The global “Risk Map” developed by “International SOS” classifies countries in terms of security. It takes into account various factors, including threats such as terrorism, war, unrest, robbery, kidnapping and fraud. Natural disasters and transport infrastructure are also taken into account. Countries are rated in five risk categories: from slight to extreme.
According to this map, countries such as Syria, Afghanistan, Libya, Yemen and the Central African Republic are among the most dangerous. The extreme threat also covers the Gaza Strip, some regions of Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, South Sudan and the border area between Lebanon and Syria.
In Europe, the situation looks quite stable and safe. The exception, of course, is Ukraine, where the risk of traveling is extremely high due to the war. It is also dangerous in some areas of Turkey.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises against all travel to the regions bordering Syria and Iraq: Hatay, Kilis and Diyarbakir, Batman, Şırnak, Hakkari districts. Military and police operations take place in these areas and the threat of terrorism remains.
According to International SOS’s assessment, Libya and South Sudan are countries with an “extreme” security risk. This category includes countries where government control is minimal or absent and law and order are unstable.
Countries classified as “high” risk, such as Venezuela, Pakistan and Myanmar, are places where protests are common. These demonstrations can become violent and are often directed against foreigners. These situations influence the assessment of security risks in these countries.
Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Andorra and Slovenia, as well as some islands in Oceania and the Caribbean, have a “slight” risk rating.
This map is particularly useful for business travelers and companies, but also for tourists. It provides important information about potential threats in various regions of the world.
Anyone who is going on a trip abroad in 2024 and is not fully familiar with the situation in a given country should visit the website of the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. There you will find a list of countries with descriptions, marked regions and threats we may encounter there.