Most Dangerous Countries for Americans
What was supposed to be a dream vacation turned into a nightmare, when a group of travelers in Mexico were robbed, murdered, and their bodies thrown into a 50-foot well. And this isn't just a story. It actually happened to an American tourist and his friends in May 2024, right in the heart of Mexico. And Mexico isn't the only danger zone. From hotspots that make you think 'obviously,' to unexpected travel traps, these are the 10 most dangerous countries for Americans. Visit them only if you’re ready to risk literally everything. Since we’ve already mentioned Mexico, we'll start there.
Now, a question might arise straight away – how can Mexico be one of the top 10 most dangerous countries for Americans to visit when it’s so close, so familiar, and often portrayed as paradise for tourists? In 2023 alone, 36.71 million Americans flocked to Mexico to enjoy the crystal-clear turquoise waters of Cancún, see the famous waterfront Mayan ruins in Tulum, and visit Mexico City, a place steeped in history and culture. Well, Mexico is quite a unique entry on our list, primarily shaped by the travel advisory levels set by the U.S. State Department. You see, this country has all four advisory levels across different states. The two popular tourist destinations we mentioned are in the Quintana Roo
state, visited by over 20 million tourists in 2023. Together with Mexico City, a federally administered area, this state falls under “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling To.” This refers to higher than normal levels of disorder or attacks. The Level 2 travel advisory also applies to these 15 other Mexican states. A level above – “Level 3: Reconsider Travel To”, which suggests travelers may encounter serious risks to their safety. Such things like dense areas of terrorism or gang threats or may be currently affected by natural disasters. The Level 3 travel advisory has been assigned to the following Mexican states:
Baja California, where the incident described in the beginning of this video took place Chihuahua Durango Guanajuato Jalisco Morelos Sonora Then there are six Mexican states you shouldn’t travel to under any circumstances. The states with a “Level 4: Do Not Travel To” warning, which could include life-threatening risks, such as nuclear terrorism threats, ongoing rebellions, war, and bombings. These are places where the US Government has limited or no ability to help you at all. Level 4 areas in Mexico are as follows: Colima state Guerrero Michoacán Sinaloa Tamaulipas Zacatecas By contrast, only Campeche and Yucatan states are listed under “Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions.” So, what is it about Mexico that makes it such a complex tourist destination? You probably already know the answer. Despite its allure, Mexico is plagued by severe cartel violence. Homicide. Kidnapping.
Carjacking. Robbery. You name a violent crime, and it’s probably quite widespread and common in Mexico. According to the ACLED Conflict Index, which assesses every territory in the world based on how violent it is, Mexico is by far the most dangerous country for civilians, with more than 30,000 homicides for the sixth consecutive year. And that’s on top of the nearly 112,000 people reported missing in 2023. Do the math, and you’ll realize that’s about 60 people going missing every day. Even traveling to a seemingly more secure
and popular travel destination like Cancún doesn’t guarantee your safety. After all, there are as many as four cartels operating in the greater Cancún area – the Sinaloa Cartel, the CJNG, the Gulf Cartel, and the Grupo Regional. That last one among them is primarily made up of former members of the absolutely terrifying Los Zetas. And who are Los Zetas? Only the most vicious cartel in Mexican history, responsible for a number of atrocious massacres, including the second San Fernando Massacre when the members of this cartel killed 193 people over the course of two days. So, even if you end up in one of the “safer” Mexican states, it’s crucial to stay vigilant and cautious at all times. It might be best to follow the guidelines the U.S. State Department outlines for the government employees:
Avoid traveling between cities after dark. Avoid hailing a taxi on the street. Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos. Be extra vigilant when visiting banks and ATMs. Avoid displaying any signs of wealth, including expensive jewelry and watches. Or, play it safe and find another travel
destination entirely! Because Mexico is probably the best of the worst- things are more grim and gruesome from here. So let’s take our precarious trip to our next country. Haiti. Now if you don’t follow the news, this might be a somewhat shocking revelation, as Haiti is also a beloved destination for American tourists. After all, what’s not to love? The Caribbean beaches. The vibrant culture. The rich history. Well, we’re sure the more than 230 U.S. citizens who had to be airlifted out of Haiti amid a gang-led rebellion
in March of 2024 could add quite a few items to the “what’s not to like about Haiti” list. Let’s break this list down. The U.S. State Department advises American citizens not to travel to Haiti for three main reasons – civil unrest, violent crime, and a poor healthcare system. Worst of all? The situation in Haiti is becoming more alarming each passing year. From 2021 to 2023 alone, the number of identified gangs operating in the country nearly doubled. That’s why it also shouldn’t be surprising that the violence
