Consulting services for travel to crisis regions

Afghanistan (high)

high risk:

Domestic political situation

The domestic political situation has changed fundamentally since the Taliban took power in large parts of the country. Attacks by Taliban representatives, including on civilians, are to be expected. Civil liberties have also been severely restricted; women are particularly affected.

Terrorism

Serious attacks continue to occur in large parts of the country, claiming numerous victims. Bomb attacks, armed robberies and kidnappings have been part of everyday life in all parts of Afghanistan for years; the targets of these attacks include foreign nationals. 

Crime

There are repeated assassinations, robberies, kidnappings, including of foreigners, and other violent crimes throughout the country. In addition, there is a high level of everyday crime and organized crime in the cities. Throughout Afghanistan, there is a high risk of becoming a victim of kidnapping or violent crime. Criminal groups have declared foreigners as targets for attack and assault. There are no entirely safe places.

Burkina Faso (high)

high risk:

Domestic political situation

Protests and demonstrations can arise, in part spontaneously, and are currently increasing in frequency as well as intensity. These protests and demonstrations can lead to violent clashes as well as disruptions to traffic and mobile Internet. 

Terrorism

There is an increased risk of terrorism and kidnapping in large parts of the country, particularly in the north and east, but also in the western and southern border areas with neighbouring states, especially for destinations popular with Western nationals, such as national parks or events.

Crime

There is a significant risk of kidnapping and criminal assault throughout the country. In addition, muggings occur more frequently in highly frequented public places, and armed robberies on intercity roads are a recurring occurrence. 

DR Congo (medium)

medium risk:

Domestic political situation

The security situation is very tense due to the conflict between government troops and armed militias. Violent protests occur throughout the country, which the government sometimes puts down bloodily. There are regular restrictions on public life, including roadblocks and the short-term shutdown of telecommunications and Internet services.

Terrorism

There is currently no specific threat of terrorism in the country.

Crime

Crime rates are high throughout the country, and police protection is not always effective. Armed robberies of foreigners are to be expected. Perpetrators often pose as security forces. Danger also emanates from armed youth gangs.

Central African Republic (high)

high risk:

Domestic situation

There is a risk of recurrent fighting throughout the country. Military clashes between opposing groups are possible at any time. Protests and demonstrations may occur throughout the country, resulting in violent riots. 

Terrorism

Terrorist attacks can occur throughout the country, and armed clashes are frequent, even in the capital region and along important road routes to neighbouring states. 

Crime

The crime rate is high. Throughout the country, there is a risk of becoming a victim of violent crime in the form of kidnapping, looting and street robberies. Although it is possible to stay overnight in the city centre of the capital Bangui, government forces can no longer guarantee security in the outlying districts. 

Cameroon (low)

low risk

Domestic political situation

The domestic political situation is largely stable, but protests and demonstrations must be expected. Violent confrontations are also possible. 

Terrorism

There is a nationwide risk of becoming a victim of kidnapping or robbery. Suicide attacks are also possible. In addition, violent clashes between security forces and separatist groups occur regularly in the west of the country.

Crime

The crime rate is high. In large cities, street crime is high, characterized by armed robberies and thefts. Petty crime occurs frequently, especially on public transportation. In addition, fraud attempts by fake security guards occur.

China (low)

low risk

Domestic political situation

Large parts of public life are under state control, including access to the Internet. Thorough checks and confiscation of storage media are the rule, especially at airports. Foreigners face arrest and imprisonment for an indefinite period if they disobey state rules.

Terrorism

There is currently no specific threat of terrorism.

Crime

The overall crime rate is low and acts of violence are very rare. Attacks on foreigners are rare but cannot be ruled out in principle, even in well-guarded places.

Algeria (medium)

medium risk:

Domestic political situation

Spontaneous demonstrations are possible, also outside the capital, especially after Friday prayers. Violent clashes may occur sporadically. Violent clashes between security forces and local groups occur frequently in some districts.

Terrorism

There is a high risk of terrorist attacks and kidnappings, especially in the border areas with neighbouring countries and outside the larger cities.

Crime

Petty crime such as pickpocketing occurs in the larger cities, and robberies and acts of violence are more frequent at night.

Eritrea (medium)

medium risk:

Domestic political situation

The security situation is stable and calm in the capital Asmara, but tense in the border areas with Djibouti and Ethiopia. Armed groups and smugglers are active in the border region with Sudan, and there is also a danger of mines in many places. The security forces have extensive powers and regularly check foreign travellers.

