What are the hardest countries to visit in the world?
Here is our list of the 10 most difficult countries to travel to.
This is due to either remote location, accessibility, safety or security, or their difficult visa process.
We may earn affiliate commissions from websites we link to, at no cost to you. Click here for details.
A popular question we’ve received on our journey to visit every country worldwide is, “What are the hardest countries to visit?”
Travelling to many places along the way has been challenging, but our toughest countries to visit are mentioned here.
Let’s start! 10 of the Hardest Countries to Visit in the World
Iran
Iran is definitely not one of the hardest countries to get to when comparing it with the rest of the countries on this list, however, it depends on your nationality.
US citizens, Canadians, and UK citizens have to jump a few more hoops to get their letter of invitation from the Ministry of Foreign affairs to be able to apply for their visa next. Sometimes their application is simply rejected.
Of course, if you have a European or Australian passport the visa process is much easier. In fact, you can even obtain your visa on arrival at the airport.
Why go? Iran is by far one of the best countries we have been to. These are the things we loved most about travelling in Iran. The genuine hospitality of the Iranian people is simply the number one reason to visit.
We especially loved visiting Masouleh, a beautiful rooftop village in Iran.
The food is exceptional, don’t miss these top 10 most delicious foods from Iran.
If you can get an invite for a home-cooked meal, you will be blown away. The cities and sights will keep you wanting to return for more.
Turkmenistan
This might be the least famous of all the “Stans” and with 7000 annual visitors, there is no surprise! The visa process requires a letter of invitation and you must be accompanied by a tour guide during your stay in Turkmenistan.
There is another option. You can get a transit visa if you are entering Turkmenistan via a land border and continuing on to another country. This is what we did.
Why visit? Well, Turkmenistan is one of the strangest places to see. For example, the capital city of Ashgabat is spotless and built mostly from white marble.
There are huge buildings hovering above empty clean streets, and you will ask yourself a question: Where are all the people?
Most importantly, the weirdest sight is the Darvaza Gas Crater also known as the Gates of Hell. It’s a natural gas field set on fire back in the ’70s and yes it is still burning… Sounds crazy?
This tour to visit the Darvaza Crater is highly recommended.
Yes, Turkmenistan is one of the hardest countries to visit, but if you get in, it is full of surprises.
Read more: Turkmenistan Food Guide: 20 Popular Dishes
North Korea – One of the hardest countries to visit for US citizens
North Korea is the country most of us would think of as the hardest country to visit in the world. So it might surprise you, that it’s actually easy enough to get in if you hold a certain passport.
Yes, independent travel is not allowed so you must join an organised tour with local guides and with a set itinerary. We recommend Young Pioneer Tours.
However, when it comes to your visa, it’s all done by your travel agency. Simply turn up to have a glimpse into the everyday life of the most secretive regime. And please follow the rules. Entry to North Korea is currently not possible for US and South Korean passport holders.
Unfortunately, both North Korea and Turkmenistan are the toughest countries to visit in the world for citizens of the USA.
Why go? As a traveller, there will always be the desire to travel somewhere so distinctively different from our own home country. North Korea is just that.
If you are not sure if you should visit North Korea, read this article Should you visit North Korea? Is it Unethical?
You may be interested in reading about these 7 myths about North Korea.
And, have you ever wondered what the food in North Korea is like? Here are 10 popular dishes.
Libya
If you ask anyone in the travel world about Libya, you will get a blank stare. The years of unrest and conflict in the country are usually the only things that come to mind. Tourism was limited during Gaddafi’s reign, but after the Arab Spring in 2011, it was paralyzed by the ongoing conflict.
As of late 2022, the ongoing conflict in Libya and the instability of the government means Libya is really only suitable for experienced travellers.
If this interests you, there is very little information on how to visit Libya as a tourist.
Passports and visas are required to enter Libya for all nationalities except nationals of Algeria, Jordan, Mauritania, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia, and Turkey.
When we visited Libya, they did not offer or issue tourist visas; the only option was to apply for a business visa.
UPDATE: Since March 2024, there has been a new eVisa for tourists who wish to visit Libya for tourism purposes. You can find all the information you need to apply for a Libyan visa here.
To obtain your e-Visa, you will likely still need the help of an agency. We covered this process in more detail when we visited Libya in 2022. Read our post – How to Visit Libya – Everything you need to know.
This country has some incredible sights to offer, especially the Roman Cities of Sabratha and Leptis Magna, but it remains one of the least visited countries for tourism.
