Venezuela: Economic Collapse and Safety Concerns
Venezuela, once a hub for South American adventure seekers, has experienced a catastrophic decline in tourism. The country’s ongoing economic collapse has resulted in runaway hyperinflation, leaving even basic goods like food and medicine in short supply. According to tourism industry reports, Venezuela’s international arrivals have plunged by more than 80% since 2015. Visitors who once flocked to the Caribbean coast or Angel Falls now face alarming safety risks, including one of the highest crime rates in the world. The U.S. Department of State and several European governments have issued stern travel warnings, urging citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to Venezuela. Infrastructure is crumbling, with unreliable electricity, water, and transport further discouraging visitors. Tour operators have all but disappeared, and even seasoned backpackers avoid the country. For now, Venezuela’s doors to tourists are nearly closed, with no sign of reopening soon.
Afghanistan: Ongoing Conflict and Instability
Afghanistan’s breathtaking mountains and ancient Silk Road sites are overshadowed by relentless conflict. After the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, tourism has all but vanished, with a dramatic 90% drop in foreign visitors compared to the early 2000s. The security situation is extremely volatile, with incidents of violence, bombing, and kidnapping reported almost daily. Travel advisories from Canada, the UK, and many EU countries now uniformly warn against all travel. Infrastructure has been decimated, leaving hotels, roads, and airports in poor condition or outright destroyed. The current government imposes strict social restrictions, making travel especially challenging for women and Westerners. Even adventurous travelers and journalists now avoid Afghanistan due to the extreme danger. The nation remains firmly closed to tourism, with little hope for change in the near future.
Syria: War-Torn Landscape
Syria, once a magnet for history buffs and pilgrims, has been ravaged by civil war since 2011. Tourist arrivals are nearly nonexistent, with official records showing a drop to almost zero international visitors by 2025. The ongoing conflict has reduced cities and ancient heritage sites to rubble, including UNESCO treasures like Palmyra. Multiple governments, including the U.S. and France, have issued maximum-level travel warnings due to threats of violence, kidnapping, and terrorism. Humanitarian organizations describe basic services as dire, with shortages in food, water, and medical care widespread. Tourists cannot rely on transportation or even safe lodging, as many hotels have closed or been repurposed for emergency use. The devastation has erased much of Syria’s tourism infrastructure and appeal. For the foreseeable future, Syria remains off-limits to travelers.
North Korea: Strict Regulations and Limited Access
North Korea stands as the world’s most insular nation, where tourism is tightly regulated and closely monitored by state-appointed guides. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, visitor numbers have dropped by more than 90%, and as of 2025, the border remains effectively sealed to foreign travelers. Those who do gain entry are confined to rigid itineraries and can rarely interact with locals or explore independently. International watchdogs and several governments highlight North Korea’s human rights abuses and repressive surveillance as major deterrents for visitors. Travel warnings from the U.S., South Korea, and Japan consistently advise against all non-essential travel. Access to information is severely restricted, making it challenging for travelers to stay informed or communicate with the outside world. Even tour companies that once offered trips to Pyongyang have suspended operations indefinitely. North Korea’s closed doors are unlikely to open to tourists anytime soon.
Iran: Political Tensions and Sanctions
Iran, with its legendary cultural sites and bustling bazaars, is now overshadowed by political turmoil and heavy international sanctions. Since the escalation of regional tensions and continued nuclear negotiations, tourism arrivals have plummeted by more than 70% since 2019. The U.S. and several European nations warn of the risk of arbitrary detention, especially for dual nationals and journalists. Sanctions have crippled the economy, making it difficult for tourists to access money, book hotels, or communicate with the outside world. The situation is compounded by periodic protests and government crackdowns, which often spill into areas frequented by tourists. Many popular tour operators have stopped offering trips to Iran due to the unpredictable environment. The current government’s restrictive policies make it unlikely that the country will welcome a surge in visitors soon. Tourists are increasingly looking elsewhere for their Middle Eastern adventures.