Terrorism

There is only a latent threat of terrorism.

Crime

The general crime rate is low. Petty crime such as pickpocketing occurs occasionally, violent crime is rare

Ethiopia (high)

high risk:

Domestic political situation

The security situation in Ethiopia is very unstable. Civil war is raging in various regions of the country between the Ethiopian army and armed actors from the Tigray People’s Liberation Front and the Oromia Liberation Army. In addition, riots occur regularly throughout the country, often with fatalities. Violent incidents continue to occur in the country’s border areas. Anti-Western rallies may occur in the wake of the Tigray conflict. 

Terrorism

There is an abstract threat of terrorism in Ethiopia. In recent years, security forces thwarted attempted attacks in the capital Addis Ababa. 

Crime

Pickpocketing and occasional robberies of foreigners occur frequently in larger cities, but also in rural areas. Disagreements and misunderstandings may occasionally lead to violent attacks on foreigners.

Ghana (low)

low risk

Domestic political situation

The domestic political situation is largely stable. There are sporadic, mostly peaceful protests and demonstrations. In some parts of the country, violent clashes between local communities impair the security situation. 

Terrorism

There is an increased danger of terrorist violence and kidnappings in the north of the country. 

Crime

The crime rate is comparatively low. Armed robberies and kidnappings occur only occasionally. However, theft, credit card fraud and other petty crime cannot be ruled out.

Guinea (medium)

medium risk:

Domestic political situation

Due to the precarious economic situation, there are often spontaneous demonstrations, vandalism or road blockades, also with fatalities. Violent conflicts between social or political groups can also occur. Strikes and political conflicts regularly restrict public life.

Terrorism

There is currently no specific terrorist threat in the country.

Crime

The crime rate has increased sharply throughout the country. Attacks on passers-by, shops or homes are common. In addition, there are sporadic attacks on vehicles at night, carried out by sometimes uniformed perpetrators.

Iraq (high)

high risk:

Domestic political situation

The regular nationwide protests often result in violent clashes with numerous fatalities. In the border region with Syria, there is a risk of being suspected of terrorism or of illegal border crossing and being arrested.

Terrorism

The security situation throughout the country remains volatile. The number of terrorist attacks is very high. Acts of terrorism are particularly likely in the Syrian border area. Fighting between security forces and local armed groups also affects civilians in the Kurdish-majority north, and Turkish airstrikes against Kurdish positions occur regularly in this area.

Crime

There is a high level of criminal violence and a high risk of kidnapping, especially of foreigners. Robberies and vehicle thefts are to be expected throughout the country, especially at night. 

Lebanon (medium)

medium risk:

Domestic political situation

Protests and road blockades on the country’s major transport routes are possible at any time. Rallies can turn violent at short notice. Heightened tensions are possible at any time in the border area with Israel.

Terrorism

There is an increased risk of terrorist attacks. Attacks directed against Western foreigners as well as domestic targets cannot be ruled out. Kidnappings of foreigners have occurred in the past.

Crime

The general security situation is tense. Violent attacks are rare, but cannot be ruled out. There is a high risk especially in (shared) taxis and on overland journeys.

Libya (high)

high risk:

Domestic political situation

In recent months there has been repeated fighting, and renewed military escalation is conceivable after the civil war. There is a danger of land mines in many places, even after the end of hostilities. 

Terrorism

The governmental security forces cannot guarantee adequate protection. Armed groups, some of which have unclear affiliations, often appear as representatives of public order, but they have little training and are unpredictable.

Crime

Crime is a pervasive problem. There is a high risk of kidnapping for foreigners throughout Libya, especially in the major cities and in the south of the country. There is a nationwide risk of becoming a victim of armed robbery and “carjacking,” especially with high-value vehicles.

Mali (high)

high risk:

Domestic political situation

Protests and demonstrations may lead to unrest and violent clashes. A nationwide state of emergency is in effect, with increased security measures, screening of individuals and roadblocks. 

Terrorism

Attacks are possible at any time anywhere in Mali. Especially in the north and centre of Mali, but also in the capital Bamako, there are regular attacks and military hostilities. Nationals of Western countries face a significant risk of becoming victims of kidnappings and targeted attacks, as well as booby traps. 

