Top 10 Countries With Highest Sexual Assault Rates on Tourists

In the era of rising solo travel, especially among women, it is imperative to exercise vigilance and caution when considering tourist destinations known for high rates of sexual harassment and assault. Technology has undeniably transformed the world into a more accessible place for female travelers, particularly those embarking on solo adventures. However, certain renowned tourist hotspots remain marked by a concerning lack of safety, characterized by prevalent incidents of sexual harassment and rape.

In many of these countries, the stigmatization surrounding rape and other sexual crimes persists, resulting in underreporting and a culture of silence. Victims often fear societal backlash and discrimination, leaving these crimes unaddressed. This article compiles a list of ten countries with alarmingly high rates of sexual assault against tourists. It’s important to note that this list is limited to countries generally considered tourist destinations, excluding those labeled as “no travel” zones due to social unrest and political instability.

Highest Sexual Assault Rates Countries

1. Indonesia (Gili Islands)

Indonesia, with its diverse landscapes and rich culture, is a preferred destination for many travelers. However, the Gili Islands, located off the coast of Lombok, have seen a disturbing rise in sexual assault cases. While the region offers breathtaking natural beauty and vibrant nightlife, it’s essential for tourists, especially women traveling alone, to exercise caution. Reports of rape incidents and drug-related tourism have raised significant concerns, making it imperative for visitors to be vigilant, stay in well-lit areas, and avoid accepting drinks from strangers.

• Recent surge in sexual assault cases in the Gili Islands.
• Breathtaking natural beauty and vibrant nightlife.
• Caution is crucial, especially for solo female travelers.
• Reports of rape incidents and drug-related tourism.
• Recommendations: Stay in well-lit areas, avoid drinks from strangers.

2. Cameroon

Traveling in Cameroon requires careful consideration, particularly regarding transportation. Taxis, which often operate as shared buses, have been associated with numerous incidents of assaults and rapes. The lack of proper regulation and monitoring in these informal transportation services poses a significant risk to travelers. Moreover, underreporting of rape cases is a pressing issue, making it challenging to address and combat this problem effectively.

• High-risk transportation, with shared taxis linked to assaults.
• Lack of proper regulation in informal transport services.
• Underreporting of rape cases is a pressing issue.
• Travelers urged to be cautious, particularly in shared taxis.

3. Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea records an alarming 60% rate of reported rapes, underscoring the dire societal conditions facing women. The U.S. Travel Advisory has issued warnings regarding sexual assaults in the region, affecting both local women and tourists. Disturbingly, gang rapes, especially after nightfall, are not uncommon. Travelers should be particularly cautious during the evening and nighttime hours, avoiding isolated areas whenever possible.

• Alarmingly high reported rape rate (60%).
• U.S. Travel Advisory warnings for sexual assaults.
• Gang rapes, especially after nightfall, are not uncommon.
• Traveler caution during evening and nighttime hours is crucial.

4. The Bahamas

The Bahamas, with its Caribbean charm, is a popular vacation destination. However, it’s important to be aware that the country has been flagged for having one of the highest rates of rape in the Caribbean region, according to a UN report. Travelers should stay informed about the safety situation, exercise caution in unfamiliar areas, and be vigilant in crowds and nightlife settings.

• High rate of rape in the Caribbean, according to a UN report.
• Popular vacation destination with Caribbean charm.
• Recommendations: Stay informed about safety, exercise caution in unfamiliar areas, and be vigilant in crowds and nightlife settings.

5. Mexico City

Mexico is a diverse country with a rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes. However, it has faced a significant challenge in addressing incidents of sexual assault against travelers. These cases are often linked to spiked drinks and acquaintance-based assaults. While not all locations are associated with these crimes, travelers should remain cautious, especially in nightlife areas. In addition to sexual assault, other crimes, such as carjacking and drug trafficking, can pose risks to tourists.

• Diverse country with rich cultural heritage.
• Incidents of sexual assault often linked to spiked drinks and acquaintance-based assaults.
• Recommendations: Remain cautious, especially in nightlife areas.

6. Kenya

Kenya is renowned for its stunning wildlife and landscapes. However, visitors from the West have reported incidents of armed robberies, kidnappings, and other violent crimes. Home invasions and attacks on women travelers have also been documented, contributing to a sense of insecurity for tourists. Sexual harassment is another problem that makes Kenya one of the most unfavorable countries for solo vacations. Female travelers should take extra precautions, such as avoiding walking alone at night and staying in well-secured accommodations.

• Renowned for stunning wildlife and landscapes.
• Incidents of armed robberies, kidnappings, and violent crimes reported.
• Home invasions and attacks on women travelers documented.
• Recommendations: Avoid walking alone at night and stay in well-secured accommodations.

7. Brazil

Brazil boasts beautiful beaches, vibrant nightclubs, and a rich cultural scene. However, it has also reported numerous cases of sexual assaults on Western tourists. These incidents often occur around popular tourist spots, including beaches, nightclubs, discotheques, and bars. Areas near bank ATMs have been identified as hotspots for reported rape cases. Travelers should remain vigilant, stay in groups, and be cautious when accepting drinks from strangers.

• Beautiful beaches, vibrant nightclubs, and rich cultural scene.
• Numerous cases of sexual assaults on Western tourists.
• Recommendations: Travel in groups, stay vigilant, and be cautious when accepting drinks from strangers.

8. Egypt

Egypt’s historical treasures and iconic landmarks make it a captivating destination. However, the country has a concerning prevalence of sexual crimes against women. Female travelers are strongly advised to take extra precautions, such as wearing a mask and covering their heads, to avoid unwanted attention. Street harassment is common, and reports to U.S. officials in the country regularly include complaints about such incidents. Travelers should also be aware of the local customs and dress codes.

• Captivating destination with historical treasures.
• Prevalence of sexual crimes against women.
• Street harassment is common.
• Recommendations: Take extra precautions, be aware of local customs, and dress appropriately.

9. Honduras

Honduras has seen a rise in sexual harassment cases, often involving armed rapes and assaults. The country has also experienced an increase in homicides and kidnappings, creating an environment of heightened risk for tourists. Travelers should stay updated on the safety situation in specific areas they plan to visit, avoid risky neighborhoods, and exercise extreme caution, especially at night.

• Rise in sexual harassment cases, including armed rapes and assaults.
• Increased homicides and kidnappings pose risks.
• Recommendations: Stay updated on safety, avoid risky neighborhoods, and exercise extreme caution, especially at night.

10. India

India, with its rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes, is a country of fascination for many travelers. Unfortunately, it consistently ranks high when it comes to sexual violence and rape. Governments of various nations have issued travel warnings to their citizens due to the high number of crimes against women. Street harassment is common, and tourists, particularly women, are advised to dress conservatively and take additional precautions, such as avoiding poorly lit areas, especially at night.

• Rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes.
• Consistently high rates of sexual violence and rape.
• Street harassment is common.
• Recommendations: Dress conservatively, avoid poorly lit areas at night, and take additional precautions, especially for female travelers.

Conclusion

In any instance of sexual harassment or assault, reporting the incident to local authorities is crucial for proper investigations. However, if travelers do not feel confident reporting directly to local authorities, seeking assistance and guidance from their country’s embassy is a viable alternative. This article aims to raise awareness and provide a cautionary message to all travelers planning visits to the mentioned countries, whether for leisure or work, urging them to prioritize their safety while exploring the world.   

While I’ve had my own experience or two with these scenarios, I can say that the experience of travel far outweighs the negatives.  So, my advice is to be aware, be safe, and no matter where you go and what you get into, always remember to Travel Till You Drop!