16 Countries Where Tourists Are No Longer Welcome

Travel is a great adventure but not every country is welcoming foreign tourists these days. Investors have found some destinations off limits for visitors due to geopolitical tensions, security risks and strained relations between governments. This means that travelers are now experiencing shut borders, severe visa policies, and in some cases physical hostility towards tourists in locations that were previously huge tourist locations.

If you’re that person who likes to hop from one country to another, it is important to know where your presence would not be welcome. Here are a few of them.

Russia

Russia has become an international tourism major but its image in the world has been completely turned around. Due to Ukraine war and some political tensions are still ongoing, they have imposed travel restrictions. In other words, it makes it all but possible for tourists from the West to come to Russia for a visit, and even harder to travel there safely.

Iran

Iran has been one of the world’s most hospitable countries for decades, but after recent political turmoil and tensions with Western nations, it’s less appealing to foreign visitors. Relations with some of Europe’s other countries, and even the US are strained, and getting a visa becomes difficult for many visitors.

Pakistan

Pakistan is a beautiful country with some of the most wonderful landscapes in the world, but tourists must be careful here. Political instability, religious extremism and very complicated visa requirements have deterred foreign tourists from visiting here. While there is still a whole huge range of where travelers can visit, there are some parts that are safer than others, and those areas still aren’t open.

Afghanistan

After decades of war, Afghanistan is one of the least hospitable places for tourists. The country has closed its doors even more from the rest of the world since the Taliban returned to power. Deeeply conservative social norms combined with an unstable security situation prevent foreigners from visiting.

Mongolia

Unlike others on this list, Mongolia is not embroiled in war or conflict and is starting to turn its back on mass tourism. The tourism is harder to get to, because of the country’s isolationist policies, conservative views that preserve its traditional ways of life. Only some visit to marvel at its vast landscapes, its unique culture, but the government has been rasing the barriers to foreign visitors entering.

Syria

For years, Syria, with a deep history and cultural importance, was a dream destination for many. But the country has been devastated by the ongoing civil war, which makes it one of the most dangerous places on the planet. Its cities have been ravaged by the conflict, and tourists are exposed to tremendous safety risks from the risk of violence and kidnapping. At this moment, the U.S government strongly advises not to travel there.

Yemen

Before a crisis, Yemen was a jewel of the Arabian Peninsula. But the country’s infrastructure has been decimated in the conflict, and there is now little hope for tourism to be a thing again any time soon. It’s one of the least hospitable places for visitors, being ridden by violence, famine and disease.

Angola

Although Angola is rich in natural resources and scenery, its harsh visa policies keep tourists away. It’s peaceful now, but the government has made it difficult for foreigners to visit the country, which only recently came out of a long civil war. The country still hasn’t fully embraced the idea of welcoming outsiders, and high costs, as well as limited tourism infrastructure, keep tourists away.

Sudan

According to the U.S Department of State, Sudan’s history is extremely volatile and many regions still in conflict making it an unsafe place for tourists. But the heavy military presence and overall instability in the country means that tourism is virtually nonexistent, and while the government has been trying to promote tourism in safer parts, it hasn’t been enough. Bureaucratically, it is a nightmare to get a visa, and security concerns aside, it discourages travellers.

North Korea

This nation strictly controls its tourism industry, only permitting visitors in by tight supervision. A trip to this isolated country would appeal to the adventurous, but current geopolitical tensions have made it difficult for foreigners to enter. Most tourists are not welcome in the first place because of the political climate and because the government has always been suspicious of outsiders.

Somalia

Travel is also discouraged in Somalia. Due to ongoing civil unrest and the presence of extremist groups, it is a high risk destination. Travelers are risking their lives by visiting because of kidnappings, bombings and piracy off the coast. The country has a shambles infrastructure that prevents tourism from following significant level.

Venezuela

Venezuela was once a thriving country which lured tourists through its beauty of nature and cultural products; but now is suffering from economic and political crises. The country is unstable because of hyperinflation, food shortages and a crumbling healthcare system. Foreign tourists are often the victim of theft or worse, and street crime is rampant, especially in urban areas. The scenery is still spectacular, but the risks are so high it doesn’t make sense.

Bhutan

Unlike with other countries on this list, Bhutan’s stance on tourism is unique. Bhutan isn’t mired in conflict, but it protects its environment and culture by limiting the number of tourists. According to ResearchGate, Bhutan makes itself a destination only for those that can afford the steep price tag the government charges. While it may not be completely ‘unwelcoming’, Bhutan’s rules are clear; mass tourism is not what it wants.

Algeria

Fascinating historical sites, and an overlooked country, Algeria has been troubled by its relationship with Western governments, making it less appealing to tourists. Most tourists have been kept away by political instability and some occasional terrorist activities in some regions. Visiting is further complicated by strict visa policies. You are better off visiting other african countries.

Bolivia

Bolivia is famous for its incredible natural landscapes like the Uyuni Salt Flats, but increasingly it’s taken a much more hostile stance towards tourists, especially from the U.S.. Visa requirements are becoming more strict, and the country has become increasingly suspicious of foreigners, making the tourism experience harder. Travelers may also run into bureaucratic and delay hurdles that can spoil your trip.

Libya

A former prosperous country, Libya’s tourism has been ravaged by internal conflict since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi. It’s an incredibly dangerous place to visit, because of ongoing factional fighting and widespread violence, and a lack of government control. Libya has been unstable for so long that tourists are simply not welcome, and if they do make the trip, they may be in grave danger.

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

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