Crime

Violent crime increasingly affects foreigners. There are car thefts, sometimes at gunpoint such as “carjacking,” and petty crime such as pickpocketing and credit card fraud. 

Mauritania (medium)

medium risk:

Domestic political situation

Violent riots cannot be ruled out during spontaneous rallies and demonstrations, especially following Friday prayers. Criminal gangs operating across borders also considerably threaten the security situation, especially in the border areas with Algeria and Mali. Armed clashes can occur between these gangs and security forces.

Terrorism

As in the entire Sahel region, there is a general risk of attacks and kidnappings. The border areas with Mali and Algeria are particularly at risk.

Crime

General crime such as theft and armed robbery, but also sexual offenses occur.

Niger (high)

high risk:

Domestic political situation

Niger is in a volatile domestic political state following a military coup on july 26 2023. In the capital Niamey and other large cities, there are frequent demonstrations, most of which are peaceful, but the dynamics of which are difficult to assess. Anti-Western slogans have also increased since then. In the northern parts of the country, landmines that have not yet been cleared pose an additional danger.

Terrorism

There is a high risk of kidnapping, violent crime and, in some places, terrorist attacks. Western nationals are preferred kidnap victims of jihadist terrorist groups and criminal gangs. In the border regions with Chad, Nigeria, Mali or Burkina Faso, there are repeated jihadist attacks and assaults.

Crime

Petty crime such as pickpocketing and handbag snatching does occur, but is not as widespread as armed robberies of vehicles, kidnappings and also burglaries. Foreigners are a preferred target.

Nigeria (high)

high risk:

Domestic political situation

The general security situation has deteriorated steadily in recent years In all regions, unpredictable local conflicts of a political, economic, religious, social or ethnic nature can erupt. Demonstrations and protests are possible, especially in large cities, and can lead to violent clashes.

Terrorism

In the north-eastern parts of the country, terrorist violence is constantly being perpetrated by militant groups. In the border region with Niger, kidnappings and serious acts of violence by terrorist and criminal groups are on the increase. Busy places such as markets, mosques, hotels and transport hubs are at increased risk of attacks. The risk of terrorist or criminally motivated kidnappings is high.

Crime

In large parts of the country there are incalculable risks of robbery, kidnapping and murder, especially when travelling by land. Violent robberies must be expected during overland travel and on routes between airports and inner cities. Often these acts are perpetrated by criminals posing as police officers or soldiers. Housebreaking and robberies are also recorded in the country’s larger cities. In addition, there is a risk of piracy throughout the Gulf of Guinea.

Russia (medium)

medium risk:

Domestic political situation

Thorough controls and confiscation of storage media are to be expected at airports and border crossings. Since the war in Ukraine, there have also been access restrictions for foreigners in some regions near the border. Freedom of movement for foreigners is also restricted in the North Caucasus region.

Terrorism

Terrorist attacks are possible throughout the country and especially in the Caucasus region.

Crime

The overall crime rate is low and acts of violence are very rare. Attacks on foreigners are rare but cannot be ruled out in principle, even in well-guarded places.

Sudan (high)

high risk:

Domestic political situation

The country has been confronted with civil war-like conflicts since mid-April. Violent clashes are taking place in the capital Khartoum, but also in many other cities in the country. In the border areas with Ethiopia, Libya, Egypt and Chad, there is also a risk of clashes between Sudanese security forces and armed groups. Away from the main traffic route, there is a risk of land mines. 

Terrorism

There remains a latent threat of terrorism throughout Sudan, although the latest attempted attacks occurred several years ago. Sudanese authorities have uncovered occasional cells planning attacks.

Crime

Crime is on the rise in the capital Khartoum and other cities, but is at a low level by African standards. Outside the cities, especially in remote areas, gang crime, armed robberies, and even kidnappings must be expected. 

Senegal (low)

low risk

Domestic political situation

The domestic political situation is largely stable, but demonstrations can occur at any time, sometimes with considerable traffic restrictions.

Terrorism

The terrorist threat is moderate. There is a latent terrorist risk.

Crime

The crime rate is moderate. The risk of pickpocketing and other petty crime is high throughout the country.

Somalia (high)

high risk:

Domestic political situation

The general security situation is critical. There is a significant risk from fighting. Militias and other security forces not under the control of the Somali federal government often follow unpredictable loyalties and generally cannot guarantee security for foreign travellers. In the event of an emergency (health, crime, or war-related), there is a widespread lack of functioning government agencies to provide assistance. 