involving these gangs increased by 60% in the same period. By “violence,” we’re primarily referring to armed confrontations, assaults, and kidnappings. In the first half of 2024, there have already been 166 separate events of these kinds, resulting in more than 1,500 civilian fatalities. American citizens, in particular, most commonly fall victim to kidnapping for ransom. The worst
part? These tourists often barely get a chance to set foot on Haitian soil before getting violently attacked. The robbers often linger around the Toussaint Louverture International Airport, waiting for foreigners to arrive. Once they spot them, they follow their cars and wait for the perfect opportunity to strike, often severely injuring the tourists in the process. Now, you might think that traveling in a larger group will keep you safe, but we’ve got bad news. Even larger groups aren’t immune. In fact, they might even be more appealing to these criminals. Why? Well, it’s simple math. The more tourists, the higher the ransom. That’s why the notorious
Haitian gang 400 Mawozo, the largest in the country, had no issues kidnapping 17 people from a tourist bus back in 2022 just outside the country’s capital, Port-au-Prince. A year prior, 17 Christian missionaries from the U.S. and Canada were kidnapped by the same gang, who demanded $1 million for their release. $1 million each. And if the gangs don’t get you, the Haitian police just might. Political violence has been plaguing Haiti for years, with dozens of events taking place in the country every month. In March 2024 alone, there were almost
100 clashes with law enforcement, 29 of which involved brutal violence against civilians. So, that’s civil unrest and violent crime. But what about the third reason – poor healthcare? Well, as if everything we’ve told you so far wasn’t enough, Haiti is also still reeling from the first modern large-scale outbreak of cholera, a disease that was supposed to be beaten ages ago. Between October 2022 and April 2023, when a resurgence of cholera was reported, as many as 82,885 people were suspected to have contracted the disease by the Haitian Ministry of Public Health and Population. A little over 80,000 of them were hospitalized, while 1,270 perished. But while gangs present a continuing threat, at least the Haitian government as a whole doesn’t have it out for you. That same terrifying notion can’t be said for our next country. Afghanistan’s perilous landscape makes every moment a gamble with your life.
Let’s get ahead of a seemingly obvious question – who would want to visit Afghanistan, given its tumultuous history with the U.S.? Well, there is such a thing as “danger tourism,” with travelers who are drawn to Afghanistan’s rugged landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and the desire to experience this complex history firsthand. As a U.K. traveler puts it, “It is just raw. You don’t get much rawer than there. That can be attractive – if you want to see real life.” It seems that quite a few people share this sentiment, as the number of foreign tourists actually rose by 120% in 2023, reaching nearly 5,200. But let us be clear – you shouldn’t be part of this statistic in 2024. Or any year after.
Why? Take your pick. There’s terrorism, with dozens of major terrorist groups operating within the country. According to many, the country is even run by a terrorist organization – the Taliban. And let us tell you, the Taliban officials might say they support tourism, but their promises and appeals are nothing more than a veneer over a regime notorious for its brutal repression, violence, and a pervasive threat to any foreign presence. So, what can happen to you as a foreigner in Afghanistan? For one, you can get wrongfully detained for allegedly violating the Taliban laws like a group of foreign citizens was in March of 2024, with two Americans included.
While in detention, you would have limited or no access to medical attention and might even be subjected to physical abuse. The worst part? The U.S. government won’t be able to do much for you since the Taliban don’t allow welfare checks for American nationals, including by phone. So, you’ll be detained, not knowing why, not knowing for how long, and entirely at the mercy of a regime with no regard for your well-being. Sounds like a dream vacation, right? If this isn’t enough to make your hair stand on end, the crime statistics in Afghanistan might just do the trick. For every 100,000 people in the country, over 76 crimes have been committed in 2024. That’s a crime rate that places Afghanistan in the top four most dangerous countries in the
world, according to the Economic Times- only behind South Sudan, Sudan, and number 1, Yemen. Yemen has also made it on our list, with a truly alarming track record of chaos and despair, but more on that later. For now, let’s discuss which of the many crimes plaguing Afghanistan might affect you the most. If you’ve been carefully listening to the video so far,
you probably already know the answer. That’s right – kidnapping! Since 2021, when the U.S. Embassy in Kabul suspended operations, the Taliban have pretty much been back in the hostage business. Foreign nationals are prime targets, with the Taliban using kidnappings for ransom or political leverage. I know it’s sounding pretty bad so far, but it’s about to get worse, way worse. Back in the Americas, another US tourist trap is waiting, ready to spring. In Venezuela, you’ll find nothing but trouble. Human rights abuses. Lack of proper healthcare.
