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Stepping on new soils comes with its exciting perks. You get to see the beauties of new horizons as you immerse yourself in the lure of strange cultures, delectable cuisines, and memories worthy of lasting a lifetime. While every destination awaits you with its unique charm and history, some ports of call are a code red you should avoid because they pose severe safety risks.
1. Afghanistan
Americans are advised to steer clear of Afghanistan as it is easily the hub of political instability and some of the world’s deadliest extremist groups. The threat of terrorism, kidnapping, and armed conflict is real as daylight; no American should be hopping on a plane to this destination, even on a free flight ticket.
2. North Korea
Beyond its status as one of the world’s most regulated and heavily isolated countries, North Korea’s authority considers Americans as adversaries. Traveling to this place is highly discouraged due to strict governmental control and arbitrary detention by authorities.
3. Syria
War-torn for nearly a decade, Syria is a conflict hotspot you should avoid for your good. The country is immersed in various security concerns ranging from terrorism to daily armed clashes, often leading to loss of lives and severe injuries.
4. Somalia
Africa’s dead zone for ages, Somalia’s complex security situation makes it highly volatile and dangerous to American travelers. Somalia lacks a central government, and power struggles within its borders are real. The Department of State discourages all travel to Somalia.
5. Yemen
Yemen continues to grapple with a devastating civil war and political instability that distills into widespread violence and a humanitarian crisis of immense proportion. Yemen is in the eye of a storm and shouldn’t be visited in 2023.
6. Venezuela
A country that holds abundant tourism potential, travel to Venezuela is perilous. The oil-rich destination faces enormous political instability and is under grave economic sanctions, making finding basic supplies difficult. Venezuela does not have safe public transport, and criminal violence against foreigners breaks the scale.
7. Iraq
Extremist groups hold this country’s geopolitical zones, and tourists may be caught between fires of political unrest and armed conflicts, making it a risky destination for Americans. Kidnapping and bombing are also rampant, and violence is an everyday thing.
8. Libya
Since the death of Muammar Gaddafi, Libya has grappled with deep-rooted political instability. Power-mongering factions arise often, and kidnappers seeking Westerners they can trade for ransom are always on the loose.
9. Central African Republic (CAR)
Central African Republic suffers from ongoing instability and widespread violence due to political unrest and the insurgence of armed groups. CFR’s crime rate is very high, and tourists may be subjects of kidnapping and robbery. Americans and Europeans are often the targets since bandits and kidnappers consider them rich enough to cough out huge ransoms.
10. Mali
A center of conflicts too intense for its volatile central government to handle, certain regions in Mali are replete with consistent armed conflicts and terrorist activities. Mali plays host to the dreaded Russian mercenary group, Wagner, highlighting the depth of conflicts in the landlocked country.
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