Traveling outside of your country is always a great way to experience something new and exciting. But, depending on what country you choose, it can sometimes prove to be a dangerous place to visit. If you were somehow planning to visit one of the following countries, think twice! These are the places where most cases of kidnapping and ransom occurs. Keep in mind that kidnapping doesn’t have demands of 6 to 8 figures as we see in movies; the average amount paid for reported cases is $62,071.83 USD.
10. Haiti – Being the least developed country in the Americas, it’s only natural that the Haitians make up for their low income with kidnapping. Furthermore, 80% of the population is living in poverty and over half of the country’s inhabitants are illiterate. Haiti remains an unsafe place to visit, even considering the presence of the UN stabilization force. Kidnappers and street gangs are thriving in Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince. The targets include rich Haitians, diplomats, aid workers and, of course, foreign tourists. If you’re willing to leave that aside, Haiti is a place of colorful art, fascinating traditions, vibrant music and spiritual people.
9. Iraq – Made by the Sumerians and Babylonians the center of the ancient world, Iraq has been under turmoil since the American’s invasion in 2003. It doesn’t come as a surprise, considering the widespread civil violence, that Iraq isn’t one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. Violence and kidnappings occur on a regular basis and are mainly aimed at foreigners. Once the home to the most ancient civilizations, Iraq is now a place where several distinct forces are competing for control.
8. Afghanistan – Once known as the center of ancient empires or, in recent years, as a country with a great backpacking circuit, Afghanistan has been experiencing a lot of turmoil in the wars that have been waging for over 25 years. Presently, several areas of the country remain unsafe for travelers, particularly during the NATO-led operations against the Talibans and Al-Qaeda. Attacks targeting foreigners are ever frequent, especially suicide bombings concentrated around foreign embassies. Visitors are recommended to avoid gatherings, avoid travel alone or at night. Afghanistan presently has one of the most volatile situations.
7. Chechnya – Ever since the Russian Empire collapsed in 1991, the southern Russian has been marked by the conflict between the Chechen separatists and the Russian forces, thus reducing almost most of the province to sad ruins of a long war. Rich in petrochemicals, natural gas and oil, the country’s economy and infrastructure have been experiencing a serious crash, due to the ongoing conflicts. Leaving that aside, Chechnya has a surprisingly beautiful mountainside, with its mineral waters making it a great spa center.
6. Nigeria – Africa’s most populous nation has a fascinating mixture of over 200 peoples that, coupled with an unstable economy, often leads to a volatile situation. You might also remember the country from the multiple email scams circulating the internet in recent years. According to news reports, over 200 foreign oil workers have been kidnapped in the Niger Delta, most situations being resolved with a ransom. Travelers are required to vaccinate against yellow fever, while there is also a high risk of infection of AIDS/HIV or malaria. Furthermore, armed gangs and kidnappings are on the daily menu for areas such as the Bakassi Peninsula, Bayelsa or the Delta.
5. Philippines – The archipelago consisting of 7,107 islands is a fascinating, laidback natural paradise, with friendly, engaging people. But there’s a reason we included Philippines among the countries most likely to get kidnapped. North Cotabato, Mindanao, Zamboanga peninsula, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi and the Sulu archipelago are just a few areas that a traveler should necessarily avoid. Apart from the usual robberies and kidnappings, foreigners also risk having a drug put in their drink that knocks one out immediately. Tourists are then either robbed, raped or have their kidneys taken. 10 hours are needed to wake up from the drug and another 3 days to remember what happened.
4. Venezuela – With some of the most spectacular landscapes and the longest waterfall in the world, Venezuela truly is a sight not to be missed, if you’re willing to leave aside street crime, kidnappings or political turmoil. If not, know that street crime is present on a daily basis throughout the country. Tourists in Venezuela are the easiest target for pickpockets so try to look like anything but a tourist. Don’t wear jewelry, watches, avoid unfolding maps, taking pictures and stay away from poor areas. To avoid problems, simply stay in the touristic areas.