Civil unrest. Wrongful detention. These are just some of the threats you can encounter in what the World Population Review has deemed the highest crime ridden country, with a crime index rating of 82.1. Given how high this rate is, it shouldn’t be surprising that the selection of crimes committed in Venezuela on the daily run the gamut. Homicide. Armed robbery.
Kidnapping. Carjacking. And the list could go on and on. And that’s not even the worst part. The worst part is that as many as 98% of these crimes don’t result in prosecution. So, if you’re fond of justice, accountability, and safety, Venezuela might just be your worst nightmare. However, out of all the threats that should stop you from visiting Venezuela, civil unrest is undoubtedly No. 1 at the moment. After Nicolás Maduro, a long-term President of Venezuela, won his third consecutive six-year term under highly suspicious circumstances in July of 2024, chaos has once again erupted in the country. One-third of all the 140 post-election demonstrations were marred with violence, with at least 25 people having been killed so far, nearly 200 injured, and more than 2,400 arrested. Not to mention, the continued crisis has fuelled fears the Venezuelan
authorities could launch a wider crackdown on opposition leaders and protesters. From this figure alone, it’s obvious that the country’s security forces have no issue responding with lethal violence after exhausting methods like tear gas, pepper spray, and rubber bullets. But let’s say you stay away from the states like Carabobo and Miranda, where most of the demonstrations are taking place. Will you then be able to enjoy the many stunning beaches or the rich cultural sites Venezuela has to offer? Sadly, no. Even in the so-called “safer” areas, crime is pervasive. Those beautiful beaches? They’re not free from the reach of armed robbers or
opportunistic kidnappers. That vibrant nightlife? It’s often overshadowed by the looming threat of violence. No matter how far you try to escape from the chaos, Venezuela’s instability follows. And even if you briefly escape it, you likely will miss something else—gasoline, electricity, water, or medicine—as shortages of these vital resources are common throughout the country.
The same, and even more, can be said for the next country on our list – Yemen. Now, although Yemen is overflowing with centuries-old traditions, breathtaking landscapes, and ancient ruins, it probably won’t make it onto your must-see travel list. And let us tell you why traveling to this nation could be a harrowing experience. The U.S. hasn’t had an operating embassy in Yemen since 2015. In other words, whatever happens to you as a tourist in the country, you’ll be left to your own devices. So what can actually happen to you? Quite a lot, actually. Out of the nine risk factors that the U.S. State Department uses to determine how safe a country is for travel,
as many as six are present in Yemen. The factors in question are terrorism, civil unrest, health risks, kidnapping, armed conflict, and landmines. You’ll probably notice, the last factor—landmines—is new to our list, adding a whole new layer of danger to an already catastrophic situation. The landmines are laid by the Houthi forces,
the armed Islamist group that controls most of the country. According to the Landmine Monitor, at least 582 people were killed or wounded by these landmines in 2022, most of them civilians. Now, if the prospect of having to watch every step for hidden explosives doesn’t make you think twice, the rest of the dreary stats on Yemen might. Yemen is currently ranked at 23rd in the world on the Global Terrorism Index. This makes it one of the places on the planet with the most terrorist activity. The ACLED Conflict Index paints an even worse picture, ranking Yemen as the 13th most dangerous country in the world. Besides
terrorist activities, such a high ranking mostly has to do with frequent political violence events, numerous abductions and forced disappearances, and the geographic diffusion of the conflict. Thanks to the last factor, as many as four million people are exposed to conflict in the country, which is about 12% of Yemen’s population. The five most exposed provinces are as follows: Al Jawh Taizz Al Hudaydah (containing the port that Israel shelled recently) Armanat al Asimah Aden Look at a map of Yemen showing all the provinces, and you’ll realize there’s barely a corner of this country untouched by chaos. And as far as most people are concerned, chaos and a nice vacation aren’t exactly a match made in heaven. Chaos also reigns supreme in Burkina Faso,
which is a less often discussed danger zone on the world stage. Well, chaos and death reigns supreme. In 2023 alone, as many as 8,500 lost their lives in Burkina Faso as a result of clashes between the country’s security forces and rebels. These clashes, together with violence linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State terrorist organizations, also led to the displacement of over two million people. Another 150,000 fled across borders,
seeking refuge from a nation consumed by relentless bloodshed. And visiting a country tens of thousands of people are desperately fleeing isn’t exactly one you want to go into. If you do dare however, the U.S. State Department warns you of three major threats – terrorism, crime, and kidnapping. Across all three threats, one thing rings true – you’re truly safe nowhere.
