On the political map of the world, according to the UN, there are 195 states. More specifically, 194 independent states and the Vatican. There are much more countries, 251. For various reasons, some countries have isolated themselves from the rest of the world and are reluctant to let in foreign representatives and tourists. There are government entities where it is simply unsafe to go. And there are also nations closed to civilization. We get a virtual tour, and set off in search of the most closed countries and peoples of the world.
List of the most closed countries in the world:
1
Eritrea
A young African state that gained independence in 1993 from Ethiopia. Relations between countries remain tense, which makes this region unsafe.
The country has strict censorship and restriction of access to information for foreign journalists. There are many checkpoints and limited movement on the territory. Many areas are closed, and foreigners can only move if specifically authorized by the authorities.
Visiting monasteries is possible only after the permission of the Patriarchate of the Eritrean Church. To see archaeological sites will allow a pass issued by the leadership of the National Museum.
By the way, on our site thebiggest.ru there is an interesting article about the youngest states in the world.
2
Pakistan
The Islamic Republic is the world leader in the number of beautiful natural landscapes and amazing historical and archaeological sites.
But tourists are in no hurry to visit this country. Fearing for your own life. For many decades, the conflict between India and Pakistan has continued, and in Pakistan itself there are frequent military clashes and terrorist attacks.
Not a single tour operator takes responsibility for organizing tours to this part of the planet. Pakistani authorities are also reluctant to issue official visit visas to foreign journalists. Historically, Islamic states are trying to restrict the access of foreigners.
3
Angola
It gained independence only in 1975, and a year later became a member of the UN. You can visit magnificent national parks in an African country, and the capital of Luanda harmoniously combines national traditions and Portuguese influence.
Strict visa regulations apply in this African country. only Namibian citizens can freely cross the state border of Angola. Other foreigners are not allowed to enter without special permission.
In addition to a visa, every tourist must have with him an international vaccination certificate. Visas sometimes have to wait several months. But there is one more trouble. Many locals hunt robbery, so visiting Angola is unsafe.
4
Butane
The mysterious kingdom, lost among the peaks and uplands of the Himalayas, is of particular interest to tourists and scientists. But getting into this part of the planet is not so easy.
The kingdom measures its wealth not by the level of GDP, but by the level of national happiness. The budget of the country could replenish numerous tourists, but the authorities limited the visit. The main reason is the protection of nature and attractions.
Previously, Bhutan could be visited only at the personal invitation of the king or queen, and now national tour operators organize limited tours, and take full responsibility for the stay of tourists in the country. For each day of stay, tourists pay $ 250.
5
Yemen
The poorest Arab country is completely covered in sand. The main source of income is the extraction and sale of oil, but its reserves are not unlimited.
The state is not completely closed from tourists, but the country lacks the proper infrastructure for the development of the tourism business. The country is sometimes shocked by hostilities, and throughout the territory there are strict rules governed by religion. For violation follows punishment, up to the death penalty.
Yemen does not maintain diplomatic relations with many states, and therefore it is very difficult to obtain permission to enter. Terrorists often flee to a remote part of the planet, hiding from justice. According to statistics, Yemen has the largest number of AK-47 assault rifles per capita.
6
Libya
A prosperous, wealthy African country in an instant turned into a hotbed of instability, crime and poverty. Even the most courageous adventurers do not dare to visit this part of Africa with tourist trips.
The situation worsened after the brutal murder of leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The worst thing is that some US congressmen joyfully welcomed the brutal crime. In Libya, infrastructure is destroyed, there is a shortage of food and drinking water.
Foreigners will have to adhere to strict rules. The use of alcohol is completely prohibited, there are rules of conduct and uniforms. Here, they look at foreigners with caution, and even journalists and diplomats are at risk. Obtaining a visa is difficult, but impossible for residents of Israel.
7
Afghanistan
The country of constant wars and an inexhaustible source of narcotic substances. Foreigners in Afghanistan risk never returning home.
In the middle of the twentieth century, the state developed, residents began to get out of poverty. But the struggle for power again plunged the country into lawlessness and hopelessness. The lack of roads and basic living conditions, terrorist attacks and war are the signs of modern Afghanistan.
Tourists and journalists are prohibited from photographing. There is always a special guide with foreigners, and movement is strictly limited. It is forbidden to export more than 200 dollars from the country. And no matter how much cash you had at the entrance.
8
Belarus
The former USSR republic maintains close ties with its "allied sisters." Citizens of the former republics enjoy a 30-day visa-free stay, but the rest must go through complex procedures.
So the international situation has historically developed that Belarus has become isolated. But, according to thebiggest, there is something to see in the country. Original culture, magnificent forests and lakes, beautiful modern cities and traditional rural villages.
