Global Guardian classifies several countries as 'extreme' travel risks on 2027 map
Global Guardian's 2027 map singles out countries in the highest "extreme" risk tier and shows shifts in Gulf security classifications.
Published on: October 16, 2026, 20:39. A new travel-risk map for 2027 produced by the US security firm Global Guardian highlights countries and regions where travellers should exercise exceptional caution.
Which places are marked "extreme"
Global Guardian ranks destinations using five risk tiers and evaluates seven factors: crime, armed conflict, terrorism, political unrest, health, infrastructure and natural disasters. The highest tier, labelled "extreme," largely covers areas affected by war and severe political crises.
Among the countries listed in the extreme category are Afghanistan, Ukraine, Syria, Yemen, the Gaza Strip, Sudan, Somalia, Myanmar and Haiti. The company also identifies parts of the Sahel and Central Africa as falling into the same highest-risk bracket.
The report warns that the classification does not necessarily apply uniformly across an entire country: certain border zones or active conflict areas can carry much greater danger than other parts of the same state.
Security in the Gulf has deteriorated on the map: Bahrain and Kuwait were moved from moderate to high risk, while Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan are now classified as medium risk. Saudi Arabia is also listed in that medium category. The changes matter for many travellers because Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha are major air-transport hubs for flights to Asia and further destinations.
Global Guardian advises avoiding non-essential travel to countries it classifies as high risk and urges travellers to consult detailed, region-specific guidance before planning routes that transit through or near affected areas.
Photo: press material from the event
