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.
Sponsored
Add Thailand to your list.
They love tourist revenue but discriminate against visitors.
The police target tourists.
Entrance fees to National Parks, zoos etc are more than doubled for visitors.
Taxi drivers are well known for ‘ripping off’ tourists.
And the Tourism Authority of Thailand has been selling a lie about Thailand for decades.
Try Laos, Malaysia, Vietnam or even Myanmar instead.
Thank you for the addition, very insightful!
None of these countries is good to go. let them stay alone and never bother traveling to another man country for any reason…. One love for the rest country thats allow each other to visit. traveling is part of education and many more good experience..
pooria is true .iran is a big country and very beautiful .Iranian people are very warm and love to host foreigner .
That’s not true, you’re probably just born at iran and left w hen you were a kid but trust me nothing good happens for tourists here specially now just come once and you’ll see
I agree with this comment. I was in Tehran 3 times and I can vow for this
Im iranian. You can travel to the my country. We are your friend
I am happy with your comment, may Allah regard us Ameen.
From what I have read the Iranians are warm and friendly as a people and take a keen interest in america. We can’t judge them all based on a radical ten percent that chant death to America. That would be like judging democrats based on antifa.
Of course I approve of the latter 🙂
Iran is beautiful country with anciant cultural about human and people that loves together and know guest and like forigen people and growing guests, specially tourists ? them and i can’t believe some Iranian, same that friend, write wrongs about this lovely and peaceful people, Iranian is so kindness you can read about this realty from some people ??? that had a experience about this so ancuant country with10 000 years of humanity, please don’t jugs of same, some darky minds ?? person, we are ?? Iranian and we love you come in my country be my guest and than judging us…
Love you.
Asad. M
yes iran is a vary beautiful country
Very true.
I can visit Iran and Saudi with no harm and very peacfully
Saudis don’t like to welcome people in their country they kill and rape young women from Africa and their policemen are corropt.
Exactly.
I am so unhappy because Iran exists in this list.
But I’d like to say, Iranian people will be happy to see foreign travelers from every country.
All of us are living and moving fast at the home, called earth. ????????
Maryam is true. Iranians love all people and all nations in the world. Their hospitality is really unbelievable for the tourists who visit this country. There are thousands of touristic places in Iran. Many historic sites date over 3000 years and many of them are registered (or candidate) as UNESCO world heritage. Since last year, you don’t need any VISA before traveling to Iran, since the VISA is accorded at the frontiers to all nations. Iranians love American people and they are really welcomed to visit Iran.
Exactly. If you don’t believe it, Just search “travel to Iran” and read amazing stories about visitors in all around the world who have fun time in Iran. Iranian people are so friendly and kind, Especially with foreigners, and act around them respectfully.
Unfortunately, American and European medias shows a negetive sight about Iran, Because Iran is their enemy and political things… Don’t believe these strange things tryna shows Iran scary and creepy!
Hope you visit and enjoy!
hello maryam. how beautiful is Iran? I hope to visit there too?
I will soon be there In sha Allah
Really? I think Iranian people are very Racist and dangerous.
Very true. Iranians are very warm people. I am not sure about politics there though.
Iran is an amazing country to visit.
I was there in April of 2017 for three weeks.
The people are the friendliest, kindest more welcoming people I have met anywhere. I have travelled to many countries and Iran is my favourite.
Hey, I traveled Iran recently in my own vehicle, great people, loved it
(except the taxi drivers in Tehran who can be a little stressed)
I would love to go to Iran and see all the history
There country is a muslim country they still want to maintain there belive, in some aspect most esspecially religion
What a shame one can rarely judge a country just from negative comments based on ignorance of the place .
I am British and have travelled widely throughout my life I spent a year 1977 to 1978 In Iran mainly Ahwaz north of Abadan in the oil belt which was not very interesting in itself but we ventured into the mountains near Dezful -fond memories of the river through the rocks . I loved the country and its rich heritage especially places like Persepolis truly one of the most amazing historical places I have ever visited with antiquities dating back thousands of years .You should be proud of this history however it us now perceived . Shiraz was a beautiful city with amazing mosques I never got to Isfahan and Pars in the south had wonderful agriculture and friendly colourful people . Tehran was a little crazy but seemed interesting and diverse but never spent much time there.
The potential seems amazing . There are I believe 80 million people and they need the tourists to come and open up the country to the world again .. Can you explain why we do not get enough good reports …. come on INvite us from the west…
Alright nice miss Maryam since as I hear it from you since I intention to visit Iran I will come for visit
Maryam say true.
thank you i will do so
This list couldn’t be more incorrect. Iran and Cuba are more welcoming than you can imagine and I am sure other countries on this list can’t be justified either. What people are led to believe through media outlets is mostly rubbish. There are good and bad elements across the world. North American folks have been kept in fear for the longest time. Fear and hate sells like hot cakes. One should always experience the world not through media but in person. Governments have their vested interest of divide and rule. Americans for the longest time have been kept in fear and hate for the rest of the world. Every country has its bad pockets, just avoid those and you will end up falling in love with the world, people and cultures.
look guys
non of the negative stuff about iran is true !
i am iranian my self and i can assure you that every one is welcome to my country
we love all people and dont hate any human being…
most of bad stuff you hear about us is because of wrong politics. we are not terrorists and we don’t support them at all !
after all we are all human and living in the same planet there is no reason to hate each other
Iran would be happy to host any of you from what ever country you are !
p.s we are not racist at all !!
@dude… I want to clarify a very important point; when you hear “death to USA” it does not mean “death for its people, country, culture etc”, but rather it mesns “down with its goverment’s dictator attitude toward other countries”.
If you peruse the contemporary history of some of the countries in the list, such as Iran and Cuba, you will understand their point of view.
I went to Iran recently. The people are really hospitable and warm. Many places to visit. And it is also safe to travel in Iran. I’ve been traveling to 6 continents and traveling in Iran is so easy.
Yes I concur with Maryam, Iran and Cuba shouldn’t be on this list nor Algeria either – I understand this is written from an American viewpoint so is different for most other people.And while for Americans you may feel there is animosity from the bureaucrats, most countries citizens are welcoming.
Yes thanks
Hi. i agree with maryam . Iran is a good and beautiful countri and it has a friendly people. iranian people loves forigner tourists and we will happy if tourists com too iran
You are absolutely right. Me once visited Iran (Tabrez)
Add Japan to the list…people cold , unfriendly & unhelpful, tho a beautiful country with some charming customs.
I disagree with uour assumption about Japan. Japan is a home to many US military bases and military dependents love it here. Very clean environment, very helpful and kind people. I work as a DoD civilian and been here in Japan for over 18 years and working with Japanese nationals in my unit.
Japan is wonderful & the people are so courteous, so helpful, so kind. You must have offended them.
You misunderstood their culture. Be more open minded. Did you even try to speak their language!? Imagine how Americans treat the regular Asian tourist who can’t speak English in NY or any other place…rude and disrespectful. We Americans are the worst!
The Japanese don’t appreciate rudeness, filth, poor hygiene, laziness, arrogance. Are you perceived as one of these people? The people are private, but kind and compassionate. You’ll be hard pressed to find more polite people anywhere in the world!
I agree, unfriendly and unhelpful. It shouldn’t be added to the list though. The culture is very exotic.
I don’t know which Japan you visited…..
What Japan did you visit?? Have been going there for over 30 years and it is amazing!! Hands down the safest, most polite and welcoming country in the world!!!
Unusual comment about Japan??? As a frequenter of Japan, I have a very different experience.
I have had taxi drivers fold origami (paper folding) at stop lights and give it to me as a gift when I
exit the cab. (I have also had drivers tell me their personal worries (divorce, financial problems, etc.) because it is safer to confess to a foreigner than a local. Whenever I drop something, immediately someone retrieves it and lets me know
I have left it behind. I have left my briefcase on the rack of a train and when the train came around
on the circle line–it was still there. I have dropped my billfold and had it returned to me at with all money and cards intact. When something doesn’t work, a repairman is quickly there and politely makes sure all is well.
Everyone does there bit of work and there is no one more friendly than the wealthy shop owner
sweeping his patch of sidewalk and saying good morning. Of course, a little effort at Japanese goes a
long way. I have not the slightest clue where you were in Japan to have this impression.
This list is rather ridiculous–I’ve been to 77 countries and, of course, who wants to go to most of the listed countries— they are major points of violence in the world. Who cares whether they want you or not. When stablized, these countires will be begging for dollars.
Certainly not our experience of Japan. Beautiful country with beautiful, friendly people. There for three weeks earlier this year. Loved every second.
Can’t agree with Norma, unfriendly by citizen doesn’t mean unwelcome by government. Its a known fact if you don’t speak the countrys language, they are more likely to ignore you. Noone want to pretend to understand english. They would rather save themselves the embarrassment by being rude.
True
Rubbish! I live here and have found nothing but warmth from the Japanese. Don’t confuse their lack of English as a cold shoulder ?
I I was stationed in Japan back in the early seventies when I was in the Marine Corps at that time I was treated decent because I was representing I guess the Marine Corps the US in 2009 several of my buddies and I former Marines and Vietnam veterans that had grew up together went in the Marine Corps and served in combat and had been stationed in Japan decided to go on a vacation there and see how Japan was that now well I can tell you we were treated nothing like we were treated when we were quote-unquote representing the white man the people were rude disrespectful at times not very helpful when we would try to ask questions
everybody would act like no English no English when you would actually have previously heard that person speaking English listen if you’re an African American and you want to travel and be treated like a king go to Tanzania East Africa I’ve been there 3 times in the last six or seven years it is amazing you must go on Safari in nigora un’goro Gora crater in Arusha . Jamaica is another place African-Americans should not go and spend their money they dislike for African-American males
Excuse me ?
