≡-Russia, North Korea, Iran, Afghanistan, and Other Countries Where Tourists Are Now Facing Increased Barriers and Less Welcoming Atmospheres – Viral of Today

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Home » Afganisthan Travel News » Russia, North Korea, Iran, Afghanistan, and Other Countries Where Tourists Are Now Facing Increased Barriers and Less Welcoming Atmospheres Saturday, July 12, 2025Russia, North Korea, Iran, Afghanistan, and several other nations have become increasingly difficult and less attractive destinations for foreign travelers. The reasons for this shift are multifaceted, including heightened political tensions, government crackdowns, economic instability, and an overall rise in security risks for international visitors.In Russia, the ongoing conflict with Ukraine and resulting international sanctions have led to a sharp decline in foreign visitors, as Western governments issue travel advisories, citing safety concerns and the political climate. Similarly, North Korea’s strict border controls and an atmosphere of suspicion towards outsiders have made travel there even more restrictive, with limited, tightly controlled tours and harsh penalties for any perceived infractions.In Iran, increasing political tensions and the government’s growing scrutiny of foreign visitors have deterred many tourists, as arbitrary detentions and visa complications have become more common. Afghanistan, under Taliban rule, has seen a sharp decline in tourism, with violence, a lack of basic infrastructure, and fears of abductions making it one of the most dangerous destinations for travelers.These countries, among others, are facing significant barriers to tourism, making them less welcoming to international visitors. As a result, travelers are now opting for safer, more stable destinations, and international tourism in these nations has plummeted, leaving once-thriving industries in decline.1. RussiaWhat was once a bustling tourist center, Russia has witnessed a significant decline in foreign visitors. In 2023, the nation experienced a 40% decline in tourist arrivals relative to pre-war numbers. Travel advisories have been issued by significant Western governments, such as the United States and European governments, to discourage travel to the area. Sanctions and political tensions have caused a thawing of relations, and people now are concerned about their safety, possible political involvements, as well as heightened inspection at entry points. Popular tourist cities such as Moscow and St. Petersburg, which were previously crowded with visitors, now experience empty streets and reduced international activity.2. North KoreaNorth Korea has long been a destination for only the most daring travelers, but in recent years, its accessibility has been even further restricted. In 2024, the country imposed stricter border controls, limiting visits to a small number of highly supervised tours. The country saw a 60% decline in international tourism in 2023. Travel advisories from Western countries warn citizens about the risks of arbitrary detention, restricted movement, and the threat of harsh penalties for minor offenses. The government’s suspicion of outsiders has grown, and tourists now face stricter regulations and greater surveillance, making North Korea one of the most challenging destinations for foreign visitors.3. AfghanistanAfghanistan, which has been renowned for rich history and breathtaking mountain sceneries, has now effectively been closed off to international sightseers. Ever since the 2021 reassertion of the Taliban regime, the nation has witnessed a record decline in international visitors, with 75% fewer visitors arriving as per a 2023 report. Violence, the destruction of infrastructure, and rampant fear of kidnappings have rendered traveling highly risky. Governments have put serious advisories against traveling, and the absence of security and general services renders it a destination that a select few now dare not venture into. Hitherto tourist favorites are now too hazardous for visitation, even as the nation itself has now become a tourist no-go area.4. VenezuelaWhat was once a favorite Caribbean tourist spot, Venezuela has become difficult to visit as the nation struggles economically and politically. World Bank says tourist travel to Venezuela declined 50% in 2023. Hyperinflation, medicine and food shortages, and the highest homicide rate in Latin America have rendered the country a dangerous place to visit. As scenic as the country is, visitors are now met with unstable infrastructure, shut-down restaurants and hotels, and the danger of becoming a target for violence or political instability. Most visitors now look for alternative lower-risk travel, leaving Venezuela’s former favorite tourist spots empty.5. SyriaSyria, home to some of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites, has been devastated by years of conflict. Since the war began over a decade ago, international tourism has virtually vanished, with a 90% drop in arrivals reported in 2024. The country remains a war zone, with ongoing violence, terrorism, and risks of kidnapping. Many Western countries maintain travel bans, and even basic infrastructure is in ruins. Sites like Palmyra and Aleppo, once considered must-see destinations, are now off-limits or too dangerous to visit. Syria has gone from being a cultural treasure to one of the most forbidding countries for tourists.6. MyanmarMyanmar’s tourist industry has suffered a cataclysmic blow since the 2021 military coup. Foreign visitors declined 70% in 2023 as political instability, savage crackdowns, and civil war have made the country dangerous for visitors. U.S., U.K., and Australia travel advisories warn of the risk of arrest and violence. Political instability has shut down many of the country’s hotels and tourist firms, and international businesses are pulling out. Myanmar has become a place where visitors are rare—no, they are even actively discouraged, and the hospitable atmosphere that used to be extended to visitors now doesn’t exist.7. IranIran, which has ancient mosques and ancient cities, has fewer international visitors as political tension escalates. International visitors decreased by 40% during 2024 as governments, like the U.S., have put out travel advisories about the nation due to arrests, political unrest, and an increasing suspicion of locals about outsiders. Travelers have found it much more difficult as the governments have clamped down the visa laws and are watching visitors. Cities that were once welcoming, like Shiraz and Isfahan, now have a tense tone as the majority of visitors have complained of feeling unwelcome or watched while visiting.These seven nations have been narrowing their doors to outside visitors as a result of a mixture of political turbulence, risk, and exclusionary policies by their governments. Because of these exclusions, the former favorite tourist destinations are much less accessible, and visitors are choosing the safe, secure option.

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