Philippines Tops List of Most Dangerous Travel Destinations for 2025
In an era of rising global tensions, prospective travelers face unprecedented safety concerns when selecting summer vacation spots. Financial comparison platform Hellosafe has released its travel safety index for 2025, identifying the Philippines as the most dangerous country for tourists, a ranking based on a comprehensive analysis of numerous risk factors.
Ranking Methodology
The travel safety index evaluates countries against 35 individual criteria, categorized into five main areas:
- Frequency of natural disasters
- Societal violence
- Involvement in armed conflict (internal or external)
- Health infrastructure
- Militarization
Countries are scored on a scale where 0 denotes the safest conditions and 100 indicates extreme danger.
A Troubling Landscape
With a striking score of 82.32 out of 100, the Philippines has garnered attention for its “high levels of violence within society.” This alarming ranking follows the tragic case of Elliot Onil Eastman, a 26-year-old American YouTuber, who was abducted at gunpoint in October 2024. Eastman was snatched from a small southern island by four masked assailants claiming to be police officers and is currently presumed dead.
The index highlights the presence of militant groups such as the Abu Sayyaf, which is notorious for kidnapping foreigners for ransom.
Despite these risks, the Philippines continues to attract visitors, with 5.4 million foreign tourists arriving in 2024, drawn by the allure of its picturesque islands and rich culture.
Global Context
The index places Colombia and Mexico in second and third place, respectively, with scores of 79.21 and 78.42. Both countries face significant challenges related to crime and kidnapping, as outlined by warnings from the U.S. State Department advising against travel to certain regions.
The top five most dangerous nations are rounded out by India (77.86) and Russia (75.65), reflecting ongoing geopolitical tensions. Recent clashes in a disputed area between India and Pakistan heighten concerns for prospective travelers, while the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine remains unresolved.
A Cautionary Note on Safety
Interestingly, the United States ranks as the 14th least safe country with a score of 59.47, despite an overall downward trend in crime rates across major cities.
Most Dangerous Nations:
- Philippines – 82.32
- Colombia – 79.21
- Mexico – 78.42
- India – 77.86
- Russia – 75.65
- Yemen – 74.6
- Indonesia – 72.94
- Somalia – 70.80
- Mozambique – 69.69
- Pakistan – 68.03
The Bright Side: Safe Travel Alternatives
For those looking for safe travel options, the index also identifies several countries where risks are significantly lower. Topping the list is Iceland with a score of 18.23, followed by Singapore and Denmark.
Safest Nations:
- Iceland – 18.23
- Singapore – 19.99
- Denmark – 20.05
- Austria – 20.31
- Switzerland – 20.51
As we navigate these uncertain times, travelers must remain vigilant and informed about the destinations they choose, balancing risk with the desire for adventure.
Focuses on crime, public safety, and regional events.
Bio: Marcus is a community-based journalist passionate about reporting impactful stories that matter most to readers.