7 hardest countries to get a visa for

There are 195 countries worldwide, and many people dream of visiting them all. However, visa requirements often restrict free travel.

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. If this has made you curious, read on to find out the 7 hardest countries to get a visa for.

Russia

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. However, by accurately completing the form and providing all necessary information, it is possible to secure a visa to visit Russia.

Iran

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. Although the eVisa system has simplified the process, not all countries can benefit from it. Citizens from the US, UK, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and a few others cannot get visas on arrival, especially if they have visited Israel in the past six months.

Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan’s rigid visa policy makes it one of the least visited countries. Almost everyone requires a visa, except visitors from specific parts of Kazakhstan or Uzbekistan and those with diplomatic passports. 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, a process that can take up to 20 days.

Chad

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. To secure this letter, one must book a non-refundable hotel room. If the visa application is rejected, the payment for the room is lost.

Saudi Arabia

While obtaining a visa to Saudi Arabia was extremely difficult in the past, especially for unaccompanied women, 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. The strict visa policy is also influenced by the annual influx of Muslim pilgrims for the Hajj, limiting the number of tourist visas issued to avoid overcrowding.

North Korea

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: they cannot interact with locals, criticise the North Korean leader, roam freely, or leave their hotels after tours conclude.

Afghanistan

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 countries such as India, Indonesia, Turkey, China, Iran, and Tajikistan, who are exempt from the visa requirement.