3. Colombia – National parks, high mountains, cruise boats or soaring skyscrapers are just a few of the numerous attractions Colombia has to offer. Even though it might same like an untroubled paradise, Colombia has its fair share of drug dealers, robberies and kidnappings. Even though safety has improved in recent years, Colombia still suffers from high kidnapping and homicide rates in urban areas. The extra violence is provoked by the guerrillas which operate mainly in rural areas – the places to be avoided are the border areas with Ecuador and Venezuela.
2. Brazil – The largest country in South America, teeming with beaches and untamed forests, Brazil is one the most vibrant and colorful places on the continent. As with the other countries on the list, the downside is the street crime present in big cities, where attacks against tourists have become frequent. Apart from the usual kidnappings, there are also a high number of muggings so simply leave your valuables at the hotel and take with you only a small amount of money. To top it all off, Brazil experienced an increase in the number of yellow fever and dengue fever cases, so be sure to have your shots before entering the country.
1. Mexico – With a mix of modern city life and a reminiscent ancient civilization, Mexico is one of the liveliest, yet most dangerous countries on the list. You’ll come across plenty of corruption and the usual street crime that comes with every big city. Kidnapping for ransom is fairly common, especially in border cities such as Tijuana, Nogales or Juarez. As with other cities on the list, try not to look like a tourist, avoid flashing shiny, expensive objects and you should be fine.
Source, Images courtesy of: Wikimedia Commons, fredfraces kaysha, pulpolux, liquidrage.
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Hell will have to freeze over first before I set foot in these lower class countries.
laconic - you sir are a true ignorant pig
Well, i’ve been to 5 of these countries, and I can honestly say for those, that this is scaremongering. Use your head, and listen to the local advice and you’ll have a great time, and even better, you’ll be able to enjoy some of the most beautiful places in the world without the annoying package tourists
I’ve been to Mexico and I have close friends who used to live in Brazil. Maybe it was just the wrong parts of the countries, but there has never been any trouble for any of us. I was in a less urban area of Mexico I suppose, but it was by no means touristy.
@ Laconic
The inhabitants of those “lower class” countries thank you for not bringing your ignorance to their countries.
What I want to know is what the deal is with the picture after #5. What on earth does that sign have to do with Nigeria, other than that it has the word Nigeria on the protest sign. I suspect this is a poor photo choice.
Please dont bother laconic, we dont want more people like you in my country…. we already have idiots
the chance of getting kidnapped in any country is not going to deter me from the experience….suckers!
actually… kidnappers in Mexico do not kidnap tourists, because they don’t have anyone to collect ransom from. Most long term kidnappings are done to other Mexicans specifically. You might be a part of an express kidnapping which only consists of taking your money and taking you to an ATM machine to withdraw some more. (but do stay away from Tijuana, Juarez, Reynosa…. etc)
Bob - hush. You will only speak when addressed.
I’ve been to Mexico numerous times no worries.
All places are both dangerous and safe in part, like fire that heats your home, it can also kill you… so what?
laconic is a retard. get some class and gain some understanding and respect of the diversity of the world we live in. Your comment sounds utterly American. [I am one, and the people are a downright dumb at times]
No Bob’s right…I think the award for ignorant bigot goes to laconic.
I’ve been to a few of the countries listed and I agree with Simon, just use common sense and you’ll be okay.
Some statistics (facts) would have been nice to substantiate this list. Otherwise it’s an interesting list of opinions. Thanks.
laconic: Those “lower class countries” produce a lot of what we use.
Matty: Utterly American? Ok, lets see what American would that be? Would it be one of the countries on the North American Continent or the South American Continent because they’re all Americans.
Mexico in first place? You are a complete idiot for actually suggesting to think twice before going to Mexico.
You said this “the usual street crime that comes with every South American city or sexual assault.”
Are you kidding me? I live in Monterrey, México. (5million hab) and nor any of my friends or family have been victims of street crime or sexual assault.
It is completely safe for tourists to come to Mexico, specially in cities like Cancún or Acapulco that live off international tourism.
Mexico is in North America.
