14 Countries Where Tourists Are No Longer Welcome (And Why)

Tourism, wherever it is, has become a vital part of an economy by providing employment and supporting local businesses and countries’ cultural heritage— However, some countries have begun to oppose tourism, limiting the number allowed in or discouraging visitors as they try to protect their people, their culture, and their environment from degradation.

There’s this shift happening that has less to do with preserving the beauty of natural wonders or protecting ancient traditions and more to do with preventing the effects of mass tourism on local communities. The charm that made some destinations attractive in the first place is at risk of being lost. Consequently, more countries are now trying to control or ban tourism to bring things back to normal.

Bhutan

Bhutan’s tourism has always been selective. The country imposes a daily fee on visitors to limit numbers and protect cultural heritage and the environment, in a bid to focus on “high value, low impact” tourism. Bhutan recently hiked these fees substantially, as they’d rather have quality than quantity of tourists.

Venice, Italy

Overtourism has made Venice a city of canals and history—a city of overtourism. To try to deal with this, local authorities have been introducing entrance fees and blocking off some parts of the town, particularly during peak tourist times. These measures try to keep the fragile city itself and make it livable for residents.

Barcelona, Spain

Millions of tourists flock to Barcelona yearly for its vibrant culture and architecture, but its residents have had enough of the crowds. In response, the city government has cracked down on short-term rentals and limited the number of new hotel developments to deal with the influx of visitors.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

For so long, Amsterdam has been a tourist favorite, with its picturesque canals and its historic charm. However, the city has been moving to reduce the number of tourists, banning guided tours in some districts, and steering visitors to less crowded areas. Its objective is to protect the locals’ quality of life and retain the city’s cultural heritage.

Machu Picchu, Peru

As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Machu Picchu has suffered serious wear and tear from many tourists. The Peruvian government has clamped down with strict limits on the number of visitors allowed daily and the introduction of timed entry slots. The above measures aim to safeguard the historic site and ensure its longevity for future generations.

Santorini, Greece

Santorini is the Cyclades’ idyllic island, but its summer popularity causes it to suffer. The Greek government has imposed caps on the number of cruise ship passengers allowed to disembark each day to reduce overcrowding and protect the island’s infrastructure and natural beauty.

Isle of Skye, Scotland

Tourism to the Isle of Skye, with its rugged landscapes and charming villages, has exploded, straining the small infrastructure. Visitors have been urged to plan trips during off-peak periods, and some sites have closed or cut access during peak periods to protect the environment and prevent overcrowding.

Maya Bay, Thailand

The 2015 movie The Beach, which was shot there, helped make Maya Bay a victim of overtourism, causing severe ecological damage. In a bold move, Thai authorities closed the bay to tourists for several years to allow its marine life and coral reefs to recover. Access is heavily restricted, and even after reopening, it remains so.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ Dubrovnik has taken drastic measures to limit tourist numbers. The city has restricted the number of cruise ships allowed to dock and set caps on the number of visitors to its historic Old Town. The city strives to protect its cultural heritage and provide a good experience for tourists and citizens.

Koh Phi Phi Leh, Thailand

Koh Phi Phi Leh, another Thai gem, has also been affected by overtourism. The Thai government has set visitor limits and blocked some areas in response. The aim is to reopen the island’s ecosystem and encourage sustainable tourism practices.

Mount Everest, Nepal

Climbers worldwide have been lured to the mountain, but the mountain has paid a steep price. Nepal has made stricter regulations on climbers, reducing the number of permits it will issue each season because of overcrowding and environmental degradation.

Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto’s high tourist attractions, resulting from old temples and traditional tea houses, have put the city in a dilemma of dealing with the skyrocketing number of tourists and how to do that without ruining its cultural heritage. In turn, the city has restricted access to more popular sites and promoted other, lesser-known parts of the city.

Boracay, Philippines

Once renowned for its unspoiled beaches, Boracay was badly damaged by unregulated tourism. In response, the Philippine government temporarily closed the island to tourists for rehabilitation. However, strict rules on visitor numbers and environmental practices have been kept since reopening to protect its natural beauty.

Komodo Island, Indonesia

Increased tourism has challenged Komodo Island, home to the famous Komodo dragons. Indonesian authorities have introduced visitor quotas and higher entrance fees to protect the island’s unique wildlife and ecosystems while also trying to attract a healthy number of tourists and increase conservation efforts.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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