Top 10 Nations That Might Soon Turn Away Tourists

Italy Ancient Wonders at Risk

Picture yourself wandering through Rome at sunrise, the golden light spilling over ancient stone, the air thick with history and espresso. But lately, the romance is a little harder to find.

Over 60 million visitors flood Italy each year, crowding the Colosseum, Venice’s canals, and Florence’s art-laden streets. Locals are frustrated, and city officials talk openly about capping daily visitor numbers or charging steep entry fees.

Venice has already introduced a day-tripper tax and is cracking down on cruise ships. Visit in spring or fall for smaller crowds and don’t be surprised if you’re asked to book your museum slot weeks in advance.

The chance to see Michelangelo’s David or sip a cappuccino in a nearly empty piazza? That window is closing fast.

Maldives Paradise on the Edge

Close your eyes and imagine the scent of salt on the breeze, the gentle lap of turquoise waves against powdery sand, and coral gardens teeming with neon fish. That’s the Maldives—but paradise is fragile.

Rising sea levels threaten to swallow these islands, while careless tourism has already damaged delicate reefs. The government now pushes for “eco-luxury,” limiting the number of new resorts and imposing strict rules around waste and water.

If you want to float in those impossibly blue lagoons, go soon and choose a resort with real sustainability credentials. The best time is between November and April, when the monsoon rains have passed and the water glows clear and warm.

Bhutan Secrets of the Thunder Dragon

There’s a hush in the valleys of Bhutan, broken only by prayer flags fluttering in the wind. This Himalayan kingdom guards its peace fiercely, limiting visitors with a daily “sustainable development fee” and requiring you to book through authorized tour operators.

The vibe here is less selfie, more soul-searching: think ancient monasteries, monks in crimson robes, and spicy ema datshi stew warming your belly. Bhutan’s strict approach keeps its traditions alive and its environment pristine.

There’s talk of tightening the rules further, especially as climate change threatens remote mountain villages. If you crave a taste of pure Himalayan serenity, you’ll want to plan ahead—visas can take time, and the number of travelers allowed in each year is closely monitored.

Iceland Nature Overloaded

Steam rises from geothermal pools, black sand beaches stretch to the horizon, and waterfalls thunder into wild canyons—this is Iceland, and it’s every bit as epic as it looks on Instagram. But with tourism numbers now outstripping the local population, the land of fire and ice is feeling the pressure.

Footpaths erode, hot springs overflow with visitors, and tiny towns struggle under the weight of rental cars. The government is openly discussing new taxes, higher park fees, and even visitor quotas for fragile sites like the Blue Lagoon.

Shoulder seasons—late spring and early autumn—offer a little more space and magic. Don’t wait too long: the next time you dream of seeing the northern lights, you might need to enter a lottery just to visit.

Egypt Past Meets Present

Sunrise over the Pyramids, the smell of street food, and the echo of ancient legends—Egypt is a feast for the senses. But years of heavy tourism have worn down tombs, temples, and even the Sphinx itself.

The government is now laser-focused on preservation, closing some sites for restoration and floating the idea of limiting daily visitor numbers at places like Luxor and Aswan. The air is thick with both excitement and anxiety as new museums open and old ones are shielded from crowds.

For the deepest experience, visit in winter when the crowds thin and the desert heat eases. Go soon, because the chance to wander the Valley of the Kings in peace is slipping away.

Thailand Islands in Peril

Think of Thailand and you might picture the sugar-sand beaches of Maya Bay, the scent of lemongrass, or the electric chaos of Bangkok’s night markets. But paradise is under siege.

Overcrowding and pollution forced Maya Bay to close for years, and many of Thailand’s national parks now shut down for months each summer to recover. Local officials are discussing stricter caps on visitors, especially on popular islands like Koh Phi Phi and Phuket.

The best time to visit is November to February, when the seas are calm and the festivals are in full swing. If you want to find that untouched cove or hidden jungle waterfall, you’ll need to dig deep—and maybe hurry.

New Zealand Land of the Long White Cloud

Rolling green hills, impossibly blue lakes, and the kind of silence that makes you want to whisper—New Zealand feels like another world. But this natural wonderland is struggling to cope with its own popularity.

Hiking trails can get crowded, and the government is talking about new conservation fees and limiting access to fragile places like Milford Sound. Kiwis are fiercely protective of their land, and local communities are asking for more say in who gets to visit and how.

Traveling outside the summer rush (December to February) offers more solitude and a deeper connection to this wild place. If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing the glowworms of Waitomo or hiking the Tongariro Crossing, now’s the time.

Peru Footsteps on Ancient Stones

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of rounding a misty corner on the Inca Trail and suddenly glimpsing Machu Picchu, silent and mysterious among the clouds. But those stones are wearing thin under millions of footsteps.

In response, Peru now limits daily visitors to Machu Picchu and enforces strict time slots and entry rules. The government is eyeing even tighter controls, including closing some parts of the site and limiting trekking permits.

March through May offers fewer crowds and lush green scenery. Book your permits months in advance, and consider exploring lesser-known sites like Choquequirao for a more peaceful adventure.

Morocco Traditions in Transition

The air in Marrakech smells of spices and wood smoke, the souks buzz with color and energy, and the Atlas Mountains rise stark against the sky. Morocco is a sensory overload, but one that’s beginning to feel the strain of global wanderlust.

Locals worry about losing their traditions, and some cities are considering caps on Airbnb and restrictions on guided tours. Ramadan brings a unique energy, but also a slower pace as locals focus on family and faith.

For the richest experience, visit in the cooler months (October to April) and be ready to adapt to sudden changes in access or custom. Morocco’s magic is real—just don’t expect it to last forever.

Japan The Balance of Old and New

Cherry blossoms flutter over ancient temples, neon lights reflect on rain-slicked streets, and the scent of grilled yakitori drifts through the air—Japan is a land of stunning contrasts. But after a post-pandemic tourism boom, places like Kyoto and Mount Fuji are overwhelmed.

Overtourism has led to talk of entry fees, reservation-only sightseeing, and even bans on certain streets. The best moments come in the quieter corners: a sunrise hike on a forgotten trail, a steaming bowl of ramen in a tiny alley.

Visit in late spring or autumn for the finest weather and fewer crowds. If Japan is on your list, don’t wait—soon, that perfect cherry blossom photo might only be possible with a ticketed time slot.

Get more from Travelbucketlist!

What do you think about this topic? Share your thoughts in the comments below — we would love to hear from you! Want more stories like this? Follow us and never miss out!