I have visited many of these countries and I don’t agree at all that you will be kidnapped. Is it possible? of course. I mean you can even get kidnapped in the United States but no one put that up! If you got kidnapped the chances are you asked for it. You were probably flashing tons of money, wearing expensive jewelry and flashing it of course. If you try to blend in with the crowd and not act nervous all the damn time there really won’t be a reason for any of this. All websites like this do is make over exploited (not underdeveloped) nations seem worse than they really are.
I have been to Haiti and it is beautiful! I highly recommend it, but of course stay out of the cities.
I am pretty sure that Iraq has had conflict way before we invaded in 2003. The conflicts in the Middle East has been around for centuries. I think you should do a little research before blaming America for the unrest in Iraq.
Oh! And Mexico is one of the most beautiful places in NORTH America. I have never had any problems in the multiple times I have been there. It is an epicenter for Ancient North American culture, with many wonderful people, beaches, and historical artifacts to see. Seriously, go to some of these places before you judge them.
wow Afghanistan picture is very nice.
There are many more dangerous places in this world than Mexico, Central Africa and parts of the Middle-East should be the highest on the list.
OMG, i cant believe Pakistan is not on that list. Damn, you’re an ignorant to rate mexico so high and Afghanistan so low.
People . . . just because a violent incident has or has not occurred to YOU personally, your isolated personal experience does not trump statistics. Of course nobody would suggest that every single tourist to– for example– Columbia or Mexico will be kidnapped. It is the relative frequency of violent attacks across an entire statistical population of tourists that is significant.
Why is England not on the list? It is a semi-police state, and quite dangerous tto visit. Street-preaching? Verboten. Driftiing 3 miles an hour over the speed limit? Verboten. Expressing a non-liberal opinion in public? Verboten. Challenging security officers at the airport about their rudeness? Verboten. Voting on the Lisbon treaty as promised by the current labour government in their manifesto? Verboten. Eating out? Not verboten, but should be.
Agree with most on the list but MEXICO!
I guess you have to be American and talk with a broad accent and ask what everything costs in dollars to get kidnapped here.
Mexico is really dangerous for neurotic paranoids only
Gari
> RoRo1979 said on Sep 2, 2008: “Mexico is in North America”
Dear RoRo - Mexico is CENTRAL AMERICA (even for Americans lol).
North America comprises the United States of America, Canada, Greenland and St Pierre & Miquelon (F)
Gari
The Australian Govt smarttraveler advice for Mexico updated 19 Sep 08
We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Mexico because of the high level of violent crime.
Pay close attention to your security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.
The Mexican Government has deployed large numbers of military personnel and federal police to the cities of Acapulco, Monterrey, Culiacan, Morelia, and Tijuana and other cities bordering the United States in an effort to curb a significant increase in drug-related gang violence. Although this violence is not normally targeted at foreigners, foreign residents and tourists have been among the victims.
You should avoid all large public gatherings, protests and demonstrations as they may turn violent.
The hurricane season is June to November when landslides, mudslides and flooding may occur. In the event of a hurricane, monitor local media reports and follow the instructions of local emergency officials. Information on hurricanes or other severe weather conditions can be obtained from U.S. National Hurricane Center and Tropical Prediction Center. See the Natural Disasters, Severe Weather and Climate section for detailed advice.
OR NO WORRIES MATEY!
Of all these places, I have only been to Colombia and you know, it’s not that bad
Yes, Mexicans are bandits. They like to kill and use fire arms in our country.
I still wanna visit Mexico someday though and Brazil also.
I do agree that this can happen it these counites . I think that you have to be smart when visiting these countries and dont go alone. Anyone visiting these countries should try not to stand out. Blend in with the locals. I do recommend that anyone traveling to these places. Only stay in tourist locations. These are nice places to visit you just have to be careful and use common sense.
finally my country wins something
@ Benjamin del df
Well at least posts like this might help keep the ignorant, paranoid people out of your beautiful country
Have traveled many places in the world…North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Eurasia. Haven’t made it to Africa or Australia yet, but hope to. Am very careful, but in five days in Rio, got mugged and taken hostage (two different events). It is not just a matter of being careful. Sometimes its just luck. Sometimes, you just happen to let your guard down. Then again…could have happend in New York, Paris, Washington or home.
