12 Countries to Avoid on Your Travel Bucket List in 2025 (2 of 7)

2. North Korea

North Korea is one of the most restrictive and unpredictable travel destinations in the world. Strict government control limits movement, speech, and interactions with locals, while any perceived rule violation can lead to severe consequences. Diplomatic tensions further increase risks for foreign travelers. With limited access to reliable information and a regime that has a tendency to treat foreigners as political pawns, it’s best to avoid the Hermit Kingdom.

3. Somalia

For more than three decades, Somalia has been among the most dangerous countries to visit due to ongoing armed conflicts, piracy, and lawlessness. The threat of kidnappings, attacks by extremist groups, and a non-functioning government make travel extremely risky. Furthermore, the lack of infrastructure, the absence of a robust healthcare system, and the unavailability of emergency services make travel extremely risky.