Terrorism

Serious attacks and armed clashes occur repeatedly throughout the country, often resulting in numerous deaths and injuries. The targets of these attacks are security forces and government institutions, as well as hotels, markets and other public facilities. Terrorist-motivated kidnappings occur regularly.

Crime

There is a significant risk of kidnappings nationwide. Acts of violence by armed groups and gangs and poverty-related crime are widespread throughout the country. Armed robberies, vehicle thefts, sexual assaults and even murders occur frequently. There remains a high risk of pirate attacks off the coasts. 

South Sudan (high)

high risk:

Domestic political situation

The security situation is volatile and characterized by numerous conflicts at the local, regional and national levels. Protests and demonstrations, too, always have the potential for violence. Rebel groups from Sudan operate in the border area between Sudan and South Sudan. This can lead to armed clashes in the region bordering Sudan. Security forces are increasingly stopping and extorting foreigners throughout the country, citing allegedly necessary permits.

Terrorism

Terrorist attacks cannot be ruled out, including in places popular with foreigners. 

Crime

In addition to petty crime such as pickpocketing and purse snatching in the cities, kidnappings, armed robberies, burglaries and vehicle thefts may occur. In the border areas with Uganda, the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of Congo, armed groups regularly commit attacks. There is a significant risk of kidnapping for citizens of Western countries throughout the country.

Syria (high)

high risk:

Domestic situation

The overall security situation is extremely volatile. Complex fighting by the Syrian military against various groups continues in numerous regions. Due to extensive refugee movements, unannounced border closures at short notice are to be expected at any time.

Terrorism

Foreigners can become victims of terrorist and violent jihadists at any time. Numerous kidnappings, including of foreigners, occur. Terrorist groups remain capable of carrying out attacks nationwide. The danger of unconventional roadside explosive devices is particularly high in the desert regions. 

Crime

The crime rate is very high in all parts of the country, and kidnappings of foreigners are common. Syrian security authorities also often act unpredictably and arbitrarily.

Chad (medium)

medium risk:

Domestic political situation

The country is in a political transition phase. Border crossings and shared border areas with Cameroon and Niger are heavily controlled.  Access routes to Nigeria are closed due to the terrorist threat in the Lake Chad region. 

Terrorism

Recently, there have been regular attacks, killings, and kidnappings in the villages, on the roads, and on the islands in the Lake Chad region. Attacks cannot be ruled out in the capital, N’Djamena, and in other parts of the country. Public places and large gatherings of people are still at risk. 

Crime

There is a high risk of becoming a victim of violent crime throughout the country, including the capital N’Djamena. There is a particular risk of attacks by muggers during overland travel. 

Ukraine (high)

high risk:

Domestic political situation

Since 24 February 2022, Ukraine has been at war with Russia. In addition to active fighting in the east and south of the country, missile and air attacks are taking place throughout the country. In many parts of the country, the supply of food, medicine, electricity and gas has completely or partially collapsed. There is a danger of unexploded ammunition everywhere in the country and in the north of the country, among other places, the danger of mines and booby traps is high.

Terrorism

There is currently no specific terrorist threat.

Crime

Due to the current armed conflict, there is a considerable risk of violence and crime throughout the country.

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

Uganda (medium)

medium risk:

Domestic political situation

The domestic political situation is relatively calm. Due to political tensions, however, spontaneous protests and violent action by the security forces can be expected at any time. There is a high military presence in the border areas with Congo and South Sudan due to extensive refugee movements.

Terrorism

The terrorist situation is currently calm. However, there is still a latent danger of terrorist attacks throughout the country. 

Crime

The crime rate is high. Armed robberies, car thefts and occasional kidnappings of foreigners occur regularly in all parts of the country. The risk of petty crime increases especially after dark.

Yemen (high)

high risk:

Domestic political situation

Both the political and security situation are markedly volatile throughout the country. Conflict between Huthi rebels and the government continues. As a result, daily bombardments, missile attacks and fighting on the ground affect parts of the country. There is no end in sight to this conflict.

Terrorism

Terrorist attacks continue to occur in Yemen. Western foreigners are particularly at risk as a result. Kidnappings of foreigners are an important source of income for terrorist organizations.

Crime

The crime rate is high. There is a very high risk of becoming a victim of armed robbery, kidnapping and carjacking throughout the country.