If you are planning to travel overseas – there are some countries that are especially dangerous for Americans – especially if you are a Christian.
From forced labor camps to execution – other parts of the world don’t value the freedoms we cherish here in America – and if you disrespect their government – you could get killed.
So before you contemplate taking a trip overseas – make sure you read the State Department travel advisories and stay away from these countries.
Afghanistan
Most people don’t travel to Afghanistan unless it’s for work or a humanitarian/missions effort.
With the Taliban ruling the land, brutal discrimination against Christians is fierce, and women are especially vulnerable.
It’s not surprising the State Department lists Afghanistan as a “Level 4” (the highest security alert) and warns:
“Do not travel to Afghanistan due to armed conflict, civil unrest, crime, terrorism, and kidnapping.
Travel to all areas of Afghanistan is unsafe and the risk of kidnapping or violence against U.S. citizens in Afghanistan is high. Given the serious risks, U.S. citizens should not travel to Afghanistan to accompany eligible family members for relocation.”
Even if your intentions are to “help people” who are suffering – while that is admirable – the situation is still too volatile and dangerous.
I’m all about taking dangerous mission trips for Jesus – and I’ve done many myself – but this is not a mission trip for someone with good intentions without proper security measures in place.
The State Department website states:
“Although the Constitution of Afghanistan allows for the free exercise of religion, proselytizing may be deemed contrary to Islam and harmful to society. Committing a blasphemous act or producing or distributing material deemed critical of Islam is punishable by long-term incarceration or the death sentence.”
If you really want to help Christians in Afghanistan, consider supporting organizations who are on the ground fighting for the people.
North Korea
You won’t find Christian street evangelists in North Korea.
Christians are forced to go underground – and if they are caught speaking about Jesus they could face more than a decade in a hard labor camp.
And American citizens who visit and dare criticize the government also face extreme punishment.
In fact, currently U.S. citizens aren’t even permitted to visit North Korea as tourists – not that you would want to go there anyway.
Who could forget the story of Otto Warmbier, the college student who stole a propaganda banner while in North Korea – and was severely punished – leading to his death.
NBC News reported:
“Otto Warmbier, 22, stole a propaganda banner from a hotel while visiting Pyongyang in January 2016 and was arrested and tried for committing a hostile act against the government. After an hour-long trial, the student was found guilty and sentenced to 15 years hard labor.
The University of Virginia student was returned to the U.S. in 2017 in a coma.”
Otto ended up dying.
Somalia
Somalia’s travel website states “Somalia is a land of hidden unexplored tourism adventures.”
And while there are few decent enough photos of deserted beaches and waterfalls on their tourism website – at present date Somalia is not a place to visit.
The State Department warned:
“Terrorists continue to plot kidnappings, bombings, and other attacks in Somalia. They may conduct attacks with little or no warning, targeting airports and seaports, government buildings, hotels, restaurants, shopping areas, and other areas that attract large crowds and are frequented by Westerners, as well as government, military, and Western convoys.”
Women travelers are especially vulnerable.
Somalia’s goal is to have tourism reach a level of recognition by the year 2030 by hosting international travelers…
… let’s wait until then and revisit travel to this dangerous place.
(h/t Proud American Traveler)