Not welcome here: Five countries that openly discourage tourists
5 countries in the world that tourists are not allowed to enter (Collage RBC-Ukraine)
Tourists cannot travel to every country in the world, as some states deliberately restrict entry for visitors. In some cases, the reasons are political or related to security, while in others they are cultural.
RBC explains which countries are officially unwelcoming to tourists and why.
North Korea: ban on foreign tourists
Although the DPRK previously announced plans to open tourist facilities, including the Wonsan-Kalma resort, the country is officially not accepting foreign tourists at this time. No clear timeline or explanation for reopening has been provided.
Reason: domestic policy marked by strict control and opaque government decisions.
Baltic states: ban on tourists from Russia
Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia officially do not admit tourists from Russia, even those holding Schengen visas. Entry is limited to specific categories, such as humanitarian cases or family visits. Similar restrictions are also in place in Poland and Finland.
Reason: response to Russia’s political aggression and related security concerns.
Mali and Burkina Faso: bans on US citizens
In response to US restrictions, the governments of Mali and Burkina Faso have reinstated reciprocal entry bans for US citizens, effectively halting tourist travel.
Reason: diplomatic escalation and the principle of reciprocity.
United States: restrictive visa policy for certain countries
The US administration has imposed strict visa restrictions or outright blocks on visa issuance for citizens of several African and Middle Eastern countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Eritrea, Libya, Somalia, and Sudan. These measures effectively prevent tourist travel.
Reason: national security concerns and migration control.
Turkmenistan: Central Asia’s most closed country
While Turkmenistan has not completely shut down tourism, it has long remained one of the least accessible countries for independent travelers. Entry for foreigners is tightly regulated, and tourist flows remain extremely limited.
Reason: strict border control policies and limited access for foreign nationals.
What else tourists should know
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Some countries officially refuse tourists due to political decisions, often linked to security or foreign policy.
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European states may restrict entry for citizens of specific countries, creating de facto barriers to tourism.
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Even where no formal ban exists, strict visa or administrative rules can make travel impossible.
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If you plan to visit a non-mainstream destination, carefully check entry and stay requirements in advance.
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Some countries allow tourist entry only with special visas that must be obtained beforehand.
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If you do manage to enter a closed country, strictly follow all local laws and regulations.
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Sources: The Guardian, 24 Kanal, Wikipedia.
