What To Do When Visiting High-Risk Destinations

If you're planning to visit a high-risk destination, you'll want to follow our tips below for a safe, smooth trip:

1. Research and understand the risks the country you're visiting might have. This includes political instability, crime rates and health hazards.
2. Check government travel advisories, trustworthy news sources and travel forums.
3. Get the necessary visas or permits, and make sure your passport is valid.
4. Buy travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, evacuation and political instability.
5. Avoid crowds, demonstrations and unfamiliar areas. Aim to stay in secure accommodations and only use trusted transportation services.
6. Learn and respect the local customs, dress modestly and learn basic phrases to help you get around.
7. Take a first-aid kit with you, find out where your food and water are coming from, and stay up-to-date on your vaccinations.
8. Make sure your phone is reliable and working, share your travel plans with loved ones, and register with your embassy.
9. Hire a local guide or tour operator who can give insights and support where needed.
10. Have an emergency plan in place in case your travel plans change suddenly.

• Afghanistan has ongoing armed conflict, terrorism and civil unrest that has led to severe security concerns. In 2021, the US Embassy in Kabul had to close, meaning aid for American citizens is much less accessible than before.
• Haiti faces widespread civil unrest, violent crime and political instability. Kidnappings are common and the government's control over certain areas is limited.
• Since the 2011 civil war, Libya has had persistent armed conflicts among rival factions, resulting in a volatile security environment and very little power from the government.
• Sudan has been an unstable country for many years. It has continuously faced political problems, such as military coups and civil unrest. Armed conflicts in regions like Darfur have also made the situation worse.
• Syria has been in a state of war since 2011. This has resulted in lots of violence, terrorism and suffering for the people living there. Various groups are still fighting for control, making the country very dangerous to visit.

• The Philippines is situated on the typhoon belt. It sees 15 typhoons a year, with about 5 of these causing serious damage. It's also prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions due to its position on the Pacific Ring of Fire.
• Indonesia's many islands face frequent earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions. This is because it sits on multiple tectonic plate boundaries. Indonesia also experiences floods and landslides during the rainy season.
• Japan often has to deal with earthquakes and tsunamis. One example is the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. Japan also has typhoons and volcanic activity. Because of this, the country has invested heavily in robust disaster preparedness measures.
• Bangladesh is incredibly vulnerable to flooding and cyclones due to its low-lying topography, especially during monsoon season. Riverbank erosion and landslides also make the situation worse.
• Haiti is at risk of earthquakes, hurricanes and flooding. The 2010 earthquake and subsequent hurricanes highlighted the country's vulnerability and challenges in disaster response.

• The Democratic Republic of Congo still has outbreaks of Ebola virus disease, malaria and cholera. The country's healthcare system is weak, further complicating disease management and treatment.
• Nigeria has challenges with diseases like Lassa fever, malaria and yellow fever. It has also had reported cases of polio and measles.
• Yemen is experiencing a prolonged cholera outbreak with limited access to clean water and sanitation. Malaria and dengue fever are also prevalent.
• South Sudan has high rates of malaria, cholera and other waterborne diseases. The country's healthcare is minimal, further impacting disease control efforts.
• Haiti still gets outbreaks of cholera and also has challenges with malaria and dengue fever. Healthcare services in the country are poorly resourced.