Travel warnings for summer 2025: Dangerous holiday destinations in focus!

Travel warnings for summer 2025: Dangerous holiday destinations in focus!

The security situation in the Eastern Mediterranean remains tense, which could have significant implications for holidaymakers in the summer of 2025. The Foreign Office has issued travel warnings for several countries in this region. Egypt, Israel, Lebanon, Syria and Libya are affected. These warnings highlight the increased dangers posed by terrorist activities and military conflicts. The situation in Syria in particular remains extremely unstable, while Egypt is issuing special recommendations with regard to tourist travel.

Egypt, one of the most popular travel destinations, has received a partial travel warning. The warning applies primarily to the north of the Sinai Peninsula, the border area with Israel (except Taba) and remote parts of the Sahara. Holidaymakers are strongly warned that terrorist activities and military conflicts could increase in these regions. For individual trips to the tourist south of Sinai, such as Sharm el-Sheikh, it is recommended that you be accompanied by someone who is familiar with the area. There are also dangers from inadequately marked minefields, which further strengthens the travel warning.

Risk countries at a glance

Israel and Lebanon are generally travelable, but have also been classified as risk areas. In these countries, security interviews, denials of entry or restrictions on certain passport endorsements could come into force. The regions of Gaza Strip, southern Lebanon and the West Bank, where wars, conflicts and local tensions prevail, are particularly dangerous.

A travel warning is in effect for Syria, which is still struggling with significant security problems. The situation remains extremely unstable despite a change of power in December 2024. LGBTIQ people are particularly at risk and reports of detention and physical assault are common. The risk for Germans of Syrian origin, even with a valid visa, is also increased.

A fragile and confusing situation prevails in Libya, despite a ceasefire agreed in May 2025. The state structures are weakened and the health system is badly damaged. The German embassy in Tripoli is closed and consular assistance is only available from Tunis in exceptional cases.

Terrorist threat worldwide

At a global level, the threat of terrorist attacks and kidnappings remains. The Al Qaeda and Islamic State organizations have threatened attacks in the past, and the mobilization of these groups could be encouraged by the conflicts in the Middle East. Travelers are advised to carefully inform themselves about the conditions in the destination country before and during their trip and to follow local and international media. Suspicious occurrences should always be reported to local police or security authorities.

The Foreign Office emphasizes that the risk of becoming a victim of an attack is low compared to other travel risks such as accidents, illness or crime. Nevertheless, travelers are advised to behave safely and be aware of the existing risks.

Further information and current travel warnings can be found on the website Echo24 and Foreign Office can be viewed.