Islamabad, 10 June 2025: Geopolitical tensions, civil unrest, and tightening authoritarian controls have turned several once-popular destinations into travel no-go zones.
From ancient ruins now inaccessible to beaches deserted due to security fears, international tourism has sharply declined in multiple countries once celebrated for their cultural, historical, or natural allure.
Afghanistan: Once Adventurous, Now Inaccessible
Afghanistan, long a magnet for the more intrepid traveller, has seen its tourism industry collapse since the return of the Taliban in 2021. With widespread insecurity, heavily guarded checkpoints, and ongoing humanitarian crises, visitor numbers have plummeted by more than 90%.
READ MORE: PIA issues Important Travel Advisory
Even historically significant sites like the Bamiyan Buddhas are largely off-limits. Western governments, including the US, have issued maximum-level travel advisories, urging citizens to avoid all travel.
North Korea: A Fortress Nation Tightens Control
Travel to North Korea already a tightly managed process has become even more restrictive. By 2023, Pyongyang had further reduced the number of licensed tour operators and ramped up surveillance.
Visitors are limited to government-approved itineraries and are under close watch throughout their stay. Since 2019, international arrivals have dropped by over 80%, including a reduction in tour activity from China, once its primary source of foreign visitors.
Venezuela: Natural Beauty Overshadowed by Crisis
Home to iconic attractions like Angel Falls, Venezuela once boasted strong eco-tourism potential. However, a surge in violent crime, economic instability, and healthcare shortages has made the country an increasingly risky destination.
With multiple international airlines suspending service and very limited insurance coverage available, most foreign travellers have stayed away. The US continues to advise against all travel.
Syria: Heritage Lost in Conflict
Years of armed conflict have devastated Syria’s tourism infrastructure. Once-thriving UNESCO sites such as Palmyra and the ancient quarters of Aleppo now lie in ruins or under military control. In 2024, tourist arrivals were estimated below 10,000 a fraction of pre-war figures.
Warnings of terrorism, kidnapping, and road insecurity continue to deter travel, and most international tour operators have withdrawn entirely.
Belarus: Isolation and Repression Drive Tourists Away
Belarus, once a lesser-known European destination, has faced a sharp drop in foreign visitors since its controversial 2020 election.
Political unrest, state surveillance, and increasingly difficult visa processes have discouraged tourism. Western sanctions have further complicated access by affecting banking and transport systems. As a result, international arrivals declined by more than 60% last year.
Iran: Historic Appeal Eclipsed by Tensions
Iran’s rich heritage and ancient sites have long drawn cultural tourists, but international tensions have undercut the sector. Since 2019, arrivals have dropped significantly.
Visa delays, fears of arbitrary arrest, and extensive monitoring of foreigners have added to the unease. Many governments now advise against travel, particularly for dual nationals or Western passport holders.
READ MORE: PIA issues Important Travel Advisory
Myanmar: From Golden Temples to Restricted Zones
Myanmar, once lauded for its scenic sites like Bagan and Inle Lake, has seen tourism nearly vanish after the military coup in 2021.
Political unrest, regular power cuts, and road closures have all contributed to a hostile travel environment. With airlines halting service and safety a growing concern, tourism has dropped to near-zero levels, and even local tourism operators recommend deferring travel until stability returns.
