Political unrest is a major factor to consider when travelling to certain countries. Countries facing Civil Unrest, social or political upheaval, or massive economic uncertainty are dangerous, unpredictable and not recommended for travel. Unfortunately, due to the ever-changing political landscape, these instances can arise suddenly, making it difficult to plan travel to affected areas.
Typically, political unrest is the result of an ongoing dispute between two or more ideological, political or religious factions. In some cases, this struggle between conflicting sides is more overt, due to the activity of radical political or religious groups, armed militias, or radicalized citizens. In many cases, however, political unrest is a much subtler process that results from inequalities in representation or resources, or when citizens feel as though their voices aren't being heard or respected.
Visitors should look for warning signs before travelling to a country. A good starting point is to read or watch what local news outlets are reporting about their current political environment. Communication with locals can also provide a wealth of information regarding the current state of political unrest in the area, and what actions may be necessary to stay safe. It's also important to be aware of cases of Civil Unrest in recent history, since signs of future political unrest can often be observed in these past incidents.
When travelling to countries undergoing some form of political unrest, it is best to be prepared in case conditions worsen dramatically. Staying at a reputable hotel, travelling in a small group, and avoiding demonstrations or large crowds of people are essential ways to stay safe in these environments. Tourists should also pay attention to law enforcement, military and armed groups, as well as in-country local law and customs. For example, visitors to Bahrain should be especially mindful of the country's strict rules prohibiting alcohol and public activism.
It is also important to note that political unrest can have an unexpected ripple effect on travel plans. Flight cancellations, Travel Visa restrictions, or even government-mandated curfews can all be consequences of ongoing political upheaval. The presence of military, law enforcement, and armed factions can also impede travellers' access to certain locations.
At the same time, political turmoil provides photography and journalism with the opportunity to capture one of the most important stories of the 21st century: the struggle for fair representation, unhindered by baseless violence or authoritarianism. Tourists, ideally, should do all that they can to remain safe, but still take the opportunity to provide intriguing insights or acts of citizen journalism from their travels in political unrest-ridden countries.
Overall, it is important to be wary of potential upheaval if considering a visit to any state facing political unrest. Even when travelling to an otherwise peaceful country, tourists should use caution when bringing up political issues, especially if they are outside of their own country of origin. Every country is unique, and it is important to remain mindful and cautious when travelling to countries facing social, political, and economic struggles.
