Russia

Russia, once famed for its grand palaces and vibrant cities, has seen a sharp downturn in foreign tourists. In 2023, the Russian Federal Agency for Tourism reported a staggering 40% drop in international arrivals compared to pre-war levels.

The ongoing conflict with Ukraine has led to widespread travel advisories from the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, warning their citizens to stay away. Political strain and international sanctions have not only affected the country’s economy but also the hospitality industry.

Many travelers now fear for their safety or worry about becoming tangled in political disputes. The mood toward Western tourists has become noticeably colder, with stories surfacing of increased scrutiny at borders.

The Russian government has tried to boost domestic tourism, but foreign visitors remain scarce. The once-bustling tourist sites in Moscow and St.

Petersburg are now quieter than ever, reflecting a nation less open to the world.

North Korea

North Korea has always been infamous for its secrecy and rigid control over who enters the country. In 2024, border restrictions tightened even more, with only a handful of tightly supervised tours allowed.

The number of foreign visitors dropped by 60% in 2023, according to rare state disclosures and estimates from international travel agencies. Most Western nations, including South Korea and Japan, have strongly advised their citizens against travel to North Korea, citing risks of arbitrary detention and lack of consular support.

Tourists who do make the journey face strict rules: no wandering off, no unsanctioned photos, and no contact with locals without guides. Any misstep can bring severe consequences, ranging from fines to imprisonment.

The government’s suspicion of outsiders seems to have grown, with even less tolerance for perceived infractions. For those still curious about visiting, the message is clear—outsiders are barely tolerated, not welcomed.

Afghanistan

Afghanistan, with its breathtaking mountains and ancient history, is now virtually closed off to international tourism. Since the Taliban regained control in 2021, tourism numbers have plummeted, with a 75% reduction in international arrivals noted in 2023.

Multiple Western governments, including the U.S. and Canada, have issued stark travel warnings, highlighting the risk of violence, abductions, and a lack of basic infrastructure.

The Taliban’s strict enforcement of social norms and suspicion toward foreigners make it a tense environment for any outsider. Hotels and guesthouses that once hosted intrepid travelers have either closed or now cater only to aid workers under heavy security.

Many locals, too, are wary of engaging with foreign visitors, fearing repercussions. The overall atmosphere is one of suspicion and unease, making Afghanistan one of the least welcoming destinations in the world today.

Venezuela

Venezuela, once a Caribbean gem, has been hit hard by a deepening economic crisis and political turmoil. The World Bank reported a 50% drop in international tourist arrivals in 2023, reflecting the growing sense of unease among travelers.

The country struggles with hyperinflation, shortages of food and medicine, and one of the highest crime rates in Latin America. The U.S., Canada, and most European nations have issued warnings about armed robberies, kidnappings, and even the risk of being caught up in civil unrest.

Tourists who brave a visit often find that many hotels and restaurants have shuttered, and basic services are unreliable. Even the famously warm Venezuelan hospitality has been strained by hardship and suspicion.

For many, the risks now far outweigh the rewards, leaving Venezuela’s beaches and rainforests eerily empty.

Syria

Syria’s rich tapestry of history and culture has been overshadowed by relentless conflict. The United Nations reported in 2024 that international tourist arrivals are down 90% since the outbreak of war more than a decade ago.

Most Western governments maintain strict travel bans, citing risks of terrorism, kidnapping, and ongoing violence. Infrastructure remains in ruins in many areas, with even basic amenities like electricity and water unreliable outside of major cities.

For the rare traveler, checkpoints and military patrols are a constant reminder of the dangers. Locals, traumatized by years of war, are often wary of outsiders, unsure of their intentions or affiliations.

Popular sites like Palmyra and Aleppo, once magnets for history lovers, are now off-limits or too dangerous to visit. The country’s tragic circumstances have transformed it from a welcoming destination into one of the world’s most forbidding places for tourists.

Myanmar

Myanmar’s tourism hopes have faded drastically since the 2021 military coup. In 2023, international arrivals dropped by 70%, according to regional travel organizations and local hotel data.

Political instability and violent crackdowns on dissent have made the country a no-go zone for many. The U.S., U.K., Australia, and others all warn their citizens of arbitrary arrests, violence, and limited medical care.

Hotels and tour operators report closures and mass layoffs, with many foreign-run businesses pulling out entirely. The friendly smiles and open markets that once greeted visitors in Yangon and Bagan are increasingly rare, replaced by suspicion and fear.

Many locals are afraid to interact with foreigners, worried about being accused of supporting dissent. The result is an environment where tourists are not just rare—they are actively discouraged.

Iran

Iran, with its stunning mosques and ancient cities, has seen its reputation as a tourist hotspot diminish due to escalating political tensions. In 2024, international arrivals fell by 40%, according to figures from Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization.

The U.S. State Department and several European governments have warned travelers about the risks of arbitrary arrest and political unrest.

The government’s increasing suspicion of foreigners, especially Westerners, has led to more frequent detentions and interrogations. Visa rules have become stricter, and some popular destinations are now off-limits to outsiders.

Local hospitality, once legendary, has taken a hit as people worry about attracting unwanted government attention. Tourists report feeling watched and sometimes unwelcome, even in traditionally open cities like Shiraz and Isfahan.

For many, the hurdles and risks now outweigh the rewards of exploring Iran’s rich cultural heritage.

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