This is our experience visiting Libya – one of the least visited countries in the world.
And for those interested, these are the 10 most popular foods in Libya.
Angola
Angola is not on everyone one’s bucket list for a reason. Years of civil war and political unrest have seen only a few keen travellers making their way here. Also the capital Luanda has been nominated as the most expensive city in the world.
The visa process for Angola can take several weeks and any nationalities are required to apply in their home country. You’ll need a letter of invitation and proof of hotel booking to apply and then it’s still anyone’s guess.
Updated: As of 2020, Evisa for Angola is now available.
Eritrea
Eritrea is a small unknown African country located on the banks of the Red Sea. To clarify, it has been called the North Korea of Africa as only a few people visit. And it’s mostly known for being the last on the list World Press Freedom Index.
There is no guarantee you will get a visa. Some applicants may only succeed after multiple attempts at obtaining one. We were successful in obtaining our Eritrean visa in the Eritrean Consulate in Melbourne, Australia.
Alternatively, if you cannot get a visa, then your best option is to join an organised tour and hope your travel agency will be able to apply for your visas on your behalf.
You can technically get a visa on arrival if there is no embassy in your home country. But you will need a visa approval letter from the government which can take weeks or months so technically still one of the hardest countries to visit in the world.
Equatorial Guinea
This small country in Africa was a real headache for many travellers, including us. The reason why this is one of the hardest countries to visit in the world is its location and a really difficult visa.
In fact, there are only a few embassies in the world that can issue visas for Equatorial Guinea! So if you need a visa (and almost all nationalities do), your best option is to get it in Cameroon or Gabon. These countries border Equatorial Guinea, but you are not allowed to cross the mainland border as a foreigner! Let me explain:
Equatorial Guinea consists of two parts: the mainland region Rio Muni and the island part of Bioko. If you secure your visa somehow, you will have to fly to the capital Malabo.
Oh, and it will cost you a fortune. The 45 minutes flight from Douala in Cameroon to Malabo in EG can cost up to $500. Ouch!
- 🔥 Hot Tip: Book accommodation on Booking.com
- 🎟 Book your tickets online: We use Viator and GetYourGuide
- 🔋 Stay charged: This Belkin Power Bank is essential!
- 📸 Join a Group Tour: View our tours OR search Tourradar
- ✅ Get Connected with eSIM: Easy and affordable! View eSIM
Yemen
Yemen has been a country of limits since the civil war broke out in 2015. And due to ongoing armed conflict and the extremely high threat of terrorism and kidnapping, most governments advise citizens against traveling to Yemen.
There are a few trusted local agencies on the ground that can arrange a visit to mainland Yemen for persistent travelers. They can arrange help arrange your visa, guide, driver, logistics, hotel, and safety while you’re on the ground.
Expect to pay quite a lot of money for it. Essentially though, you’re paying a high price to ensure your safety in Yemen.
While many travellers stay away, there is a place that seems to attract the most adventurous.
The island of Socotra is located just off the coast of the horn of Africa and this is a paradise for nature lovers. Known for its biodiversity, over 700 endemic species, and unique dragon blood trees, this is an untouched gem.
Want to learn more about Socotra?
Read more in our detailed post about How to Visit Socotra Island. This post covers essential information about how to get to Socotra, how to get a visa and what to expect from this destination.
We recommend booking a package with Eye Of Socotra (quote our code: EYEOFSOCOTRA5 for 5% off a tour package). They offer two popular tour itineraries that you can view here.
Read this post to learn what it’s really like to visit Socotra, the unique Island in Yemen.
Kiribati
Kiribati (pronunciation of ‘Kiribati‘ is ‘Kiribas’) is a remote island nation in the Central Pacific close to the Dateline. It’s, therefore, one of the world’s least-visited as well as hardest countries to get to.
If you are an EU passport holder you are very lucky and can get your visa on arrival. Other nationalities must apply for a visa at one of very few Kiribati embassies.
The reason to go? Amazing beaches, fishing, snorkelling and the ability to be on the island that starts each day first in the whole world.
Get Connected with eSIM
Get connected easily on your travels—buy an eSIM! It works like an app: buy it, download it, and get connected in minutes! It’s easy, affordable, and convenient. Keep your original phone number, too!
Use our code: RACHEL5045 to get $3 off your first purchase!
