5 Countries That Don’t Want You To Visit

Tourism can be an economic gold mine when approached properly, and most countries around the world have embraced visitors with open arms.

However, there are several places across the globe who decided that they were better without the masses of newcomers: here are 10 countries that have closed their doors to Americans and many other nations around the world.

1) Saudi Arabia

requires all visitors to be sponsored by a legal resident or citizen.

Even if you’re sponsored properly, there’s no guarantee that you’ll then be awarded a visa as the application process is highly selective.

2) Iran 

Iran doesn’t even have an American Embassy anymore, thanks to the tense Iran hostage situation that occurred there in 1979.

If you are able to secure an Iranian visa through the Pakistani embassy in Washington, D.C., you will need to show that you’re traveling with a tour group.

3) Cuba

The relationship between Cuba and the United States is relaxing slightly, but the current travel regulations still don’t allow anyone looking for a good Cuban sandwich and a Caribbean beach to book a flight.

Unless you can prove that you’re in Cuba for one of the official reasons, you’ll have to wait longer to visit.

4) Somalia 

Somalia is known for the vast number of pirates roaming the seas around it, which should be a good reason not to go.

Even if you make it past the pirates, you’ll need a sponsor and an invitation to visit the country.

5) Angola

If Angola is on your must-visit list, you’ll need to be okay with some serious expenditure before you even find out if you can go.

Before you can apply for a visa, you’ll need to pay the application fee and invitation fee, then book plane tickets and hotel stays.