Countries to Avoid in 2025: SmartTraveller’s Latest Warnings for Aussie Travellers
Are you thinking of heading overseas this year? Double-check where it’s safe to go.
The Australian government’s Smartraveller website has flagged 23 countries as no-go zones in 2025 due to ongoing conflict, political instability, or high crime rates.
Whether you’re backpacking, going on a work trip, or planning a family holiday, these warnings are worth taking seriously.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is the newest country added to the list as of May 20.
It joins a growing number of destinations currently under a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” warning, the highest risk level issued by Smartraveller.
That means Aussies are strongly advised to avoid travelling there altogether.
Countries like Russia, Iran, Sudan, Myanmar, and Venezuela are just a few on the list.
These places are experiencing a mix of problems—like civil unrest, terrorism threats, kidnapping risks, or a breakdown in essential services—that can make travel incredibly dangerous.
What Does “Do Not Travel” Really Mean?
Smartraveller’s advice levels range from:
- Level 1: Exercise standard safety precautions
- Level 2: Exercise a high degree of caution
- Level 3: Reconsider your need to travel
- Level 4: Do not travel
If a country is under Level 4, your travel insurance likely won’t cover you, and consular help might be limited or unavailable if something goes wrong.
So it’s not just about avoiding danger—it can also cost you if plans go sideways.
Countries on the Do Not Travel List (as of May 2025)
Here’s the complete list of countries that Aussies are being urged to avoid right now:
- Russia
- Iran
- South Sudan
- Sudan
- Niger
- Myanmar
- Iraq
- Venezuela
- Somalia
- Libya
- Ukraine
- North Korea
- Syria
- Mali
- Yemen
- Belarus
- Haiti
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Lebanon
- Chad
- Central African Republic
- Burkina Faso
- Afghanistan
Stay Informed, Stay Safe
Travel safety advice can change quickly. One month, a country may be fine, the next, it may be off-limits. Before locking in your plans, check Smartraveller.gov.au for the latest updates.
A little research now can save you a lot of hassle later, so you can focus on enjoying your trip and not worrying about what could go wrong.