Nauru
Nauru is officially the least visited country in the world. Both, the remote location in the Pacific and limited scheduled flights make this country one of the hardest to visit. The strict visa regulations add to it.
Here is a helpful article on how to get your visa to Nauru.
Most nationalities need to obtain a visa beforehand at of the 4 embassies in the world! Nauru is also the site of Australia’s notorious refugee detention centre that has sparked controversy in recent years.
Why go? Well, there are not many countries you can cover in just a day. And you might actually be the only tourist here at that time!
Runner-up for the hardest countries in the world to visit: Somalia
Be aware that most of these countries are difficult to visit for a reason. If you choose to travel to any of these places, be sure to check your latest government advice.
So there you have it! Our list of the 10 hardest countries in the world to visit after visiting them all. We know that things change, and if you’ve experienced incredible difficulties while trying to see a country that doesn’t appear on our list, please share your story with us below.
More Travel Tips
We have so many tips to help you travel more!
These 21 cheapest countries to visit will help you stretch your hard-earned dollars further.
Read our top 6 travel hacks to save money and the 20 best travel apps to make travel easier!
For food lovers, don’t miss our top 10 best countries for foodies. And, if history is your thing, these 30 amazing historical places worldwide will fascinate you!
We have many tips to save money for travel and consider these 20 jobs that PAY YOU to travel the world to help you travel longer.
If you become a trusted housesitter, you can also get FREE accommodation worldwide. Read more about how this works.
Check out our ultimate packing list for travellers, and remember to pack travel insurance! We recommend these two travel insurance companies for excellent coverage.
Our 12 essential tips for safe travel in any country are worth a read.
You’ll need to stay connected while travelling the world. We recommend eSIM. It’s easy, reliable and affordable. View eSIMs for individual countries, or consider a Global eSIM if you travel to multiple countries or regions. This eSIM connects you in 124 countries, offering data-only eSIM and data/call/text eSIM.
The Global eSIM has been a game-changer; we couldn’t imagine travelling without it now.
If you want to travel with like-minded travellers, consider joining a group tour.
Check our Group Tours first for any upcoming trips you may be interested to join, or view these deals on worldwide group tours with Tourradar.
Check out our best-ever travel tips compiled from more than twenty years of experience.
Travel Planning Resources
✈️ Flights: We use Skyscanner to book cheap flights worldwide.
🏨 Accommodation: Booking.com is our preferred platform for booking hotels and accommodation. We use Vrbo to book apartments and long-term stays.
🏥 Travel Insurance: We recommend Heymondo (Get 15% off Heymondo) & SafetyWing
🚌 Transportation: Trainline is the best website to reserve trains. We use Omio to book transport worldwide. For travel in Asia, we use 12Go.
🚘 Car Rental: We use DiscoverCars to book rental cars worldwide.
👫 Group Tours: We now offer Group Trips; view them here! Alternatively, we recommend searching the Tourradar website. For Europe, Expat Explore is a good choice. *Get 5% off when you quote code VERYHUNGRYNOMADS to your Expat reservations agent. (*Valid for new clients only).
📸 Day Tours & Trips: GetYourGuide & Viator are the only two platforms you need.
📚 Lonely Planet: The Best Range of Travel Guides & Ebooks, and FREE Shipping! (use code RACHELDAVEY10 for a 10% discount)
🎒 Luggage: Osprey Farpoint 40L Backpack or Samsonite Luggage Range.
🛄 What to Pack: Don’t forget your Universal charger and a good power bank. To help you pack the essentials, here is our ULTIMATE Packing List for all Travellers.
🐶 Become a House Sitter: Join Trusted Housesitters and enjoy FREE accommodation worldwide. Use our invite to receive 25% off your new membership.
💰 Send Money Anywhere: WISE & Revolut are the best online accounts that let you send money, get paid, and spend money internationally. Both are so easy to use and way cheaper than any bank transfer.
📶 Stay Connected: Airalo eSIM allows you to get connected the moment you land at your destination, and you can avoid those expensive data roaming charges. We LOVE this product! Use code RACHEL5045 to get $3 off your first Airalo eSIM.
✅ Check out our Travel Gear and Travel Resources for more valuable tips to save you money!
1 Comment. Leave new
Good to know is that Angola has become one of the easiest countries to visit as of the end of September 2023. Still not so much tourist infrastructure, but visa free for almost 100 nationalities. Also I thought it wasn’t expensive (anymore). Hope you’ll have a chance to revisit.