Survey Finds Geopolitical Instability and Civil Unrest Top Traveller Concerns

It’s not just you. Travellers are increasingly factoring geopolitical instability and civil unrest into their trip planning decisions, with a majority saying these risks influence not only where they go but whether they travel at all. 

The findings come from the ‘Spring 2025 Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey’ conducted by Global Rescue, a major provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services. 

According to the survey: 

• More than 85% of the world’s most experienced travellers are at least somewhat concerned about geopolitical instability or civil unrest affecting their travel plans, including 13% who are concerned “a great deal” and 28% “a moderate amount.” 
• More than 30% have cancelled or changed a trip in the past due to these concerns. 
• A striking 88% of respondents say they actively research a destination’s political or social stability before booking a trip. 

“These numbers confirm that safety concerns are no longer a secondary consideration — they are front and centre,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies and a US Travel and Tourism Advisory Board member at the US Department of Commerce. 

“Travellers are more aware, more informed and more proactive than ever in assessing the political climate of a destination.” 

Government travel advisories carry weight, with more than two-thirds of respondents reporting that such warnings influence their decisions at least “a moderate amount.” Only 5% said government advisories don’t influence them at all. 

In terms of destinations, 76% of travellers said they would avoid locations experiencing ongoing protests or civil unrest, underscoring how real-time developments can rapidly shift demand and travel patterns. 

The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine remains a specific concern. When asked whether a ceasefire would make travellers more likely to visit nearby countries such as Poland, Latvia, Czech Republic, or Estonia — all currently listed at the safest Level 1 (“Exercise Normal Precautions”) by the US State Department — a fifth (20%) said yes, while 45% said they have no plans or interest in visiting these countries at all in 2025. 

“Even in regions classified as safe, perception matters,” Richards said. “A conflict next door can be enough to alter travel demand across an entire region.” 

More than 200 Canadian travel advisors saw that firsthand in Jordan in 2024, during the conference of The Travel Agent Next Door. Jordan is not involved in the war in Gaza, but its proximity has slowed tourist arrivals to a fraction of pre-war numbers.

“It’s why clarity, transparency and timely advisory updates are essential,” said Richards. “Not just for traveller safety but for economic stability in global tourism markets.”