I’ve served as a soldier in Afghanistan for 8 months. And I also spent quite a lot of time in both Mexico and Colombia as a traveller. Believe me when I say that if you are white or black traveling in Afghanistan (especially the provinces of Kandahar and Helman) you won’t make it a week. There is no doubt that you will either be killed outright or held hostage. To put places like Iraq and Afghanistan so far up the list, means that these facts were based strictly on statistics. There are definitely more tourists kidnapped in Mexico or Colombia each year than in Iraq or Afghanistan. But there are also exponentially more tourists going to those countries. Probably in the area of 1000-10000x more. Use your head and you’ll be okay, if you travel to either Iraq or Afghanistan, inform yourself on which area’s are safer.
Scaremongering that’s all.. if you’re too scared to venture out, then stay at home. Agree with Kieran about England.. Kids get shot or stabbed on the street. Babies dying due to lack of concern for carers etc etc.. We going to the Philippines next month… tell you all about it.. well that’s if we don’t get kidnapped… ha ha…
Because I am concerned with myself or my family being abducted or worse while traveling does not make me a “dumb” American as many on this board seem to indicate. My wife and I frequently travel to Europe and Asia for business, and Mexico for pleasure. So we are certainly not stereotypical ugly Americans.
As most of you know if you follow the news, murders in Mexico this year were double last years record setting number. A story released today states 5% of Mexican families have experienced some sort of kidnapping.
As someone rightly stated above, kidnappings and rapes are worst in border towns. The problem is they are frequently either accepted, facilitated or even perpetrated by police.
I wonder if we are “dumb” for educating ourselves on the reality of international travel or if others are “dumb” for simply stating “if you wear flashy jewelry you deserve it.” As someone who grew up in Detroit and has been mugged more times than I can count, I’ll take my kind of informed “dumb” any day.
Have fun and be safe.
You’re all retarded. Stop defending these countries and for certain people, stop trying to give American’s a bad rep. EVERY country has it’s problems, and America is NO exception. Tourists come to America all the time and you think we’re a safe country? If you go to the wrong part of New York or Florida then you’re bound to get robbed and that’s just the way it is, so get over it. These 10 countries listed here are no better or no worse. Another thing is that people don’t realize with America being one of the wealthiest countries in the world, American tourists are always going to be targets for pickpockets, robberies and of course kidnappings. It’s just the nature of the beast and it’s all based upon profiling, which is a sad thing. I for one am not a wealthy American and if you kidnap me for ransom you might has well just put me back where you found me or I’ll probably end up COSTING you money.
at Gari, Isle of Man
technically, there is no Central America. Its part of North America. CA isn’t a continent last time I checked.
Wow, and I am a foriegner that just moved to Mexico. I am scared
Lets look at the over all picture. These countries are listed based off kidnapping statistics as a whole. They don’t reference tourists. I agree with Mexican and would think that the most of the people who are kidnapped are locals not tourists. So please help the global economy and travel abroad. Except you laconic don’t leave your southern Louisianna trailer park. Miguel you are an idiot. Name one week that you have picked up a mexican newspaper and have not seen bodies of police, military and civilians murder and kidnapped. Mexico is a very dangerous country if you are in the drug trade. I live in Mexico it is beautiful with fun and beautiful people. Whoever said Mexico is in Latin America! Check your geography one more time. It is in North America. We are all Americans though. North, Central and South America.
Every major city in every state in every country of the world has a bad area where bad people do bad things. The general theory on traveling and living abroad is DONT PUT YOURSELF IN A SITUATION WHERE SOMETHING BAD WILL HAPPEN TO YOU. You wont end up a statistic this way. Otherwise you need to look at the list of the most DANGEROUS cities and countries in the world. If you need an escort with military vehicles complete with machine guns I would not suggest traveling to that place.
SHayna don’t let these idiots scare you. I live here as well and I stick out like a sore thumb. I look like the ultimate gringo in Mexico. I am not scared nor should you be. Like I said don’t put yourself in a position to get in trouble and you more than likely will not get into any trouble. This place is great there is tons of things to do and like I said the people are great.
