7 Countries Around The World That Are Hardest To Visit

What are the hardest countries to visit in the world?

Here is our list of 7 countries that are the most difficult to travel to. This is due to either remote location, accessibility or their difficult visa process.

# Iran

Iran is definitely not one of the hardest countries to get to when comparing it with the rest of the countries on this list, however, it depends on your nationality.

US citizens, Canadians and UK citizens have to jump a few more hoops to get their letter of invitation from the Ministry of Foreign affairs to be able to apply for their visa next. Sometimes their application is simply rejected.

Of course, if you have a European or Australian passport the visa process is much easier. In fac

# Turkmenistan

This might be the least famous of all the “Stans” and with 7000 annual visitors, there is no surprise! The visa process requires a letter of invitation and you must be accompanied by a tour guide during your stay in Turkmenistan.

There is another option. You can get a transit visa if you are entering Turkmenistan via a land border and continuing on to another country. This is what we did.

# North Korea

North Korea is the country most of us would think of as the hardest country to visit in the world. So it might surprise you, that it’s actually easy enough to get in if you hold a certain passport. Yes, independent travel is not allowed so you must join an organised tour with local guides and with a set itinerary.

However, when it comes to your visa, it’s all done by your travel agency. Simply turn up to have a glimpse into the everyday life of the most secretive regime. And please follow the rules. Entry to North Korea is currently not possible for US and South Korean passport holders.

# Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is finally changing its approach to tourism to seduce more foreigners to visit. Many nationalities still need an official letter of invitation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. You can then apply for a visa at the closest Uzbek Embassy. (In the case of Australians, the closest embassy is in Singapore!).

The good news? You can get a visa on arrival at the airport now and there is a talk of an E-visa!

The ancient cities of Samarkand and Bukhara are true highlights for anyone interested in the Silk Road. Their currency, however, is another thing to get used to. For a few $100 you get a backpack worth of cash in Uzbekistani Som.

# Angola

Angola is not on everyone one’s bucket list for a reason. Years of civil war and political unrest has seen only a few keen travellers making their way here. Also the capital Luanda has been nominated as the most expensive city in the world.

The visa process for Angola can take several weeks and any nationalities are required to apply in their home country. You’ll need a letter of invitation and proof of hotel booking to apply and then it’s still anyone’s guess.

# Eritrea

Eritrea is a small unknown Africa country located on the banks of the Red Sea. To clarify, it has been called the North Korea of Africa as only a few people visit. And it’s mostly known for being the last on the list World Press Freedom Index.

There is no guarantee you will get a visa. Some applicants may only succeed after multiple attempts at obtaining one. So your best option is to join an organised tour and hope your travel agency will be able to apply for your visas on your behalf.

# Equatorial Guinea

This small country in Africa was a real headache for many travellers, including us. The reason why this is one of the hardest countries to visit in the world is its location and a really difficult visa.

In fact, there are only a few embassies in the world that can issue visas for Equatorial Guinea! So if you need a visa (and almost all nationalities do), your best option is to get it in Cameroon or Gabon. Equatorial Guinea consists of two parts: the mainland region Rio Muni and the island part of Bioko. If you secure your visa somehow, you will have to fly to the capital Malabo. Oh, and it will cost you a fortune. The 45 minutes flight from Duala in Cameroon to Malabo in EG can cost up to $500.