Top 10 Most Difficult Countries to Visit and Obtain a Visa in 2023

Jakarta –

The end of COVID-19 has made tourists travel abroad more intensively. However, it turns out that there are 10 countries that will be the most difficult to visit in 2023.

To be able to travel abroad, travelers need a passport. Apart from that, a number of countries also implement visa policies as a condition for entering a country.

Well, apparently not all countries provide tourist visas easily for foreign tourists. Reporting from the Visa Guide, there are at least 10 countries that have the most difficulty granting visas to foreigners.

1. Russia

Z’ and ‘V’ that symbolise Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine adorn the entrance to the Gorky Park decorated for the New Year and Christmas festivities in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)” title=”Moskow Bersolek Sambut Natal dan Tahun Baru” class=”p_img_zoomin” />Moscow, Rusia. (Foto: AP/Alexander Zemlianichenko)

Russia is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. The country, which is mostly covered in snow, has its own attraction for foreign tourists.

Unfortunately, Russia is a country where it is difficult to issue tourist visas. This difficulty can be seen from the many questions in the visa application form.

One of them, the traveler must include a travel history for the last 10 years with details of the places visited, the time, and the length of stay in a country.

2. Because

Cuba Tourism. (Photo: AFP via Getty Images/YAMIL LAGE)

Cuba is a country located in the Caribbean region. In fact, many people are interested in coming there in January-February because at that time the country has a cool climate.

International tourists also like to come to Cuba to enjoy music. Understandably, the country is famous for its musicality. Travelers can go to bars while listening to jazz, salsa and electronic music.

However, Cuba has difficulty granting visas to foreign tourists, especially to citizens of the United States.

3. Iran

Tarikhaneh Mosque in Iran. (Photo: Getty Images/iStockphoto/Mohammad Nouri)

Iran is a country in the Middle East. There are a number of famous destinations there such as the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, Tajrish Bazaar, and Mount Damavand.

However, getting a visa to Iran can be difficult. Travelers must have a special verification code before applying for a visa. This authorization code is issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Iran, but an authorized Iranian travel agent must apply for the code on your behalf.

Fortunately, thanks to the use of e-Visa, the process of applying for a tourist visa to Iran can become much easier. Additionally, some countries can now apply for a visa on arrival with prior approval.

4. Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan. (Photo: BBC)

Turkmenistan seems to be one of the most mysterious countries in the world. That’s because this country is difficult for foreigners to enter.

If you want to apply for a visa to Turkmenistan, travelers need to attach many documents, including three copies of the completed visa application form and an invitation letter from the Turkmenistan Migration Service.

Apart from that, travelers must have a sponsor in Turkmenistan who can arrange a letter of invitation (LOI) for you. According to Visa Guide, it takes around 20 days to get the letter.

5. Republic of Chad

The Republic of Chad is a small country in Northern Central Africa bordering Cameroon, Central African Republic, Niger, Nigeria, Libya and Sudan.

Currently, only 14 countries have visa-free access to Chad. One of the most complicated parts of the Republic of Chad visa approval process is getting the invitation letter.

In order to get the invitation letter, the traveler needs to have a sponsor or hotel in the country’s capital, N’Djamena, who will write it for the traveler. So, travelers have to book a hotel room and pay the full non-refundable fee.

As a consequence, if a traveler’s visa application is rejected, the money for booking the hotel will be forfeited. If the traveler is successful in obtaining a visa, the traveler is given 72 hours after entering the Republic of Chad to report to the police. Some travelers report that you will be charged additional fees to enter the country.

6. Bhutan

Paro Airport in Bhutan. Photo: (iStock)

According to the Visa Guide report, Bhutan does not approve individual visas, unless a tourist is visiting Bhutan as part of a tour package. Individual visas can be approved if the traveler comes from India, Bangladesh and the Maldives

To get a visa from Bhutan, a traveler must find a travel agency that organizes the trip and pay the visa fee in advance along with other tour packages. Visa applications for Bhutan are processed online and must be approved by the Tourism Board in Bhutan.

Apart from that, travelers are also required to pay a sustainability fee of USD 65 or around IDR 1 million.

7. Arab Saudi

Tourist attractions in Saudi Arabia. (Photo: Visit Saudi)

Several years ago, getting a visa to Saudi Arabia was very difficult, especially if the traveler was a woman traveling alone.

The good news is that since the presence of e-visas for tourists, travelers can visit Saudi Arabia easily if they meet the requirements.

Even so, travelers are still obliged to follow certain rules, such as being prohibited from entering Mecca or Medina if they are not Muslim even if they have a tourist visa.

Apart from that, another reason Saudi Arabia has a strict visa policy is that every year, there are Hajj pilgrims who visit for the Hajj so the number of tourists allowed to enter is limited so as not to cause overcrowding in the country.

8. Somalia

The month of Ramadan is coming to an end and all Muslims in the world are rejoicing to welcome the day of victory. Let’s take a look at Eid preparations in these countries. Photo: Doc

According to Visa Guide, visiting Somalia is highly discouraged for travelers. According to the Global Peace Index, Somalia is ranked as the 6th most dangerous place to visit.

As a result, consulates or embassies rarely issue visas to travelers so as not to endanger safety during visits. However, if a traveler manages to visit Somalia, you need to be accompanied by security officers to stay safe.

9. North Korea

North Korea. (Photo: KIM Won Jin/AFP/File)

North Korea is the most closed country from the outside world. So it’s not surprising that travelers will have difficulty getting a visit visa from the country led by Kim Jong Un.

If a traveler wishes to apply for a visa, the traveler must do so through a state-approved tourist agent.

If you get a visa, travelers are required to comply with applicable tourist regulations, such as not communicating with local residents, badmouthing the North Korean leader, traveling alone, and leaving the hotel after the tour ends for the day.

10. Afghanistan

Afghanistan. (Photo: AFP/AHMAD SAHEL ARMAN)

The current political situation makes it difficult for people to enter Afghanistan. Currently, the government strongly advises against attempting to enter the country.

However, even before the government was overthrown, getting a visa to Afghanistan was difficult. To enter the country, everyone must apply for a visa.

This difficulty actually does not apply to Indonesians. The reason is, Afghanistan waives visa applications if the traveler has a diplomatic passport issued by the following countries:

1. China
2. India
3. Indonesia
4. Iran
5. Tajikistan
6. Turki

Watch Video “China Trials Visa-Free Travel for 6 Countries”

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2023-11-28 08:40:15
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