Twelve countries that are bad for your health

The recent problems in Kenya and Pakistan remind us that there are counties where travelling is not safe.

 

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office draws up an extensive list of countries that should not be travelled to.

 

Insurers look at the government travel advice and decide from that whether or not they can provide insurance to travellers.

 

Insurers also use common sense, as sometimes unsafe countries are not on the FCO list due to political connections.

 

Although global travel insurance covers the majority of the world, the current climate ensures that there are some places where the likelihood of incident means that UK travel insurance providers will rarely offer protection. Thankfully, the list is clear of the majority of popular holiday destinations, and you’re unlikely to have your big holiday plans affected.

 

But travellers should be careful. Tour operators will often still sell you packages, and some demand written agreements that they will not be liable if something happens to you. Others are less fussy, working on the basis that if you are stupid enough to go there, it is your look out. Sometimes, travel agents forget to tell you that, as soon as a country is on FCO danger list, or at war, then no cover applies. They may also forget to tell you if there is policy exclusion on all or some sections, for terrorism, civil unrest, insurrection, war etc.

 

The top 12 countries to avoid travelling to, and the reasons why (the FCO list has many more countries):

 

Given the high profile nature of western kidnappings by various insurgent groups, and the regular acts of terrorism and hostility to Western troops, it is no surprise that no travel insurance companies will insure travellers to the troubled country. Insurgents, terrorists and criminal gangs attack convoys en-route to venues, hotels, restaurants, checkpoints and police stations.

 

With the war on terror in Afghanistan still fresh in the mind, it’s no surprise that the country remains a big no-go area. Western tourists are kidnap and assassination targets, as many of the disbanded Taliban and Al-Qa’ida forces remain at large and hostile to the new regime. Add the risk from tribal groups, explosive devices, landmines, military operations and acts of terrorism.

 

Colombia remains one of the most dangerous places to travel in the world thanks to crime. The illicit drug trade in urban areas such as Cali and Buenaventura means that there is often a high risk of violence, while the more rural areas expose visitors to the country at risk from narcoterrorist groups who will often kidnap civilians to use for ransom or to gain media attention.

 

There is a lot of personal risk involved. Although the curfew imposed after anti-government protests has been lifted, it remains a powder keg, which could explode at any time.

 

One of the most dangerous places to travel in Africa, where violence, neglect and corruption have left the country distinctly damaged and unstable. Any traveller brave enough to travel to the Congo should be extremely cautious, avoid the North Kivu district which is the backdrop to armed conflict between government troops and army rebels, and avoid crowds.

 

The Gaza Strip and West Bank has seen violence in recent months between Israeli and Palestinian factions, and shootings, kidnappings and violent demonstrations have occurred in both places. The region’s continued instability makes travel to Israel widely recommended against. There is also a risk of abduction.

 

Due to the high levels of terrorist activity, westerners are advised to steer clear or stay vigilant and to keep a low profile to avoid attacks or kidnapping. Even the US Embassy restricts American citizens from certain hotels, restaurants and shopping areas.

 

Off limits to many travellers due to the high risk of kidnappings and civil unrest that is prominent. Most kidnappings are by criminals. The potential for spontaneous protests and demonstrations means unexpected violence can happen, day or night.

 

Occasional acts of terrorism and political violence, including bombings, make Nepal off-limits

 

Economic hardship in Liberia is means outbreaks of violence are common, and foreigners (especially westerners) are targets due to their supposed affluence.

 

Although a temporary peace has broken out, this has so many underlying problems after decades of corruption, tribalism and uncertainty.

 

Most of the country is peaceful, but the it is a permanent powder keg. The late Mrs Bhutto was befriended by the UK, which means that factions of her opponents see UK citizens as the enemy.