International SOS uses a number of criteria to assess how the conditions in a country may impact visitors’ safety and security. These include the threat posed to travelers by political violence (including terrorism, insurgency, politically motivated unrest and war), social unrest (including sectarian, communal and ethnic violence) and violent and petty crime. Other factors assessed include transport infrastructure, the capability of security and emergency services, and the threat of natural disasters. They also assess medical risk and road safety standards around the world. 14 nations have received a rating of EXTREME risk, see if you can guess these most dangerous countries to visit in the year 2022...
The only way to visit North Korea is with a registered and approved tour operator providing state-approved trips. You cannot travel solo in North Korea. That's even if a visa is approved, which most of the "free" world is not approved. If approved, your visit is in a "glass bubble," which is relatively safe because you can't do much to be exposed to risk - especially in light of the criteria that International SOS uses to evaluate risk.
UPDATED 2023 information from International SOS...
For 2023, nations whose security risk was categorized as ‘extreme’ include Central African Republic, Yemen, Somalia and South Sudan, as well as certain areas of Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Pakistan, Mozambique and Israel.
In its annual update of risk ratings, International SOS stressed that security in Europe remains ‘stable’ despite the Ukraine conflict and a recent rise in social unrest in Europe due to the cost-of-living crisis. Countries like the UK, Germany, and France remain at a low level.
It also drew attention to the Sahel region in north Africa, which saw an increased risk of militancy, and a rise in criminality in Colombia due, in part, to the socio-economic impacts of the pandemic.
For 2023, nations whose security risk was categorized as ‘extreme’ include Central African Republic, Yemen, Somalia and South Sudan, as well as certain areas of Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Pakistan, Mozambique and Israel.
In its annual update of risk ratings, International SOS stressed that security in Europe remains ‘stable’ despite the Ukraine conflict and a recent rise in social unrest in Europe due to the cost-of-living crisis. Countries like the UK, Germany, and France remain at a low level.
It also drew attention to the Sahel region in north Africa, which saw an increased risk of militancy, and a rise in criminality in Colombia due, in part, to the socio-economic impacts of the pandemic.