The Most Difficult Places in the World for Americans to Visit

by Alex Temblador
Last updated:: 6:00 AM ET, Thu February 27, 2020

PHOTO: Hand luggage at the airport in front of an airplane (Photo via Ralf Geithe / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

Kabul, Afghanistan. (photo via christophe_cerisier/E+)

Capital of the North Korea (Matej Hudovernik / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

Asmara is the capital of the East African country, Eritrea. (photo via iStock / Getty Images Plus / hugy)

PHOTO: Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque on Naqsh-e Jahan Square of Isfahan, Iran. (Photo via Leonid Andronov / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Tiger's Nest monastery at Paro, Bhutan. (Photo via StephenChing / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

Annobon Island has a population of just 5,000 people. (photo via iStock / Getty Images Plus / fotocinema)

PHOTO: The port city of Lagos, Nigeria. (photo courtesy of Jaxons/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: The Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet, former residence of the Dalai Lama. (Photo courtesy of Silversea / Andrea Frazzetta)

Tristan Da Cunha is a remote island in the south Atlantic Ocean. (photo via iStock / Getty Images Plus / VictoriaJStokes)

The Monument Arch of Independence in Ashkhabad, Turkmenistan. (photo via iStock / Getty Images Plus / Velirina)

PHOTO: Luanda, Angola. (photo via AdemarRangel/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Caracas, Venezuela. (photo via DouglasOlivares / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Driving down the Malecon in Havana, Cuba. (photo via Lauren Bowman)

Tourist taking photos in Antarctica. (photo via iStock / Getty Images Plus / NicoElNino)

Sunset view of the Red Square in Moscow, Russia. (photo via Nikolay Antonov/Dreamstime)

Is the trip worth the effort?

1/16

Planning a trip can be stressful. You have to pack, plan where you want to go, what you want to do. However, what if you had to add a grueling visa process or book a crazy itinerary of planes and boats just to get where you're going? We've put together a list of the most difficult places to visit in the world from those that are very remote to others who require a bit more paperwork to visit. Check out the list and ask yourself: how far would you go to visit?

Afghanistan

2/16

Afghanistan is currently under a Level 4 Warning by the U.S. Department of State, but if you're willing to overlook the threats of terrorism and violence to explore a stunning land with a unique culture of people, it could be worth all the work.

You'll have to apply for a visa, which tends to take five to seven business days to get approved, though there is now an expedited option. After printing the application out and mailing it in with a packet that includes a picture taken under strict requirements, detailed information about your trip, and a health clearance letter, you'll wait to see if your visa is approved.

Your visa could be denied for reasons such as "When the individual is suspected to disrupt security, disrupt general order, is suspected of moral corruption, or lacks respect for the rules of Islam," according to the Afghanistan Embassy website.

Once in Afghanistan, it's advisable to have a tour guide who can set up an itinerary and provide security, if need be. Yet, despite all the efforts that guides take to make it safe for visitors, Afghanistan does pose a real threat to tourists, and this is something you'll have to accept.

Those who want to take the chance, however, are often met with unique cultural interactions with locals, beautiful sights of mosques and outdoor landscapes, and memorable experiences like skiing.

North Korea

3/16

Travel to North Korea is nearly impossible for U.S. citizens due to a ban on travel to the country by the U.S. However, special exceptions are made.

On the U.S. Department of State's North Korea page it reads: "Individuals cannot use a U.S. passport to travel to, in, or through North Korea without a special validation from the Department of State." They add: "Special validations are granted only in very limited circumstances."

Journalists and representatives of the Red Cross are considered for a special validation, as are those whose trip proves to be compelled by humanitarian missions or in the national interest of North Korea. You'll have to fill out an application and then wait to see if it is approved by the U.S. Department of State.

Upon arrival, your passport may be held until you leave and things like your cell phone could be confiscated. Keep in mind, that you'll need to follow North Korea's strict laws, as arrest and long-term detention is a serious possibility.

On 22nd January 2020, North Korea closed its borders for tourism due to the spread of the coronavirus. What this means for U.S. citizens who do get special validation is not exactly clear, but it's probably going to be even more difficult to visit than it already was.

Eritrea

4/16

Eritrea is called the "North Korea of Africa," and like North Korea, it's not an easy place to visit due to a lengthy visa application. However, for those looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience like no other, it may be worth the hassle.

You'll have to fill out an application and show financial proof that you can cover your stay in Eritrea, and pay for the cost of the visa application which is $110. Following that, you'll have to present yourself at the Embassy of Eritrea in Washington D.C. for an in-person interview -- no exceptions. Even kids traveling with parents have to be at the interview and will be interviewed alone.