Cold and unfriendley
when i went there They were Extremely helpfull and polite
besides there are some societal rules i looked upon and asked before i came
So i didn’t offend anyone when i went
In Japan, they are very bigoted. They will act nice to your face, but have racist feelings. Japan is a very developed country that doesn’t allow immigration.
I doubt that. Allthough there may be strict policies regarding wast, exploitation and overly western behaviour. Respect and gratitude come first.
What do you expect? We nuked them!
Japanese may be cold people sometimes, specially towards Americans but I guess you might know why.
You do know that Japanese people aren’t very social, right? They aren’t like Americans who can easily communicate with each other. They prefer to keep within their own comfort circle. This is coming from an asian myself. (Sorry for bad English)
No way. I was there last year and stayed with a Japanese family. They looked after us, cooked, showed us around and bought us presents. I found it the most friendly place I’ve been. Strangers went out of their way to show us directions. Awesome place.
Japan is not cold and unfriendly. We have been living here for a year and,I’ve the people. Always kind and thoughtful. Before that we came as tourists. A great place tolive
Let’s go North Korea. I heard it’s a very friendly country.. Especially, government / authorities are very helpful.
Ms. Keatley…Why didn’t you just stay at home and watch travel videos about Japan? People with attitude issues like you shouldn’t actually visit those places…you’re probably the worst representative for your Country there could possibly be. Your last statement is a case in point (oh, “tho” is not a word in the English language), showing that your attitude toward your host country was one of superiority. Wow, lady! How wrong could you be?? Japanese people are some of the most warm, friendly, generous and forgiving people on the planet. Granted, there can be rotten apples in every barrel, just look in YOUR mirror, but in Japan those are few because they’re winnowed out by their peers. Next time you want to open your pie-hole about a culture as ancient and respected as Japan’s…do your homework. Again, I suggest you make thorough use of the travel channel and Fodor’s travel books (he’s a dweeby snob, too) and just stay at home. I would imagine you’re one of those who refers to the United States as “America”, huh? Surprise! The America’s consist of Canada, USA, Mexico, Central America and all of South America. Those of us who actually pack the backpacks and suitcases and schlep through jungles (both urban and botanical) don’t want your sort of traveler out here ruining it for the rest us with your bad manners and worse attitudes.
ummm..I was in Tokyo on October 12, 2017 and I found Japanese to be extremely helpful, even going out of their way to help me when I was lost..clean, respectful, not sure where you went but my trip was quite pleasant.
Japan people are very generous for visitor.
Maybe if you spoke their language???
Japan, really? We couldn’t find a more welcoming and a most courteous place to visit. Are you sure you went there.? People went out of their way to be helpful and explain things. Would return in a hearbeat.
Japan had some rude people that we came across. In disney! Since we were visitors we kept quiet and moved along. Not on our lists to visit anytime soon.
We can add Pakistan in the list.The northern Pakistan is a real wonder and know to be a Switzerland of Asia. People are very simple and entertaining and tourism is cheapest in the world.
Hi,
may b I don’t agree , japnees are not cold but shy, they don’t mix with new people but when knew you they are the best
If you approach anyone in any country in the world and immediately speak in your own language and they don’t understand ,it can be perceived by you as rudeness . I suggest this is how you approach foreigners normally . What a shame for you . You have missed out ……
If you show manners use body language and smile most people will help you if they can understand you . It annoys me that a country can be judged by a few conversations . There are good and bad people everywhere . I have heard that the Japanese are very polite and respectful although I have never visited . Not sure which other countries you have visited ….I feel sorry for your narrow minded approach…
JAPAN IS SAFE COUNTRY IN THE WORLD TO VISIT<NICE PEOPLE N RESPECTABLE
Darn. Who cares if people are cold or friendly? Question was: is it difficult to get visa to Japan?
I found Japan one of the best places I’ve been to Japan and my daughter spent over a year there teaching English because they can read it but cannot speak it so sometimes they may come across as a bit aloof but they are so polite and respectful and were wonderful to my daughter. Besides that the temples are amazing and serine, there are great theme parks like Disney land, the city lights, the culture. It’s got just about everything.. I guarantee you will love it if you go there
Well, do something about your own education, your post sounds instable and unencumbered by any knowledge.
Cuba is visited and liked by many European visitors. When a certain regime or administration is the reason not to go instead of meeting locals and communicate with them the US of A should be added to this list 🙂
Amen. People from other countries not the US have absolutely no problem visiting Cuba and they do it regularly.
Canadian visit Cuba my the millions each year (i’m In Cuba right now) amazing people.
word.
As an American expat i hate visiting the USA anymore. Not good for anything except family and tax free shopping. It has become ugly, run down and populated with punk cops and criminals. Hard to know which is worse. The government employees or deadbeat criminals living on the street.
Cuba is a must on the bucket list. I’m Trinidadian and I worked there for some time where I met my wife. Lots of Europeans, Canadians, Africans and the people are warm and inviting.
It’s just a political thing with the US but visit is a must.
I completely agree, I’ve visit more than 30 countries and one of the most friendly is Cuba, it is also safe. The appreciation seems to be very political oriented.
This is for Americans only. Canadians visit Cuba by the thousands as they don’t create mistrusts such what the American government does…in MANY countries!!!
Totally agree viktor. I thought Cuba was a good place to visit, and the only people who have problems are Americans.
Cubans love tourists. Its a very vital revenue for them. The country is beautiful and super safe, people are incredibly friendly and honest. They try very hard to please the visitors everywhere. We went motorcycling to the mountains, and visited tiny, now allowed private restaurants in the villages. The food was delicious, everything is organic, and very cheap. They are very honest too, never tried to overcharge us. Its a time travel to a different realm, far cry from the stressful , busy, greedy Western civilization. Yet they hsve top noch healthcare and free university education.
viva LA cuba
I agree that it’s not fair Cuba is on the list. My parents travelled all the island (not just the beach and Havana) and they were welcomed everywhere, even the smaller towns. They couldn’t go to Bahia de Cochinos and Guantanamo for obvious reasons. It was a safe environment too, they went with a big group of tourists and neither was robbed or felt threatened at all. Getting a visa was no problem at all.
perhaps you might the correct, but as far as Iran is concerned, it should not be on this list, Iran is a jewel with kind people, beautiful ladies, and no crime.
I have only ever met 2 Iranians,both of them were top geezers,very friendly
Are you kidding? What does it have to do with the beautiful ladies? You can’t see them under all the crap they are wearing anyway. They are a notorious terrorist supporting country. And want to kill all Americans.
It once was when the Shah was still in power.
I would love to marry one of them. They are really cute.
I agree with you. Iran is a great place to visit and have wonderful people. Do not listen to media. Tv and Hollywood just lie and lie.
@ Ugo indeed there are beautiful ladies in Iran but l would not think this a a wise comment …No visitor would be encoraged to go there to find love or whatever it is you propose ….Thank goodness Iranian women are both veautiful and intellegent….some bloated aging visitor looking for love is not really welcome …if you are one …go to Thailand …there are litterally thousands of girls waiting to steal your money with the promise of love …and then send you packing ….Ahhh what happened to the good old days when people traveled to see beautiful countries and observe and respect local customs ….
But they will put you in jail for long time for sex with unmarried woman!!!
Thanks for the addition of ANGOLA & SOMALIA …
they should take their country .
That’s Right. some countries in list are lovely place to travel such as Iran, Syria
I concur. Iran and Iranians are beautiful people. They are just unfortunately enemies of Israel, which controls US policy. Israel should definitely be on the list.
Every country and its law enforcement departments have good and bad individuals.
As far as visa application is concern ,hotel booking, invitation letter from a company or individual,proof of finance, is a basic requirement for most of the countries
Several countries also require to furnish confirmed air tickets and health insurance( European countries specially Schengen states).
However, scrutiny of the visa application is based on the strength of the passport and the applicant’s previous travel records also.
What I have to contribute is that!Am urging the whole world to stop self racisim,be human to our own self!lets own our selves,feel like others,”NO MATTER WHO YOU ARE”,or where you came from.Remember human is “HUMAN”,aint called our self of creatures neither animals!Remember,when you turn around or look at someone.My question is “HOW DO YOU FEEL”?We can’t be DOG’S but just human and we are only 2 human existance in this world.Guess who will denied about this….?My brothers and sisters let’s feel love of one another and stop this brutal killing with harashments,it has no use.Besides,if we are not changed for our own good,never shall we thing of human right on this plannet.”GOOD TO CHANGE”!Is the slogan for Hunan.
Yes you are right
Yes I agree with u..
We Europeans are very happy to visit Iran,which has excellent ski resorts and fine food (and drink). The Christians and the Jews have reserved seats in the Iranian Parliament, but the locals do not like us to wear inappropriate clothing in their places of worship. This may also be true of the USA and other Jewish and Christian faith-based nations. When Saddam Hussein and his army invaded Iran, supported by the USA (Dick Cheney), the defence forces sent them packing.
Iranians always welcome you, despite political hostility. Iran’s government imposed these tackles to reply Trump’s restriction law against Iranians traveling to US. By the way, we are not alone in the world.
I agree that Iran is a jewel, a country with long history and culture, very warm and welcoming people. Not to mention that Iranian ladies are considered among the prettiest in the world- darker skin with green eyes.
as you know
we dont want to stay solitude my friend. its the dictators rule forcing people to be recluse
You are so right. I have had a friend in Iran with whom I corresponded often. People are quite the same in all countries but gobvernments cause most of the problems with their misguided policies and secrecy.
all this matters its because of the governments of those countries and its not related to peoples,I my self as a Iranian love to everybody from all over the world travel to my country 🙂
it is matter of government not people of country or country itself!
