Venezuela Tops 2026 List of Riskiest Global Destinations for Solo Travelers

A SquareMouth study ranks Venezuela as the riskiest spot for solo travelers in 2026, while San Marino emerges as the world's safest destination.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 7, 2026, 8:09 AM EST

Source: People

The Critical Safety Deficit in South America

According to the SquareMouth report published on February 11, 2026, Venezuela received a staggering risk score of 9.74 out of 10. The findings indicate a profound sense of insecurity among the population, with fewer than 10% of local residents reporting that they feel safe walking alone at night. This lack of security is compounded by a nearly non-existent healthcare infrastructure and significant barriers to basic services.

The data aligns with the U.S. State Department’s current Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory. Formal warnings issued in late 2025 highlighted systemic risks including terrorism, kidnapping, and the arbitrary enforcement of local laws. The geopolitical situation remains volatile following the January 2026 capture of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. agencies, a move that has led to a transitional period of U.S. administrative involvement in the country.

Regional Infrastructure Challenges in Peru and Gabon

Peru secured the second-highest risk rating with a score of 8.87. While the U.S. State Department maintains a more moderate Level 2 advisory for the nation, the SquareMouth study focused on specific vulnerabilities for solo travelers. Nearly 60% of residents expressed fear of being attacked, and solo tourists face the additional hurdle of slow mobile internet speeds, which hinders the ability to contact emergency services or family members during a crisis.

Gabon followed as the third riskiest destination, primarily due to a critical shortage of medical facilities. With an average of only two hospital beds per 1,000 people, solo travelers face a high medical risk should they fall ill or suffer an injury in remote areas. Other nations appearing in the high-risk top ten include Colombia, Bolivia, Jamaica, and South Africa.