Not your hotel. Not restaurants. Places of worship. Not even police stations, customs offices, or military posts. Terrorists can—and will—strike anywhere. If we’re talking about specific regions, the most alarming situation is in the East and Sahel regions, the Kossi and Sourou provinces in the Boucle de Mouhoun region, the Kenedougou province in the Hauts Bassins region, the Loroum province in the North region, and the Koulpélogo province in the Center-East region, where the government of Burkina Faso maintains a state of emergency. Of course, for tourists, kidnapping remains the most pervasive threat across these regions and the entire Burkina Faso. In May 2019, a hostage rescue operation was launched to
free four international hostages who had been kidnapped in the country and neighboring Benin. Among them was an American woman in her 60s, who had been kept captive for a grueling 28 days. Perhaps a sliver of hope, as a similar fate is unlikely to befall the travelers to the next country on our list—Myanmar—as kidnapping isn’t mentioned as one of the widespread threats in the country. But… don’t let this fool you. Myanmar is still an incredibly violent country. In fact, it’s the second most violent region in the world,
according to the ACLED Conflict Index, behind only Palestine. This unflattering title primarily stems from the highest number of non-state armed groups ravaging the country, over 1,500 of them. The worst part? They are everywhere! In the cities. In the forests. In the rural villages. So, whether you’re trekking through the country’s once-famous natural landscapes or exploring what remains of its urban centers, you could be walking straight into a battlefield. After all,
battles are the single most common instances of political violence in the country. In June 2024, there were 288 of them, which is the lowest number reported in 2024. The highest was from March, with as many as 385 battles taking place across the country. The states hit the hardest by this violence include Rakhine , Sagaing , and northern Shan. In total, as many as 43% of the Myanmar population, which is roughly 22.8 million people, are exposed to conflict in the country. So, what are the chances you, as a traveler, will avoid it? None, that’s what.
As a traveler in Myanmar, you stand little chance of staying clear of the pervasive conflict that engulfs the nation. With nearly half of the population living in areas plagued by violence, your odds of encountering a clash or skirmish are alarmingly high. The tumultuous landscape is not just a backdrop but an ever-present risk, making Myanmar one of the most perilous destinations you could choose. A destination where 15,800 people lost their lives in 2023 alone,
the highest conflict-related toll after Ukraine and Israel. Think about it for a second. You might not hear about the situation in Myanmar as much as you do about the Russo-Ukrainian and Israel-Hamas wars, but this figure alone should tell you everything you need to know. Now, let’s be honest. The last few countries we’ve mentioned aren’t particularly appealing
to most travelers, especially when compared to Mexico. As for the next country on our list, it might be a little more divisive. How so? Well, some U.S. citizens won’t need any reports and statistics to stay far away from it. Others will have a harder time, as this is undoubtedly one of the most unique countries in the world, making it an alluring mystery. The country in question is North Korea. Now, no violent clashes, crimes, or civil unrest placed this country on the “Do Not Travel” list. The reason why traveling to North Korea isn’t recommended—and that’s the understatement of the century—is “the continuing serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S. nationals.” In fact, this risk is so alarmingly high that your passport actually
isn’t valid for travel “to, in, or through” North Korea without special validation, which is only reserved for national interests. Even with these measures in place, there have been U.S. citizens who traveled to North Korea, either fueled by intense religious zeal or enticed by the cryptic allure of a highly isolated authoritarian state. Whatever the reason,
their visits almost never ended well. Kenneth Bae, a tourist guide and a Korean-American missionary, was sentenced to 15 years in prison in 2012 for “hostile acts,” but he was fortunately rescued after two years. Matthew Miller, who wanted to seek political asylum in the country in 2014, was sentenced to six years of hard labor under spying accusations. However, Otto Warmbier, a 22-year-old student at the time, had it the worst. He was seized from a tour group in 2016 and sentenced to 15 years of hard labor for allegedly trying to steal a propaganda poster. A poster! And
that’s not even the worst part. After 17 months of captivity in North Korea, Warmbier was flown home in a vegetative state, where he soon died. These three cases alone are enough to make one thing loud and clear: traveling to North Korea from the U.S. isn’t worth it under any circumstances. For the last two countries on our list,
we’ll travel to Europe for the first time. Now, this might be odd, as Europe is often seen as a relatively safe and stable region compared to the turmoil of other continents. And it was, until February 24, 2022. However, Ukraine isn’t one of the two remaining countries on our list,
as avoiding traveling to a country caught up in a highly publicized and brutal war is a given. That same reason is also why Palestine isn’t on this list. But the two countries that did make the list are still connected to the Ukraine conflict. They just stand on the opposite side of the battlefield. The first of which, is Belarus. Since the war in Ukraine started, Belarus has been closely aligned with Russia to the point of serving as a staging point for the war. So, the only thing you can find in Belarus is numerous
Russian military forces looking for the best way to inflict more damage on Ukraine. If recent reports are to be trusted, you can also find nuclear weapons stored in the country, as Russia has allegedly started placing them in Belarus as part of its strategic military positioning. Not the company you want to find yourself in! However, even if you take Ukraine and Russia out of the equation, Belarus isn’t exactly a prime traveling destination on its own. The country remains under a repressive regime, with human rights abuses and political oppression prevalent. The government, led by President Alexander Lukashenko , has been heavily criticized for its crackdown on dissent, suppression of free speech, and general lack of political freedoms.