People who are inside the country
Actually Cuba is an awesome country to visa. Crime is very low and Cubans are welcoming people. And it is NOT true that Cuba does not want people to visit, it is US propaganda that SAYS that, but Cuba doesn´t care. People from all over the world flock to Cuba´s beautiful beaches every year. Everyone, apparently, except Americans who know very little about Cuba anyway.
Please visit Vietnam my country, you will never regret with this 🙂
I don’t think so!
Hi we are coming tomorrow!!! Hanoi and then Ho Chi Minh city. Looking forward to seeing your amazing country. Any Suggestions???
but what about the people who live in these countries. They need to support by the other countries to make their live better then before. All the humans are same and you cannot judge the people by they countries. in addition to these countries are alone by they government ,policy and other things and not by the human.
Is true, they like to travel to other people country but they like to see different people in their country. We the citizens of Liberia will not allow those hateful countries citizens to travel here or build embassy here.They don’t have respect for different people.
already a traveler is in my home when im writing this’as a reply,
if you dont like to come my country its dosent mean that we are alone Dude.
and its ok because its stay mystery,
and if we dont have usa embassy in our country,its because we change the name that to house of spy,and we found to many reason by the people not even our goverment,
younes-iran
Restrictions should apply to trump only. He is the problem. He only wants us citizens their cos he thinks they wont argue with him. He a dictator and racist and can rot on his own in his own country with all the red necjed brainless fools that voted for him while the rest of the world get on and embrace our wonderful world and different cultures. The mans an idiot and causing nothing but problems
Let us stay alone ? :)) That’s true that our goverment are corrupted, but our people are so kind and they really like tourists. I mean IRAN. I’ve hosted too many foreigner visitors in Iran and if you could ask them you would change your mind my friend.
I agree. He should stay at home. It s best and safe for him. Don’t bother to go anywhere. All are too dangerous for him to visit.
Am so impressed with your education!
You are right, if your visit is not appreciated leave them the hell alone
I’m sure you’ve never traveled to Iran.
Please visit Iran & Iranian people,taste our traditonal dishes,visit Shiraz,Esfahan,Kordestan,Tabriz,
Mazandaran.read Hafez &Saadi poems.
& visit historical buildings.
& then give your opinion
listen go to algeria and you find your misconception wrong
all hdt rubish all you need is to book accommodation bank statement and fees
No you can not know about dubai and italy i think these are best for vist.
Iran is the most hospitable and kind country in the world
yes its true that travelling is a form of education….yet I feel if someone doesn’t wash their filthy hands they shouldn’t go shaking other peoples hands that are well washed or clean especially when they want it to remain clean, this is in reference to people who exhibit vile and heinous crimes against other people in other peoples country especially the USA, most colonialist nations, terrorist etc….notwithstanding, the listed countries should be restricted from going else where since they don’t want to welcome others as stated by the golden rule of life “do unto mothers as you want to be done to”.
Well Said.
None?!
Iran is one of the most interesting destinations for travel! I think you should get a look at some backpacking experiences there.
I like the way you spoke.
It’s not fair!
I am a persian and live in Shiraz/Iran
We always Wellcome tourist and anyone ever come here for 1st time say it is amazing.
We always be good to tourists.
Everywhere always has good and bad people.
If our government is bad,but we are not bad.dont put it to all.
Just try to visit cities like Shiraz or Yazd or Isfahan and etc.
If you come to shiraz i strongly recommend you to visit cultural places like NASIR-AL-MOLK MOSQUE, ARG-E KARIM KHAN, HAFEZ, SAADI and other places then come here and just comment your opinion after thet!
WE ARE PEACEFUL PEOPLE
Please change the title to “10 countries the USA won’t let its citizens visit”. As it stands the headline is simply no true. I expected better.
Exactly my thoughts as i read through the list. Well said.
That is right
Agreed
Thanx i will come in u s a
Exactly.
Exactly!!!
USA has no diplomatic relations with these countries, so if you get in trouble don’t expect USA to help you
I agree. Interesting article as US requests the same proof of those who want US Visas, not to mention how badly potential tourists are treated at US embassies and the impossibility to get an answer from anything other than recorded machines…i guess we are getting what we do unto others…
Well said! I applied for US visa and they refused it without giving me a reason! I just wanted to visit some beautiful places of the US without even thinking about to emigrate or stuff like this! Wish I’ll have at least one chance in my life to visit Us especially Arizona Utah and California 🙁
I think you are throughly right!
Citizens of much of these countries are not easily allowed to enter US; hence there are some problems for entering these countries for US citizens.
For example, based on the text, Iran dies not have any embassy in US and that is a hurdle for getting visa; but it is also the case for Iranian who are in Iran and want to enter US.
On the other hand, the title is so general! The mentioned problems usually are just for Americans.
Please eliminate Iran from this list.
IRAN is not categorized in this list. This country has a welcoming and peaceful inhabitants with the history of about 3000 years. Although there are some conflicts in political aspects, there is no war, no racism and of-course no ISIS. So, I love this country so much and I definitely and strongly propose you to travel there and visit historical and lovely cities and places such as: Isfahan, Shiraz, Mashhad, Tabriz, Tehran and you yourself will see how Iranian are welcoming. These days there is high propensity among international tourists to travel and visit Iran, individually or in group. If USA does not have an embassy there, it is not the desirable excuse that encourage individuals not to travel there. It is like to say that, DT is the POTUS so visitors do not have any willing to travel to US!!
As an American citizen I sincerely advice you that eliminate Iran from this list.
what about girlfriend ?
Agreed????????????
thank you for your sincere comment
Iran is a country that welcomes visitors/tourists. My aunt has visited over 30 times… And she is American
I agree. I am Argentinian, not Iranian and I loved the country, its incredible tresors and the warm people.
I completely disagree with you. a country that will not allow a Christian access to his bible or freedom of his worship can not right fit your narrative.
I agree with your comment. We have too many naive people that are willing to risk their lives and challenge their country in the name of their freedom.
They won’t listen to reason even when Innocent Americans are in prisoned there .
I visited Iran in 2017. That was no problem at all. As a French national I got a visa on arrival. No need to go to a consulate. That doesn’t mean that I like the influence of Muslim clergy in that country.
Update on Syria.
If for any reason you want to go there (like taking up arms against, or joining ISIS) just go to Turkey and smuggle yourself over the border. Be sure to avoid snipers and US drones that will try stop you using lethal force. But once there there are many vacant rooms to stay in. They may not have all 4 walls or rooves, but if it’s summer you will find the breeze pleasant. Oh, and beware land mines, chemical attacks, random air strikes and do not get kidnapped as you most likely will end up on a graphic YouTube video and never be heard of again.
Tunisia wasn’t much better when I was there either, but your odds of returning home with your head still attached are much better. Compared to the above Thailand is paradise.
Hawaii is beautiful why go to that county in Asia thailand has murders tourists many prostitutes
You see, Am Nigerian and we sure do get most of these treatments and protocols for almost all the countries except the west African countries. Americans are special that’s why you’ve got a list for just 10. However am proudly Nigerian, the world is incomplete without us
You should add “as an American” I’m not American so that is bullshit :p
Those restrictions are mostly for people with US passports. Passport holders of other countries have entry to all of these countries waaay easier.
On most of the listed countries, I just asked and got visa on arrival at the destination airport or crossing the land border, no problems in any of those. North Korea required the same all inclusive package tour, but that is same with all passports. But again, some of countries are more difficult/impossible for US, Canada or UK passport holders, while few countries do not mostly allow US passport holders at all in practice.
You also forgot Bhutan. They officially don’t want tourists because they are afraid that tourists will mess up the country. They only recently approved tourists to come on a guided tour and only a few a year. What’s different from the others on the list is that their government is not oppressive.
it’s not “insightful”; it’s stupid. The Cubans are happy to have people from the US visit. It’s our own government that doesn’t want us to go.
I can not agree. It is my 2nd time to Thailand. I am sitting on the beach in Phuket writing this. One of the best countries to visit in the World in my opinion. We rented a Schootet for B300 per day and took part in most of the activaties offered. Fishing is poor. I think they ate them all.
I believe that the title of your article should read: “10 countries that do not wish for Americans to visit” !! most people are welcome.
You are right, David. Thailand is not good place to visit if we take bad experiences in the country from all over the world into consideration. However, I have another country that should be added to the list – the Philippine. Be warned of taxi drivers, mobile prostitutes and even security guards/police officers. You foreigners could robbed easily if you take no special attention and high alert. Please also be careful about hotel staffs. Beautiful girls does not mean beautiful mind! Take my words, guys!
I totally agree with you… I’ve been traveling around the world for almost 30 years and the Philippines is the worst of any worst.
please my friend do not generalize the whole country in the Philippines, don’t you heard about the comment of of Joe that filipino people are very hospitable, very kind, very helpful, very most of all best in all aspects of cultural behaviour.
Sorry to hear abt this but I disagree with you .you probably were at the wrong place..there are many other parts of the Philippines where you can feel like in paradise ?
Many foreigners love to live in the Philippines.and many think that Filipinos are very friendly, hospitable and even happy people even if they are poor..
Bad people is everywhere in all countries.even in a very peaceful and safe country, you can find bad people too.
Flips in general are rude and act like a mafia when they’re in groups.
CUBA?
How the hell is Cuba on this list!? Of course Americans make it difficult for themselves but for every other nation wanting to enter the process is easy and the country more than accommodating.
So, to all my friends in the US, the difficulty of obtaining a visa is based on your own politics and currently due to the stupidity and blatant ignorance of your president (a fake president)
Phil and Thai girls aren’t beautiful, they’re submissive and waiting for the leftover Western men that Brit/American/German women ignore cos theyre cheap af and hygiene poor
Anyone who thinks Asian women are submissive has never been married to one.
It seems that you speak from experience. Service was not up to your expectations ?
Don’t generalize the Filipinos and thai girls. There are many well-off and well educated Filipino women who just chose foreign men than of their fellow citizen because of love.NOT of money..
