Europe is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and peaceful continents in the world, but it also faces challenges of crime and violence. Find out which countries are the most dangerous in 2025

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Europe is often seen as a safe and peaceful destination for travelers, known for its rich culture, history, and modern infrastructure. However, the continent is not without its risks. From war zones and political unrest to terrorism threats and organized crime, certain regions in Europe pose higher dangers than others in 2025.

If you’re planning a trip across the continent, it’s essential to be aware of the most dangerous countries in Europe in 2025 and understand what makes them risky. Below, we highlight the top 10 countries where extra caution is advised this year, based on current global peace indexes, travel advisories, and on-the-ground risks.

When planning a trip abroad, be sure to take care of a travel insurance policy that will protect you from unforeseen situations during the trip and compensate for unplanned expenses - for medical treatment, in case of lost luggage, flight cancellation, etc.

What factors affect the level of security in Europe?

The security of European countries depends on many things. However, the key ones are:

- Violent crime rate: the higher the rate, the more dangerous the country is.

- International relations: a country's communication with its neighbors can affect its security.

- War status: whether a country is currently at war is an important factor.

- Terrorist attacks: the frequency and severity of terrorist attacks.

- Government stability: the stability of the government in a country can affect its overall security.

 Top 10 Most Dangerous Countries in Europe in 2025

1. Ukraine

- Risk Level: Very High

- Main Concerns: War, missile strikes, martial law

Ukraine remains the most dangerous country in Europe due to the ongoing Russian invasion. While the west of the country has become more stable and sees limited travel activity, the eastern and southern regions are still active conflict zones. Air raid alerts, missile threats, and disrupted infrastructure make it a high-risk destination for tourists.

Advice! Avoid all non-essential travel. Many governments advise against visiting Ukraine at this time.

2. Russia

- Risk Level: Very High

- Main Concerns: War involvement, repression, detentions of foreigners

Russia’s international isolation, ongoing war with Ukraine, and internal political repression create significant risks for foreign travelers. Arbitrary detentions, surveillance, and anti-foreigner sentiment have increased. Most Western nations now strongly discourage travel to Russia.

3. Belarus

- Risk Level: High

- Main Concerns: Political instability, military alignment with Russia

Belarus remains aligned with Russia in the ongoing conflict and continues to experience internal crackdowns on dissent. The proximity to conflict zones, military activity, and the risk of sudden border closures make it one of the riskiest countries in Europe.

4. Serbia

- Risk Level: Medium-High

- Main Concerns: Political tensions with Kosovo, protests, border issues

Serbia is generally safe for tourists, but political tensions with Kosovo have escalated several times in recent years. Mass protests and sporadic unrest in Belgrade can disrupt public life. Border regions may also experience brief instability.

5. Kosovo

- Risk Level: Medium-High

- Main Concerns: Ethnic tensions, protests

While Kosovo offers much in terms of history and scenery, ethnic clashes and political instability occasionally lead to localized violence, particularly in the north. Peacekeeping forces remain active in the region. Travelers should stay informed of developments and avoid protest sites.

6. Bosnia and Herzegovina

- Risk Level: Medium

- Main Concerns: Political division, landmines in rural areas

Though peaceful in most areas, Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to struggle with deep ethnic divisions and political gridlock. While the tourist areas are generally safe, unexploded landmines still pose a danger in remote parts of the countryside.

7. Moldova

- Risk Level: Medium

- Main Concerns: Frozen conflict in Transnistria, border tension

Moldova is safe in general, but the self-declared territory of Transnistria remains a flashpoint. Travelers should avoid this region due to unpredictable local authorities and lack of Moldovan government control.

8.  France

- Risk Level: Medium

- Main Concerns: Protests, terrorist threats, petty crime

France remains a popular destination, but political protests and union strikes can disrupt public transport and city life. Occasional terrorism threats persist, particularly in major cities like Paris. Increased police presence has helped manage risks.

9. Italy

- Risk Level: Medium

- Main Concerns: Pickpocketing, scams, isolated protests

Italy is relatively safe, but tourists should be cautious in busy urban areas like Rome, Naples, and Milan. Petty crime is widespread in tourist zones. Political demonstrations are common but typically non-violent.

10. Turkey (partly in Europe)

- Risk Level: Medium

- Main Concerns: Earthquakes, border zone instability, political unrest

While Turkish resorts remain safe and popular, the eastern border areas near Syria are unsafe due to regional instability. In early 2025, Turkey also experienced strong earthquakes, temporarily affecting tourism in parts of the country.

Safest Alternatives in Europe in 2025

If safety is your top priority, consider visiting these countries instead:

- Iceland

- Portugal

- Finland

- Switzerland

- Slovenia

- Czech Republic

While most of Europe is safe and welcoming, some regions remain volatile due to war, politics, or crime. When planning your trip, always check official travel advisories from your government and stay updated on local news.

If you find yourself in a difficult situation abroad, seek advice from a migration lawyer. We help to quickly resolve any issues outside your country of origin.

Reminder! Tourist taxes are becoming the new norm for travelers in 2025. We have already told you what a tourist tax is, which countries are introducing it, the size of fees in popular destinations, the reasons for their increase, and much more useful information.

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Travel guide for 200 countries;

Legal advice from a local specialist on visa and migration issues;

Travel insurance around the world (please select the country of interest and citizenship to receive services);

Medical insurance all over the world.

We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information, so if you notice any errors or inconsistencies, please contact our hotline.