Top Countries Under Long-Term Travel Warnings: Why These Destinations Remain High-Risk for the Next 5 Years

Published on December 1, 2025

Global travel continues to evolve, but not every destination is safe for international tourism. While some regions welcome visitors with improved infrastructure and security, others remain under strict travel warnings due to ongoing conflict, terrorism, political instability, or a complete breakdown of law and order. These warnings—issued by major government agencies such as the U.S. State Department, UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Government of Canada, and Australia’s DFAT—are not temporary notices. Many of these nations have been labeled long-term high-risk destinations, and experts anticipate that these advisories will likely remain in place for the next five years or more.

This in-depth blog explores the top countries under long-term “Do Not Travel” warnings, the factors shaping these assessments, and why these regions are unlikely to regain travel stability in the near future. Whether you are a traveler, researcher, content creator, or risk analyst, this comprehensive guide offers clear insights into global travel safety as we move further into 2025 and beyond.

Understanding Long-Term Travel Warnings

Travel advisories are issued after evaluating a combination of political, social, health, and security factors. Countries placed under the strictest categories—Level 4 (“Do Not Travel”) in the U.S. system or “Avoid All Travel” in Canadian classification—typically confront severe ongoing risks such as:

• Civil war or sustained armed conflict
• Terrorist organizations controlling territories
• Extreme political instability
• Widespread kidnapping risks
• Crime rates that overwhelm law enforcement
• Humanitarian crises or famine
• Natural disasters compounded by insecure governance
• Lack of functioning emergency or medical systems

These situations often take years—sometimes decades—to stabilize, and in several regions, conditions continue to worsen. Let’s explore the destinations that remain firmly under long-term travel advisories and why their risks will persist for the next five years.

1. Afghanistan: A Nation in Prolonged Crisis

Afghanistan has held a “Do Not Travel” advisory for many years, and the situation remains extremely volatile. The political landscape changed drastically after the government collapsed in 2021, leading to a shift in national security and governance. The presence of extremist groups, limited diplomatic operations, and severe human rights restrictions contribute to sustained unpredictability.

Humanitarian issues such as restricted movement, food shortages, and collapsed healthcare systems worsen the situation. With no indicators of near-term stabilization, Afghanistan is expected to remain under the highest travel-warning category well into the next five years.

2. Syria: The Epicenter of Prolonged Conflict

Since 2011, Syria has been engulfed in a devastating civil war involving government forces, rebel factions, and extremist groups. Entire cities have been reduced to rubble, and millions of civilians have been displaced. Despite reduced global media attention in recent years, Syria remains one of the world’s most unstable countries.

Persistent terrorism, militia activities, damaged infrastructure, and chemical attacks make tourism impossible. As armed conflict and political fragmentation continue, Syria is projected to stay unsafe for international travelers through the next decade.

3. Yemen: Conflict, Famine, and Humanitarian Collapse

Yemen is facing one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. A prolonged civil war, involving various regional and international actors, has left the country divided and law enforcement nearly non-existent.

Widespread famine, disease outbreaks, destroyed airports, and active war zones leave travelers with no safe pathways. Even aid groups operate under extreme danger. Given the slow pace of peace negotiations, Yemen’s high-risk status is expected to remain unchanged for the next five years.

4. Somalia: Persistent Terrorism and Lawlessness

Somalia’s instability spans decades. The presence of extremist organization Al-Shabaab, ongoing clan conflicts, piracy near coastal areas, and minimal government control over large territories contribute to constant danger.

Kidnappings, bombings, and targeted attacks remain frequent. Security experts consistently rank Somalia among the world’s most dangerous countries for foreigners. With slow institutional development and continued insurgency, Somalia will likely remain under long-term travel warnings well into the future.

5. Libya: Fragmented Governance and Armed Clashes

Libya has witnessed continuous conflict since the fall of its regime in 2011. Rival governments, militias, and armed groups control different regions. Airports, fuel supplies, and public services frequently shut down due to fighting.

Foreigners remain high-risk targets for kidnappings and attacks. Despite occasional attempts at political reconciliation, security remains fragile. Without a stable central government, Libya is expected to remain a “no-go zone” for at least the next five years.

6. South Sudan: Civil War and Widespread Violence

The world’s newest country has faced nearly uninterrupted conflict since its independence. Ethnic violence, militia clashes, and severe food insecurity dominate life in many regions. Travelers face threats from landmines, ambushes, and armed groups.

With minimal progress towards political stability, South Sudan remains entrenched in long-term travel warnings. Safety conditions for foreigners are unlikely to improve significantly in the near future.

