North Korea: The Hermit Kingdom Closes Its Doors Even Tighter
Stepping into North Korea has always felt like entering another universe—a place shrouded in secrecy, rules, and rigid control. In 2025, this shroud has only thickened. The government has become even more selective about who gets in, with only a few state-approved tours allowed each year. According to the Korea Tourism Organization, there has been a staggering 60% drop in foreign tourists since 2020. The regime’s desire to maintain internal stability is stronger than ever, especially as global tensions refuse to ease. Strict surveillance, no independent travel, and a heavy military presence mean curiosity seekers are mostly kept out. Foreign diplomats and aid workers are among the few who ever see Pyongyang’s streets. Even travelers from China, once a steady source of visitors, are subject to intense screening and quotas. All signs point to North Korea drawing its curtains even tighter against the outside world.
Afghanistan: A Land Where Tourism Is a Distant Dream
Afghanistan’s landscapes are breathtaking, but beauty is nothing against the backdrop of conflict and uncertainty. Since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, the country has seen tourism plummet to almost nothing. The United Nations reported just 2,000 foreign visitors in 2024, a jaw-dropping drop from 200,000 in 2019. Security risks dominate the headlines—bombings, kidnappings, and a lack of basic infrastructure have made travel warnings the norm. Most embassies have closed or offer only emergency services, and insurance companies refuse to cover trips here. The government itself discourages tourism, prioritizing internal issues over welcoming outsiders. Even adventure travelers, who once sought the old Silk Road, have retreated. Afghanistan’s doors are nearly shut, making it unlikely to see tourists anytime soon.
Syria: A Nation Where War Blocks Every Path
Few countries have endured more devastation in recent years than Syria. The civil war, now dragging into its second decade, has left cities in ruins and basic infrastructure in tatters. In 2023, fewer than 1,000 foreign tourists entered the country, according to the latest regional reports. The U.S. State Department and other governments continue to issue dire travel warnings, and the threat of violence or kidnapping is ever present. The government’s focus remains on survival and recovery, not hospitality. Ancient sites like Palmyra, once bustling with visitors, now stand silent and guarded. Humanitarian groups are some of the only outsiders allowed in, and their movement is tightly controlled. The nation’s gates are firmly closed, and the future for tourism here is bleak.
Iran: Tensions and Sanctions Stifle Foreign Visits
Iran’s allure—its ancient cities, vibrant bazaars, and stunning landscapes—has always been tangled in political complexity. In 2024, that complexity thickened as the government set new restrictions on foreign visitors, citing growing security concerns. The Iranian Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization reported a sharp drop to just 4 million tourists in 2024, compared to 7 million in 2019. Tensions with the U.S. and Western allies have resulted in more scrutiny at borders and increased visa rejections. Some nationalities are now outright banned. Even religious pilgrimages, once a steady source of visitors, face tighter controls. Many travel companies have suspended operations, and airlines have cut routes. Iran’s message to the world is clear: not now, maybe not ever.
Venezuela: Crisis and Chaos Keep Visitors at Bay
Venezuela once offered lush jungles and vibrant cities to the world, but today, it’s a very different story. The country’s economic collapse, ongoing political crisis, and rampant crime have gutted its tourism industry. According to the U.S. Department of State, only around 500,000 tourists visited in 2023, compared to more than 2 million just a decade ago. Hyperinflation and shortages mean basic services are unreliable, even in the capital, Caracas. Blackouts and long lines for food are common. Foreign embassies regularly warn against travel due to the risk of violence and kidnapping. Even neighboring countries have tightened border controls. Venezuela’s government hasn’t prioritized tourism—if anything, the environment is actively hostile to visitors.
Yemen: War and Hardship Turn Visitors Away
Yemen’s story is one of heartbreak and hardship. The ongoing civil war has left much of the country in ruins, and the United Nations calls it one of the world’s worst humanitarian disasters. In 2024, fewer than 1,000 foreign tourists entered Yemen, according to humanitarian agencies. Most embassies have shuttered, and international flights are rare and unpredictable. The government, when it can, actively discourages foreign visitors due to the danger. Essential services—water, electricity, healthcare—are in short supply, even for locals. Roads are blocked by checkpoints and armed groups, making travel outside major cities nearly impossible. For the foreseeable future, Yemen is off-limits to almost everyone.
Libya: A Country Where Chaos Reigns
Libya’s struggle for stability has left its tourism industry in tatters. Once known for Roman ruins and Mediterranean beaches, today it’s a place of military checkpoints and shifting allegiances. The U.S. State Department’s ongoing travel warning highlights the risk of violence, armed robbery, and kidnapping. In 2023, only about 10,000 tourists managed to visit—down from 1.5 million in 2010. Most hotels are closed, and international flights are sporadic. The government has put up barriers to foreign entry, with visas nearly impossible to obtain. Aid workers and journalists are among the few outsiders, and even they face huge risks. Libya’s instability all but guarantees that tourists will remain unwelcome.
Belarus: Isolation Grows after Political Upheaval
Belarus’s reputation as “Europe’s last dictatorship” grew even more entrenched after the disputed 2020 elections. International sanctions and government crackdowns have made the country increasingly isolated. The number of foreign tourists dropped by 50% in 2024, with only about 1 million people visiting, according to government statistics. The government requires strict visas, and border guards are known for turning people away without explanation. Political protests are met with harsh police responses, creating a climate of fear. Western airlines have reduced or canceled flights to Minsk, while neighboring countries have closed border crossings. Belarus’s government is making it ever harder for outsiders to enter, and the trend shows no sign of reversing.
Myanmar: Military Rule Drives Tourists Away
Myanmar, once hailed as Southeast Asia’s next big destination, has fallen into crisis since the 2021 military coup. Violence, protests, and curfews have become part of daily life. In 2023, only about 300,000 tourists visited, compared to 4.5 million in 2019, according to regional tourism boards. Most embassies advise against all travel, and foreign journalists face arrest or deportation. Hotels and travel agencies have closed in droves, and the government has restricted access to many regions. Even popular sites like Bagan are now empty. The uncertainty and danger make Myanmar an unlikely destination for the foreseeable future.
Russia: Sanctions and Suspicion Freeze Out Foreigners
Russia’s global image has shifted dramatically in recent years due to sanctions and ongoing geopolitical conflicts. In 2024, the government imposed new restrictions on foreign visitors, citing national security. Official figures show a 30% drop in international arrivals in 2023, with just 5 million tourists compared to much higher pre-crisis numbers. Visa policies have become stricter, and some nationalities face outright bans. Popular routes from Europe and North America have been cut, and major events have been canceled or made domestic-only. The atmosphere for foreigners has grown more suspicious, leading many to simply stay away. Russia’s cold welcome is becoming even colder.
