In an age where many people are becoming increasingly open to touring interesting places around the world, it is important to note that not all countries in the world are welcoming or even want you there.
Some of these countries are quite hostile to foreigners and tourists as a result of strained international relations. From limitations on getting a visa to difficulty getting flights, these are some of the hardest places to visit in the world.
1. Libya
Most government officials warn against travelling to Libya. The UK government has since 2014 advised against all travel to Libya. This same restriction is in place for citizens of the United States and even Australians.
The major pointer for it being that local security situations are fragile and can quickly deteriorate into intense fighting and clashes without warning. According to the Australian government, there’s a high threat of terrorist attack, kidnapping and crime.
In spite of this, it is not impossible to visit the country. You’ll need to enter Libya through Egypt if you are not an African (countries like Algeria, Niger, Sudan and Chad are closed to non-Africans).
There are no direct flights to Libya from the UK and US, but Afriqiyah Airways flies from Istanbul to Tripoli or you could take a connecting flight through Tunis.
2. North Korea
North Korea does not want you in their country and they would not go out of their way to hide it. For decades, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea – more commonly known as North Korea – has been one of the world’s most secretive countries.
Its government doesn’t like people from outside the country going there and finding out what’s going on. A major pointer to its separation from the international community is its nuclear program.
Back in 2013, there were reports that the country was carrying out nuclear tests, and as far back as the 1960s, the country made clear it wanted to have nuclear weapons. This was partly to show its military strength, but also to protect itself because it believes some countries want to attack it.
North Korea requires all visitors to book a full package tour before visiting. During your visit, you’ll be required to stay with your guides the entire time. The lack of North Korean embassy in most countries means tourists will need to travel to China before booking a tour.
3. Turkmenistan
To get to Turkmenistan, you’ll need to agree to be accompanied by a guide for the duration of your stay which can be quite expensive. In fact, you need to have a letter from a tourist agency in order to obtain a visa. And the whole process will take around 6 weeks.
If you agree with the guide, they can let you roam around Ashgabat and other big cities alone but you’re legally forbidden to travel around Turkmenistan without them, so technically you would be breaking the law.
Knowing all this, it’s no wonder that tourism in Turkmenistan is anything but booming and the country is one of the least visited in the world. However, there are ways around it. If you’re arriving by car or bike through another country you can apply for transit and visit the country without an official guide.
4. Bhutan
50 decades ago people were unable to visit the Kingdom of Bhutan. Thanks to the mountainous Tibet to the north and the dense jungles of West Bengal.
Today there are two airlines that fly to and from Bhutan (Drukair and Bhutan Airlines). However, you will need to pay for your trip in advance which is an all-inclusive package through a Bhutanese travel agent.
5. Syria
Syria is currently in the midst of conflict and they have no visa for anyone. The United States government advises its citizens that no part of Syria is safe from violence.
Kidnappings by armed groups, arbitrary arrests, the use of chemical warfare, shelling, and aerial bombardment pose a significant risk of death or serious injury.
Since each visa has to be approved through a complex process, potential visitors face an indefinite wait to be approved or declined.