On top of that, you'll need to book a flight to Eritrea, which will include at least one to two layovers when traveling from the U.S. If you want to visit places beyond Asmara, you will need to get a permit from the Ministry of Tourism for each place you visit. Make it easier on yourself and book a tour with a local travel agency who can handle that more easily.

Last but not least, don't expect U.S. comforts. Electricity is not always reliable, Internet access is minimal (if that), and it's a cash-only economy so your credit cards are virtually useless. And like in North Korea, it's best to follow the law in Eritrea and not speak ill of the government, as you could find yourself in deep trouble.

Iran

5/16

Tour company Intrepid Travel describes Iran like this: "It's hard to reconcile the country you've heard about on the news with a place where iPhone-toting locals carve up the Alborz piste, old women invite you in for a hot Chelow kebab and Tinder dominates the dating scene. Conservative and unconventional, deeply religious and deeply surprising, Iran tours don't fit into any easy pigeonhole."

With a description like that, of course, tourists are curious to visit the place they usually only hear about on the news. However, visiting Iran involves a lengthy process and a lot of rules.

According to Jen Hartin, Destination Manager of the Middle East & Turkey at Intrepid Travel, "American and Canadian citizens cannot do solo travel at the moment. Instead, they can travel the country with an authorized tour operator."

You'll have to obtain a visa before you travel to Iran which involves getting an authorization code for your visa issued by the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

"For American and Canadian citizens this application is facilitated by your tour operator and certain documentation is required, including a resume, a list of previously visited countries and passport photos. You will need your entry and exit details as well. Your operator will submit this information to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in Iran for consideration of your visa," Hartin explained.

"After receiving the approval you will get an authorization code. A visa for your passport must then be obtained through an Iranian Embassy," Hartin said. "For US and Canadian citizens, this is via the interests section of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the United States as part of the Pakistani Embassy in Washington, D.C., and is the de facto consular representation of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the United States."

Hartin says that it takes at least three months before departure to undergo this process, and your visa could still get refused. "We occasionally get a visa refused, and we are not advised why and are not able to obtain a reason," Hartin said.

Of course, there are other things for U.S. travelers to consider when planning their trip to Iran, and a lot of it relates to political tensions between Iran and the U.S.

"Currency can fluctuate daily and it needs to be noted that for visitors to Iran cash is the only option, as foreign debit or credit cards are rarely accepted. Sanctions have also added pressure on services and whilst Iran may seem very cheap on the ground due to many local subsidies, particularly in regard to food, infrastructure for tourism like hotels and transport can seem higher in comparison," said Hartin.

Lastly, she noted that "US and Canadian citizens…are only allowed to arrive in the country up to 24 hours before their tour and leave a maximum of 24 hours after their tour ends, unless they are accompanied by the local representative that is guiding their tour."

Bhutan

6/16

From dramatic landscapes with great treks to beautiful fortresses and temples, Bhutan can be yours to experience if you're willing to go through their complicated visa system and pay a daily minimum tariff.

The only way to obtain a visa is by booking a tour through Bhutan with a local licensed operator directly or through a travel agent. Zac Pardee, Senior India Subcontinent Specialist at Audley Travel, explained how they obtain Bhutan visas for their clients:

"We apply in advance with the government and issue a 'and permit,' which includes details on where in the country our clients are allowed to travel. During Audley trips, we are likely to encounter various checkpoints. For example, if your visa is only for Thimphu and Paro, you'd be stopped at the border of the neighboring town Punakha if you don't have your guide and hotel booked for that area."

While tour operators can get a traveler's visa pretty easily, Pardee does say, "Bhutan on its own is a bit expensive. Overall costs can be an issue. The longer you stay in Bhutan, the more money you spend because there's a minimum-daily-spend limit."

He added, "For example, even if you wanted to just camp in the woods for a few days, you'd still have the pay the government daily for your land permit, visa, hotel, driver, and guide - even if you didn't want or need them."

And as for a luxury experience in Bhutan? You'll need quite a bit of cash.

"Also, given the exclusivity of Bhutan, a five-star hotel option can be several thousand more per night rather than several hundred," said Pardee. "For instance, a week in India at a three- or four-star level property could cost $2,500 per person or $4,000 for five-star. But in Bhutan, a three- or four-star trip could cost $4,000 per person or $15,000 for 5 stars. There's a huge difference, so we always suggest lower-level properties to save money."

