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In my experience, while some countries have lenient visa policies, others don’t go easy with the process. Several factors make visiting these countries nearly impossible: some have complex visa application processes in place, some do not issue tourist visas due to safety and political reasons, while a few are under totalitarian regimes, and are cut off from the rest of the world.
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One of the primary challenges in obtaining a Russian visa is the extensive application form. The application requires detailed information about every trip taken in the last ten years, including destinations, dates, and duration of stay. This can be particularly daunting for frequent travellers.
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Securing a visa to Iran is challenging primarily due to the need for a verification code before applying. This code is issued by Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and must be obtained through an official Iranian travel agency. Not all countries can benefit from the eVisa system.
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Turkmenistan’s rigid visa policy makes it one of the least visited countries. The visa application process involves submitting three copies of the filled form and a letter of invitation (LOI) from the Turkmen State Migration Service. A sponsor in Turkmenistan must procure this LOI.
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Only 14 countries have visa-free access to Chad; all others must apply for a visa, which can be challenging. One of the most complicated aspects is obtaining an invitation letter, which requires a sponsor or a hotel in the capital, N’Djamena.
While obtaining a visa to Saudi Arabia was extremely difficult in the past, the introduction of an eVisa for tourists has made it more accessible. Despite this, tourists must adhere to strict rules, such as non-Muslims being prohibited from entering Mecca or Medina.
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North Korea is perhaps the most challenging country to visit as a tourist. Visas must be obtained through state-approved tourist agencies, and American and South Korean citizens are not eligible for visas. Tourists who do receive visas face stringent restrictions.
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Entering Afghanistan is extremely difficult, especially due to recent political turmoil. Most governments strongly advise their citizens against travelling there. Obtaining a visa is mandatory for entry, except for holders of diplomatic passports from certain countries.
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These are the 7 hardest countries to get a visa for. Remember, while some countries have complex visa application processes in place, others do not issue tourist visas due to safety and political reasons, while a few are under totalitarian regimes, and are cut off from the rest of the world.
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