Highest crime risk countries for travellers in 2026
Countries where the assessed risk of violent or opportunistic crime against travellers is highest in 2026, with notes on where the risk concentrates within each.
Crime risk for travellers concentrates in particular neighbourhoods of particular cities. The headline crime statistics for the country rarely match the experience of a tourist staying in a curated district and using ride-hailing apps. Across the 180 countries Warnely tracks, a small group warrant elevated baseline caution. These are the countries where opportunistic robbery, express kidnap, or violent crime against foreigners has happened often enough that the editorial rating sits at 4 or 5 out of 5.
The country profile for each entry below identifies the specific districts where the risk concentrates. For most of these countries the practical advice is the same. Stay in the right neighbourhoods. Use Uber or the local equivalent. Avoid showing wealth. Following that advice reduces the practical risk substantially, but the baseline still warrants knowing.
The list
South Africa
5/5Very high crime rate. Armed robbery, carjacking, and mugging common. Tourist areas better policed.
Haiti
5/5Check FCDO/State Dept for current assessment.
Libya
5/5Check FCDO/State Dept for current assessment.
Sudan
5/5Check FCDO/State Dept for current assessment.
South Sudan
5/5Check FCDO/State Dept for current assessment.
Burkina Faso
5/5Check FCDO/State Dept for current assessment.
Somalia
5/5Check FCDO/State Dept for current assessment.
Syria
5/5Check FCDO/State Dept for current assessment.
Yemen
5/5Check FCDO/State Dept for current assessment.
Afghanistan
5/5Check FCDO/State Dept for current assessment.
Ukraine
5/5Check FCDO/State Dept for current assessment.
India
4/5Tourist scams very common. Harassment and sexual assault reported, especially for solo women.
Mexico
4/5Cartel violence in specific regions. Tourist areas patrolled. Express kidnapping rare but reported.
Colombia
4/5Mugging and express kidnapping in cities. Scopolamine drugging reported. Tourist areas well-policed.
Brazil
4/5Armed robbery and mugging common in major cities. Favela violence. Phone snatching widespread.
Kenya
4/5Armed robbery and carjacking in Nairobi. Petty crime widespread. Safari lodges and reserves safe.
Lebanon
4/5Check FCDO/State Dept for current assessment.
Nigeria
4/5Check FCDO/State Dept for current assessment.
Venezuela
4/5Check FCDO/State Dept for current assessment.
Papua New Guinea
4/5Check FCDO/State Dept for current assessment.
Democratic Republic of Congo
4/5Check FCDO/State Dept for current assessment.
Mali
4/5Check FCDO/State Dept for current assessment.
Niger
4/5Check FCDO/State Dept for current assessment.
Iraq
4/5Check FCDO/State Dept for current assessment.
Chad
4/5Check FCDO/State Dept for current assessment.