Many foreign men chose to marry filipino women because they are faithful and caring wives ?
Elderly europen men rejected by ladies in Europe are highly grabbed with greed by cheap Thai young ladies dreaming European husbands
I completely disagree with you my Thai wife is very beautiful and yes I could have married other American women
I completely disagree with you my Thai wife is very beautiful and yes I could have married other American women it just sounds like you’re jealous of these Philippine and Thai women for being so beautiful on the inside as well as the outside
so so True These old rejected white men cannot get a younger white woman in their country so they go the Poor Hungry young asian girls waiting for them to feed them and build house for them
Excuse me, not all Thai women are like that. I think you met the wrong group that’s the minority. How did you end up meeting those women? Are you in the wrong group. Many countries have these women. There’s no exception.
Thailand is best place in world to visit kindly talk true
Thailand is the worst place I have ever visited. They are very rude to the tourists though their economy mostly depends on tourism. They care about the money tourists spend, but do not care about tourist comfort. They are highly selfish people. Hotels will try to trap you and even charge you falsely with theft. Be careful about these fraudsters.
Nonsense. Thai military junta suppresses Thais and Thailand is noe the most dangerous place to ride/drive in the world! Plus, as I said, ‘Farang’ (foreigners) are selectively discriminated against.
It s 4th time i am in thailand, paradize, most frendly people, love it all there..
I agree with you Thailand rocks I’ve been here 40 times never been disappointed and yes I’ve been to Europe and other parts of Asia Mexico and Canada Thailand is the best
I fully agree with you. Thailand tour for me was really excellent. I didn’t notice any partiality among tourist and locals. Entrance fees and all are fixed same and posted there.
Wrong!
Entrance fees for tourists are at least double than for locals and the authorities try to conceal that information by writing the prices in ancient Thai script so that their discrimination is not obvious. I know, I live there. I could post photos of many entrance fee signs at Zoos, National Parks, waterfalls even menus. Oh, and we foreigners are officially referred to as ‘aliens’. But when people think they are in ‘paradise’ they don’t notice, or don’t want to notice, the negatives.
so tell us what was your experienced in the philippines with girls, taxi drivers, hotel staffs and everything?
Libya is a good country to invest with any little cash’ but are very wicked to emancipate visitors.
thank you for your tips
Sam, you do better to stay at home. Even better close to Mum and Dad. Guess you stick out like a sore thumb when travelling, attracting any villain within miles. I travelled 2months through Thailand and another 2 months through the Philippines (on a rented motorbike), I am 77 years old today, 6 feet tall and weigh 200 pounds but have never been threatened, attacked, conned or taken for a ride by police, crooks, prostitutes etc. so I can only assume that you need some education before venturing out into the world.
I will not comment in several of the other negative comment listed below as I find them too pathetic to deserve my time. However I would like to suggest to anyone visiting these countries to read about them, prepare themselves thoroughly before you go and they will enjoy their trip, contrary to those squealing visitors listed above and below – including the guy who is trying to make us believe that he has been travelling for 30 years.????
Booby Green Maybe you’re a kind an arrogant person visiting countries like Thailand or Philippines showing off kind of a dollar man and expecting that you can do whatever you want because the value of your money. Yes, Bbe attentive when you’re traveling. Bad combination to brought with you is your “manuvaise attitude.”
Ben, please don’t pick offence. By sharing experiences with other, may help us alot. At least I have to avoid Phillipine and Thailand as no go countries for now.
Yes Bobby Green. You are absolutely correct about Phillippines in the Manila and Quezon area. Never trust a beautiful woman. They need money to feed their offspring, as most have children out of wedlock. For taxi, use only Uber or Grab apps. Trust worthy. Never ask Hotel to book cab for you as they start with minimum of 1500 Pesos.
Michelle is absolutely right Phillippines are excellent to be with..
Why got to a place @ all were most people only look to rip you off? No need for that.
Oh, sorry for your bad experience in our country, i wont deny it, but it doesn’t crossed your mind that every country have bad and good people? Don’t ya?? Go back to PHIL again, and go south, look for me and i will show you…maybe it would change your perspective towards our country! ? and next time, go on a vacation to relax, not to go after with girls do dirty things…? you know before hand those girls do it because of money, so dont expect anything nice… As you speak, CHEAP, cheap are no good quality..think about it…
Bobby green. Please read and well informed before you visit Philippines. Next time don’t stay in Manila area. Outside and provinces where you can see the beauty and true culture of my country.
You are 100% right and clear. I did research on that.
Strangely Australia would be a good idea for a holiday
When I was in Manila a policeman asked me for money outside a discotheque in remedios..claiming that he protected me from danger.policemen in uniform in Thailand ripped me off when they asked me to do the currency exchange with them.Both incidents spoiled my travel enjoyment.
Yes indeed. People need to know that phils is full of hookers & cash IS king in phils. You`re ok as long as you got some $$ to spend, if not they totally ignore you since filipinos are damn greedy *sses. Anyway that country & culture has never interested me since it`s poor & has nothing to offer. But chat with a filipino & he thinks he comes from the world most awesome country! That`s BS. Those people are clannish & discriminating. No need to go there & deal with them. & Thais are also discriminating against foreigners. One can`t win against Thais there even if 1 is right. They also pull cheap tricks to fool people. I would not trust those cheap hookers.
Bobby Green probably you went to Philippines looking for special treatment and you were very very disappointed because it didn’t happen. I’m sure you are not stupid enough to be robbed by most of the people you mentioned. You can be robbed anywhere you go. Is there anywhere else in the world that you ever went or that was the first time you ever left your place because if you are a traveler you know what I’m talking about. If you think Philippines is the place not to be, why did you go there in the first place? Don’t you ever read about the place before you go? About the hotel there’s lots and lots of hotel that I’m sure you are very very safe because they are run by international chains hotel like Conrad, Sofitel etc and the list is endless. I’m sorry about your bad experience but people like you are not welcome to Philippines.
David, you’re out to lunch on Thailand, many countries rightly charge tourists extra for entrance to National parks museums etc, you only get ripped off by taxi drivers if you’re naive and don’t ask around for the best price.
Sharris, you’re 100% correct the US should be at the top of the list with Canada not far behind, especially for visitors from Latin America.
The Cuba info is complete BS as they welcome tourists. It’s the US that doesn’t want its citizens to visit Cuba!
Thank you for correcting the bullshit about Cuba not wanting visitors. Those nations requiring tours are not saying they don’t want you either. This article needs a follow up: 10 nations the US does not want you to visit. And ask the Mexicans, Venezeuelans, Syrians, etc. which country doesn’t want them.
My travel fantasy is to visit all countries demonized by the US, from Venezuela to North Korea. The way to get to Cuba is to fly to Cancun and then hop over. They love American tourists! Iranians love Am3rican people (not the government). Most demonized nations have the wisdom to distinguish American tourists from the government, which does not legitimately represent them.
Trump says American tourists to Cuba hurt the Cuban people. Total bullshit!
Hi Dale, I’m a Canadian born Venezuelan. Venezuela was, until late 90s the most open, stable, and democratic country in South America. The influence of people from US, due to our O&G industry was huge. Not on vain our national sport is Baseball instead soccer. I grew up with US neighbors and the country was, by a long long time the best ally and friend of the US in the region. We didn’t need visa to go to the US and we were often welcomed to your country as we were highly trained professionals and great tourists. We used to attract immigrants (the competition was with Canada on this regard), and never were illegal immigrants anywhere.
It’s necessary to clarify that we, Venezuelans don’t hate USA. We never did nor do. That’s bullshit. Problem is that a Cuban-Comunist dictatorship took the power: Hugo Chavez. 3 years after that, he was forced to quit. And he did under the popular pressure, but the Cuban regime infiltrated the country and made the dictator return and become “permanent”. Then he died and Maduro stole elections. So from fraud to fraud, the destructive communist and “anti-us” regime remains in power. Supporters of the regime has always been a tiny minory. The fact is that Venezuelans (90%) are victims of the regime and hates it. Venezuelans DO NOT hate the US. On the contrary! We had a long term friendship. So much so that, 80 to 90% of the oil used by the US in WWII was provided by Venezuela.
Today, Venezuela is a very dangerous place to visit because of the criminal and pro-terrorist regime that supports itself on illegal drug trafficking, international terrorism and irrespecting Venezuelan human rights. Yes, they chase, torture, jail, or kill detractors.
Do not believe “official truths”. Venezuelans used to be happy people and extremely welcoming to tourists to enjoy our natural marvels. Not in vain George Bush (Sr.) had a property in our Amazonia as several other US presidents!
My advice is: do not visit Venezuela while their criminal regime is on power. Same as Cuba! Visiting Cuba is a crime against poor Cubans because tourism support the oppressive regime of Raúl Castro!!!! Problem are the regimes, not the people!!!
US dont want those countries visitors because they dont go home!
O boy! You think say if i go to US a go go back to my country? A dey craze? Everything is good in America. I t is the best place in the world! They tolerate everybody, irrespective of ethnic, political and religious diversity. Please God help me visit US in my life time!
We love American and all Over the world tourists but it’s dangerous for you. I’m Mexican living in México.
Dale, as Venezuelan Citizen, I don’t advise you to Visit Venezuela. I go there every year just because I have to. That country got the highest inflation rate of the world rigth now and people is crazy for US Dollars. Cuba is probably OK and Iran as well. Thailand is a beautiful place if you know where to go and have Thai friends, if you go alone and don’t speak Thai, you will be Rip-off.
