Saudi Arabia has always been a country difficult to visit and one to avoid for purely touristic purposes. However, this past July, travel advisory for Saudi Arabia moved to a level 3: reconsider travel. This is due to the threat of missile and drone attacks on civilian facilities. Exercise increased caution in Saudi Arabia due to terrorism. Or just don't go there right now.
Saudi Arabia is one of many countries affected by the ongoing tensions. As you'll see throughout the article, many countries are those you shouldn't travel to due to unrest and violence.
There has been a shift in the relationship between the United States and Cuba. American travelers to Cuba must fall into one of the following categories: “people-to-people travel” or “travel for the transmission of informational materials.” Then, you have to get a visa through the Cuban government. While travel isn't expressly forbidden, it is a little trickier than just purchasing a plane ticket.
Obtaining the correct documents and permissions to visit Cuba can take months. We all know waiting for the government to send you information and documents moves at a snail’s pace, let alone dealing with two different governments at once. There’s still a lot of regulation from both ends around traveling to Cuba. Hopefully, America and Cuba will sort out their differences in the future so people can visit this beautiful island.
There are not many hoops to jump through in order to travel to Algeria—a passport valid for at least six months and a visa. However, travel to this country is on the dangerous side. Sitting at a level 2 on the Travel Advisory Chart, officials recommend increased caution due to terrorism and kidnapping.
In countries like this, phony travel agencies can scam you or even worse. Kidnapping is a common threat. It's safe to say it's not worth risking your safety to visit Algeria.
There are American citizens in Iraq, but you might not want to go through what they did to get there. As of October 22, 2023, Iraq is at a level 4: do not travel. In plain and simple terms, "Do not travel to Iraq due to terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, civil unrest, and Mission Iraq’s limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens."
If and when tensions ease and levels return to normal, decades of war have done a number on the entire country. There are still untouched places. However, the displacement of people and lives has had serious impacts on the country’s urban areas. The instability in the area also puts you at risk for unexpected changes to your trip, so stay on your toes if you do go.
There are so many hurdles to face when trying to visit Somalia. To go there, you need both a sponsor and invitation letter from someone in the country. Besides that, the country is at a level 4 currently due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health issues, kidnapping, and piracy. It’s no wonder Somalia is the second-least visited country on the planet.
Let’s say you do actually get into Somalia; the crime in the country is such an issue that your time there will mostly be spent looking over your shoulder. This is another case of careful preparation and planning. You may even consider traveling in a large group to make sure you have plenty of support while you're visiting.
Since there isn’t an Iranian Embassy in the United States, you’ll have to use the Pakistani Embassy in Washington. However, travel to the country is all but nonexistent due to tensions in the Middle East. Currently sitting at a level 4, "do not travel to Iran due to the risk of kidnapping and the arbitrary arrest and detention of U.S. citizens. Exercise increased caution due to wrongful detentions. "
During more normal times, the political struggle over land between Iran and Israel has affected the entire area. Tourism in the area is highly regulated and controlled. While traveling, people really want to go and see exactly what they want to see. However, in areas like Iran, that’s just not the case. It’s very important to remain safe in these areas, so it’s for your own good to stay with a guide.
When you are taking your religious journey, you will have to skip this section of the Holy Land. Getting a visa from Syria has no definite time frame, so it could take years if they do accept your application. Syria has experienced active armed conflict since 2011 and recent events have escalated the threat. Similarly to Iran, do not travel to Syria due to terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed conflict, and risk of unjust detention.
Many people who lived in Syria have since been displaced, fleeing the area from the ongoing war in the Middle East. At this point in time, we’re not sure why someone would want to visit Syria, unless you were a journalist or government entity. But, if for some reason you did decide to go there, be prepared for the unexpected.
You can visit Afghanistan… but you’ll need to enlist in the military. Afghanistan is another country very affected by the war in the Middle East. Most of Afghanistan is under military control, and there is ongoing firefighting. Probably not the best place to plan a relaxing vacation. As of December 18, 2023 Afghanistan reached a level 4: do not travel due to terrorism, risk of wrongful detention, kidnapping and crime.
We would skip Afghanistan for now, maybe one day we can see what’s left of it. The area is full of ancient monuments, temples, and history. However, we won’t have an opportunity to see much of it until the Middle East settles down long enough for peace to return to the country.
