Global risk map reveals the most dangerous countries and cities in the world for travellers – with UK slipping down into ‘moderate’ category

A global risk map has revealed the most dangerous countries and cities in the world for travellers. 

Israel, Lebanon and Iran are among the most dangerous countries on earth to visit in 2025, according to the World Risk Map showing where travellers are most likely to face security threats.

The map is based on the risk of political violence, social unrest, violent and petty crimes as well as climate change, which were analysed for the annual map by Safeture and Riskline. 

Overall, the security situation has deteriorated in 77 countries. Burkina Faso, Libya, and Myanmar have also been added to the list of the most dangerous countries. 

Among the safest places to visit in Europe are Germany, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Belgium, Finland, Iceland and Norway, where the risk was deemed ‘insignificant’.

But the UK as well as France, Spain, Sweden and the UK have shifted into the ‘moderate risk’ category, with Italy, the Netherlands, and Poland also seeing elevated risks.

Key factors include rising political unrest, public demonstrations, and environmental challenges such as storms and flooding. 

Previously on the list of nations with an ‘extreme’ security risk are Somalia, Syria, Sudan, Yemen and Ukraine, which continue to be considered high-risk zones to travel to.

Israel, the West Bank, Gaza, Lebanon and Iran are among the most dangerous countries on earth to visit in 2025, according to the World Risk Map showing where travellers are most likely to face security threats

But the security situation did improve for other destinations. Argentina, Armenia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, China, Morocco, and Cuba have all reached the second lowest risk level, ‘moderate.’

In regards to safety in individual cities, Swiss capital Bern is considered to be the safest in the world, followed by Doha, Melbourne, Montreal, Muscat and Ottawa.

Also deemed very safe is Seoul, the capital of South Korea, although this may change after martial law was declared by Yoon Suk Yeol, the president of South Korea, which caused protesters to clash with the police and military.

Among the least safe cities are Sana’a in Yemen, Beirut in Lebanon and Gaza City.

One luxury holiday destination previously marked extremely safe comes with a ‘medium risk’ in 2025. 

The Maldives have seen increasing political instability, combined with an increase in social tensions and religious extremism, which contributed to their changed score. 

The increasing consequences of climate change, such as flooding and coastal erosion, also exacerbate the situation.

The map also took local medical care into account for their advice to travellers.  

Gaza (pictured) is considered to be a destination with an extreme safety risk for travellers

Ukraine is also considered to be very dangerous due to the ongoing war with Russia

It has been revealed that the health infrastructure is particularly poor in countries such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Haiti, Myanmar, South Sudan, Sudan, Venezuela and Yemen. 

The medical facilities there are inadequate, and access to basic medicines and emergency care is severely restricted. 

Diseases that would be easily treatable in other parts of the world can become a real threat there, according to the report by Safeture and Riskline.

The World Risk Map was developed by Safeture and Riskline, who manage and analyse worldwide travel risks. 

The map is divided into five risk levels: low risk, moderate risk, medium risk, high risk, and extreme risk. The risk level is determined by various factors such as security, crime, health and environmental risks, and medical care. 

The map is constantly updated in line with current events.