Which Is The Most Dangerous Country To Visit In 2021?

Travel can be an interesting, exciting, and immersive experience. There is so much to learn about the culture as well as the historical significance lots of places have to offer. Nowadays, traveling from one country to another or from one continent to another is no longer as difficult as it used to be. Borders are more open in letting travelers guests through. This is done in the hopes of strengthening ties with other nations and at the same time attract more visitors to see the many wondrous tourist attractions, and of course the hidden gems that are waiting to be discovered.

However, at the same time that borders have become more open, it cannot be denied that there have been lapses that resulted in acts of terror. Granted that in certain war-torn areas, no amount of border protection could eradicate these issues. That being said, there are some real dangers that travel seekers can face when they visit new territories.

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Travel destinations tourism boards advise against visiting

As a precaution, there are currently several locations where travelers from all over the globe are advised to refrain from visiting at the moment. According to a report, these are the destinations that should best be avoided for the time being:

Bahamas
Central America
Venezuela
Colombia
Africa (Congo, Chad, Nigeria, and Sudan to name a few examples)
Middle East (Iran, Yemen, Syria, and Afghanistan)

Which is the most dangerous place to visit right now?

Of all the countries locations mentioned, one that stands out the most is Afghanistan. It is no secret that for several decades the country has experienced unrest and political dispute. Historically, this is not the first time that the country has encountered bloodshed.

To date, the nation has once again fallen under the rule of the Taliban. On August 15, 2021, Taliban fighters stormed the capital city of Kabul. This move came days after allied forces pulled out their troops from the country. U.S president Joe Biden had announced early in the year, plans to finally bring American soldiers back home. As many would recall, the United States, Britain, Canada, Australia, and many other countries had worked hand in hand to combat and drive out the Taliban and al-Qaeda back in 2003. Since then, allied nations had stood in support of the newly instated Afghan government. Training of local militia was underway and went on for many years.

Allied forces departing Afghan soil were by no means a disinterest to provide assistance. Rather, it was thought to be the end of a rigorous training operation. The United States along with other nations had believed that nearly 20 years of strategic operations had prepared the local militia to serve and protect their nation. Sadly, this was not the case. As the world bears witness, Kabul is now back under the reign of the Taliban.

Since their return to power, this radical religious group has insisted that their goal is to simply build a better government. According to reports, the Taliban further insist that no harm is intended on those who are currently in the country, no matter if these are Afghan natives or foreign individuals. The group has also permitted those who wish to flee from the country to do so before their imposed deadline. After which, they are gearing up to put their own administration in place. Any new policies are to be announced in the days after the evacuation deadline is up. Because of this announcement many people have scrambled to get out of the country in any way possible. Unfortunately, heading out by land is nearly impossible so many have opted to escape the country by flying out commercially.

Traveling to Afghanistan and why it is a bad idea

Even before the Taliban seized control of Kabul and its surrounding provinces, the country has always been on many travel advisories. The main reason is due to the presence of fundamentalist groups in various regions. Nonetheless, this has not stopped adventurous travelers from venturing into these war-torn lands.

Prior to the takeover, tourists had access to certain parts of the country. Similar to many Middle Eastern nations, Afghanistan has a rich history and cultural background. A country with a dominant Muslim faith, countless Mosques and places of worship can be toured. Each of these religious buildings had amazing backstories, not to mention awe-inspiring architectural designs.

Aside from the architecture, tourists had the chance to visit majestic mountainsides. One of the most famous attractions is the Takht I Rostam, a magnificent cave system that many caravans en route to the silk road would pass through. Pre-Islam, the lands were once heavily influenced by Buddhist teachings which are evident in the inlays and carvings that adorn this mountain ridge. There are also other historic landmarks, quaint towns, and pristine lakes to enjoy. It should be noted that even back then, tourism in Afghanistan has always been low.

Data suggests that on average, the country would get 300 tourists annually, but this number dropped to 100 due to the violence and deaths that unfortunate visitors would experience. It goes without saying that traveling to the country at the moment is even more so a dangerous idea.

Why even the locals are fearing for their lives

Taliban beliefs have never been known as forgiving. Rather, the group has always followed a strict religious-political set of teachings from the Deobandi practice. At the time of their first sequestration of Afghanistan back in the ’90s the group enforced strict rules and even stricter punishments.

Those who were found guilty of committing certain crimes were publicly amputated, executions were also common practice for those who were caught committing adultery, murder, and other similar criminal offenses. The menfolk were forced to grow beards as a way to honor many of the Islamic leaders. Women on the other hand were expected to wear burkas (head-to-toe covering), they were not permitted to go to school, not allowed to leave their homes without a male relative in tow, and were often forced to marry Taliban fighters.

In general, the strict laws which were meant to eradicate corruption and instill justice became a means to control and scare citizens. During their reign, many human rights violations occurred, with women and children on the receiving end of these oppressive actions.

Now that the group has once again taken a seat of power, those who remain in the country with no means to get away are once again in fear that history will repeat itself. With so many wishing to abscond there is no logical reason to travel into Afghanistan. This dangerous destination is currently in the no-fly zone of countries across the globe.