although Haiti is not at war in the conventional sense, the collapse of the state and dominance of heavily armed gangs have created war‑like conditions. The United Nations describes the situation as one of extreme gang violence. Gang alliances have overrun Port‑au‑Prince and critical infrastructure, and a U.N.‑sanctioned international security mission has been delayed.
• Travel implications: The U.S. State Department’s Level 4 advisory warns that travellers should not travel to Haiti due to kidnapping, crime, terrorist gang activity, civil unrest and the near‑collapse of health care[25]. It notes that U.S. commercial flights no longer operate to Port‑au‑Prince; gunfire often occurs near the international airport and travellers have been violently attacked after leaving the airport[26]. Cross‑border travel with the Dominican Republic is dangerous[27]. Until law and order is restored, Haiti will remain off‑limits to tourists.

Other High‑Risk Countries (Afghanistan, Myanmar, Mali, Somalia, Iran etc.)

Multiple government advisories list additional countries as Level 4: Do Not Travel because of armed conflict or terrorism. According to a summary of U.S. travel advisories in the Times of India, the list includes Afghanistan, Belarus, Burkina Faso, Myanmar, the Central African Republic, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, North Korea, Somalia, South Sudan, Syria, Yemen and others[1]. These nations face ongoing wars, coups or insurgencies that are unlikely to resolve by 2026. Travellers should heed official advisories and avoid them.

Summary Table

Conclusion

Travellers planning trips in 2026 should pay close attention to official travel advisories. The above regions—especially those with ongoing wars or imminent flashpoints—present extreme risks such as indiscriminate violence, kidnapping, wrongful detention and disruption of basic services. Governments often close embassies, restrict flights and withdraw consular staff from conflict zones[10]. When a destination is under a Level‑4 “do not travel” warning, the safest course is to postpone travel until the security situation improves. Staying informed through trusted sources, registering with one’s embassy and having contingency plans are essential for anyone considering travel near conflict zones.