You are right!
the government always make trouble between people,
like here they said Syria don’t want visitors what??
the reason is war not we don’t accept people,
If you make it into and out of Venezuela alive as an American/Canadian/Anzak/EU passport holder other than Spaniards, I will be surprised. I have family and friends that have frequented Venezuela in the past and under the leadership of Maduro I can assure you that entry into and the exiting safely is no easy feat. You also have to worry about one of the highest criminal murder rates in the World. I have to confess, that, whenever I hear or read the boastful and more than often moronic words like these….I realise that the person(s) saying these things is either clueless, naive, or just plain stupid. In either case if you’re a person of conviction and followup on your words, well you will more than likely be meeting your maker in the not so distant future. Good luck young sod!
I was stopped at the Caracas airport on my way out for no reason except I have a US passport. They held me in a room for interrogation but let me go at the last minute to make my flight. It was intimidation at its worst. That was several years ago, today I would probably be in jail. I will never go back.
this is so true. i will call all this bs write up as “American Chauvinism” they forms opinion about others and try to make it stick. im just wondering how liberal the US visa policy is. sending travel warnings on countries with less crime rate than the US, changing the marks on the thermometer to make the fever look normal. the view expressed here is basically American view not a global view.
Such a great title: “10 nations the US does not want you to visit” ☺☺☺
Samuel, please don’t change the title. It is just true that some countries are bad. One of these Asian countries eat blacks. Or have you not heard of this?
definitely Right
Excellent! Tourists dealing with people and culture not politics and be government.
This article is based on unrealistic ideas.
You could consider countries which severely handpicked people which apply for visa and refuse them for nonsense reasons.
I agree. I live in Beijing and there are a variety of tourist scams including renegade taxis who prey on naive tourists. I’ve been to Thailand 5 times and will go a 6th during Chinese Spring Festival. I never take taxis. I walk, take Sky Train, or a tuk tuk..
Mark, I agree you. I am an American living in Thailand for 2 and a half years. I love it here. Just like in the states, you pay out of state fees for National Park. Most Thais are honest people. They don’t get paid much. If you can afford to travel, you can afford a few dollars more. Some of them works all day for 300 baht. That’s less than 10 dollars per day.
Thailand is the most tourist friendly
Bitching about meter taxis in the age of Uber and Grab. If you’re an idiot expect to feel ripped off anywhere.
Only thing they could improve is not allowing Trash Aussies entry without Visas.
Well said. Aussies, means White Australians. Real Australians are indigenous Black Aboriginal people. Australian are also multicultural and they are not thrash luke many White Aussie. Australia is a Black mans country.
Trash Australians ? Tad racist don’t you think?, whoever you are
Been there, done that would not go back there again.. Much better places to see
Not correct to say that Thailand charges tourists more as it charges white skinned people more whether they are tourists or not.
Cuba is a beautiful country to visit and its people are amazing. I drove around Cuba and never had anyone interfering with us. They are very friendly and i saw so many tourists from different countries including the US. (The language they spoke -English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, etc. gave them away) .It’s the US policy that does not want its people to visit there for a stupid and inhumane embargo. The only thing there is that the US $ is NOT king like in many countries. You have to convert your money into CUC (the Cuban currency) at the Casas de Cambio there. I’m going there again to visit the beautiful beaches and islands. I must tell you that we walked around and I had no trouble. Of course, I did not walk alone in the middle of the night in dark or solitary places..
As to getting into the US is no easy thing. (I am speaking from a Belize perspective) One has to apply online and pay pay $200 at a local bank before be called to the embassy for an interview. If you are lucky you get a visa ; if not, then you $200 is kept by Uncle Sam.
Cuba was a bad experience for me because my host and his accomplices stole all my cash while pretending to be caring and kind.
I don’t even know if Nigeria is mentioned here. But I wanted to tell you that Nigeria is a good country you can visit.
We’re very accommodating, we love our visitors, we are caring and peaceful. Tourist can testifying to this.
If you are happy to be discriminated against then ‘up to you’.
Technically, this practice is illegal but the Tourism Authority of Thailand is not willing to do anything about it. Why chop off the head of the geese that are laying the golden eggs? As far as they are concerned morality, right/wrong, has nothing to do with it. Yet reverse the discrimination and the uproar wold be deafening.
Sorry that you don’t like the Kingdom, though there is some extra charge here for being a tourist, like many countries. You know that all foreigners are filthy rich, that is the thinking by many people in other countries, of course it’s not true, but in many places the cost of a airplane flight to get there is a very big sum for the locals. I hate to hear anyone bad mouth Thailand, to bad that they rush in here thinking they would be treated as someone special, tourists have been coming here for a long long time, the sight of a foreigner here is nothing special. Sorry you don’t like the Kingdom, stat home.
Ahhhhhh, rose tinted spectacle wearer.
The conclusion to stay away if you don’t like certain things in a country is superbly short sighted.
Thailand should heed warnings from the tourist front, too many people rely on an income from it.
And tourist’s tastes are easily changed.
I’ve lived in Thailand for over 20 years. I can say it’s changed a lot and mostly those changes have been bad.
I never recommend Thailand to oversea friends- dirty beaches, tourist sites and tourist areas are full of rip offs and aggressive locals plusthe younger generation is getting like westerns lazy and want everything for nothing and disturbingly violent. Those comments about younger Thais are from my Thai wife. I also think the food is overrated.
I’m an American and I’ve lived in Thailand for 3 years now. It’s one of the safest and warmest places I’ve ever lived. There are dangerous parts of Thailand just as they’re dangerous parts of America. You wouldn’t catch me going to Baltimore Maryland after dark the same way you wouldn’t find me walking around the streets of Bangkok after Dark.
Tourist are welcome here and you will find the freedom of being able to go where you want to go see what you want to see all at reasonable prices.
Before going anywhere learn the Customs try to learn some of the language you will be surprised at how far that gets you.
Another,if you don’t like it dont come here brigade.
David obviously you have not travel out of your small town but is the same in many countries in the world including USA, England, Australia and many many more developed and undeveloped countries so your statement is very predigest to Thailand and is not fair for you to talk like that while is the same in many other countries …. Thailand is for Thai people we are are visitors and we enjoy the country site the cheap hotels and cheap food and transport but you should go for a visit to LA or Miami or London O Madrid for you to compare and learn before you talk like that about any country ….. please keep yourself in your little town and do not go anywhere is better for you.
Read, Lean and compare before you express yourself in such terrible and uneducated manner ….. Take my advice …do not travel anywhere – stay in your small town they like you there and you are happy …
People like Cesar are really out of context, out of reality, talking just to talk, the post of 10 countries people (what people )should not visit is BS, why, because USA is in the war with them (bullet flying /cold war or just political difference )few years ago I was visiting France, Germany, the only people who are wilingly communicate with me on english were on airport, car rentals, asking the ordinary people for info, answer was “no speaking english “which is a lie, 80 % of people in Europe speak more than one language, the point is, to find shit no need to go to neighbors toilet, check yours, the problem is that we are not behaving correctly, and results are negative impact on the country we visited, they’re bad, not us ,but we are just a humans, traveling is nice, educational, enrich your knowledge of the world, but my question is, how much we know about our own country, not much.
Well, if you guys don’t feel welcomed in Thailand, Middle East or somewhere in Europe may be you should ask yourself WHY?
Did You bothered to learn the language of the country You are planning to visit? So may be just stop feeling yourself as the center of Universe??
And BTW Your own country as well as Canada isn’t welcoming foreigners as well, a visa application is such humiliation experience… Shame!
hi, many people are not thinking like u, tanke u so much, it,s very pain full to living under a dictator religious regim, iranian are peaceful people , but we don,t surrender , and one day we will get our freedom , sorry for bad english, god bless u, from iran
Which freedom you are talking about like for Libya or Iraq or Syria don’t bring problem you people
Thanks for the correction of impressions, I have been dreaming of visiting Iran for a while now, looking up to hook up with nice people like you..
The United States doesn’t charge foreigners more than they charge anyone else
The United States is the most friendly country in the world. The US is open to anyone around the world once you are qualify.The Us accept people from all over the world to work and help they and their family.
Yes, they do. My wife’s American visa costs a lot more than mine does.
I do believe this because i used to study in texas.Yhe university only charged the tuition as local residents.
I’m an American living in France since 2003 and the only French people I know who speak more than rudimentary English are those who have an English speaking parent but were born in France. Most French people I know speak no English at all.
Painthacker: That is probably true of older generations but I find that younger French people generally speak some English. Try being a foreigner in UK and talking to a ‘local’ and see how well you get on. I am English but have been travelling and working abroad for most of my life and have learned bits from lots of languages over the years although I cannot say I an fluent in any of them.
Why should they Painthacker? You are living in France for the last 15 years and you are so “limited” that you can’t learn french?
I am French and I speak a fairly good English, with an acceptable accent, but then again both my parents lived a long time in English-speaking countries and sent me to an international college, so I acknowledge that helps a lot. However, I’m not sure I’m actually fluent.
am sure you dont kniw what you are talking about.have been to thai and i know what david is saying is true.am from dubai and i travel alot.as a custom officer i meet people day in day out.thai people and culture is diffrent.
your absolutely right
You are right cesar I truly like ur comment Uk and us doesn’t want u to visit at all, especially their restriction on african applicants.
Cesar, you are 100% correct. I am Canadian and have lived in Thailand for 12 years. Almost all my friends are Thai and even though there are always bad people in EVERY country, l feel more safe walking in Bangkok any time of the day or night, which is much more than l could say about most large cities in Canada or USA. Sure a person will get ripped off by a taxi driver if they don’t know where they are going etc. But a person must learn about the country you are visiting before you arrive. Also, learning some Thai language is not only a great help, but l considered it my responsibility to learn Thai, the same as if l was visiting LA, l should have some English skill. You cannot expect all the Thai people you meet on your trip to suddenly learn English just for you. If you don’t agree, then at least say home and not give a bad impression to local people about visitors.