Has anyone ever noticed how the super ranking motivated, liberal media always tells a story of people who get kidnapped. Most of the time they are ALONE! Tourists are usually intoxicated on some alcohol/substance and venture off with a local or alone. Also notice how idiots are ussually statistics.
Come on people. Get it together before you start typing about what you read. Of course there is always a possiblity for something bad to happen anywhere in the world.
Oops! My mistake about Latin America. I meant Central America. Though it is not a Continent it is definetely a region and the people who live there are very proud of their region. Also excuse my grammer I am a stupid american from the U.S.A.
Billy Bob on Jan 3rd, 2009: Technically, there is no Central America. Its part of North America. CA isn’t a continent last time I checked.
We were talking countries and regions BB and America is all one continent nowadays. USA mapping often includes Mexico with N America but forgets Greenland. Under the old 2 continent split, Latin America belonged to S America and I think they speak Latin in Mexico don’t they?
No way was Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaraguag, San Salvador, Guatemala, Belize part of N America and Mexico doesn’t belong to the USA. They have a whopping great fence to keep the Mexicans out and border patrols with guns. Laughable as Texas, NM, AZ and most of California is more Mexican than American.
For those travelling by train from Chile/Bolivia to Cusco, you could add Peru as scarey dangerous. The train regularly gets robbed and you should NOT handcuff yourself to your luggage or your bags to the luggage rack if you prefer not to hear gunshots.
They’ll take your baggage but don’t worry, you need a place to stay in Cusco don’t you? Tell them you luggage was robbed and you can usually buy it back for a modest sum. Regard the robbery as border controls and the buy-back as visa costs. Whatever you do, don’t argue and fight or get upset.
Dhere, why do you insult Louisiana? I’m from south Louisiana and have traveled to most of these countries because of my oil field service profession, and I agree with you completely (except for the liberal media quote) Its just sensationist news, and would be reported by all types of media. However being from New Orleans I can testify that if “anyone” goes into certian parts of the city at night they won’t come out with their money and they might not come out at all. So much for the “I’m safe in America theory.
Gari, isle of man wrote : think they speak Latin in Mexico don’t they
LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL
wait…i am strongly disagry that haiti is the poorest country in americas…and kidnapping started in haiti just after president aristide was kidnapped by bush and jacues chirac ex france president….if you listen to what people say,be my guess you will not be travelling cause they hardly ever kidnapped tourist in haiti….i do not see haiti is the poorest…its sure that we have political problems since the day of our indenpendence from france in 1804….i raised in the 5th city in haiti…i just came to america,i have never heard about kidnapping….people get kidnapped only in the capital by a bunch of gangs which includes the deprters and the foreigner
there is no need to stay away from any cities in haiti excludes port-au-prince which is the capital cause people in haiti are very friendly…we have a lot of wonders that you have never seen before….beautiful beaches and kidnappings are very seldom lol if you know how to say what’s up lol you will be alright
yeah it’s true ..i’m from cuba but i used to live in haiti
fascinating and informative, but would be suffering with something more on this topic?
its not true what they wrote about the philippines. its not because im a filipino and i am defending my country its just that its too much. u can get kidnapped anywhere. specuially if your not careful. foreigners should remember that you are in a different place with different customs. u have to abide the law and respect people living in it.
As a world traveler, and being from the U.S., I would like to apologize for idiots like Laconic that write ignorant remarks on post like this. I have been to Colombia, Mexico, Venezuela, and Haiti. Of course there are problems, like anywhere else in the world. But the majority of the people are kind, hospitable, and would give you the shirt off their backs. Just use common sense and explore these beautiful countries.