Annobon Island

7/16

It was only in 2010, that Annobon Island opened an airport, and yet, it's still pretty hard to visit. Home to over 5,000 people, Annobon Island is the furthest island from its home nation of Equatorial Guinea on the African coast. If you can get to Annobon Island, you'll be met with beautiful beaches, outdoor adventure, and a laid-back community.

The airline CEIBA offers flights from Malabo and Bata to Annobon Island, though using their website is easier said than done. It's much easier to have a travel agent book your flight.

Also, keep in mind that to get to Malabo from the U.S., you'll probably have a flight with two to three stops, so you could be looking at four separate flights to get to this remote island. You'll also need proof of polio and yellow fever vaccinations upon entry, and possibly a polio booster dose.

Nigeria

8/16

Visiting Nigeria is no easy feat. You'll need at least $160 for the visa application and quite a bit of time to put together a large application.

As part of your application, your passport must have at least 6 months of validity, and you'll need to gather the following: two passport-sized pictures, a confirmed hotel reservation, return airline ticket, and a letter of invitation from a Nigerian host who will accept responsibility for your visit, plus the data page of the host's passport.

Perhaps the oddest thing you'll have to provide is evidence of funds that will prove you can cover your entire stay in Nigeria. This may involve obtaining a letter from your bank. From there, you'll have to fill out the online application and send the application and documents to an office in Maryland.

That's not all. Tack on yellow fever and polio vaccinations (and you could still be denied entry for 'undesirable medical reasons') to your to-do list. And if you identify with the LGBT+ community, you may not want to visit Nigeria as same-sex relationships are illegal and can result in prison sentences.

With the recent ban by Trump on Nigerian immigration, don't be surprised if the process to visit Nigeria, in turn, becomes harder for Americans.

Tibet

9/16

Tibet's eye-catching temples and mountains attract tourists from all over the world, but like every other place on this list, it's a bit difficult to visit. For a Tibetan adventure, you'll need to do two things: book your travel with a Tibetan tour operator and obtain a Tibet permit.

We reached out to Audley Travel and spoke to Zac Pardee, Senior India Subcontinent Specialist so that he could help us break down this confusing process.

"We mostly book Tibet trips as an extension from Kathmandu, so clients usually fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa and back. Clients need to spend at least three workdays (Monday-Friday) in Kathmandu before flying to Lhasa so our team can go to the embassy each day to apply for their permits," Pardee explained. "We issue Chinese visas and Tibet permits in Kathmandu before the flight to Lhasa. The fee is $225 USD per person for US clients..."

But that's not all. "If a client already has a valid Chinese visa, it will be canceled and have to be reissued if they enter Tibet from Nepal. They can only keep their Chinese visas if they enter Tibet from Beijing or other Chinese cities," he said. "The reason for this is that China doesn't like tourists viewing Tibet as its own country/region, so they make it more difficult and restrictive to enter."

Once you arrive in Tibet with your tour operator, like Audley Travel, everything else is pretty straightforward. However, Pardee does warn tourists that "altitude sickness is a serious concern in Tibet at even a cultural touring level."

Tristan da Cunha

10/16

Tristan da Cunha is a British island in the middle of the South Atlantic. Suffice to say, it's not easy to get to this island with 247 British residents and rare wildlife. The only way to Tristan da Cunha is by ship which you'll board in Cape Town, South Africa.

Before you can step on a ship, you'll need to email Tristan da Cunha's Secretary to the Administrator stating why you want to visit, provide personal information about yourself, trip details including dates and accommodations, and then wait for that information to be considered by the Island Council. You may have to undergo a criminal background check too.

Once your trip has been approved, you'll have to book a ticket on one of the ships that go to the island. They don't visit the island often (like less than 10 times per year), which means you'll need to book the ticket well in advance and be prepared to stay on Tristan da Cunha for weeks, if not months, with a limited amount of luggage. Not to mention, the boat ride to the island takes six days, so pack seasick medicine.

When on the island, there are some restrictions like visitors can't go to certain parts of the island without a guide and need permission for filming or photographing certain things. If this sounds like too much of an effort, you could join a cruise ship that visits the island for a day, but you'll have to keep your eye out for them because the island may only see one to three cruise ships per year.

Turkmenistan

11/16

Turkmenistan is a jewel in Central Asia that was once home to the ancient Silk Road, and today boasts archeological ruins, architectural marvels, and wonderous geological formations like a natural gas cavern spewing with fire in the middle of the desert.

