tourism can be an economic gold mine when
approached properly, and most countries around the world have embraced
visitors with open arms. However, there are several places across the
globe who decided that they were better without the masses of newcomers:
here are 10 countries that have closed their doors to Americans and
many other nations around the world.
1) Saudi Arabia
requires all visitors to be sponsored by a legal resident or
citizen. Even if you’re sponsored properly, there’s no guarantee that
you’ll then be awarded a visa as the application process is highly
selective.
2) Iran
Iran doesn’t even have an American Embassy anymore, thanks to the
tense Iran hostage situation that occurred there in 1979. If you are
able to secure an Iranian visa through the Pakistani embassy in
Washington, D.C., you will need to show that you’re traveling with a
tour group.
3) North Korea
North Korea requires all visitors to book a full package tour before
visiting. During your visit, you’ll be required to stay with your guides
the entire time. The lack of North Korean embassy in the U.S. means
you’ll need to travel to China before booking a tour.
4) Syria
Syria is in the midst of conflict, but if that doesn’t deter you, the
nearly impossible-to-get visa might. Since each visa has to be approved
through a complex process, potential visitors face an indefinite wait
to be approved or declined.
5) Cuba
The relationship between
Cuba and the United States is
relaxing slightly, but the current travel regulations still don’t allow
anyone looking for a a good Cuban sandwich and a Caribbean beach to book
a flight. Unless you can prove that you’re in Cuba for one of the
official reasons, you’ll have to wait longer to visit.
6) Somalia
Somalia is known for the vast number of pirates roaming the seas
around it, which should be a good reason not to go. Even if you make it
past the pirates, you’ll need a sponsor and an invitation to visit the
country.
7) Angola
If
Angola is on your must-visit list, you’ll need to be okay
with some serious expenditure before you even find out if you can go.
Before you can apply for a visa, you’ll need to pay the application fee
and invitation fee, then book plane tickets and hotel stays.
8) Central African Republic
As of 2014, the
Central African Republic has no American
Embassy, and all U.S. visitors must apply through the French Embassy.
Add in the fact that the borders of the CAR are extremely restricted
(and closed on the side where Chad-CAR border), and you’ve got one place
that doesn’t want to see any American citizens.
9) Libya
Lybia and the U.S. have been at odds for most of the 21st century,
and, the U.S. Embassy closed there in 2014. Without a visa, Americans
have few ways to visit this warn torn country–and that’s probably for
the best because of the anti-U.S. sentiment and high crime rates.
10) Algeria
Algeria is another country that wants visitors to showcase their
ability to pay for their trip before they arrive. First, book your
hotel, then receive a certification of accommodation. Once you have
that, you’ll have to communicate with a local travel agency to secure an
invitation. Then, you can apply for the visa.
Comments
Post a Comment