13 Countries We Miss Traveling to the Most

Let's face it: some countries just won't allow travelers to visit them just yet due to the pandemic. While some, like Chile and Australia, are planning to open their borders to travelers this year, others haven't yet announced when they'll reopen to American tourists. Check out this slideshow to learn more about the beloved countries we can't yet visit.

Argentina, home to Buenos Aires, one of the cultural capitals of Latin America, is known for its Argentine tango and delicious asados, or grilled meats. It is currently not allowing American citizens into the country, and there are no current plans to reopen soon. It has had 5.25 million cases of COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic, and current numbers from Our World in Data show that 64 percent of the country's population has at least one dose of a vaccine.

Australia, after repeated lockdowns and a heavy vaccination campaign, is expected to reopen by December of this year! Soon, vaccinated Americans will be able to take excursions through the outback, see wild kangaroos and koalas, as well as snorkel or scuba in the Great Barrier Reef. Currently, 62 percent of Australians have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine; the government's goal for reopening is to reach 80 percent fully vaccinated.

Since the U.S. is considered a red zone country, Bulgaria is not allowing Americans who come from the U.S. to enter the country unless they arrive from a green or orange zone country, making it confusing and challenging for travelers. That being said, it's home to a lively culture and some of the most beautiful cities in Europe you've never heard of, like its capital, Sofia. The country has had over 491,000 cases of COVID-19 and almost 25,000 deaths. There is currently no data on vaccinations.

After more than eighteen months with closed borders, Chile will officially allow American tourists beginning October 1! A diverse land filled with beautiful beaches, vineyards, mountains, forests, deserts and yes, even glaciers, Chile is a destination you'll want to come back and explore again and again. Chile lost more than 37,000 people to the pandemic, but current data shows that 73 percent of its population is fully vaccinated, which is why the country will finally reopen.

Americans traveling from the U.S. cannot enter the region of Hong Kong, making it difficult and sometimes even impossible to travel there. Home to Disneyland Hong Kong, a thriving arts scene, modern skyscrapers and ancient temples, it's a great destination to experience Chinese culture, with a British flair, of course. Since the travel restrictions are in place because the U.S. is currently classified as a red zone country, there are no plans to change these requirements. Only 213 individuals in Hong Kong have died from COVID-19, and about 59 percent of the population has received at least one dose of a vaccine.

India, home to ancient cultures, incredible foods and some of the most photographed attractions in the world, like the Taj Mahal, attracts and delights millions each year, though the country has not yet begun allowing travelers in for tourism purposes. India was one of the hardest-hit countries in the world last year, with over 446,000 deaths overall. It counts about 16 percent of its population as fully vaccinated, while around 45 percent of the population has received at least one shot.

Indonesia is known as a wellness vacation destination, home to some of the world's best beaches, as well as ancient temples and gorgeous landscapes. American travelers cannot enter the country without a visa yet. Indonesia has lost more than 141,000 people to COVID-19, and current numbers show 31 percent of its population has received at least one dose of a vaccine.

While Kazakhstan might be a surprising country to add to the list of countries we miss most, the new country is home to a surprising host of attractions, including a futuristic capital city and breathtaking plains, deserts and mountains, as well as a diverse mix of cultures that range from Russian to Turkic and more. Kazakhstan has only seen 816 individuals die of COVID-19, while 34 percent of its population has been fully vaccinated.

The island of Madagascar is currently not allowing American tourists into the country. Home to some of the most breathtaking flora and fauna in the world (the island alone is home to five percent of the world's biodiversity), it draws plant and animal lovers to the island each year for expedition-style travel adventures. The island has one of the worst vaccination rates in the world, with less than one percent of its people even partially vaccinated against COVID-19, though it has reported 958 deaths.

Malaysia is home to incredible beaches, jungles and a mix of Asian and British influence. Its capital city, Kuala Lumpur, offers both futuristic skyscrapers and colonial buildings to explore. Currently, American citizens cannot travel to the country for tourism purposes. Malaysia has had over 25,000 deaths due to the pandemic, though 60 percent of its population is currently fully vaccinated.

New Zealand gained worldwide recognition when The Lord of the Rings series was filmed there; its incredible natural geography, composed of the rolling hills of The Shire and the craggy volcanic mountains of Mordor, continues to draw people, both hikers and movie enthusiasts alike, to the island nation. New Zealand has had one of the strictest border policies and pandemic regulations of any country in the world, and it's definitely helped save lives. The country records only 27 deaths, while 67 percent of the population has received at least one dose.

Norway, the home of icy fjords and verdant mountains, stunning winter scenes and the aurora borealis, currently does not allow any Americans to enter the country unless they are directly related to Norwegian citizens. The country does not have plans to change these rules any time soon. Norway has recorded 850 deaths from the beginning of the pandemic, while 76 percent of its population has received at least one dose of a vaccine.