Ecuador – The World’s Most Dangerous Country for Nighttime Safety
Ecuador stands out as the least safe country globally, with only 27% of people feeling safe walking alone at night, marking a steep drop from previous years due to a surge in drug-related violence and organized crime. The South American country has become an increasingly important node in global cocaine trafficking, with gang violence and homicides spiking dramatically. Once considered one of the safest countries in South America, Ecuador has experienced a rise in homicides and gang activity, fueled by its strategic position along drug trafficking routes. Despite increased security efforts, feelings of safety remain low among the population.
South Africa – A Nation Where Walking Alone Is Most Feared
Just 33% of South Africans said they feel safe walking alone at night, the lowest percentage among more than 140 countries surveyed globally. In many South African communities, especially under-resourced townships and informal settlements, crime – including assault, robbery and gender-based violence – remains a daily concern. Women face particularly high levels of insecurity, with just 25% of women saying they feel safe walking alone at night, compared with 43% of men. This concentration reflects shared challenges, including high violent crime, limited policing coverage and persistent economic pressures.
Venezuela – Crime and Political Instability Create Fear
Venezuela has one of the highest rates of violent crime, corruption, and unrest in the world, with the capital city of Caracas serving as a focal point for violent demonstrations, organized crime, robbery, kidnapping, and homicide. Despite its natural beauty and cultural allure, Venezuela is one of the most dangerous countries due to rampant crime and political instability, with armed robbery, carjacking, and kidnappings being common, while the judicial system rarely prosecutes criminals – 98% of crimes go unpunished. Most kidnappings are “express” and last less than 48 hours, frequently targeting people leaving hotels, traveling in taxis, or walking in wealthier areas, with tourists often being targeted for robbery or theft. Since the re-election of President Nicolás Maduro in July 2024, civil unrest has only escalated, with violent demonstrations, killings, and mass arrests making Venezuela a no-go for American tourists.
Haiti – Gang Violence Grips the Caribbean Nation
Haiti – the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere – is a failed state, marred by near-constant violent social upheaval and extreme gang violence, with the situation on the ground having severely deteriorated over the last four years as gangs have become the primary stakeholders with ties to political and security elements. In March 2024, 230 Americans were airlifted out of the country after a gang rebellion took hold of major cities, with gangs often targeting American tourists for ransom, especially near the Toussaint Louverture International Airport, where kidnapping incidents have risen sharply. Despite a Haitian-led intervention force, police have not yet regained meaningful control of the capital, with violence having expanded from the periphery of the Cité Soleil neighborhood to formerly safe suburbs in the north. Cité Soleil, Bel-Air, and the surrounding areas are deemed “no-go zones,” and should be avoided at all costs.
Myanmar – Civil War Creates Unprecedented Dangers
The 2021 military coup in Myanmar triggered a civil war that continues to escalate, with the central government under Tatmadaw (the Burmese military’s political arm) control battling a coalition of ethnic armed groups and pro-democratic forces for large swaths of the country. Myanmar is one of the most violent countries globally, largely due to the high number of non-state armed groups – more than 1,500 of them, with Myanmar witnessing hundreds of battles between rebel groups and the military each month in 2024, leaving nearly half of the population, or about 22.8 million people, exposed to conflict. The war has seen a breakdown in Myanmar’s already strained logistical infrastructure, which seriously complicates travel, the supply of basic goods and services, and medical care. Myanmar, facing conflict and unrest, was the only country outside of sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America to make the bottom 10 in 2024.
Brazil – Urban Crime Threatens Personal Safety
Brazil ranks as the second-most dangerous country for women, with only 28% of women reporting feeling safe walking alone at night and the country having the third-highest rate of intentional homicide against women. As of 2020, nearly half of adults in both Brazil and Dominican Republic did not feel safe when walking alone at night. Brazil also ranked sixth for the percentage of women who have experienced physical or sexual violence from their intimate partners at 36.9%. Despite its vibrant culture, some regions of Brazil struggle with high crime rates, which affects the overall perception of safety.
Mexico – Cartel Violence Overshadows Tourist Paradise
It might seem surprising to see Mexico on this list, considering its proximity to the U.S. and its reputation as a top tourist destination, as in 2023 alone, 36.71 million Americans visited Mexico, drawn by stunning beaches and cultural experiences in places like Cancún and Tulum. However, beneath the surface, Mexico is plagued by cartel violence, kidnappings, and frequent homicides. The drug war in Mexico is one of the most violent conflicts on the planet with cartel activity permeating through many levels of the Mexican economy and society. Dream vacations can sometimes turn into life-threatening experiences, as was the case with a group of American tourists in Mexico in 2024, where instead of basking in the sun, these travelers were tragically robbed, murdered, and thrown into a 50-foot well.
Belarus – Political Tensions Create Safety Concerns
At the bottom end in Europe, there is one country that scores far lower than any other country: Belarus (32.3). Belarus has become an increasingly dangerous place since its involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war. Travelers are advised to avoid Belarus among several other countries including Somalia, South Sudan, Ukraine, Libya, Sudan, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Myanmar (Burma), Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, Yemen, North Korea, and Syria. The country’s political situation remains precarious, with authoritarian rule creating an environment where personal safety becomes increasingly uncertain for both residents and visitors alike.