I love Thailand and the Thai people. I have never felt ripped off. I love the food. Everything about it. Be respectable of their culture and they will treat you accordingly. There is good and bad in every nation,
If you visit Thailand try the north, chiangrai Chiangmai and pai that’s the real Thailand your not ripped off you pay the same as the Thais.
If you go to places like Phuket and Pattaya everyone will rip you off, number one is the police every time I’ve hired a car or motorcycle I’ve just been a ATM for the Thai police now I only use the public transport
I think you have been reading too much TEAK DOOR or the POSTBAG SECTION of the BANGKOK POST or may your info comes from certain establishments in Soi Cowboy, Nana, Soi seven or Pattaya. I live in Thailand and have done for a couple of decades utter rubbish simply sound bite reaction. On ripping off tourists no worse than any other tourist destination such as LONDON UK etc. in happens everywhere in the world.
I’m deeply regrets for your bad experienced in our country. Even though everything in the world have got two side and we cannot change anything we cudn’t control, but you know one thing will never ever been lied on you that is natural. Overlooking at a bit thing and open mind for the difference it going to bring you to get a fantastic side what our country’s got.
Thailand always welcome to you !!
Tony
yes thailand is wonderful!!!!
I have been in Thailand for the last 6 months & considering the amount of ex pats I have met from various countries I don’t know where U were in Thailand. It is a beautiful country with beautiful people. The weather is usually sunny with temperatures around 30 Celsius everyday if it does rain it rains hard & it usually only lasts an hour or two. Rain has never ruined any plans because you know it will be over by the time you reach your destination. Thailand is really inexpensive especially the rent. Like in any country even Canada where I’m from there are always cabbies & others that are looking to rip off the naïve tourist. In Thailand they will give you a price up front & at a lot of the taxi stands the recommended rates are posted.
I’m a single woman and went to Bangkok and Phuket alone.One of the best trips of my life. No, should not be on list. Just be smart about it. It’s a beautiful place with lovely people. I’d be more afraid to go to Detroit or LA!
Thanks for your comments!
everywhere have good or bad in many situations…
Next. I hope you have a good trip…
I agree with you about Thailand. My experience was phenomenal and the various expats there spend the majority of the year there for the god weather, relaxed economy and sites.
Every country has prostitutes, and honestly given their risk they should have benefits and health insurance provided to marginalized the spread of disease. However, to each to own but I enjoyed Thailand. It has many western offerings and substantial amount of the population speaks English so it makes it easy to navigate and enjoy.
Again each one has its Pros and Cons, I am an American and even my country has the same relative issues depending where you are.
Travel well and live jovial always my global friends.
Cheers
Smith
thank you very much for write very nice thing about thailand .
They are doing not different than what the US is doing! When ever you point a finger point one back!
Thank you for adding this! USA should the first on the list. Long process of getting a visa to end up refused whether you are able to pay for your trip on not.?
Actually, THREE will be pointing back at you.
Predictable! Any and I do mean ANY country you visit will have taxi drivers cheating tourist. This I why Uber is so popular. I’m in Thailand as we speak (Chiang Mai) and I love it. Beautiful scenery, nice people and very affordable . Will definitely return. Strongly recommend. CHEERS!!!
Hi David, there is a chance there some times you meet the bad guys in any country, it is totally depends on your attitude toward the people, I am travelling to most Asian country and always been polite and respectful person towards those people of that lands and of course it is very important in Thailand as well, if you don’t give them a respect, in return you wont receive the favor.
I always received the good hospitality and smile from from Thai people, i remembered once a police man ask me to have a sit and offered me a drink and lunch.
depends on your behavior and your self.
God bless you David
Wow! I never would have thought about the ice. Best information I’ve seen here. So I guess you go through a lot of bottled water. Do they hike the price on water?
i see you .!anything i want say you know i believe you understand and i don’t care ever,and i like friend good loyalty and trust rather than make things worse between the two, and you’ll see and look at all the people in the farm you will always see a lot of bad guys want to take away those trying to help ground them sometimes strong will do everything to split each person it help them cope more easily ground and remove me that’s what we need to do because when they get what they want them to make arrangements to see the opposition and how to deal in the game with them and the failure to do they always find a way to make us weak
You are a good man! please come and visit Ethiopia.
definitely Right John
Stupid David, it’s normal for the cremation of the king rama 9! for 1 week any tourist cant go any where, check cefore write dude!!!
Ahhh seems the dumb is getting angry. ^_^
David is 100% correct same with the Philippines everybody is out to rip you off they all think with their tiny little uneducated minds that all foreigners are rich. The Government doesn’t seem to care. Do what I do, I catch them ripping me off I smash their little faces in. I carry a knife and on one vacation must of stabbed 20 of them, 5 taxi drivers. Did I kill any of them, probably who cares. I hoped I killed all of them. We all start doing it they will stop ripping us off. If you get caught by the police be ready to pay about a $100 but most people don’t care.
Please add the USA also in10 Countries That Don’t Want You To Visit list.
Why the reason is I am a genuine person(Indian) having bachelor degree civil engineering(age 48) and having Indian news paper (The HINDU) grand a genius award also(having genuine passport and all genuine papers.)
But I applied a visit visa for 7 days for the attend the international technical seminar but they refused. I like America but I does not like their bad judgment about genuine people.
Thailand is a good place to visit, witho mountains, beaches, city, that suits everyon. What more can you ask! Please open up your mind, and U will see the horizon. Do not restrain yourselves within your own community, see the world before you made such comments. Cheers.
you should add, if you are AMERICAN, you do not want to go there… I have no problem to go to Cuba, a most beautiful island. whz have Saudi on your list? they are friends or only as long as you get cheap oil? and the money from the advertising links yo utake with no problem. hypocrites you’re ,big time. stay home, best for you all, who needs you and who wants you?
Hi!
dont forget Somalia. Somali is the best Country.
This isn’t really a reply to you, David, but I couldn’t find out a way to just make a comment. Consider attraction fees that are higher for tourists as “actual costs” with discounts for citizens. Why should a local resident pay as much as a tourists when they already pay in taxes for the preservation of the parks (or scenic sites), security, environmental impact, infrastructure improvements, etc?
David, in your post replace “Thailand” by “Costa Rica” to get my post. Except park fees are 5x for foreigners.
Thailand is one of the best countries to live and work, I have been going there for 20+ years without a ripoff or concern I wasn’t being treated fairly.
When you arrive at the airport, leave your attitude on the plane.
to David, thank you for your precious suggestion to add my country to the list of hatreds tourism. And please, do inform it to all your white Caucasian friends to do the same thing. we are always welcoming to all who are open minded, educated and has normal attitude towards others countries, especially third wold country like ours, because we hope that many visitors understand that tourism is the main business of the country. We do our best to provide goods and services that satisfy customers experience in exchange with a little money in your pocket. Thank you ! again for your support. Warning !, I’ll tell you that we have all kine of things that satisfy your addiction brain, a part of the brain the occupy the dependence for extreme happy and juicy high. I’m happy that your euphoria get reached in a bar from a dirty street full of cunt, where you spend out you money without regretting its expensive value. Oh! may it be your life time value that you never have it in your mother country. So, just loss your mind here, relax, you don’t have reason to be warring about. And do not resist your desire; Be your self; Express all your personality. Don’t care us! That’s normal. We know that it is nature of fucking cunt american bastard who searching for a place to drag down all the humanity faith. You may run out of your worthless bills. Don’t worry, just beg for it. Thais are always kine and help helpless people for essential need. Don’t be surprised if your journey to the hell is not funded. Then you can go to drug trafficking. Import it form your friends and Sell it to your western friends. So,your getting rich do drug all the day and live like superstar in american movie that your mind is set to believe. Don’t worry, your mom will not call. she may has problem on her-own. Getting rid of stupid bastard son is always wanted by Mrs. american bitch. You can, even, kill your self by stupidity or get your self killed without bringing sadness or surprise to anyone. But please, keep it for the worst case in order that you cant get over it. We do not want a bad stupid new to be herd and causing appetite lost during the meal. Please keep that in mind; But don’t mind understanding, feeling and thinking the way i mean to say.
I got nothing writing here, may be practicing my hatting English skill. l would be happy if it touch your heart so hard.. if not the case, just forget it (if you can). And please, you can pass this message to your friend or person who really need to read it. i mean some stupid bastard who want to pay less and get more of profit from poor inferior hopeless people just for satisfy their-own stupid sick mind of addiction resulted from their precious land of birth.
Thank David for your recommendations. Vietnam is an excellent destination for many tourists because of its beauty. People here are friendly and hospitable. Prices are good and especially, food is tasty, delicious. Once you have been to Vietnam you’ll never forget and are eager to come back.
I`ve been to Thailand about 10 times over the past 10 years..They have always treated me with kindness. I`ve never been cheated. The prices for some places are more but considering the average Thai salary, I don`t think its a big deal, a few dollars. I`ve never heard or seen the police targeting tourists.
Ed, same for me.
I fully agree. Thailand is a lovely country. If you are nice and respectful, people are nice too. I have been there several times and always love to visit again. As a european i have been discriminated much more in the US , but never in Thailand. Go to Thailand and enjoy! Like everywhere else, if you are looking for trouble you will find it!
I believe that you must have had a one-off bad trip; I have traveled to Thailand on many occasions, to different parts of the country / Islands and have had excellent experiences. I will no doubt be going again soon. The police there will only bother you for drink driving or rowdy behaviour (drunken).
YES they do charge more for tourist sites – but so do all the SE Asian countries, including Malaysia (you listed the country).
All in all the Thai people are a very welcoming bunch, helpful and accommodating.
The only key issue is the immigration at Bangkok airport – not enough staff, takes over an hour to get through.
Pls if I travel to Thailand with tourist visa and like the country and want to settle down in the country I’ll the give me residential permit.