With all this and more, it's no wonder travelers want to visit Turkmenistan. If only it was as easy as hopping on a plane and getting there in one to two layovers via Turkish Airlines, Emirates, or Lufthansa.

As Karen Zhao, Destination Manager of North & Central Asia, Myanmar at Intrepid Travel explained, "With the visa regulation and the tour planning required, [Turkmenistan] is not a destination where you can book a last-minute, spontaneous trip to."

"To travel in the country, you'll have to organize everything with a local operator in advance," she said. "You'll have to be with a guide for the whole duration of the stay. So on one side, this means traveling in the country is more expensive for the regional standard, especially for a solo traveler, and it may not appeal to those who prefer to explore freely in the destination."

However, before you explore Turkmenistan with a tour company, you have to get in. "All nationals visiting Turkmenistan require a visa to enter into the country. In order to get the visa, you'll need to organize a Letter of Invitation (LOI) issued by the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan (SMS)," Zhao said.

"At Intrepid, this can be organized through our local partners, pending required information submitted to us at least 2 months before departure. It will take around 4-6 weeks to get this LOI and then the customer can use this to get a visa on arrival at various border control points including Ashgabat airport and most land borders."

Even then, there is still a chance that your visa could get denied.

"We haven't had any particular cases where American citizens were denied the visa. But it is an arbitrary process and we won't know the reason for denial if that happens," said Zhao.

Angola

12/16

Angola is an interesting country in Africa where you can explore the modernized capital of Luanda, eat Portuguese-influenced cuisine, and find adventure on safaris and beaches. Despite all that, Angola is notorious for being a difficult place in Africa to visit.

For one, flights to Luanda are long and generally involve at least two layovers when flying from the U.S. Some flights are as long as 32 hours. Perhaps, when the new Luanda Angola International Airport opens, flights will become easier. Even then, you still have to undergo a lengthy visa process.

Here's how it works. Travelers fill out a Visa Application Form provided on the website of the Embassy of the Republic of Angola. They'll also have to type a letter stating their reason for visiting and address it to the Consular and Diplomatic Mission of Angola. Take notice that you'll have to notarize the letter.

In addition to providing an international certificate of vaccinations (which must have the Yellow Fever vaccination), you'll have to show copies of your passport, including pages that show where else you've traveled in the past, a copy of your return ticket from Angola, and a hotel reservation with an official stamp from the hotel.

Plus, travelers have to show they have the means to cover their hotel and needs while in Angola, most likely through a bank statement. The statement must show that you can guarantee you have "means of subsistence equivalent to US $200, for each day of stay in national territory."

Last but not least, the application costs $70 and it could possibly be denied.

Venezuela

13/16

The infrastructure in Venezuela was slowly degrading under a slew of political and social issues, and finally, in 2019, things came to a head in the travel community when the U.S. issued a "Level 4: Do Not Travel Warning" for Venezuela. Then in May 2019, all flights to the country from the U.S. were suspended.

Now, if you want to visit Venezuela, you'll have to take anywhere from three to four flights to get there, or cross by land from one of the bordering countries, which is also reportedly not easy to do. Once in Venezuela, travelers will discover that violent crime is rampant, even at popular tourist attractions.

Access to supplies and medical care for Venezuelans is limited, and this will be the case for tourists too who may be in a position where they're using up precious resources that locals dearly need.

Cuba

14/16

Traveling to Cuba from the U.S. is possible, though it may come with a headache or two.

First of all, you have to obtain a license from the Department of Treasury and fall under one of the 12 authorized travel categories. Most people choose the Support for the Cuban People category, but in choosing this, you have to do activities that support the Cuban people (hence the name), like eat at local restaurants, volunteer work, etc.

Arriving in Cuba through Havana (now the only legal way Americans can enter the country) doesn't come without some difficulties. CEO of Elite Travel & Founder of TASK, Tammy Levent said, "I was one of the few that got to visit Cuba this past October, despite the ban on cruising to Cuba. Even though I was invited by the government as a travel agent to bring tourism to Cuba, the line and wait time to get my luggage was over 3 hours, [and] the Customs line was just as long. My driver left because he thought I no-showed."

One of the other major drawbacks for Levent was the hotel options. "While I was there, there were some amazing hotels being built. I asked if we can stay there since my hotel was roach-infested," she said. "I was told it was owned by Russians and any hotels owned by Russians or China were off-limits for Americans to stay there."

