The United States spends $150 billion annually on border protection, more than any other country. However, while the United States is often seen as having some of the world’s toughest immigration policies, many other nations have rules that are a lot stricter. Obtaining permission to visit, work, or live in these countries can be nearly impossible, with individuals having to jump through significantly more hoops than those looking to move to the U.S.
We will explore the unique and demanding immigration systems of ten different countries. We’ll look into the specific policies that make them stand out, from unattainable entry requirements and complex visa applications to confusing citizenship laws and strict border controls. You will discover which countries make it hardest to achieve asylum, get a work permit, or stay for any extended period of time. Understanding how these countries handle immigration will give you a fuller picture of the world.
North Korea
North Korea’s immigration laws are extremely strict. Almost no one can enter or leave the country without special permission from the government. Tourists are only allowed on guided, monitored tours, and their movement is tightly controlled from the moment they arrive.
Attempting to cross the border illegally is very dangerous. People who try to enter or leave without approval can face harsh punishments, including long prison sentences or hard labor. Even citizens hoping to travel abroad rarely get government approval, making North Korea one of the world’s hardest countries to visit or leave.
Israel
Israel has a special law called the "Law of Return." This law lets Jewish people and their families move to Israel from anywhere in the world and quickly become citizens. This unique rule was created to help Jewish people find a safe home.
For people who are not Jewish, Israel’s immigration rules are much tougher. Non-Jewish individuals often need family ties to someone in Israel or must prove special reasons to enter. Work visas are limited and refugee applications are rarely accepted, making it hard to move there.
Australia
Australia uses a points-based system to decide which skilled workers can immigrate, focusing on qualifications and experience. This makes it challenging for those who don't meet specific criteria to get a visa. The country also has strict rules for entering.
Refugees and asylum seekers who arrive by boat are sent to processing centers in other countries. This policy is very strict and means people can wait a long time to know if they can stay. These rules show how controlled Australia's borders are.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia's immigration rules are tied to employment. Most foreign workers need a local sponsor, known as the kafala system. This means your visa and legal status are linked to your employer, making it difficult to change jobs or live independently.
It is very rare for foreigners to gain permanent residency or citizenship. The rules are designed to manage a large temporary workforce rather than encourage long-term settlement. This makes it one of the hardest countries to move to permanently.
China
China requires most foreigners to get a visa before entering, whether for work, study, or tourism. The rules are very strict, and getting long-term or permanent residency is extremely difficult. The government keeps tight control over who can live in the country.
Border security is especially high in sensitive areas like Tibet. The government closely monitors entry and exit in these regions. People who overstay their visa or enter illegally face serious consequences, including fines and deportation, making the rules very tough to follow.
Hungary
Hungary has some of Europe's toughest border controls, including fences on its southern borders to stop people from entering without permission. The country's rules for asylum seekers are very restrictive, making it difficult for refugees to find protection there.
While citizens from other European Union countries can move freely, people from outside the EU face strict visa rules. The government tightly regulates who can live and work in the country, showing a strong focus on controlling its borders.
Russia
Russia's immigration laws focus on national security, requiring most foreigners to get a visa before entering. The process for getting a work permit or long-term residency is complicated and involves a lot of paperwork, making it difficult for many to stay.
Pathways to citizenship are very limited and take a long time. The country also has strict border controls, especially in security-sensitive areas near Ukraine and Georgia. These rules show how Russia carefully manages who comes in and out of the country.
India
India requires all foreign nationals to obtain a visa before they can enter the country. The rules are strict, and different visas exist for tourism, business, or work. Getting the right one can be a long and detailed process for many visitors.
To visit certain areas, like those near the borders with Pakistan and China, you need a special permit in addition to a visa. Border control is very tight in these sensitive regions due to security concerns, making travel there highly regulated.
Japan
Japan has very strict rules for immigration, and most foreigners need a visa to enter for work, study, or tourism. Becoming a permanent resident is a long process that requires living in the country for many years and meeting strict conditions.
The country is also known for having one of the lowest refugee acceptance rates in the developed world. It is very rare for asylum seekers to be granted protection, which shows how tightly Japan controls who is allowed to settle there permanently.
Mexico
Mexico requires many foreigners to get a visa to enter, with different rules for tourists, workers, and residents. The government has streamlined the process for some, but for others, navigating the requirements for long-term stays can still be quite complicated.
The country has tight border controls, especially on its southern border with Guatemala, to manage the flow of migrants heading north. While people can apply for asylum, the process is often long and challenging, making it difficult for many to gain protection.