Before knowing whether or not you will be able to go to Angola, you will need a $450 letter of invitation, an Algerian visa, an airline ticket, and a hotel room booked in advance. This in no way guarantees that you will get into the country, though. Angola is currently level 2: exercise increased caution due to crime and health.
Angola is located in South Africa. It's known for its varying landscapes consisting of lush tropical beaches and sub-Saharan desert areas. But other than its scenery, it’s a hot spot for both malaria and yellow fever! The amount of work needed to obtain access to the country may outweigh the payoff of the visit.
It is actually possible to visit North Korea, but only technically. All U.S. passports are invalid for travel to, in, or through the DPRK unless specially validated for travel under the authority of the Secretary of State.
Special validations are granted in very limited circumstances. But don't go there. It's a level 4 due to the continuing serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S. nationals.
We're not sure when North Korea will return to a safer level, but if and when it does, sending off paperwork overseas for approval is a lengthy process that may or may not happen. It’s no secret that North Korea has its problems with corruption and very strict laws. Let’s say you do get your golden ticket; you may think twice about visiting because if you break any laws while there, the punishment is substantial and unwavering.
Due to the unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces, the potential for harassment and the singling out of U.S. citizens for detention, the arbitrary enforcement of local law, limited flights, the Embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens, and the possibility of terrorism, Russia is currently a level 4 as of September 5, 2023. U.S. citizens residing or traveling in Russia should depart immediately.
It will probably be quite a while before relations can ever be restored with Russia. It was a difficult country to visit before the war as tourists there tend to stick out like a sore thumb, which is a bad thing in Russia. There is little tolerance for disrespect of customs and traditions. So if you go there in the future, be well versed in their customs and pick up a few common phrases before arriving.
India is not a particularly difficult country to visit, but it will take some careful planning. Depending on the nature of your visit, obtaining a visa can take months at a time. Additionally, rising violence in the country and neighboring countries means you should stay alert at all times if you do visit.
India has its fair share of problems. The sheer number of people in India means it’s tough for government influence to reach everyone. India is notorious for pickpocketing and tourist traps. It’s very easy to spot a tourist there, and scammers take advantage of that. They scam people into “Secret” tourist locations that only they know about, and then take all your money.
Nauru is a small island in Micronesia that many Americans probably haven't heard of, but if you want to visit, you'll have to jump through a lot of hoops. You'll need a valid passport with a minimum of three months validity, a visa, an onward/return ticket, and proof of hotel bookings (or sponsorship from a resident of Nauru).
When you think of tropical islands in the middle of Oceana, Nauru isn’t the dream you’re thinking of. The country has been stripped of several natural resources, such as phosphate, in supply to Australia. Although the island is surrounded by coral reefs, the island is rocky, with limited beaches and swimming locations.
You're not getting into Turkmenistan without an invite, which means you first need to secure an official one from the government. On top of that, you'll have to obtain a visa as well, and those have been known to be rejected even when applicants have all of their ducks in a row. The country is currently a level 2, due to the limited travel options into and out of the country on short notice.
Although Turkmenistan is extremely difficult to get into, it is a relatively safe place to visit—at least it was before recent events. The country ranked 116 out of 163 countries regarding safety and peace. The problem is that it costs a considerable amount of time, money, and effort to even be considered for access to the country, and there are way easier places to get to.
Bhutan is a country that has literally no diplomatic ties with the United States, which already makes it more difficult than most places for Americans to enter. However, visiting the country also involves paying super high tariffs, which is more than enough to scare a lot of potential visitors away. You'll also need to be aware of this:
- Your passport must be valid for at least six months following the date of your arrival to Bhutan.
- You need a Bhutanese visa to enter and exit Bhutan. All visas are approved in the capital, Thimphu, and are only issued to tourists who have booked travel with a local licensed tour operator, either directly or through a foreign travel agent. Applications for tourist visas are submitted by the local tour operator. See the Association of Bhutanese Tour Operators website for further information.
- All visitors, including those on official U.S. government business, must obtain visa clearance from Thimphu before traveling to Bhutan. Visa clearance takes at least 7 days to process and airplane tickets to Bhutan cannot be purchased without visa clearance.
- At your point of entry into Bhutan, immigration authorities will stamp a visa into your passport upon payment of $40 U.S. or Nu.2500. You must also provide two passport photos. Tourist visas are usually granted for the scheduled travel period.
