12 Countries to Avoid on Your Travel Bucket List in 2025 (5 of 7)

8. Syria

The decade-long civil war in Syria resulted in mass death and destruction, but the surprisingly rapid collapse of the repressive regime of Assad Al-Bassar in early January 2025 has given its people reason for hope. However, this doesn’t mean you should hop on the next flight to Damascus. There is a great deal of instability and lawlessness at the moment, which means no travel’s safety can be guaranteed.

9. Central African Republic

The Central African Republic (CAR) is currently experiencing significant instability and should be avoided by travelers unless you’re looking for a deathwish. Armed conflict between various warlord factions, widespread violence, and a high risk of kidnapping pose serious threats to safety. The humanitarian situation is dire, to say the least, with limited access to essential services and a high prevalence of disease.