Everly Life Study Reveals Riskiest Travel Destinations for 2025
With the Easter and summer holiday seasons fast approaching, many are finalizing their travel plans. A recent study by life insurance experts at Everly Life has identified the most dangerous destinations for 2025, offering valuable insights for travelers focused on their safety.
Everly Life’s comprehensive analysis evaluated safety indicators across the 50 most visited countries worldwide. The study considered factors such as sexual assault rates, traffic fatalities, crime incidents, healthcare quality, and human trafficking scores to create a “Travel Danger Score” for each destination. This approach provides a holistic view of potential risks, allowing travelers to make well-informed decisions about their vacation choices.
South Africa Tops the Danger List
South Africa leads the list of perilous destinations with a Travel Danger Score of 76. The nation faces a confluence of risk factors for international visitors. The country experiences a shocking 88.5 sexual assaults per 100,000 population and has the highest crime index, at 75.4, among the analyzed destinations. In addition, South Africa’s traffic fatality rate is high, with 24.5 deaths per 100,000 people, and its healthcare index is a relatively low 33.2. These factors emphasize the need for travelers to exercise extreme caution and meticulous preparation.
Iran, Brazil, and Pakistan Also Pose Risks
Iran claims the second spot on the danger list, with a Travel Danger Score of 64. Although data for sexual assault was unavailable, the country’s weak healthcare system (healthcare index of 28.2) and a high human trafficking score of 7.5 significantly contribute to its dangerous rating. Travelers to Iran must also contend with a crime index of 49.5 and 20.6 traffic deaths per 100,000 people, increasing the overall risks.
Sharing the third position are Brazil and Pakistan, each with a Travel Danger Score of 59. Brazil faces various safety challenges, including 27.9 sexual assaults per 100,000 residents and a high crime index of 65.6. The country also reports 15.7 traffic deaths per 100,000 and a human trafficking score of 5.0. Despite the concerning factors, Brazil’s healthcare index is more favorable than the other high-risk destinations, with a score of 43.1.
Balancing Adventure with Caution
Meredith Bell, Director of Marketing at Everly Life, offered insights into the study’s findings. “As a life insurance specialist, I’ve seen how unforeseen incidents abroad can affect travelers financially and personally. Understanding safety factors isn’t about fear—it’s about preparation,” Bell stated, providing a balanced viewpoint.
Bell elaborated on the specific risks found in the top-ranking countries: “High crime rates in South Africa and Brazil necessitate vigilance concerning personal belongings. Poor healthcare in Iran and Pakistan underscores the necessity for extensive travel insurance, while the high traffic fatalities in Thailand and South Africa demand extra caution on the roads.” Bell advises that mindful travel is about maintaining a balance of adventure and common sense. She suggests thorough destination research, understanding regional risks, registering with embassies, getting comprehensive insurance, and establishing a solid communication plan.
Top 10 Most Dangerous Destinations for 2025
Here’s a list of the top 10 most dangerous destinations according to Everly Life’s study:
- South Africa (76)
- Iran (64)
- Brazil (59)
- Pakistan (59)
- Mexico (58)
- Argentina (58)
- Cambodia (57)
- Malaysia (57)
- Thailand (55)
- Morocco (53)
