The Most Challenging Countries for Visa Applications

There are 195 countries in the world, and many aspire to have the opportunity to visit and travel across them. However, due to visa requirements, not everyone can freely move around.

The Most Challenging Countries for Visa Applications

Below is a list of the top 10 most difficult countries to obtain visas for:

1. Russia

The process of applying for a visa to Russia becomes challenging due to the extensive questionnaire – especially for US citizens, who have to answer twice as many questions.

To get approval for a Russian visa, you must list each trip you have taken in the past ten years, providing detailed information about the places visited, duration, and length of stay. However, by accurately completing the visa application and providing all the required information, you may receive a visa to Russia.

2. Cuba

This country is particularly difficult for US citizens to visit. If you are American, you cannot enter Cuba for tourism purposes but must travel under one of the 11 authorized travel categories. If allowed entry into Cuba, US guests will receive a pink tourist card - different from the green tourist card issued to other nationalities.

3. Iran

The difficulty in obtaining a visa to Iran is primarily due to travelers needing a verification code before submitting a visa application. This authorization code is issued by the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but an official Iranian tourism agency must apply for the code on behalf of the traveler.

However, thanks to the use of eVisa, the process of applying for a tourist visa to Iran has become much easier. In addition, citizens of some countries can now apply for a visa at the border (with prior approval). However, if you are from the following countries, visas at the border will not be issued - especially if your itinerary includes Israel in the past 6 months: United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Western Sahara, Bangladesh, Colombia, India, Iraq, Jordan, Nepal, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka...

4. Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan ranks among the least visited countries globally due to its stringent visa policies. Obtaining a visa is particularly challenging as it requires everyone to apply, with exceptions including travelers from specific regions of Kazakhstan or Uzbekistan and some travelers with diplomatic passports.

If you wish to apply for a Turkmenistan visa, you need extensive documentation including three completed visa application forms and an invitation letter from the Turkmenistan Immigration Office. You must have a sponsor in Turkmenistan who can request an LOI (Letter of Invitation), which may take up to 20 days to receive.

5. Chad

Only 14 countries are exempt from visa requirements to Chad in Central Africa; the rest of the world needs visas to enter the country. However, obtaining a visa can be a challenge. One of the most complex parts of the visa issuance process is obtaining an invitation letter – to receive the letter, you need a sponsor or a hotel in the capital, N’Djamena.

To obtain this invitation letter, you must book a room at a hotel (if you have no other sponsor) and to reserve a room, you must pay the full fee, which is non-refundable if the visa application is rejected. Another challenging aspect of applying for a Chad visa is finding the nearest consular office; for example, if you are from the United Kingdom, you must apply for a visa in Paris…

6. Bhutan

Individual visas are not granted unless you visit this country as part of a tour package. You can only apply for an individual visa to Bhutan if you are from: India, Bangladesh, Maldives.

To obtain a visa to Bhutan, you must find a tour company organizing a trip there and pay the visa fee upfront along with other tour expenses. The Bhutan visa application is processed online and must be approved by the Ministry of Tourism. The Bhutan visa application is processed online and must be approved by the Bhutan Tourism Council.

Tourists also have to pay a sustainable development fee of 65 USD. However, visa and sustainable fees may be included in the package price – check with the tour company beforehand.

7. Saudi Arabia

A few years ago, obtaining a visa to Saudi Arabia was much more difficult, especially for solo female travelers. Now, with the introduction of eVisas for tourists, you can visit this country if you meet the requirements for electronic visas. Remember that as a tourist, you still have to abide by certain rules.

Before 2019, travelers with an Israel stamp on their passports were not allowed to enter Saudi Arabia, but with the introduction of eVisas, this is no longer valid, though Israeli citizens are still not permitted entry.

Another reason for Saudi Arabia's strict visa policy is because Muslim pilgrims annually visit the country to complete the Hajj pilgrimage, and therefore, the number of tourists allowed into the country is restricted to avoid overcrowding.

8. Afghanistan

Recent political turmoil has made entry into Afghanistan difficult. There have been times when many governments strongly advise against attempting to enter the country. However, even before the government was overthrown, obtaining a visa to Afghanistan was challenging. To enter this country, everyone must apply for a visa.

9. Somalia

Visiting Somalia as a tourist is not only difficult but also discouraged. According to the Global Peace Index, Somalia ranks 6th - one of the most dangerous places to visit. Therefore, there are not many consulates or embassies issuing visas to tourists because they do not want to risk their citizens. If you want to visit Somalia, you need to have accompanying security to ensure safety.

10. North Korea

North Korea remains the most challenging country to obtain a tourist visa. To apply for a visa to North Korea, you must submit your visa application through a travel company with state-approved tours. If you hold a US passport or are from South Korea, you are not eligible to apply for a North Korean visa.

If you have a visa, you cannot explore the country like other places, for example, you are not allowed to communicate with local people, speak ill of North Korean leadership, move freely, or leave your hotel after the tour guide ends the day's trip.

From Mytour

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Reference: Travel Guide by Mytour