By Shola Adebowale
As tensions escalate around the world, like in the Middle East between Isreal and Lebanon on one side and Isreal and Iran or Hamas on the other side, the India-Pakistan border simmers with hostility, the South China Sea teeters on the brink of conflict between China and Taiwan, and the Ukraine war rages on, the world has become a precarious place to travel. Add to that the unpredictable threat of natural disasters, including devastating earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, and picking summer travel destinations can feel like navigating a minefield. A recent study by financial comparison site Hellosafe has ranked the most perilous nations for travelers, with surprising results.
The Philippines Tops the List
The Philippines is considered the most hazardous vacation spot in 2025, scoring 82.32 out of 100 on the Travel Safety Index. This ranking is attributed to high levels of societal violence, including frequent incidents of crime and kidnapping. In October 2024, 26-year-old American YouTuber Elliot Onil Eastman was abducted at gunpoint from a small island in the country’s south by four masked men masquerading as police officers. He is currently presumed dead.
The Top 5 Most Dangerous Countries
The Philippines tops the list as the most hazardous destination, with a score of 82.32. This ranking is attributed to the country’s high crime rate and the presence of terrorist groups like Abu Sayyaf, notorious for kidnapping foreigners for ransom. The Philippines’ national flag is red.
Colombia ranks second, with a score of 79.21, due to its high levels of crime and kidnapping. The US State Department has issued travel warnings for certain areas, underscoring the country’s precarious security situation.
Mexico follows closely, with a score of 78.42. The country is plagued by high crime rates and kidnappings, with specific regions like Michoacan and Sinaloa being deemed off-limits for US tourists.
India is considered a high-risk destination, with a score of 77.86. Heightened tensions with neighboring Pakistan contribute to this ranking, making India a potentially volatile travel destination.
Russia rounds out the top 5, with a score of 75.65. The country’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine and internal security concerns make it a high-risk destination for travelers.
Other Notable Rankings
The United States ranks 14th on the list, with a score of 59.47, despite experiencing a decline in crime rates in major cities. This ranking highlights that even countries with relatively stable security situations can still pose risks to travelers. Additionally, countries like Somalia, Syria, and Yemen are considered high-risk destinations due to ongoing conflicts, terrorism, and humanitarian crises, making them particularly challenging for travelers.
Methodology
The travel safety index was compiled by Hellosafe based on 35 different criteria, which were categorized into five key areas: the frequency of natural disasters, societal violence, involvement in armed conflict (both internal and external), health infrastructure, and militarization. Each nation was rated on a scale from 0 to 100, with 0 representing the safest and 100 being the most dangerous. This comprehensive approach provides a broad perspective on the safety and security of various countries around the world.
Safest Countries
Fortunately, there are plenty of perfectly safe nations where people can decamp for the summer, most of which are concentrated in Europe. The top five safest countries are Iceland, Singapore, Denmark, Austria, and Switzerland. Iceland tops the list with a score of 18.23, making it one of the safest destinations. Singapore ranks second with a score of 19.99, followed closely by Denmark with a score of 20.05. Austria ranks fourth with a score of 20.31, and Switzerland rounds out the top 5 with a score of 20.51.
The Top 10 Safest Nations
The top 10 safest nations are dominated by European countries. The list includes Iceland (18.23), Singapore (19.99), Denmark (20.05), Austria (20.31), Switzerland (20.51), Czech Republic (21.19), Slovenia (21.44), Finland (21.81), Ireland (22.49), and Hungary (22.87). These countries offer a safe haven for travelers looking to avoid high-risk destinations.
In contrast, the top 10 most dangerous nations include the Philippines, Colombia, Mexico, India, Russia, Yemen, Indonesia, Somalia, Mozambique, and Pakistan, with scores ranging from 82.32 to 68.03. These countries pose significant risks to travelers due to various factors such as crime, conflict, and terrorism.0. Pakistan (68.03)
It’s worth noting that several countries are not featured in the Travel Safety Index ranking, and the reasons for their absence vary. For instance, South Africa has a notable crime rate, ranking fifth globally with a crime index of 75.4, attributed to factors like poverty, inequality, and unemployment. Nigeria’s strict visa policies for American travelers due to security and immigration concerns might be a reason for its absence. Countries like Lesotho, Kenya, and Uganda are advised to exercise a high degree of caution due to security concerns, which could contribute to their absence from the ranking. Brazil, on the other hand, has a high crime rate, with organized crime being a significant issue. The absence of countries like the UK and France might be due to their overall safety record, which may not warrant a top ranking.
Despite the alleged danger, the Philippines remains a popular destination for travelers, with 5.4 million foreign travelers making their way to the idyllic Southeast Asian isles in 2024. This enduring appeal can be attributed to the country’s stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality.
In contrast, the US ranked as the 14th least safe country for travel with a score of 59.47, despite an overall downward trend in crime in major US cities. Several factors may contribute to this ranking, including the prevalence of gun violence, mass shootings, and social unrest in certain areas. Additionally, the US has a high rate of violent crime compared to other developed countries, which may impact its safety ranking. Furthermore, the country’s diverse geography and large population may also contribute to varying levels of safety across different regions.
It’s worth noting that the US ranking may not necessarily reflect the actual safety experiences of travelers, but rather a complex array of factors that influence the country’s overall safety score. Nonetheless, the ranking serves as a reminder that even in relatively safe countries, there are still potential risks and concerns that travelers should be aware of.