If you haven’t heard of Bhutan before, it’s a country in South Asia at the foot of the eastern edge of the Himalayas. It’s known for its extreme landscapes ranging from plains to mountain ranges to valleys. The area is full of Buddhist temples and monasteries. It’s a beautiful place, but not worth the work to get into.
Americans can technically visit Libya, but the government strongly advises against it. Because of violence in the region, the US Embassy closed shop in 2014 and hasn't reopened since. Crime levels in Libya remain high, including the threat of kidnapping for ransom. Westerners and U.S. citizens have been targets of these crimes. The U.S. Dept. of State's travel site lists a whole host of things to do if you decide to travel to Libya, including drafting a will and designating a power of attorney.
Libya is located in northern Africa directly to the west of Egypt and is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea. Like many countries in that region of the world, Libya is victim to political instability and war. The political unrest has made it a dangerous place to be, so we would advise all people (especially Americans) to avoid visiting.
The US State Department says that Yemen has a “high-security threat level posed by ongoing conflict.” Additionally, the embassy has stopped issuing visas for the country, which makes it completely unavailable for visiting by legal means at this current point in time except by obtaining a visa from the Yemen government. The country is in a constant state of strife, attempting to uproot Iranian influence and reinstate Hadi’s government influence.
The Republic of Yemen is located at the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula. It’s also the second largest Arab sovereign state in the area. As recently as 2020, the country has been recognized as one of the Arab world’s poorest countries, completely riddled with civil war due to political strife.
No one, American or otherwise, is getting into the small African country of Eritrea without some serious effort—they provide many hoops to jump through. Additionally, the US has no embassy or diplomatic ties with the country, which means you're on your own if you find yourself in trouble there. Though it's only listed as a level 2, when the causes include landmines and wrongful detentions, that's where many draw the line.
Eritrea is in northeast Africa on the coast of the Red Sea. The country's capital city, Asmara, serves as a port with a colorful history full of influence. Asmara is known for its Italian, Egyptian, and Turkish architecture that reflect the area's rich trade history. All of this sounds enticing, but it’s hard to travel to and from without an embassy.
Political violence in the region is the number one reason that the State Department doesn't recommend visiting Burundi any time soon. Considering the country's history of the 1972 Burundian Genocide and numerous human rights violations, it's probably best to just stay away from this country... even if you could travel there.
Burundi is a victim of ongoing political tension in the area. Sitting at a level 3, it's recommended to avoid travel there due to crime, health, and political violence. While Western people aren’t the usual targets for these incidences, getting wrapped up in the middle of one of those could put your life in jeopardy. Better safe than sorry.
Honduras as a whole can be a dangerous place to visit—with the State Department issuing numerous warnings. The country is a level 3 due to crime and kidnapping. However, the Gracias a Dios region is considered particularly dangerous. Because of its remote location, it can be difficult for the government to find and help citizens in need.
Honduras is infamous for crimes against tourists. Pickpocketing, kidnapping, and other things happen in tourist spots frequently. Traveling here requires you to be vigilant about your location. There are also shocking levels of HIV and AIDS in Honduras, so it’s important to be mindful of medical equipment and other risky activities while traveling here.
Ongoing violence in Chad and its surrounding neighbors has led the State Department to caution anyone visiting the African country strongly. In addition to the violence warnings, they also note that there are many undetonated mines in the region. So, all this means that visiting the region literally means walking a minefield.
The Republic of Chad is a north-central African country riddled by decades of political strife in the Middle East. Maybe one day Chad will return to normal, and tourism can once again take place, but for now, it’s probably best for you to forget about visiting. If you’re dying to visit the area, go to Nigeria or Egypt.
In addition to the frequent violence in the region, officials have other reasons for warning Americans about visiting Nicaragua. There are also reports of civilians posing as police officers and blocking roads and resources from reaching their intended destinations. This causes major disruption of traffic, leaving tourists vulnerable to a number of things.