7. Sudan: Renewed Civil War and Nationwide Instability

Sudan entered a new phase of violent conflict in 2023, leading to large-scale displacement and the collapse of essential services. Battles between the national military and paramilitary groups have led to widespread destruction across major cities.

Hospitals, airports, and infrastructure face frequent attacks, making the country unsafe for any form of travel. Given the scale of the ongoing war, Sudan’s instability is expected to persist well beyond the next five years.

8. Iraq: Ongoing Terrorist Threats and Regional Tension

Although Iraq has made progress since the height of extremist domination, the country remains vulnerable to attacks, political unrest, and sectarian violence. Foreign travelers face elevated risks, especially in regions near conflict zones.

Tension between various regional and international forces contributes to an unpredictable environment. While some cities see gradual tourism interest, Iraq overall remains under long-term advisories, especially near sensitive areas.

9. Mali: Escalating Extremist Activity

Mali continues to experience intensified militant activity, especially in its northern and central regions. Attacks on civilians, state institutions, and international missions have become increasingly frequent.

Political instability following coups further complicates security conditions. With extremist groups expanding their territorial influence, Mali is predicted to remain highly unstable for years.

10. Burkina Faso: Fastest Rising Terrorism Index in Africa

Burkina Faso has seen unprecedented growth in extremist violence. Entire communities have been displaced, and many regions are inaccessible to government forces or international agencies.

Bombings, kidnappings, and armed assaults target both civilians and foreign nationals. Until national stability is restored—an unlikely scenario within five years—Burkina Faso will remain under strict “Do Not Travel” warnings.

11. Haiti: Total Breakdown of Security and Governance

Haiti’s long-standing political instability escalated into widespread gang control over major parts of the capital. Armed groups control checkpoints, airports have suspended operations multiple times, and kidnappings are rampant.

A humanitarian emergency has deepened the crisis. With security forces overwhelmed and political leadership unstable, Haiti remains one of the world’s most dangerous destinations for travelers.

12. Ukraine: Active Warzone With Unpredictable Frontlines

The Russia-Ukraine conflict continues to pose extremely high risks. Missile strikes, drone attacks, and frontline shifts make the entire country hazardous, with some regions extremely unsafe.

Critical infrastructure, transportation routes, and major cities face ongoing threats. Until the conflict reaches stability, Ukraine will remain under strict travel advisories.

13. Russia: Heightened Tensions and Security Concerns

Several travel advisories now include warnings against travel to Russia due to wartime restrictions, arbitrary detentions, and elevated political tension. Foreigners face additional risks near border areas or regions with heightened military presence.

Restrictions on movement, limited consular assistance, and unpredictable political dynamics contribute to Russia’s long-term risk profile.

Why These Countries Will Likely Stay High-Risk for the Next Five Years

1. Unresolved Conflicts

Most of these countries suffer from wars that have lasted for years or decades. Peace negotiations remain fragile or ineffective.

2. Limited Government Control

In countries like Libya, Somalia, and Yemen, armed groups govern large regions, making travel unpredictable and dangerous.

3. Terrorist Organizations

Regions in Iraq, Mali, and Burkina Faso remain hotspots for extremist activities.

4. Weak Infrastructure

Destroyed roads, airports, and hospitals make emergency response nearly impossible.

5. Humanitarian Crises

Food shortages, disease outbreaks, and mass displacement reduce safety for both locals and visitors.

6. Diplomatic Limitations

Many foreign embassies have withdrawn operations, leaving travelers with no consular assistance.

Global Patterns: What These Advisories Mean for Travelers

1. Travel insurance may not provide coverage for Level 4 destinations.
2. Airlines may suspend routes, limiting access.
3. Tourist sites may no longer operate, or may be located in conflict zones.
4. Evacuation becomes nearly impossible during emergencies.
5. Entry restrictions may exist due to sanctions or closed borders.

Travelers must rely on official, government-issued advisories, which are updated regularly and reflect the latest intelligence.

Five-Year Forecast: Will Conditions Improve?

Most global security analysts suggest that the countries listed above are unlikely to stabilize within the next few years. Prolonged conflicts, economic collapse, and deep political fractures require long-term solutions. Some nations may show pockets of progress, but full safety for tourism remains improbable before 2030.

Final Thoughts

Global travel continues to expand, but navigating safety risks is crucial. Long-term travel warnings serve as a vital tool for protecting international travelers from regions facing severe instability. The countries highlighted in this blog represent the world’s most persistent conflict zones and high-risk regions—places where travel is not advisable today and likely won’t be safe for at least the next five years.

For responsible tourism planning, always follow government advisories, prioritize safety, and stay informed about global developments. The world offers countless beautiful, safe destinations—but knowing where not to go is equally important.