Sadly, some people will believe all that they read. I see it here at work. As a policeman in Sacramento for 20 years, I can tell you we have plenty of crime to go around. As an American born of Mexican descent it is truly sad to let yourself be influenced by all they read. I travel to Mexico every year to visit friends. I stay in Guadalajara and visit Vallarta. Just got back in November. We rented a taxis for the day that took us to Tequila, traveled the roads without any problems. I did grow up in Guadalajara and of course speak the language. But my wife is as American as they come, white and blond, and loves Mexico. She has been visiting Mexico, all over, with me since 1986 for the WorldCup. (ah, yes the non-existant hooligans too). My daughter, who is 10 has been going to Mexico since she was 4. Where ever you travel, use common sense! I tell people you could have been in a building in New York or a Timothy McVey victim, so travel and use common sense. And no, they don’t kidnap tourist. So please don’t lie. One may get kidnapped, but we live in a country where people get kidnapped every day and our children get kidnapped and found murdered in a ditch. So be real and travel, before you open your mouth.
I don’t agree that Philippines is one of these list. Those kidnapped in the Philippines are those guys entering the lair of the kidnappers especially the press people, etc. Why not include USA especially in New York where they have a lot of muggers.
there is kidnapping everywhere you go, even here in the USA!!! and there’s shooting everywhere also like here in the US again. nowhere is safe so don not tell me that you would not visit any “low class” countries! at least in those “low class” contries when you get kidnapped, you give money and the usually let you go but here in the USA millions of people have been Kidnapped and never found back. USA is telling everyone not too go visit those countries because they want your money and business to stay with them. that is why they always show you the bad part to discourage you from going cause most likely if you go there and like it, you are more likely to go back and maybe stay or do business there (if you had that money). do not let that stop you from visiting countries cause not everyone in there are criminals and want to do you harm, Stop being ignorant!!! Haiti is a beautiful place with nice Beaches and so are other countries!
As a military vet. who was assigned to work in tandem with civil authorities and the military of most of the South America countries, I would have to agree with most of the post here if you take care to watch where you go what you say and closely guard what information you allow strangers to know (travel plans, where you are staying, ect..) you should be fine. Those of you who say they have never seen or heard of these problems you might want to tune your R.A.D.A.R. to a wider band. I do believe that a majority of the peoples from those countries don’t commit these crimes, but a large enough portion do cause a problem to foreigners. Even if you are not involved with being captured it will effect you, you might get caught in a crossfire or picked up by the police as a potential problem, either way it is a big downer for your vacation. So always be alert of you Surroundings and have fun.
Maybe you are right about USA being just the same dangerous and what not but i know when i walk outside with my kid i feel safe and not scared i have a trip planned to cancun soon and i am not worried for myself i am worried for my son. I know id get him back if i pay but im not rich nor do i want to be seperated. i feel the fear. no matter what ,when you are not from some where or cant speak the language or dont know the area other then the beach is out back and the airport is 30 minutes away and the food is downstairs, its scary.
Well, Chechnya is not actually a country. It is part of Russia. The title could say something like “10 Territories You’re Most Likely To Get Kidnapped In”
I Have been to Nigeria but I never had trouble and it’s a nice Country. Forget about the picture you see there, this was in the 90s, they have a nice city. I Have been to South Africa, Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, Tunis, Ivory Coast….. and the things I saw there are different that what they told me about when I was in High School in New York, and Nigeria is different than this picture they have here. Let Travel
That’s a great list. I was surprised about the Philippines. Thank you for all the interesting info.
I was astonished not to find Somalia, Congo, Sierra Leone, Myanmar, Sudan and Pakistan on the list, because frankly speaking, these are definitely some of the most dangerous places for the tourists and travelers with Somalia and Congo topping the list. Venezuela, Colombia, the Philippines and Mexico are udeniably less treacherous!!
I wonder if the author wasn’t aware of it when compiling the list..
If you have any comments, feel free to email me: gkmansion@o2.pl
I agree that Chechnya is not technically a country. It’s part of Russia.
You should do some little research before blaming Nigeria or any African nation. In fact, if you see what is going on in the middle east right now, blame Europe for keeping african poor and totally dependant. Let’s be honnest it has been going on for centuries, with agreements and fake donations to african countries. For example I give give 1 and take 100 back from you, are you kidding?
This is a good list of places that we should avoid during our travel.
I would be great if you also write a post on the safest cities of the world.