Published on
December 11, 2025
Malaysia and Thailand Join Indonesia, Greece, Portugal, and Burundi as Germany Issues New Travel Advisory Highlighting Increased Safety Risks Amid Escalating Regional Tensions due to rising political unrest, military clashes, and security concerns across several regions. The German government has issued a comprehensive travel warning urging citizens to exercise caution when traveling to these countries, where ongoing tensions and civil disruptions have put both tourists and business travelers at risk. From military conflict along the Thailand-Cambodia border to political strikes in Portugal and unrest in Burundi, the advisory underscores the need for heightened vigilance in areas facing instability and potential danger.
In an unprecedented move, Germany has issued a new travel advisory, urging citizens to exercise increased caution in several countries across Asia, Europe, and Africa. With a focus on the escalating political and security risks, the advisory emphasizes regions where travelers may face heightened dangers due to ongoing unrest, military conflict, and civil disruptions. This comprehensive report takes a deep dive into the travel warnings, breaking down the details country by country, as well as the potential implications for both tourism and business travel.
Thailand: Increased Border Tensions and Civil Unrest
Germany’s travel advisory for Thailand focuses particularly on the southern provinces and areas along its border with Cambodia and Malaysia. Since mid-2025, the country has been experiencing a rise in military clashes along its border with Cambodia, leading to fatalities and injuries. The Thai government has declared martial law in several provinces, particularly along the 50-kilometer border zone. Evacuations have been ordered in certain districts, and further escalation remains a possibility.
Travel to the border area (10 km from the border) with Cambodia is discouraged, and travel to the provinces of Buri Ram, Surin, Si Sa Ket, and Ubon Ratchathani (which lie within the 50-kilometer zone) is also discouraged. Travelers are urged to be vigilant in these regions due to the ongoing military activity, which has led to closures of border crossings. Although air travel between Thailand and Cambodia remains unaffected, travelers are encouraged to stay updated on the situation before planning any trips.
Moreover, the advisory highlights the persistent threat of terrorist activity and violent clashes in Thailand’s southernmost provinces, including Narathiwat, Yala, and Pattani. The area, which shares a border with Malaysia, has been the site of ongoing separatist insurgencies and clashes between security forces and insurgent groups. A state of emergency is in effect in these provinces, and foreign nationals are advised to avoid the area. Nighttime curfews may be imposed at short notice, adding to the unpredictability of the security situation.
For travelers to Thailand, heightened awareness of local demonstrations, political unrest, and possible civil disturbances is crucial, especially during periods of significant political events and holidays. Germany urges travelers to follow the instructions of local authorities to ensure their safety.
Malaysia: Safety Concerns in East Sabah and Border Disruptions
Malaysia is also included in Germany’s new travel advisory, with specific warnings for the state of Sabah on the island of Borneo. The advisory notes the increased risks in eastern Sabah, particularly in the Eastern Sabah Safety Zone (ESS Zone), where attacks and kidnappings by Filipino rebels have raised alarms. The Sulu Archipelago, extending from the southern Philippines to northeastern Sabah, is considered a high-risk area for piracy, kidnappings, and armed robbery.
Germany strongly discourages non-essential travel to the eastern coastal areas of Sabah, particularly from Terusan to Tawau, which includes Sandakan, Lahad Datu, and Semporna. In addition, the risk of terrorist activity remains high in the region, especially after the kidnapping of tourists and police attacks. With the presence of military forces and increased security measures, travelers are urged to exercise extreme caution and to stay updated on security advisories.
Furthermore, land travel between Malaysia and Thailand is strongly discouraged, as the situation along the border, particularly in the southern Thai provinces like Narathiwat and Yala, remains unstable. Travelers are advised to reconsider overland journeys between the two countries and to use alternative routes if necessary.
Indonesia: Risks in Papua and Major Urban Areas
Indonesia has seen its share of domestic political unrest, particularly in the eastern provinces of the Papua region, which has been a source of ongoing conflict between separatist groups and security forces. The German travel advisory for Indonesia specifically discourages non-essential travel to the five provinces of Papua, Papua Barat (West Papua), Papua Pegunungan (Papua Highlands), Papua Tengah (Central Papua), and Papua Selatan (South Papua) due to violent clashes and potential kidnappings.
