Skip to Content

Forbidden Countries – The Paths Less Traveled

Forbidden Countries – The Paths Less Traveled

There’s an undeniable allure to the forbidden — places where few travelers tread, often shrouded in mystery or restricted by local or international regulations. Here are 23 countries and regions that, while challenging to visit, captivate the adventurous spirit with their off-the-beaten-path appeal.

1. North Korea

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Truba7113

Visiting North Korea is possible through tightly controlled tours, where visitors are watched closely and only shown government-approved sites.

2. Bhutan

Image Credit: Shutterstock / tonyzhao120

Bhutan limits the number of visitors each year through a strict tourist tariff, ensuring that tourism doesn’t overwhelm its traditional culture and pristine environment.

3. Iran

Image Credit: Shutterstock / MORTEZA YOUSEFI

Despite its rich cultural heritage and welcoming people, travel to Iran is complicated for Americans due to political tensions and visa difficulties.

4. Saudi Arabia

Image Credit: Shutterstock / adznano3

Long closed off to casual tourism, Saudi Arabia is now issuing tourist visas as it aims to open up its culture and landmarks to the world.

5. Syria

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Peter Sobolev

War has made Syria a dangerous destination, but its ancient cities like Damascus and Aleppo hold a tragic allure for intrepid travelers.

6. Yemen

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Oleg Znamenskiy

Yemen’s stunning landscape and historic sites like Socotra Island are often overshadowed by its ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises.

7. Venezuela

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Alejandro Solo

Political instability and economic collapse have made Venezuela a challenging destination, despite its natural wonders like Angel Falls.

8. Turkmenistan

Image Credit: Shutterstock / gonetothemoon

Known for its authoritarian regime and bizarre architecture, Turkmenistan is one of the world’s most isolated and controlled societies.

9. Eritrea

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Homo Cosmicos

Eritrea’s blend of Italian colonial architecture and Red Sea coastline is tempting, but strict government controls make it a difficult place to explore freely.

10. South Sudan

Image Credit: Shutterstock / rameesha bilal shah

The world’s youngest country is rich in natural beauty but remains unstable due to civil conflict.

11. Somalia

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Abdulhafid

Somalia offers untouched beaches and ancient ruins in cities like Mogadishu, though travel here is perilous due to lawlessness and piracy.

12. Papua New Guinea

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Tetyana Dotsenko

While not typically “forbidden,” Papua New Guinea’s rugged terrain and tribal areas make it a destination for only the most daring travelers.

13. The Darien Gap

Image Credit: Shutterstock / UrbanUnique

This lawless jungle region between Panama and Colombia is notorious for its difficulty and danger, thwarting all but the most determined adventurers.

14. Nagorno-Karabakh

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sebastian Castelier

Caught in ongoing conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia, this region offers dramatic landscapes and ancient monasteries to those who navigate its precarious geopolitics.

15. Nauru

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Darrius Abel Detenamo

Once a phosphate-rich island nation, Nauru’s difficult history and remote location make it one of the least visited countries in the world.

16. Libya

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Hussein Eddeb

Home to incredible Roman and Greek ruins like Leptis Magna, Libya remains largely inaccessible to tourists due to ongoing conflicts.

17. Belarus

Image Credit: Shutterstock / George Trumpeter

Often referred to as Europe’s last dictatorship, Belarus offers Soviet-era nostalgia amidst political repression.

18. Western Sahara

Image Credit: Shutterstock / kataleewan intarachote

This disputed territory offers stark desert landscapes and a slice of Sahrawi culture, all under the shadow of political tension.

19. Tibet

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Flystock

Access to Tibet requires permits and compliance with Chinese regulations, making independent travel in the region nearly impossible.

20. Chad

Image Credit: Shutterstock / yokk_geo

Chad’s Zakouma National Park is emerging as a story of conservation success, though the surrounding areas remain fraught with danger.

21. Central African Republic

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Vaclav Sebek

Political instability and security issues complicate visits to this heart of Africa, where dense forests and wildlife are increasingly threatened.

22. Chechnya

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Maykova Galina

Rebuilding after years of conflict, Chechnya is opening up, showcasing its mountainous landscapes and rebuilt Grozny.

23. Cuba

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Anna Jedynak

While not as restricted as other destinations on this list, American travelers face specific legal restrictions and cannot visit as typical tourists.

The Allure of the Forbidden

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Jaromir Chalabala

These destinations challenge the notion of typical travel, offering unparalleled adventures to those willing to face the risks. Whether driven by political, cultural, or natural barriers, each location promises a glimpse into some of the world’s most secluded spots.

More From The Green Voyage

Top 10 Trending Travel Destinations 2024

6 Essential Banking Apps for International Travel – Managing Your Finances on the Go

Traveling With Kids – 10 Tips to Create Memorable Family Holidays

The post Forbidden Countries – The Paths Less Traveled first appeared on The Green Voyage.

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Hussein Eddeb.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

 

Tips for Trip Success

Book Your Flight
Find an inexpensive flight by using Kayak, a favorite of ours because it regularly returns less expensive flight options from a variety of airlines.

Book Your Hotel or Special Accommodation
We are big fans of Booking.com. We like their review system and photos. If we want to see more reviews and additional booking options, we go to Expedia.

You Need Travel Insurance!
Good travel insurance means having total peace of mind. Travel insurance protects you when your medical insurance often will not and better than what you get from your credit card. It will provide comprehensive coverage should you need medical treatment or return to the United States, compensation for trip interruption, baggage loss, and other situations.Find the Perfect Insurance Plan for Your Trip

Related posts:

18 Places in the World That Are Most LGBTQ-Friendly
The 17 Most Expensive Fast Food Items Across America - Tasty Treats With a Hefty Price Tag
21 Rugged Adventures That West Virginians Brave FOR FUN
21 Youth-Led Movements Revolutionizing Social Justice in the USA
How to Backpack the World on $50 a Day
20 Top Vegan-Friendly Cities Perfect for American Travelers
10 Historic Military Sites in the USA to Make You Proud
Charities Americans Love to Support Abroad
Best 25 Quotes to Empower Women on Their Travels
Exploring the Top 21 Delights and Sights of Maine
15 Ways to Avoid Other Americans on Vacation
Essential Global Woke Vocabulary – 21 Things You Need to Know 
18 Reasons Why the US Has Everything Without Traveling Abroad
15 Things You Need to Know About Kansas
25 Overlooked States and Why They Deserve a Spot on Your Travel List
Visa Politics - What You Need to Know
19 Perfect Spring Breaks in Colorado
20 Up and Coming States for a 2025 Vacation
It's an Ohio Thing: 21 Weird Habits Cherished by the Buckeye State
20 Adrenaline-Packed Theme Parks for Ultimate Thrill-Seekers
21 Reasons More American Boomers Are Moving to Europe
Missouri Beats Kansas Hands Down When It Comes to BBQ
Where Are the Hidden Gems Influencers Missed? 20 Secret Spots
How to Deal with Jerks While Traveling
21 Wild West Wonders That Wyoming Still Preserves
18 Places to Live With the Longest Life Expectancy
Navigating the Globe with a Queer Compass: 18 LGBTQ+ Travel Habits
17 Cultural Taboos: What Not to Do When Traveling in the Middle East
16 Countries with the Most Challenging LGBTQ Rights: A Cautionary Guide for American Travelers
10 Budget-Friendly Home Décor Ideas for American Travelers: Bring the World to Your Space