Nicaragua has become a hot spot for American “Mission Trips.” However, it’s probably one of the last places in the world a busload of churchgoers needs to be. If you don’t know, Nicaragua is located in Central America above Costa Rica and below Honduras. Despite the dangers of tourism here, the landscape is beautiful; dotted with volcanoes and beaches.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is frequently the site of dangerous conflict and kidnapping, making it a dangerous place for a person from any country to visit. Additionally, a substantial resurgence of the Ebola virus in the region since 2018 makes visiting a health hazard as well as a risk for kidnapping.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is one of the largest countries in Africa, as well as one of the top 20 in the entire world, with a population of over 86.79 million people. Despite this, however, it is also one of the poorest countries in the world. Its constant political upheaval causes immense poverty. This place just isn’t a good fit for tourism.
Lebanon is probably the worst location in the world when it comes to violent conflict—Syria sits to its east, while Israel is just south of the country. Constant political tensions with neighboring countries mean that travel here should be avoided if at all possible. It's just not a safe place for tourists. Possibly the most deserving level 4 out there due to rocket, missile, and artillery exchanges between Israel and Hizballah or other armed militant factions.
It’s bad enough that people who actually live in the area are fleeing due to the constant bombardment of air raids. On October 17, 2023, the Department authorized the voluntary, temporary departure of family members of U.S. government personnel and some non-emergency personnel from U.S. Embassy Beirut due to the unpredictable security situation in Lebanon. The uncertainty surrounding the future of this area means that the infrastructure for tourism just isn’t there. It’s a shame that such a beautiful and culturally significant part of the world is off-limits.
Because of large-scale issues in the country, the State Department strongly encourages Americans to avoid traveling to Pakistan. Additionally, the US consulate in Pakistan cannot provide any services to American citizens at this time. This means traveling to this country is a one-man show where you're on your own.
If you get in trouble there, the U.S. does not have an entity to help you return to the States. With kidnapping of American citizens being such a possibility when traveling to foreign countries, having an agency in the region to investigate means there is at least a chance someone finds you, but here you’re left to your own survival skills.
The State Department is currently warning of the possibility of some pretty serious stuff in Turkey. So, if you manage to avoid being a victim, there's always the chance that you'll be unjustly accused of helping orchestrate whatever happened. Additionally, criticism of the Turkish government on social media can get you arrested there.
Visiting this country requires a tourist to be well-versed in tricky laws and customs, which we all know people don’t always pay enough attention to. Turkey is situated right between Southeast Europe and Western Asia, meaning it sits in one of the most politically charged places in the world.
Sri Lanka may have breathtaking views, but it's also a region plagued by all kinds of things. It's so bad there that the government ordered the departure of all school-aged US citizens and their families from the country in 2019. You know it’s terrible when a country admits that tourists need to leave.
It’s a shame that the country is so dangerous because it is one of the most culturally stunning places in the world. Sri Lanka has a rich Buddhist history and is located along the Silk Road. Societies of people throughout time have used Sri Lanka as a major trading hub, giving the region its own unique point of view.
On April 22, 2023, the U.S. Embassy in Khartoum suspended its operations, and the Department of State ordered the departure of U.S. direct-hire employees and eligible family members from Embassy Khartoum due to the continued threat of armed conflict. Sudan is currently a level 4 due to armed conflict, civil unrest, crime, terrorism, and kidnapping.
The Republic of the Sudan is located on the Red Sea coast in Northeast Africa. Sudan is directly to the south of Egypt and East of Chad, positioning this country directly in the midst of the turmoil of the Middle East. The ancient history in the area makes this country a tempting location for travel. However, the dangers make it off-limits.
The United States and most other Western countries highly discourage travel to the Central African Republic. An internal religious civil war and ongoing issues from neighboring countries make this a hazardous place to visit for multiple reasons! The worst part is that foreigners are especially targeted for these attacks.
Currently, the Central African Republic is subject to a nationwide state of emergency, meaning airspace above the country is completely prohibited. Law enforcement in the country cannot guarantee your safety, and they advise everyone to leave the country if they can. Government agencies warn that bandit groups will target groups of foreigners to steal their equipment and resources.
U.S. citizens have previously been advised to reconsider travel to Niger due to crime, terrorism, and kidnapping. On July 26, 2023 the country's president was placed under house arrest amidst efforts to overthrow the government. Subsequent events have severely limited flight options. Given this development, on August 2, 2023, the Department ordered the departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees and eligible family members from the embassy.
Besides all that, groups commonly target foreigners for kidnappings at hotels, restaurants, and cafes. Government agencies advise that groups of crime rings frequently clash in the streets at night and that scams are extremely common. All in all, this is probably one of the worst places to visit as an American.
