England Releases 19 Countries At Risk In 2025, Residents Are Prohibited From Traveling

Illustration of kkonflik (Freepic/EyeEm) risky countries

JAKARTA - Before planning a holiday trip, there are several important things that must always be checked by visitors. Recently, the UK's Foreign Office, Commonwealth and Development (FCDO) released a list of 19 countries that are considered high risk for their citizens to visit in 2025.

These countries are categorized as at risk for reasons of security, health, and unstable political conditions. In its announcement, the British government also emphasized a ban on its citizens to travel to these countries.

Several countries included this list include Afghanistan, parts of the Middle East, and areas in Africa. Recently, travel ban suggestions for countries in the Middle East were renewed, due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Lebanon.

"The ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah Lebanon took effect on November 27, but the security situation remains unpredictable," reads a warning from FCDO.

"Military activities, including airstrikes, cannot be ruled out. Tensions remain high, and the situation can deteriorate rapidly. Road closures or disruptions and sudden exit routes could affect the ability to leave the country. Don't rely on FCDO to be able to evacuate in a state of emergency," he continued.

Here are 19 countries that are not recommended to be visited by British citizens by 2025, as reported by VOI from the Express.co.uk page on Thursday, December 19, 2024.

1. Afghanistan - The situation remains unstable, with security risks continuing.

2. Belarus - British citizens are at great risk of being arrested.

3. Burkina Faso - All areas except the capital Ouagadougou are not allowed to visit.

4. Central African Republic - All trips are not recommended, except to the capital, Bangui.

5. Haiti - Warning issued due to unpredictable security situations.

6. Iran - British citizens are at grave risk of being arrested and detained.

7. Iraq - Except for Kurdistan, this country is considered unsafe.

8. Israel - It is not recommended to travel to Gaza, North Israel and the West Bank. The rest is only for important travel.

9. Lebanon - The ongoing tension over the Israeli-Hezbollah conflict makes travel unsafe.

10. Libya - A fragile and rapidly deteriorating security situation.

11. Mali - Except for the capital Bamako, the trip is considered unsafe.

12. Niger - Travel outside the capital Niamey is not recommended.

13. Russia - Related to the risks posed by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

14. South Sudan - High risk of armed violence and ongoing crime.

15. Sudan - Military conflict in Khartoum and its surroundings makes travel too dangerous.

16. Syria - The ongoing conflict and instability creates extreme security risks.

17. Occupied Palestinian Territories - Avoid Gaza, Northern Israel, and the West Bank. Only important trips are recommended to other areas.

18. Ukraine - The ongoing war and the Russian attack pose a major risk to British citizens.

19. Yemen - Security remains unpredictable and highly unsafe.