Advice issued on the most perilous and safest destinations worldwide

The most dangerous countries to visit have been listed by the global travel security company International SOS, based on their medical, security and road safety risks.

Its Travel Risk Map 2020 lists the countries with an "extreme travel security risk" as Libya, Mali, South Sudan, the Central African Republic, Somalia, Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq and Yemen.

Such a listing refers to places where there may be minimal government control and law and order in many areas, along with a serious threat of violent attacks by armed groups targeting travelers and international workers.

The company gave the highest safety rating to Denmark, Norway, Finland, Iceland, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Andorra, Slovenia and the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, where the incidence of violent crime is very low.

Many parts of China, the United Kingdom and most of the European mainland, plus the United States, Canada, Australia and Argentina were rated as low travel security risks.

Yang Jinsong, head of the International Research Institute at the China Tourism Academy, said: "As Chinese are traveling overseas extensively with more individual demands, it's possible they will encounter danger on their journeys. It's all about the probability."

He said this is a complicated issue that needs to be dealt with on multiple fronts, but first, tourists should play their part.

"Never risk your life. Those planning to travel to a high-risk destination should raise their safety awareness and improve the ability to save themselves. They should also learn some basic first-aid skills," Yang said.

He recommended that tourists prepare well in advance and familiarize themselves with the customs, practices and conditions at their destination.

They should learn about areas where there is poor public order, and stay away from them. They should also stay alert in cities for pickpockets.

Yang added that visitors should choose local companies with experienced staff members, including car hire operators and tour guides. They should also take out travel insurance in advance.

"The political situation in some regions can vary. If you are traveling to a dangerous destination, you should seek professional help to stay safe," he said.

Visitors should also pay attention to travel advisories issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other institutions relating to the political situation at their destination.

"Contact Chinese embassies in cases of emergency. If you're in a country that hasn't established diplomatic ties with China, you should know the contact details of a Chinese embassy in a neighboring country," he said.

The ministry can be contacted on its hotline 12308 and through WeChat. Additional information is available on the ministry's website, mobile app and WeChat and Sina Weibo accounts.

Last year, the ministry and Chinese embassies and consulates handled more than 80,000 cases involving protection and assistance to Chinese nationals overseas.

In March last year, the ministry unveiled a draft regulation on consular protection and assistance to solicit public opinion. The regulation stated that if a Chinese national ignored a ministry travel advisory and visited a high-risk country or region, he or she would be liable for all the expenses of consular protection and assistance.

"Chinese people should understand the meaning of consular protection and assistance. Once visitors know they have to take personal responsibility for any possible consequences, they will think carefully about traveling to a dangerous destination," Yang said.

He added that more Chinese scenic areas are introducing regulations stating that tourists should foot the bill for rescue fees in certain situations, such as when they get lost in remote mountainous areas.

Liu Yaling, head of business for the Americas and Africa at bespoke tours website 6renyou, said, "A volatile political situation will affect travelers' choices, such as the recent protests in Chile and Bolivia－both popular destinations among Chinese."

She said some visitors like to travel to Salar de Uyuni, the world's largest salt flat, in southwest Bolivia, to see perfect reflections of the sky and clouds, and to enjoy outdoor barbecues.

The company checks the political situation at a destination before clients depart, and communicates with local travel operators. In cases of emergency, it asks clients if they want to postpone their trip or cancel it and receive a refund.

"Such political situations may be temporary, and some clients choose to wait until the situation has improved," she said.

"It's not uncommon for strikes to be staged in some countries. Local tour guides will avoid taking guests to the places that are affected. If the situation deteriorates, travel agencies will cancel the trip to ensure customer safety."