Too many Chinese Thai in Thailand now , not a good place as before , the third generation of Chinese in Thailand change Thailand to be greedy and selfish.
Have you ever traveled to Iran in your life?
true
What about Australia…I tried to get my tourist visa online (this is the only way I can apply from my country) and it was so hard and confusing,it took me weeks.
I personally would never go to Australia. I mean, snakes, sharks, and fish that are all very dangerous… Just about every creature there wants to kill or eat you.
Put Costa Rica with Thailand. AVOID……..like Spam !
This article is so subjective and far from reality it should be renamed “10 Countries That I Don’t Want (You) To Visit”…
Stay on your chair you’ll be safe (beware of carpal tunnel syndrome)
very true 🙂
I know right. When I saw the title of this article, I saw it as “10 Countries That You Don’t Want To Visit”. It really is subjective and far from reality. And David (the person whose comment is first on the list) is just like the author of this article, in my opinion. What is with these people and not going to Thailand, the Phillipines, Malaysia etc? I love going to Thailand and the Phillipines and I practically stay in Malaysia! It wasn’t that bad at all! These people are just exaggerating!
What Dave says is correct. 40TB for a local to get into a national park and 400 TB for a “farang”, their racist word for westerners. While I don’t see this as a big deal because I believe the Thai people should have easier access to their parks what is a big deal is the constant harassment for fees. In principle an entry fee is good for 24 hours after purchase. Our experience was that you could buy an entry fee one afternoon and then be required to purchase another entry fee the next morning; now we are up to 800 TB. They been using propaganda techniques from 15 years ago. Most coral reefs are dead in Andaman and the Gulf of Thailand although they still advertise otherwise. Corruption is rampant and it is starting to spill over to tourists. Cambodia is a great place…. genuine people
John, I’m Cambodian American. I was discriminated against when I went to visit Angkor Wat Siem Reap a year ago. One person told me I don’t need to pay because I’m Cambodian and another person yelled out, “No she is not Cambodian! She looks like Chinese trying to speak Cambodian.” Although, my passport said I’m Cambodian. At the airport, there were a couple of them trying to make me pay bribes so next time I don’t need to pay for Visas fees. But my family is an experienced travelers. We don’t play with dishonest people. For 3 days, I’ve experienced the worst from my own people and the country I was born in. I will never go back for this reason and the corruption that is going on.
How would you feel if you are a person living in Thailand, who never have visited outside of the country. I am myself a traveller. This is more about inequality.
I myself grew up poor in childhood in Myanmar and migrated to Sweden. Those two countries are like World number 351 vs. World number 7. Differences in what citizens in the developed countries can do vs. developing countries.
Whenever I have money I travel, never buy new products or buy new car.
Right now I am having this dilemma after much travelling. I am just a normal social class who like to explore. Went to universities.
Poverty I have experienced. It is like a disease.
I think it concerns the culture differences. Norms which are accepted in each country. When you are in Rome you have to act like Rome.
But I understand what people can complain about paying fees.
Maybe you never have been poor. No food on the table for days.
The article is correct! These are places where freedoms are restricted, and can be classified as the “rumps” of the world. Add Pakistan and Afghanistan. Do NOT add Thailand, which is a great and beautiful place, with a free visa-on-arrival program, great food and reasonable prices. We have spent some great holidays in Thailand in the past and will definitely visit there again!
Vietnam has it all over most South East Asia country’s but the people are wonderful and the countryside beaches are great.
I find Thai people very fake and greedy, in general, though there are beautiful natuaral landscapes there, and I have to say that inflated tourist prices for natural parks etc. can be found throughout SE asia, though perhaps less inflated than in parts of thailand.
I couldn’t agree more with you . Thailand has been the pits for innocent tourists for years. Cambodia, Laos are up an coming. The English have ruined Thailand, hooligans come over there and turn the place into a garbage dump. Kao San Road, the tourist hub is a scam and the street vendors have total contempt for visitors. Avoid.
I’m so sorry for you that you made a bad experience in Thailand. But I think there’s no perfect please in this world.
So then you shouldn’t go there again, but let the people to judge them self, if they’re also your oppinion..!!
You must be joking about Myanmar
Yes
You should go myanmar is enjoyable
Country
This is dumb because you don’t even need a visa to enter Thailand as an American. The article is discussing countries that don’t want us there. And many countries discriminate against visitors including the US!
You are right. Thailand is changed a lot since their King deceased. Only 3 yearly entrances, have to show a certain amounth of cash, closing hours in area’s as khoasan,…. laos is indeed a lot better but going there through Thailand to Bangkok and then with Train alor domestic flight, like I always did, are now not that easy anymore.
For the moment I am in China. Certainly a place to visit buy first is communication extremely difficult, besides ni hao is my cantonese horrible, and to get connected with the Home front is also almost impossible. Not possible to log in in Facebook, Messenger, you tube, whatsapp,… even Google. China is nice for An organised trip but not easy to do on your own.
I have also been a few times in Venezuela. In the Resort perfect but outside almost suïcide. Too dangerous
The best thing as an American that I feel anyone should do, is to stay home and visit places in America and enjoy our beautiful country!!!
I agree with you. I was about to write the same about my Israel.
Yeruham
I agree. Thailand is not a friendly country to be in.
USA an expensive rip off place. SE Asia is wonderful. I have been to many countries repeatedly. Thais are so great
HOW SAFE IS USA?
What’s wrong with Vietnam?
There is nothing wrong with Vietnam. I’ve lived there for over a decade and like everywhere in the world, the danger comes with your attitude. Showing off your wealth is so wrong, disrespecting the people and their culture is asking for trouble. If you want to do business and you can’t coop with the locals you will be faster out than you got in. Fantastic country with lovely people.
Thanks for your info. I was considering moving there. I think I’ll pass on it. There is some natural beauty there, but I suspected what you have wrote for a while.
I have lived in Thailand a very long time. I love it here warm all year.
The problem with Thailand is they love money it in there coulcher now
Touris they try to milk them and are very good at it now. Take your money and give you nothing. I could right a book.
@David (26 Oct 2017 / 2:28am): B.S. about your perspective on Thailand.
True it loves the tourist revenue – name one tourist location that despises tourist revenue.
The Thai Police do not target tourists – but they have no qualms about arresting and jailing a tourist who disrespects their laws (e.g., using illegal drugs, working without the proper work visa, overstaying one’s visa, assualt and battery, larceny, etc.) and tries to use the “ignorance card”.
Entrance fees to National parks, zoos etc., have two different prices: local and visitor (their rules) but you are free to visit other locations which don’t have fees.
Taxi drivers, true some do rip off their customers, but, just like in the USA, Europe, and the Middle East, and others, the taxi drivers in those countries do so with no malice. Try taking a taxi from the Las Vegas Airport to the downtown area (Golden Nugget Hotel) and the driver will avoid a direct route, regardless of traffic conditions (light or heavy). I know this as fact since I once lived there for four years.
Thailand is very hospitable to its visitors / guests; but one must reciprocate and behave their self and be respectful and courteous to their hosts.
I’m glad you won’t be in Thailand during my next holiday there.
???
Why thank you Mr. David for that comment! I wonder where you are from! Hope its even worse than the beautiful country Thailand! I mean I am not precisely from Thailand, but trust me, the police don’t target tourists! That would be called racism! “Ripping off tourists” wow! Taxi drivers don’t “rip off” their costumers (’cause that’s not a thing!) Dear Mr. David! I think you should go to Grade 1 due to your condition of stupidity! Thanks you and have a nice day!
You are clueless…
I agree
Thank you for your vote to visit Vietnam <3
I have been to Thailand five times and I do not find the above comments to be true.
I have always been pleasantly welcomed.
???
I did enjoy Thailand too, although I avoided the bar girl scene (so squalid). But I had a hard time with its humid, hot climate. You have to live at night there, but I’m not a night person, so…
Traveling in Tuk-Tuk should be careful as handbags or other things could be snatched by motor-borne assailants. If we approach a nearest police station, they would say, the CCTV in the area where the incident took place, is not working. So beware with police as well.
True that…
They really know how to make money from tourism in fact
Yo,I’ve been to Thailand,Vietnam,Malaysia,Laos and Myanmar,they’re all fine.Stop
discriminating SouthEastAsia..?
Exactly! Been on holiday in Asia for the last 8 months! Not ONE SINGLE PROBLEM getting into or leaving India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia…even China was pretty easy. Most visa requirements can either be done online or on arrival.
You still forget the USA.
In this Country more people are murdered by gangs and crazy people than anywhere else in the world.
But the most important reason not to visit the USA is there fucking stupid, mentally sick president, named Donald Duck Trump. An arshole par excellence.
WHY DID THEY VOTED DONALD INTO POWER?
yup
Agree!!!!
The list is far from the truth, without south Africa, killers of foreigners. Countries mentioned, have due to security issues, the right to strictness. Taxi fares cheating and all mentioned are welcomed in place of south Africa killing. Would you rather be killed or dupped?
Thank you for your information. I will not put Thailand in my list ever
that is not ture
Your obbservation is 100% correct. My recent visiit to bangkok proves your point.
article is wrong. should say AMERICANS. i as an Austrian would have no problem to go an visit any of these countries. because we have learned to respect their custom and rules, you Americans think the sun is shining just on you and the whole world ahs to bow to you. to bad you do not want learn and be a little bit thoughtful and adapt. and than when something is happening, you come crying…
Ridiculous…just spent a month in Thailand and everyone was nothing but hospitable and helpful. We almost got overcharged for a taxi in Bangkok ONCE, but our hotel manager blasted the taxi driver and we got the fare for free. We stayed in nice hotels right on the beach for less than $25 USD a day and ate delicious meals for a few dollars. The rates go up over the holidays because of the huge influx of tourists from American, Australia Russia, and Europe. More power to them! Why should their country stay poor while the affluent use it as a holiday playground?!
you mean asean?