In addition to the risks in Papua, the advisory highlights the potential for terrorist attacks in major urban centers like Jakarta, Bandung, and Surabaya, as well as in popular tourist destinations such as Bali. Public places, shopping malls, nightclubs, and airports remain high-risk targets for terrorist activities. Foreign nationals are advised to remain cautious in these areas, especially during large-scale events and public holidays such as Easter, Christmas, and Indonesian Independence Day.
In recent years, Indonesia has also faced piracy issues in waters around the Celebes Sea, with notable incidents of armed robbery and kidnappings in the Strait of Malacca and near the Natuna Islands. The German advisory advises against independent watercraft excursions in these areas and urges travelers to rely only on established operators.
Additionally, travelers are reminded of Indonesia’s strict drug laws, with severe penalties for even minor infractions, especially in transit areas such as airports.
Greece: Protests, Disruptions, and Political Uncertainty
The ongoing protests and political unrest in Greece have prompted Germany to issue a partial travel warning. Demonstrations, particularly in Athens and Thessaloniki, have led to significant road blockages, traffic disruptions, and the potential for clashes between protesters and security forces. The protests are mainly centered around labor reforms and economic issues, but they have escalated into widespread public unrest.
The situation is dynamic and may cause temporary closures of major highways, border crossings, and even airports. The E75 motorway connecting Athens and Thessaloniki is a primary route that may be impacted, especially during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. Travelers planning to use this route should be prepared for potential delays and changes in travel plans.
In addition to the civil unrest, pickpocketing and theft in tourist hotspots such as Plaka, Syntagma Square, and the Acropolis remain a concern. Travelers are urged to be vigilant, especially in crowded areas and public transport.
The advisory also warns travelers about forest fires in parts of the country, particularly in the Aegean Islands and Peloponnese, where high temperatures and dry conditions exacerbate the risk. Fires can disrupt local infrastructure, including roads and hotels, and travelers are urged to stay informed of any fire warnings.
Portugal: Labor Strike and Political Instability
In Portugal, Germany has issued a nationwide travel warning due to a 24-hour general strike scheduled for December 11, 2025. The strike, which is organized by unions opposing government reforms, is expected to disrupt various sectors, including transportation, healthcare, education, and banking. Air travel disruptions are anticipated, and travelers are urged to check the status of their flights in advance.
This strike may cause significant disruptions to public life across the country, particularly in Lisbon and Porto, where many tourist attractions and services are based. While the political situation in Portugal remains generally stable, the general strike could lead to transportation delays and a temporary shutdown of services.
Similar to Greece, pickpocketing and robbery are increasing in major cities, especially in tourist-heavy districts like Baixa, Alfama, and Ribeira in Porto. Travelers are advised to take necessary precautions to safeguard their valuables and avoid traveling alone in isolated areas after dark.
Burundi: Travel Risks Near the DRC Border
Burundi has been included in the new German travel advisory, focusing on the security risks in the northern parts of the country, particularly near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Bujumbura province (formerly Cibitoke and Bubanza) and parts of Kibira National Park remain high-risk areas due to the ongoing presence of rebel groups and militant activity.
The northern part of Kibira National Park has witnessed several armed skirmishes and raids by rebel factions, making it an unsafe destination for tourists. The German advisory strongly discourages travel to these areas, urging tourists to avoid large crowds, demonstrations, and party meetings that could turn violent. The Kibira National Park, known for its rich biodiversity, has become a hotspot for military and militia activities, which have spilled over from the ongoing conflict in the DRC.
Malaysia and Thailand join Indonesia, Greece, Portugal, and Burundi as Germany issues a new travel advisory highlighting increased safety risks amid escalating regional tensions due to rising political unrest, military conflicts, and security concerns in these countries, urging travelers to exercise heightened caution.
Germany’s updated travel advisory serves as a critical resource for travelers heading to destinations with escalating risks. By staying informed about political developments, security concerns, and local conditions, tourists and business travelers alike can make well-informed decisions. Always adhere to the advice of local authorities, avoid high-risk areas, and keep up with official news sources to ensure a safe journey.
