Countries you will no longer be able to visit in 2025: the Government prohibits you from doing so
Wars, natural disasters and an unfavourable epidemiological situation mean that the Government advises against travelling to these countries during 2025.
Travelling is a real pleasure for many of us. We enjoy ticking off countries that we must visit at least once in our lives and we dream of unknown destinations that are capable of caressing our souls. However, there are also countries that, unfortunately, we should not visit because we could put our lives at risk.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain offers a list with the updated situation of each country in the world and some travel recommendations. In addition, a classification is established based on the risks that the traveller runs.
Thus, for example, there are countries to which it is not advisable to travel under any circumstances to others in which there are no restrictions at all. Halfway there, we find states to which it is recommended to travel with extreme caution and to refrain from doing so in certain areas.
What makes a country dangerous?
Wars, political instability, natural disasters (such as earthquakes, floods or uncontrolled seismic activity) or epidemiological outbreaks mean that the Government advises against travelling to certain countries. However, travellers should be aware that the Ministry only establishes a series of recommendations (regardless of the entry requirements required by the different states) that are not binding.
This means that the traveller assumes the risks and, in no case, can the State be held responsible. In addition, it is recalled that all expenses arising from hospitalisation, repatriation of the injured or transfer of corpses are the responsibility of the individual (hence the importance of always taking out travel insurance), since Social Security benefits do not operate abroad, except in certain countries of the European Union and the European Economic Area through the European Health Card.
Countries not to travel in 2025
1. Afghanistan
The Government recommends against travelling to Afghanistan under any circumstances due to the high risk of kidnapping or attack throughout the country. On 17 May 2024, a terrorist attack against tourists took place in the city of Bamiyan, which resulted in three Spaniards dead and another seriously injured.
Tourists are targeted by terrorist groups such as ISKP and other violent extremists and are particularly vulnerable in provincial towns, where they are easily recognisable. In addition, the scarcity of tourist accommodation makes it very easy for them to be tracked, both in the capital and in other tourist destinations in the country.
2. Eritrea
Travel to Eritrea is not recommended under any circumstances. In any case, if you decide to travel to the country, you should especially avoid border areas with Sudan, Ethiopia and Djibouti. Due to the open conflict in the Tigray region (Ethiopia) and the accusations of Eritrean military involvement in the neighbouring country, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends extreme vigilance and remaining attentive to instructions from the Embassy and local authorities.
3. Haiti
Following the progressive deterioration of the security situation since 2021 and given the frequent periods of shortages of fuel and other basic products, travel to Haiti is strongly discouraged. Spaniards who are in the country and whose presence is not considered essential are advised to temporarily leave the state, preferably using the available commercial flights, given the insecurity of most roads.
4. Palestine
In the current situation, any travel to the Gaza Strip and the surrounding areas is strongly discouraged. Given the situation in the State of Palestine and in the region, the possibility of flight cancellations and the closure of land crossings also makes travel to the West Bank and Israel inadvisable.
5. Papua New Guinea
Crime and violence are high in Papua New Guinea, so precautions should be taken both during the day and at night, and especially when travelling by car, by locking all doors. In the major cities, security has deteriorated significantly and the country’s political instability leads to outbreaks of extreme violence at certain times.
6. Central African Republic
The Government advises against travelling to the Central African Republic under any circumstances and recommends that Spaniards who are there leave as soon as possible. The official curfew has now been lifted, but people should avoid being outside after dark, limit travel in Bangui to strictly essential activities and not travel outside the capital.
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Violent episodes against the civilian population continue to occur and, despite the deployment of international troops, violence can resume at any time. The situation outside the capital is particularly serious, due to the scarce state presence.
7. Syria
Taking into account the situation of armed conflict that the country is going through, the Spanish Embassy in Damascus reiterates its recommendation to all Spaniards who are in Syria to leave the country. It is also recalled that there are terrorist groups operating in various areas of the country, including Hayat Tahrir al Sham, Al-Qaeda and Daesh.
Unfortunately, no part of the country is safe from possible outbreaks of violence, fighting, bombings, terrorist attacks or kidnappings, so any travel or journey to Syria is not recommended.
8. Somalia
The level of insecurity in the country, the ongoing armed clashes affecting different regions, the threats directed by insurgent groups against any foreign citizen and the proliferation of kidnappings put any Spanish citizen who travels to Somalia at serious risk, including humanitarian personnel from international organisations or non-governmental organisations. Incidents related to armed activity, terrorism, kidnappings, violent robbery or piracy occur daily.
Consular assistance from the Spanish authorities in the country is extremely difficult and there is no guarantee of success.
9. Sudan
Due to the clashes in Khartoum and other towns in the country between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, all Spaniards in the country are advised to remain in their homes or accommodation and avoid any travel abroad. Khartoum airport remains closed until further notice and the land borders are also closed.
In addition, the Spanish Embassy in Sudan has temporarily closed its services to the public and has suspended its activities until security conditions allow its reopening. This means that protection and consular assistance on the ground cannot be offered to Spaniards in Sudan.
10. South Sudan
The entire country is considered a high-risk area. Since the beginning of the civil conflict in December 2013, the states of Unity, Upper Nile and Jonglei have been particularly dangerous, immersed in a situation of permanent violence and disorder. All roads are extremely dangerous, with attacks and ambushes that occur daily and checkpoints where soldiers frequently demand money from travellers.
On the other hand, during the rainy season, assaults and robberies on the roads are more frequent. Some areas of the country may be inaccessible and roads may be closed.
11. Ukraine
The situation of armed conflict that the country is going through strongly advises against staying in the entire country, without exception. The unpredictability of attacks represents a risk throughout Ukraine. There are also additional risks to the purely military ones: shortages, health risks or potential radioactive leaks, among others.
12. Yemen
The last country to which the Government prohibits travel (well, there is no prohibition as such, but rather recommendations that, for our own good, should be followed to the letter) is Yemen. In addition to not advising travel, all Spaniards who are there are encouraged to leave immediately. The Spanish Embassy in Sana’a is closed and consular assistance is therefore very limited.
Some agencies and tour operators organise trips to islands off the Yemeni coast, such as Socotra Island, but unfortunately they do not offer any safety guarantees.
In short, these are the countries you should not travel to in 2025 under any circumstances. In addition, there are many others where there is also a high risk of suffering any setback. Therefore, this year, it is better to set safe destinations with the traveller.