To get a long-term visa, you need to collect a large number of documents. All foreigners arriving in Belarus must register within five days in the locality where they arrived.
9
Saudi Arabia
The richest country in the world, with beautiful cultural attractions and picturesque nature, in 2010 decided to close itself off from tourists. Tourism in the Islamic kingdom was outlawed.
The authorities explained the adoption of such a decision by the development of domestic tourism. You can only get a work and student visa., But such visas are valid for a limited time. This is due to the Sharia laws that apply in Saudi Arabia.
You can get here as a pilgrim, because the main shrines of Islam are located on the territory. But the pilgrims spend a lot of time and nerves to get the opportunity to touch the Muslim shrines.
10
Somalia
The state in Africa can and does have attractive beaches, historical sights and beautiful natural landscapes, but few people want to go here.
Civil wars, terrorist attacks, high crime rates, piracy and looting made Somalia the most unstable and dysfunctional country. Foreigners who come here often become hostages, for whom they require a cash ransom.
A visa can be obtained directly upon arrival at the airport. Tourists are immediately provided with a guide, but it is better to hire an armed guard. But the presence of armed guards does not guarantee tourists safe movement in Somalia.
Do not miss our informative article on thebiggest.ru about the most dangerous countries in the world.
11
Iran
The region where the first agricultural civilizations originated is considered a hotbed of instability. There are many monuments of archeology, unique natural landscapes. But the Islamic state remains a mystery to most people on the planet.
First, the United States is to blame, whose authorities and the media create a negative view of Iran. Secondly, getting a visa is quite difficult. The process drags on for many months, so it is better to start collecting documents in advance.
Iran has adopted a restriction on entry for citizens and journalists of the USA, Canada, Israel, Great Britain. You will be denied a visa if your passport has a note about visiting these countries.
12
Turkmenistan
The former republic of the Unbreakable Union is among the leaders in isolation from the outside world. Over the past decades, Turkmenistan has grown into a highly developed, prosperous state in which there is something to see.
Tourists rush here to see the sights of the capital, to see the beauty of the Karakum desert, to visit the craters of the “Gates of Hell”. But getting to Turkmenistan is difficult. A visa costs $ 155, and you can only get it if you have an official invitation from a legal or natural person.
The difficulty of obtaining a visa is that Turkmenistan does not maintain diplomatic relations with most countries. You can apply for a transit visa for 5 days, which allows you to travel around the country only by land transport.
13
North Korea
Experts say that North Korea is the most closed country. There are still strict restrictions inherent in the communist system.
Foreigners wish to visit this place in order to feel the flavor of the most isolated world state. You can get a visa, but you can move around the country only in the presence of a special guide, and only along a clearly planned route. In Korea, they respect power, and for disrespect for the system and the authorities, you can get a prison term. Tourists also risk getting into camps.
A visit to the country is possible only by organized groups that are formed in China. In China, there are several companies that are engaged in the collection of documents and organization of escort. Separately, only journalists can visit North Korea, and then not all countries.
14
Kiribati
The state, spread among the expanses of the Pacific Ocean, is the least visited country in the world. It’s hard to get here, as the island lies far from transport routes. But there are bureaucratic obstacles.
Citizens of 68 countries, including all EU members, can enter paradise beaches without a visa. Others must obtain a visa by collecting a lot of documents.
The country, which has huge recreational resources, has virtually no embassies. In Europe, a visa is issued by one person whose office is lost in the Welsh village of Llanddewi Rhydderch. Getting to her is just as difficult as getting to Caribati itself.
15
Nauru
The dwarf state was lost on the eponymous archipelago in the western part of the Pacific Ocean. It is the smallest independent republic and the least visited country on the planet.
Here you can get acquainted with the original national culture, as well as enjoy the magnificent scenery and ocean beaches. Once a week, an airplane flies from Brisbane to Australia. There are a couple of other flights from other Pacific islands, but tourists are unlikely to want to use them. It is difficult to get a visa. Only residents of Israel and Russia can arrange it upon arrival in Nauru.
Tourists who come here can visit the island in a day, the circumference of which is 19 kilometers. In addition, part of this territory is occupied by the runway.
Summary
Summing up, we note that there are countries that are practically closed for tourist trips. But the world does not stand still, and, possibly, state borders will be erased over time, and people will be issued passports with the stamp “Citizen of the planet Earth”. But, as Andrei Makarevich sings: “Neither me nor you will have to live beautiful things at that time.” These words, of course, belong to Nekrasov.
TheBiggest.ru editors are asking you to write in which closed countries of the world you have been or want to visit. Share your impressions of such trips.
Article author: Valery Skiba