Global Travel Warnings Surge Post-2020
More than 21% of the world’s landmass is now covered by the UK Foreign Office’s strictest travel warnings. Countries such as Iran, Russia, Sudan and Lebanon, once popular with intrepid tourists, have joined a growing red list where the FCDO advises “against all travel” due to escalating conflicts, instability and diplomatic tensions.
From Tourist Gems to No-Go Zones
Before 2019, destinations like St Petersburg, Beirut and Iran’s Shiraz attracted tourists with their rich culture and history. But the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as unrest in parts of Africa and Asia, have changed the travel map dramatically. Even once offbeat favourites like Chernobyl and Mozambique are now deemed too risky for British holidaymakers.
The 2025 Red List: 25 Countries Off-Limits
The most dangerous destinations, according to FCDO and international risk agencies, now include: Afghanistan, Belarus, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Chad, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Mayotte, Mozambique, New Caledonia, Niger, North Korea, Russia, Somalia, Somaliland, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, Venezuela and Yemen. All 25 are considered “extreme risk” zones, with high threats of violence, terrorism, or political breakdown.
Insurance and Assistance Risks for Travellers
Ignoring Foreign Office advice isn’t illegal — but it carries serious consequences. Travel insurance is often voided the moment a Brit enters a red-listed zone. That means no cover for cancelled flights, emergency healthcare, or evacuations. British embassies may also have limited capacity to help, especially in places with strained diplomatic relations or limited UK presence.
A Stark Warning for the Adventurous
While some countries previously on the red list, like Burundi and Mauritania, have seen limited improvements, most of the globe’s no-go zones remain volatile. The FCDO’s message is clear: travelling to these places comes with “increased personal responsibility and risk.” In some cases, returning travellers may even face UK legal consequences depending on the location and reason for travel.
The New Reality of Global Tourism
This marked shift reflects a broader pattern of instability shaping international travel. With nearly 70 nations partially or fully restricted, it’s a stark reminder that adventurous holidays now require more than just a passport — they demand serious risk assessment. As the world adjusts to geopolitical upheaval, the days of spontaneous travel to once-accessible hotspots may be long gone.
