Published on
August 25, 2025
Haiti joins Iran, Iraq, Ukraine, Sudan, Belarus, Russia, and Venezuela following Australia’s travel alert warning of escalating security threats worldwide. The move reflects rising dangers to travelers across these countries, including violent crime, armed conflict, gang activity, political instability, and the threat of terrorism. In Haiti, escalating gang violence, widespread kidnappings, and volatile law and order mirror the risks Australians face in other high-risk nations, prompting authorities to urge citizens to avoid travel, leave if safe, and stay alert as conditions deteriorate rapidly.
Australia has issued a travel alert for Haiti, joining warnings for Iran, Iraq, Ukraine, Sudan, Belarus, Russia, and Venezuela. The advisory highlights the extreme risks faced by travelers in these countries, where volatile security conditions, widespread violence, and infrastructure challenges make travel highly dangerous.
Haiti
Haiti remains extremely unsafe. A State of Emergency is in place in Ouest, Artibonite, and Centre due to escalating gang violence. Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas are dominated by armed groups, and criminal activity has spread to residential neighborhoods.
Safety
Violent crime is widespread, including murder, armed robbery, carjacking, and sexual assault.Kidnappings are common, targeting foreigners, aid workers, and children.Vigilante attacks have been reported against alleged gang members.Frequent power outages and shortages of essential supplies like fuel, water, and food.
Travel & Borders
Land and sea borders with the Dominican Republic are closed.Airports operate, but access is dangerous due to gang control of roads.Airlines are limiting flights in and out of Port-au-Prince.
Travelers in Haiti should consider leaving immediately if safe, avoid going out after dark, and remain alert to demonstrations or protests.
Iran
Iran’s security environment remains unpredictable, despite a fragile ceasefire. Regional tensions are high, and military or civil incidents could escalate suddenly.
Safety
High risk of arbitrary detention or arrest, particularly for dual nationals.Terrorist attacks and kidnappings remain possible nationwide.Avoid protests, sensitive sites, and photographing restricted areas.
Travel & Borders
Borders may close at short notice.International flights from Tehran Imam Khomeini Airport have resumed, but cancellations are common.
Australians in Iran are advised to depart as soon as possible, remaining vigilant and aware of local security developments.
Iraq
Iraq remains highly volatile, with persistent threats from armed conflict, terrorism, and criminal activity.
Safety
Terrorist attacks can occur without warning in markets, transport hubs, or government facilities.High risk of kidnapping by terrorist or criminal groups.Violent crime and corruption are widespread.
Travel & Borders
Borders with neighboring countries may close unexpectedly.Demonstrations can turn violent quickly.
Those in Iraq should leave immediately by commercial means if safe, maintain contingency plans, and consider professional security advice.
Ukraine
Ukraine continues to face full-scale war, with heavy fighting in eastern and southern regions. Missile strikes and artillery attacks threaten civilians in major cities.
Safety
Russian strikes pose a continuous risk to civilians and infrastructure.Landmines and unexploded ordnance are widespread.Martial law and curfews are in effect, with local restrictions that can change rapidly.
Travel & Borders
Roads and border crossings may be crowded, damaged, or exposed to military action.Consular services are severely limited.
Australians in Ukraine should depart immediately where safe, maintain emergency supplies, and follow local authorities’ instructions.
Sudan
Sudan is experiencing a civil war, with widespread violence, looting, and breakdown of public services.
Safety
Armed conflict is concentrated in Khartoum, Darfur, and other regions.Assaults, home invasions, and kidnappings targeting foreigners have occurred.Water, electricity, and healthcare services are unreliable or unavailable.
Travel & Borders
Commercial departures from Port Sudan and Port Suakin are limited.Land borders may open to Egypt and neighboring countries but remain risky.
Foreigners should leave Sudan immediately if safe, or shelter in secure locations while monitoring local developments.
Belarus
Belarus faces heightened tensions due to Russia’s war in Ukraine and the arbitrary enforcement of local laws.
Safety
Severe penalties for vaguely defined offenses, including “discrediting” the government.Dual nationals may be treated solely as Belarusian citizens, limiting consular support.Large protests have occurred, with harassment of foreigners reported.
Travel & Borders
Avoid Belarus-Ukraine border crossings.Commercial departure options are very limited.
Those in Belarus should leave immediately, reviewing personal safety and border requirements carefully.
Russia
Russia presents significant risks for foreigners, including arbitrary detention, terrorism, and military activity.
Safety
Terrorist attacks can occur with little warning in public spaces and tourist areas.Russian authorities monitor foreigners closely, and political tensions may increase scrutiny.Military operations are ongoing in regions including Kursk, Belgorod, and Bryansk.
Travel & Borders
Travel to the Russia-Ukraine border is unsafe.Departure routes may close without notice, and essential goods may be restricted.
Australians should leave Russia immediately while commercial options exist and maintain contingency plans.
Venezuela
Venezuela remains unsafe due to political instability, economic collapse, and widespread violence.
Safety
High levels of violent crime, including murder, armed robbery, and sexual assault.Kidnapping hotspots near airports and border regions.Shortages of food, water, medicine, and fuel.
Travel & Borders
Demonstrations and civil unrest can disrupt travel and public transportation.Consular assistance is extremely limited.
Foreigners should consider leaving Venezuela immediately if safe and maintain essential supplies for emergency departure.
Haiti joins Iran, Iraq, Ukraine, Sudan, Belarus, Russia, and Venezuela following Australia’s travel alert due to escalating security threats, including gang violence, armed conflict, political instability, and widespread crime, putting travelers at serious risk.
Australia’s travel alert highlights Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Ukraine, Sudan, Belarus, Russia, and Venezuela as extremely high-risk destinations. Citizens are urged to leave these countries if possible, remain alert, and follow local authorities’ guidance. Travel should be avoided until conditions stabilize.
