These Countries Are the Least Safe for Solo Travelers

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Solo travel has become increasingly popular in recent years. However, independent travelers can face significant safety risks in certain destinations.

The 2026 SquareMouth Solo Travel Risk Index, published on February 11 by the travel insurance marketplace, evaluated 113 countries to determine how suitable they are for travelers journeying alone.

The analysis took into account factors such as how safe locals feel walking alone at night, access to healthcare services, quality of infrastructure, crime rates, mobile connectivity, and local sentiment toward visitors.

3 Most Dangerous Destinations for Solo Travelers

At the top of the risk index is Venezuela, ranked as the most dangerous destination for solo travelers with a high risk score of 9.74 out of 10.

According to the report, fewer than 10 percent of local residents feel safe walking alone at night, and concerns about violent crime, limited access to healthcare, and poor infrastructure contribute to its ranking.

Peru comes in second with a risk score of 8.87. Less than a quarter of the population reported feeling safe walking alone after dark, and nearly 60 percent expressed concerns about being attacked.

Slow mobile internet speeds in some areas were also noted as a risk factor, making it harder for travelers to communicate or seek help online.

Ranked third is Gabon, with a score of 8.51. The Central African nation’s risk profile is driven largely by limited healthcare infrastructure. With relatively few hospital beds per capita and lower availability of medical services, travelers who need urgent care may struggle to find prompt assistance.

Other destinations that complete the top ten riskiest places for solo travelers include Colombia, Bolivia, Jamaica, Guyana, Ecuador, Trinidad and Tobago, and South Africa — countries that also show elevated safety concerns due to crime, infrastructure challenges, or uneven healthcare access.

Safest Places for Solo Travel

On the other end of the spectrum, the microstate of San Marino, surrounded by Italy, ranks as the safest destination with an exceptionally low risk index score of 0.78.

Nearly 90 percent of those surveyed in San Marino reported feeling safe walking alone at night, reflecting the country’s strong public safety environment and reliable infrastructure.

Other highly ranked safe destinations include countries known for strong healthcare systems and infrastructure, such as Andorra, Singapore, and Denmark.

These places scored well on indicators that matter most to solo travelers, including low crime rates, dependable medical access, stable communications, and positive local attitudes toward visitors.

What Solo Travelers Should Consider

While the most dangerous destinations may still offer cultural richness and natural beauty, the report highlights the importance of careful planning and risk awareness for independent travelers.

Safety perceptions, healthcare availability, and infrastructure reliability should be factored into travel decisions, particularly for those exploring unfamiliar regions alone.

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