Yemen: Humanitarian Crisis and Safety Issues
Yemen’s ancient cities and stunning landscapes have become inaccessible due to ongoing war and one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Since the outbreak of conflict in 2015, tourism has come to a virtual standstill, with almost zero foreign arrivals in recent years. The country faces widespread violence, famine, and outbreaks of diseases like cholera, making travel extremely dangerous. Nearly all Western governments, including the UK and Australia, have issued blanket travel bans to Yemen, citing a high risk of kidnapping, terrorist attacks, and armed clashes. Infrastructure such as airports, hotels, and roads has been devastated, leaving few safe or reliable options for travelers. Humanitarian groups report that even locals struggle to access basic necessities, let alone tourists. The ancient wonders of Sana’a and Socotra remain out of reach for the world. Yemen is expected to remain closed to visitors for the foreseeable future.
Libya: Political Instability and Security Concerns
Libya, once known for its Roman ruins and Mediterranean coast, has been gripped by chaos since the fall of Gaddafi in 2011. As of 2025, international tourist arrivals have dropped by over 90% compared to pre-revolution levels. The country is fragmented by rival militias and frequent outbreaks of violence, making travel extremely risky. Governments including Italy and Germany strongly advise against all travel, citing high risks of terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest. The destruction of infrastructure has left many hotels abandoned and travel services unreliable or nonexistent. Internet and phone services are spotty, further complicating communication for any would-be visitors. Even business travelers and NGOs face challenges gaining entry and moving safely within the country. Libya’s instability ensures it will remain closed to most tourists for the time being.
Central African Republic: Ongoing Violence and Insecurity
The Central African Republic (CAR) has seen its tourism sector collapse amid years of armed conflict and insecurity. Since 2013, international visitor numbers have fallen by more than 80%, with only a handful of adventurers braving the journey. The United Nations and multiple governments warn that violence between armed groups poses a severe danger to outsiders. Most hotels, lodges, and tour operators have closed, unable to guarantee even basic safety. The country’s rich natural reserves and wildlife remain largely inaccessible, as national parks are often caught in the crossfire. Infrastructure is minimal, with few paved roads or reliable transport options outside the capital. The lack of medical facilities and emergency services further amplifies the risk for tourists. CAR’s ongoing instability all but ensures it will continue to turn tourists away.
South Sudan: Humanitarian Crisis and Safety Risks
South Sudan, the world’s youngest country, has been engulfed in conflict and humanitarian disaster since its independence in 2011. The war has pushed tourism to the brink, with foreign arrivals nearly nonexistent since 2013. The U.S. and other Western governments warn of high risks, including violent crime, armed conflict, and disease outbreaks such as malaria and cholera. Infrastructure is almost entirely lacking, with few functional hotels, roads, or airports outside the capital, Juba. Humanitarian organizations report that even basic healthcare and food are scarce, leaving little for tourists. The country’s remarkable wildlife and cultural diversity remain hidden, as travel outside secure zones is unsafe. Communication networks are unreliable, making it difficult for visitors to call for help or stay informed. South Sudan is not expected to welcome tourists for years to come.
Belarus: Political Repression and Travel Restrictions
Belarus has drawn global attention for its political repression, especially after the disputed 2020 elections and subsequent crackdown on dissent. By 2025, the number of foreign tourists has dropped by more than 50% compared to 2019, as government actions have made the country unwelcoming. The U.S., EU, and UK have all issued strong travel warnings, citing risks of arbitrary arrest and detention, particularly for foreigners involved in protests or journalism. The government controls information and restricts internet access, making it difficult for tourists to stay connected or get help. Many international flights have been suspended, further isolating the country. Hotel operators and tour guides report a dramatic drop in bookings, with many unable to operate due to safety concerns. The tense political climate and frequent demonstrations make travel unpredictable and risky. Belarus continues to be a nation that turns tourists away rather than inviting them in.
