By Reed Watson

National University Student Journalist

Currently the Middle East and Africa are the most dangerous areas in the world to travel to, according to the U.S. Department of State and the Canadian Government.

The U.S. Department of State advises all U.S. citizens to remain in contact with the U.S. Embassy in the countries that they are traveling to and within. When being abroad don’t carry large amounts of money, wear fancy clothes or have jewelry on. Mix up your travel plans within the country you’re in. Don’t keep a set schedule. The more you stand out the easier the target you will be.

Most of these countries are dealing with terrorist and insurgent activities, as well as crime, kidnapping and drug related activities. U.S. citizens are walking targets in many countries. Travelers can be killed, taken hostage, hijacked or mugged. Police in many of these countries are even engaging in criminal activity. The Canada Department of Foreign Affairs has suggested avoiding travel to these countries: Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, Sudan, South Sudan, Chad, Niger, and Central African Republic. There are several other countries that you should avoid non-essential travel to and/or exercise extreme caution. Some of these countries include: Mali, Russia, Philippines, Guinea, Pakistan, Georgia, El Salvador, North Korea, Mexico, and others.

Emma Makepeace is a world traveler who spends a few months out of each year in South Africa and Malawi. This is what she had to say about the precautions. “Safety is always a concern, but as long as you are aware of what is going on and take precautions—Don’t carry large amounts of cash on you especially at night, etc. South Africa is a great country to visit. The people are incredibly friendly. The history is riddled with stories of courage, sacrifice and determination, and the culture is a melting pot of tribal traditions, music, food, and happiness even in the face of adversity. Africa is a must see destination that will open your eyes and claim your heart.”

According to the U.S. Department of State, Afghanistan remains a high security risk to U.S. citizens. No place in Afghanistan is considered non-violent or safe. The security situation is unpredictable though out the country. Roadside bombs to ambush gun fire can happen at any given time. U.S. citizens have the highest risk of being kidnapped and assassinated, along with other Western nationals. U.S. citizens should stay away from rallies and demonstrations, since these often turn into uncontrolled riots. The U.S. Embassy is limited in providing aid and services to U.S. citizens who choose to be in Afghanistan.

Travel and Leisure Magazinehas a list of sixteen countries not to visit on their website. North Korea is one of the countries on this list. Users of the website are allowed to post comments for others to see. A few people said they recently traveled to North Korea and felt that it was a safe country, with no war or worries and kind people who want visitors to spend money.

Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs has a digital map that highlights the countries for you to avoid travel to. The website is:http://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories.

n People can stay up to date with the U.S. Department of State traveling warnings via their website, travel.state.gov. Their Facebook page, twitter, or calling the toll-free number 1-888-407-4747 within the U.S. or 1-202-501-4444 from abroad, and even download the free app for your mobile device if you like. It’s up to you as a U.S. citizen to understand these travel precautions. Like Makepeace said, “Safety is always a concern, but as long as you are aware of what is going on and take precautions…”

References

Emma Makepeace. February 15, 2013. Interview.

Government of Canada. December 6, 2012. Country Travel Advice and Advisories. Retrieved from http://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories

Skeptikai. June 19, 2012. Top 10 Safest and Most Dangerous Countries in the World. Retrieved from http://skeptikai.com/2012/06/19/top-10-safest-and-most-dangerous-countries-in-the-world/

Travel and Leisure Magazine.The World’s Most Dangerous Countries. Retrieved from http://www.travelandleisure.com/slideshows/the-worlds-most-dangerous-countries

 U.S. Department of State. January 29, 2013. Afghanistan Travel Warning. Retrieved from http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_5874.html