Top 10 Countries Poised to Shut Their Doors to Tourists

China: The Great Wall of Restrictions

China has kept some of the world’s toughest travel rules in place, even as other countries have eased up. In 2025, visitors still face daunting hurdles like prolonged quarantines, strict health screenings, and unpredictable entry bans.

The Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism recently reported that foreign tourist arrivals are still down more than 90% compared to the years before the pandemic. There’s a sense on the ground that many small businesses in Beijing and Shanghai, previously reliant on international guests, are barely surviving.

The government’s focus remains firmly on health security, with public statements hinting at no rush to normalize travel. “We must remain vigilant against the threat of COVID-19 variants,” a top Chinese health official declared in March.

Many insiders quietly admit that a full reopening for tourists feels like a distant dream.

Russia: Political Isolation

Russia’s tourism outlook has dimmed dramatically as geopolitical tensions intensify. Since the conflict with Ukraine escalated, the country has faced sweeping sanctions and a near-complete freeze on international flights from Europe and North America.

Russian tourism authorities reported a staggering 70% drop in foreign arrivals last year, and 2025 isn’t looking much better. Domestic tourism is being heavily promoted, but it’s a poor substitute for the millions of international visitors who once flocked to landmarks like Red Square or the Hermitage.

A Moscow hotel manager recently said, “We have never seen it this quiet—even during the harshest winters.” Political analysts agree there’s little hope for a quick turnaround, with many predicting Russia may keep its doors shut to most tourists for the foreseeable future.

North Korea: The Hermit Kingdom

North Korea’s borders have remained firmly sealed since the pandemic first swept through Asia. Travel agencies specializing in the region say bookings have been nonexistent since early 2020, and there’s no sign of that changing soon.

The government rarely issues public statements about tourism, but those that do emerge always cite health concerns and the need to keep outside influence at bay. Some defectors claim the regime uses the travel freeze as a tool to tighten its grip on society and limit foreign exposure.

International organizations have been unable to confirm any official reopening plans, and analysts speculate that the leadership views isolation as a form of protection. For now, even the most adventurous travelers are finding North Korea completely off-limits.

Venezuela: Economic Collapse

Venezuela’s tourism industry has been battered by a relentless economic crisis marked by hyperinflation, food shortages, and unreliable infrastructure. The country used to attract visitors to its Caribbean beaches and lush national parks, but in recent years, international arrivals have plunged by over 80%.

Hotels in Caracas and beyond report record-low occupancy rates, and airlines have slashed routes due to unpaid debts and safety concerns. In 2024, government attempts to lure back tourists with new incentives were met with skepticism by travel industry experts, who pointed to ongoing instability and a lack of basic services.

Many Venezuelans themselves are leaving the country in search of better opportunities, further depleting the workforce critical to tourism. The prospect of Venezuela reopening to the world’s travelers seems more distant than ever.

Afghanistan: A New Era of Isolation

Since the Taliban retook control, Afghanistan has entered a period of near-total isolation. Only a handful of aid workers and journalists are permitted limited entry, with nearly all embassies advising their citizens to stay away.

Foreign arrivals have plummeted by more than 95%, and the country’s once-promising adventure tourism sector has evaporated. Many women’s rights groups and humanitarian organizations say the Taliban’s strict policies make travel especially unsafe for women.

The International Air Transport Association has reported minimal commercial flights in and out of Kabul, citing security concerns. While the government occasionally speaks of welcoming tourists in the future, most experts dismiss such claims as unrealistic under current conditions.

Afghanistan’s stunning landscapes remain unseen by outsiders for the foreseeable future.

Myanmar: Political Turmoil

Myanmar’s military coup has thrown the country into chaos, sparking violence, mass protests, and a dramatic drop in international tourism. Travel warnings from Western and Asian governments are still firmly in place, and 2024 saw visitor numbers fall by more than 70%.

The tourism ministry’s attempts to reassure travelers have been overshadowed by persistent reports of armed clashes and human rights abuses. Many travel agencies have removed Myanmar from their offerings entirely, and local guides say they’ve had almost no work for months on end.

Even before the pandemic, the industry was fragile—now, experts warn it could take years to rebuild trust. For now, Myanmar’s temples and beaches remain eerily empty, their silence a testament to deep-rooted instability.

Syria: A War-Torn Landscape

Syria’s civil war has devastated its tourism infrastructure and left much of the country unsafe for visitors. International travel advisories remain strict, with warnings about violence, kidnapping, and a lack of medical facilities.

The United Nations has noted that the number of tourists entering Syria is down by more than 90% since the conflict began. Even areas once considered relatively secure have seen sporadic outbreaks of violence, further dissuading would-be travelers.

The government occasionally promotes “recovery tourism,” but such efforts are mostly symbolic and rarely translate into actual bookings. Many iconic sites, such as Palmyra and the Umayyad Mosque, are still off-limits to foreigners.

In reality, Syria’s doors remain firmly shut to all but the most essential visitors.

Iran: Sanctions and Restrictions

Ongoing sanctions and diplomatic tensions have left Iran’s tourism industry struggling for survival. The number of foreign tourists has dropped by over 60%, with Western travelers especially scarce due to safety concerns and limited banking options.

Iranian officials have launched several campaigns to attract visitors, but international airlines and hotel chains remain hesitant to return. Iranians working in the industry say business is at its lowest in decades, with many hotels operating at a fraction of their capacity.

“We used to welcome guests from all over the world,” lamented a Tehran tour operator, “but now we mostly see only business travelers from neighboring countries.” Until political clouds lift, Iran’s rich culture and history will remain largely inaccessible to global tourists.

Libya: Ongoing Conflict

Libya’s continuing unrest has shut out nearly all international visitors. The country’s tourism sector, once buoyed by Mediterranean beaches and ancient ruins, has been gutted by violence and lawlessness.

Official statistics show an 80% drop in tourist arrivals since the onset of conflict, and foreign embassies consistently warn against all travel. Local guides and hoteliers have abandoned their businesses, with many fleeing the country entirely.

Occasional ceasefires have not translated into greater safety, and infrastructure remains in shambles. “It’s too dangerous for anyone to come,” said a Tripoli resident who used to work in tourism.

For now, the prospect of Libya welcoming back tourists seems almost unimaginable.

Haiti: Natural Disasters and Instability

Haiti has been rocked by a relentless series of crises—earthquakes, hurricanes, and political upheaval—that have crippled its tourism industry. Since the pandemic began, visitor numbers have plummeted by more than 70%, and the U.S.

and other countries continue to issue stern travel warnings. Many hotels and resorts along Haiti’s once-bustling coastline now sit empty, shuttered by violence and looting.

Efforts by the government to revive tourism have been stymied by ongoing gang activity and a lack of basic security. “There’s simply no way to guarantee the safety of visitors,” remarked a Port-au-Prince hotel manager earlier this year.

As a result, Haiti’s doors remain closed to tourists, leaving its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture out of reach for the world.

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