What Levent is referring to is the Cuba Restricted List. Trump enacted a policy in 2019, making it illegal for U.S. citizens to stay at certain hotels (which tend to be foreign investor-owned properties) or spend money on Cuban military-owned businesses.

If you're willing to visit Cuba, just know that you'll have to be okay with hassle at the airport and following these strict regulations. As for Levent, it's in her opinion that, "This is not the time for any Americans [to] contemplate visiting Cuba."

Antarctica

15/16

Good news - when it comes to Antarctica, "There are no entry/exit protocols for Antarctica," says Marta Tucci, co-founder of Naya Traveler. Rather, what makes Antarctica a difficult place to visit is how far away it is from the rest of society.

"Antarctica is exceptionally remote and it takes time to get there, but this is part of what makes the experience so special and unique. Your two main considerations should be which part of the continent to visit and whether to travel by ship or plane," said Tucci.

If you're going by sea, Tucci says this is the route travelers will take: "Fly down to Ushuaia (the southernmost city in the world) via Buenos Aires to hop on a cruise boat. Departing Ushuaia through the Beagle Channel, reach Cape Horn and cross the Drake Passage towards South Georgia and Sandwich Islands, before reaching the Weddell Sea and the tip of the Antarctica peninsula."

And by air? "Fly to Cape Town commercially, then board a private Gulfstream to cross over to the Antarctic Continent, landing near Wolfgang's Peak. Once on the white continent, transfer onto a Basler aircraft for a short 30-minute flight over to the campsite," she said. "For those looking to reach the South Pole, a longer 8-hour flight is involved, with a refueling stop halfway. Depending on weather conditions, it might be necessary to spend the night at the refueling point in tented accommodation."

In terms of which is easier, Tucci says going by sea is "more straightforward" and "joining a set-departure cruise is a simple booking process because all costs are presented in a packaged form. The only extra costs to take into account would be international airfare to/from Ushuaia via Buenos Aires, and possibly several nights of accommodation either in Buenos Aires or Ushuaia."

"We always recommend our clients to spend a few days in Buenos Aires to make the most of their layover, and should they wish to do some sightseeing or activities, these would also be extra costs," she added.

If you decide to air travel to Antarctica, Tucci noted that travelers have to get mandatory travel insurance (which is not mandatory for sea voyages), as well as "costs associated with medical clearance examinations, specific equipment and gear." Tack that onto the costs it will take to get to Cape Town and the few days you'll have to stay in the city for pre-departure briefings, and visiting Antarctica by air is going to cost quite a sum.

For those adventure seekers who want to reach the South Pole, it's an even lengthier process to visit.

"The Antarctic Peninsula is the most accessible part of the continent, while the South Pole is usually the least, due to its remoteness and landlocked nature," Tucci said. "It requires 2-3 extra days, 16+ extra hours of flying within the continent, and precise weather conditions."

Russia

16/16

If you have your eyes set on the Red Square, be prepared for a lengthy visa application and strict rules. With that in mind, you may want to book a trip with a travel agency to Russia, as they could make the process a little easier. If not, this is what you can expect.

The Russian embassy suggests that U.S. citizens apply for a 3-year multiple-entry tourist visa, and this must be done well before your arrival. In addition to the "visa application form, US passport, one standard picture, money order," tourists will also need to provide "confirmation of the hotel reservation, confirmation of reception of the tourist, and register number from the Uniform Federal Register of the Tour Operators of the Federal Tourism Agency."

When considering the visa, the Consular Division of the Russian Embassy may also ask for a bank statement, a statement from your employer, medical insurance, documents noting ownership of property, and a certificate that shows the makeup of your family. You could also be called for an in-person interview.

It's a lot, we know, but it doesn't end there. Once your visa is provided, you'll notice that Russian officials have provided two dates - a day that you may enter Russia and a date you must leave Russia. You cannot extend those dates and it may be shorter than you expected. If you think the dates are a mistake, it must be fixed before you leave for Russia.

Exiting Russia is not so easy either. If you overstay your visa by even a day, you won't be allowed to leave and could be stranded for up to 20 days waiting for a new exit visa. If this happens, lodgings may not accept a booking from you because they go by the dates on the migration cards you pick up from the airport. The best rule: be physically out of the country by the exit day on your visa - no exceptions.

If you don't want to deal with the hassle of obtaining a visa, book a cruise that stops in St. Petersburg or Vladivostok. Cruise ship passengers don't need a visa as long as they are accompanied by their tour operator and stay no longer than two nights (so less than 72 hours). If you want to sightsee without the ship's tour operator, you must have a tourist visa.

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