For lovers of travel today there are no barriers. In a short time you can fly across the oceans, cross continents and in almost any country in the world feel like a welcome guest.
Is it really? In some states, for example, the Maldives or the Comoros, citizens of any country can get into without hassle. To enter the territory of most others, you need to get a visa or collect additional documents.
But there are several states on the planet that can be called the most closed countries in the world. On their territory, tourists are not welcome, and if they are, it is only because you can profit and appropriate valuable items belonging to them.
According to the Passport Index
At the end of 2017, a comparative accessibility rating of all 198 countries of the world was published. Thanks to this study, not only the easiest to visit states were revealed. It was also possible to find out which territories are so inhospitable that to visit there is not only almost impossible, but often dangerous.
There are seven names in the list of the most closed countries in the world. North Korea and Turkmenistan compete for first place. Consider the entire list.
- Turkmenistan.
- North Korea.
- Saudi Arabia.
- Afghanistan.
- Somalia.
- Butane.
- Angola
Why is the government of these countries so not interested in profits from the tourist flow that it is impossible to see life there? Each state has its own reasons. Let's try to deal with each of them.
Country of Golden Monuments
If you set a goal, you can obtain permission to enter Turkmenistan. It is only worthwhile to prepare for difficulties in advance and think about whether you really want to see Ashgabat, Samarkand and Bukhara.
Obtaining permission to enter is approved directly by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This is a lottery: to collect and provide all the necessary documents and receive a refusal without explanation. There are no visa exemptions for anyone, even an invitation from a relative or official organization does not guarantee a visa.
For guests visiting one of the most closed countries in the world, Turkmenistan, strict rules apply. For example, you need to provide confirmation in which hotel the tourist will spend the night. After 23:00, a curfew arrives for foreigners, and it is forbidden to be on the streets.
Numerous monuments of the country need to be shown maximum respect. Funny photos on the background of the golden monument of the leader are not welcome.
Unfamiliar city of Pyongyang
More recently, it was pointless to even dream of a trip to North Korea, the most closed country in the world. Although it is interesting not only to professional journalists to see the real life of people behind an impenetrable curtain.
Everything begins to change for the better: tourism is gradually returning to North Korea. The cost of the tour will be at least $ 2, 000 (133 thousand rubles). You will also have to get many special permissions.
But even having arrived in Pyongyang, talking with the locals and taking a walk around the city will not work. Guests must be accompanied by a local guide (part-time overseer). He will conduct a tour of the main attractions, show shops intended for foreigners, and spend in the hotel. You cannot be on the street without an escort - they can arrest you.
By the way, taking pictures without permission is also prohibited. In the capital there are only a few places against which you can take pictures for memory. Upon departure, the customs officer has the right to check the memory card of the camera and delete any photos.
But there is good news - tourists were allowed to use mobile phones. Previously, they were selected at the entrance to the country. It is not surprising that until recently, North Korea was considered the most closed country in the world.
Tourist Ban
Saudi Arabia is one of the richest countries in the world. At the same time, the level of religious conservatism is very high here. Only Muslim pilgrims have a chance to visit this country. For those who perform the holy hajj, the authorities allow them to visit Mecca and Medina - cities that every Orthodox Muslim must visit at least once. Of course, only a man can get permission.
But even pilgrims from other countries are accepted in organized groups and accompanied by a local guide. Free travel here also does not work.
Recently, the situation has changed for the better. To one of the most closed countries in the world, Saudi Arabia, tourists were allowed to enter. But with restrictions: to travel only on a single route for all foreigners and accompanied by a local guide. In addition, there are areas in the country that are prohibited from visiting other religions. If you break the ban, then the most lenient punishment will be arrest.
Country of eternal war and drugs
Before deciding to visit Afghanistan, it is better to think carefully. After a series of brutal wars, the attitude of local residents towards tourists is not very friendly.
For a trip, you must receive an invitation from a local resident, be sure to indicate the purpose of the visit. You can’t take pictures, especially people, shoot videos, wear open clothes and violate local customs. For women, the rules are much stricter; it’s dangerous to even be on the street without a man's escort. Even a visa photo is best done in a scarf. Given the huge number of people who openly carry weapons, it is better not to violate the prohibitions.
Another fact that makes Afghanistan one of the most closed countries in the world: only $ 200 (13, 300 rubles) can be taken back. And it does not matter how much the tourist had at the entrance.
Pirates and gunfights
But getting a visa to Somalia will not have any problems at all. It can be easily obtained upon arrival immediately at the airport. But the line of those who wish is not worth it.
Somalia has long been an unspoken symbol of the proliferation of crime and poverty. It is not surprising that she was on the list of the most closed countries.
For more than 20 years, the civil war has not stopped here. Even in the capital, Mogadishu, gunfights are often heard. Locals consider any tourist as a potential hostage.
You should not travel to Somalia without a local guide familiar with customs and armed guards. Although this does not guarantee security.
Protection of nature and architecture
The government of Bhutan, a small kingdom in the Himalayas, deliberately restricts the access of curious tourists. It is very concerned about the preservation of the pristine natural beauty and comfort of the inhabitants of the country. This helped her maintain her cultural identity, but made Bhutan one of the most closed countries in the world.
The amazing beauty of the Himalayas can be seen by few. The process of obtaining a visa is lengthy and not always successful. A visa is issued only for 15 days, and for each of them for the purpose of travel you will have to pay a rather big tourist tax. And yes - no independent trips. All movements are only through local agencies and with the permission of the authorities. Therefore, you can see the ancient Buddhist monasteries, stupas and monuments only with a guide and observing all local rituals.
