The safest and most risky travel destinations « Euro Weekly News
Bern, Switzerland. Credit: Pexels, Matheus Guimarães
This year’s Risk Map, a tool developed by Safeture and Riskline, has assessed the safety of global destinations.
The Risk Map 2025 categorises destinations into five levels: low, moderate, medium, high, and extreme risk. These classifications are continuously updated to reflect current events, ensuring travellers have the most accurate information.
The map provides a detailed breakdown of risks associated with political violence, social instability, crime, environmental challenges, and healthcare access, helping people to make informed travel decisions.
The world’s most dangerous countries
Security has worsened in 77 countries, with Libya and Myanmar newly added to the high-risk list. Long-standing high-risk regions include Syria, Yemen, and Ukraine, where ongoing conflicts and instability make travel risky.
The Middle East remains particularly volatile, with Israel, Lebanon, Iran, and the West Bank/Gaza deemed extremely dangerous.
Europe’s safety status
Europe is facing increased risks. Countries including France, Spain, Sweden, and the UK are now categorised as ‘moderate risk,’ joining Italy, the Netherlands, and Poland. Factors contributing to these shifts include political unrest and rising public demonstrations. Plus, environmental risks such as storms and flooding.
However, there are still bright spots within Europe. Nations like Germany, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Belgium, Finland, Iceland, and Norway continue to be ranked among the safest destinations, offering travellers peace of mind.
Safest cities in the world
Some cities stand out as particularly safe for travel in 2025. Topping the list are:
- Bern, Switzerland
- Doha, Qatar
- Melbourne, Australia
One surprising feature is The Maldives placed in ‘medium risk’. A luxury holiday favourite, its political instability, growing social tensions, and the impacts of climate change, including coastal erosion and flooding, contribute to this classification. Religious extremism is also on the rise, adding to the destination’s riskiness.
Expats and travellers within Europe should remain vigilant, particularly in countries experiencing heightened risks.