Tens of thousands of individuals, U.S. citizens included, have already been detained in recent years for these very reasons. Travel to Belarus as a U.S. citizen, and you just might find yourself on the receiving end of the regime’s harsh measures against perceived dissent and foreign influence. Measures that are handed out pretty arbitrarily. Worst of all? The U.S. Embassy in Minsk halted operations in February 2022, so if you do, you’ll be virtually on your own. Speaking of being all alone in this world, we’ve finally reached the last country on our list.
Russia. The fact that Russia considers the U.S. its No. 1 enemy and actively rebels against what it perceives as a U.S.-led world order is reason enough for most U.S. travelers to feel uneasy in this country. But hey, we get it! There’s the awe-inspiring Saint Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow, renowned for its fairytale-like architecture. Then, there’s The Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, one of the largest and most prestigious art museums in the world, with a truly impressive collection of art and artifacts. For the adventurers, there’s Lake Baikal, often referred to as the “Pearl of Siberia,” which offers breathtaking views and a serene escape into one of the world’s deepest and oldest freshwater lakes. But for all the beauty Russia has to offer,
there’s even more ugliness. Due to the ongoing geopolitical tensions and internal instability, U.S. citizens in Russia may face harassment and wrongful detention by authorities. Recent reports have detailed incidents of arbitrary enforcement of local laws and denial of consular access to detained individuals. And as of July 2024, there
are at least a dozen U.S. citizens held in Russian jails or prisons under these circumstances. Their charges range from drug possessions and theft to treason and espionage. Luckily, some of them were released in the historic prisoner swap between Russia and the West in August of 2024, but this in no way alleviates the ongoing risks and uncertainties for U.S. travelers in the country.
Simply put, every measure that the Russian government introduces makes one thing abundantly clear – it sees all Americans as enemies. That’s why it suspended all consular operations outside Moscow, severely limiting the U.S. government’s ability to assist its citizens. Additionally, U.S. credit and debit cards no longer work in Russia due to sanctions, and even commercial flight options are limited. And let’s not forget about the looming terrorist threat. Since the coordinated terrorist attack in March 2024 against civilians at the Crocus City Hall music venue in Moscow Oblast, which killed 145 people and injured another 551, the danger to civilians remains high. As the Moscow attack has proven, these attacks can take place virtually
anywhere – in markets, transport hubs, and other bustling tourist areas. So, for your safety – and due to all the reasons mentioned above – it’s better to stay away from Russia altogether. But be advised – this list is in no way exhaustive. In fact, there are 11 more countries with the bone-chilling “Level 4: Do Not Travel” designation by the U.S. State Department: Iran, Bangladesh, Libya, Lebanon, Somalia, Syria, Iraq, South Sudan, Mali, Central African Republic, Ukraine, and Sudan. In total, that’s roughly 10% of the countries in the world. There are even countries with lower travel advisory levels, such as Colombia with a “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” advisory, that are still fraught with risk for American tourists. Believe
it or not, in 2024 alone, there has been one death every six days in the Colombian city of Medellin, dubbed the “second-coolest city in the world” by Forbes magazine in 2023. So needless to say, no matter where you go, stay diligent and be alert. If this video caught your interest, feel free to check out our video on the tiny country that destroyed its gangs, or this other video you might like. Thanks for watching, and as always, take care out there.
2024-09-26 09:40