You must be obnoxious. Thai people are very warm & friendly. Been there at least 50 times.
Writing this from Thailand, great, please keep thinking that!
you should eliminate iran from the list. As an iraninan I invite you to see iran and you will understand that negative advt and iran phobia is not correct. I really recommand you to see iran
Vietnamese also target foreigners for economic abuse. I have lived and paid taxes in Vietnam for 15 years now and I still find myself having to pay higher prices than locals. And don’t think the locals are all poor. Many of them are quite well off.
You are 100% correct. Munk are on TV, everyday speaking out against roads as they lead to change.
I always amazed that there are many smart Thai people who speak English well but never see them in visa office or hospital reception where there are tourist seeking help.
I can’t imagine why your experience seems entirely opposite to those of the thousands of tourists who visitvThailand each year. As long as a tourist checks on what is considered acceptable behaviour, nobody I know would be looking forward to their next visit. I have been a regular visitor since the early 90s, and have had no negative experiences. The ‘Land of Smiles’ beats most vacation destinations hands down.
Those 10 countries are no brainers. There is no way I would ever go there but I can probably add another about 50 to that list. Just pick the majority of African countries. Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, just a few examples but other parts of the world as well.
How many times you have visited Thailand??
If you’ve been treated so badly why don’t you contact the Tourism Police then?
It is such a seriously insulted comment!
This person must have had a very bad experience in Thailand. I have spent 9 weeks during the past year in Thailand. The people are very friendly and kind. Yes there are a few scams as in other counties. One hour research on the internet and you can easily avoid them all.
Yes there is a two tier pricing structure in Thailand. Went to a national park and Thai’s paid 10 baht to get in while it cost me 50. Cheap compared to US Oarks when you consider a US dollar is worth 33 baht.
Compared to Thai people most tourists are rich and food and entertainment costs are very low. If you take Thailand off your list you will surely miss a wonderful place to visit.
Sorry David, you must be very uninformed.
For the last 11 years I have traveled all over Thailand. The country and people are wonderful.
When needed, the Thai Police and the Thai Army have always been helpful.
Parks and zoos do have dual prices, one for tourists and one for locals. Heck, Disneyland in California does that.
Metered taxis are the best way to get around for local travel in large cities.
Thailand is a wonderful tourist destination.
Good day,
Mr Terry Johnson can you tell me more about your visits to Thailand am considering applying for the visa to have another experience of life.
Thanks
A great place to live in, but not to visit as tourist!
Come to Russia;)
Just like UK
10 Countries that don’t want you to visit if you are American! Cuba is wide open to most people. As for the rest, who would want to go there anyway? Also there are other countries which are difficult to get to for travel/Visa reasons. You can add Russia to the list and probably all the central southern European countries ending in Stan. Again, not exactly the centre of the universe for travellers and also as most Americans are too afraid to travel abroad, (only about 40 per cent have passports) the list is hardly relevant anyway!
You are so wrong! My family and I lived in Thailand for 7 years, from 2008 to 2015 and now we’re moving back again because we a) miss it so much. The people are wonderful the cultures great, the food is fantastic and all you have to is get a Thai driver’s license to get all the same pricies that the Thais get. it’s a wonderful place for tourists to live especially ChiAng Mai!
Disappointed with some services there maybe ?
Very true even Thailand Airport people target tourists with the help of police to extract money
to a certain extent you are correct, but the present is trying to change all that. however, there are many plusses and in the majority people are very friendly.
This is true. Thailand now a days has become more greedy towards tourist.
In last few months they doubled everything right from visa.
It is better to visit other Asian countries then Thailand.
>>Taxi drivers are well known for ‘ripping off’ tourists.
Agree 100% they are little more than highway robbers not to be trusted at all.
We booked a taxi to take us to “Tiger Temple” and stupidly paid him because he said he needed gas money first.
Sounded reasonable at first but turned out to be BS because he vanished after we stopped for lunch on the way
leaving us stranded in the middle of nowhere. One good thing came out of it, we held the hotel responsible since they arranged the cab for us
and they gave us the money back. However; That made me promise to myself that was the last tourist dollar/baht they will ever get from me.
Hi David,
Thank you for your comment. I am from Thailand and live in Bangkok. I have read your article and replies from other readers through and through and feel very uneasy that you have such a bad experience about Thailand. I feel very sorry that you have such a feeling about my country so it might be good if someone like me could give you and other readers another point of view from the locals.
Most average Thais are not pretty good at speaking English. Some even walk away from you in a cold manner in the streets just because they are not good at English. In fact, they are helpful. They can read and understand you quite well if you write it on papers or speak in clear English slowly. The situation is getting much better these days because the Internet is widespread and many Thais are addicted to the YouTube videos and the western cultures so the language barrier is narrowing the gap. They love tourists, really.
Taxi drivers here in Bangkok are notorious for bad manners. The Transport authority try to hunt down those rejecting the customers, jailbreaking meters, pulling over the cars and blocking traffic, talking too much, robbing customers, etc. , but things are beyond control. There are 2 types of taxis in Bangkok, metered and negotiable taxis. The latter one is the traditional taxi and that is the Tuk-tuk. Beware of the Tuk-tuk taxi drivers in the tourist areas, they are greedy to make money from naive tourists as much as they want to. Some even reject Thai customers and will stop by only for tourists. The problem is the tourists never know what is the appropriate price for the destination they are heading. Because it is negotiable so the law could not get down to it. I guess this is where you were ripped off and that made you feel bad. If you take a metered taxi, you do not need to negotiate. Just show them your destination and sit down. If some drivers try to give you an option to pay the other way, just reject them. If you find a taxi driver that talks too much in English, be careful because that is not a normal situation. Some drivers are involved in crimes and the taxi owners did not make a crime check for bad drivers’ record. To apply to drive a taxi is easy and too easy to cause the problems. As long as the Transport authority does not change the whole structure, things will never improve. I agree with you that the taxi in Thailand is not a reliable system and negotiation for prices should no longer exist.
The police here are corrupted for the most part but it does not mean that they protect the bad guys or they are all bad. If you do something wrong, you will be fined. In any case, if you are facing a serious problem and feel that you are not getting a fair treat, give a petition to the upper level of the police department like a Crime Depression. They have more authority over the police station and will be willing to help. It is not quite true that they target on tourists. If you find one, jot down their name or take a photo and send them to the upper authority to help us.
I agree that a 2-tier pricing is very bad and could bring a lot of serial problems. I have no idea where the 2-tier pricing structure has started but it seems that it is a standard here to charge visitors a higher price and this point of view started from the Thai authority and that it makes some vendors in the tourist area try to sell goods at the higher prices for tourists. This practice is not acceptable and the tourists have a feeling that they are ripping off. Unfortunately, the Tourism Authority of Thailand has no authority over the Zoo, National Parks, etc. because they are a separate unit organized to promote Thailand’s tourism only. Thais view foreigners as somebody richer than they are and nothing else. One other reason is the Thai authority try to promote Thais to travel domestically in several places instead of going abroad so many of them are free or lower fees for Thais. If they charge all equal at the prices of tourists, no Thais will come and this is really true. This system instead gives the illusion to Thais that they need to charge tourists for more than the standard prices. If only they could lower the fees in half and charge everyone the same prices regardless of nationals, the situation might be better, I guess. It might take a while before the regulators from many authorities could agree on this.
We are suffering from a growing economy as well as most of the service or sales staff in some areas are not Thais, but they are from our neighbors. They are usually hired from the cheap hotels, small vendors and even some department stores. Of course, they could speak Thai and English a little bit and some could do very well but we know from their pronunciation that they are not Thais. Some of them are doing nasty things like ripping off tourists, pickpocket, bad manners to tourists that do not pay the money for something or even involving in crimes. Most of the beggars you see in the Bangkok streets 80% are not Thais and involved in a syndicate from our neighbor countries. In view of the tourists, they thought they are Thais because their looks are the same but in fact they are not. This does not mean that all the Thais are good. We have to protect ourselves from some bad guys too. All in all, most of us feel happy when we see tourists visiting our country and we really want to give you a long-lasting impression about Thailand.
If there is anything that I could probably do to make up your feelings about my country, I would definitely be willing to help you out in your next visit. I really mean it. I regard your comment as a good point to mend it. I will find a time to give this an attention to the Thai authority especially about solving a 2-tier pricing structure. It might be hard to change the pattern how they are doing for a long time but I will try.
Please do not look at this as a point to spoil your whole traveling experience. Thailand is still a better place to visit. You are mostly welcome.
Thank you so much for your kind, understanding response about Thailand. I am on my third visit, in 12 months, to this lovely country with its warm, friendly and smiling people. Yes, there are rip-offs, but that applies almost universally – and people should be more aware of taxi , hotel, restaurant, bar, shop, visitor site, etc., scams which can be avoided by a little research, locally or online. Many Thais speak passable English and those that don’t are almost embarrassed to admit it. It is not the totally impoverished, third-world, nation that it once was; but low wages, rising prices, unemployment and dire straits, do drive some people into criminal activity, as elsewhere; plus, many ladies are driven into prostitution, as the only means to support their families. On the other hand, a large proportion of Thais are becoming increasingly prosperous; plus, there is a vast number of single mothers, abandoned by native husbands, who are understandably seeking the financial/emotional security offered by many foreigners (‘farangs’), who themselves are attracted by the delights of ‘normal’, hard-working, Thai ladies, as prospective wives. A great country, which I am seriously considering as a place of permanent residence; and a wonderful contrast to many other places in the world, including the UK, where I was born.
Teerapan. What an excellent and honest summary from a Thai citizen. I have lived here for many years and accept the Thai culture you have written about. Now I just smile when I see something that I feel is a rip off and walk away. Thank you again. Chok di.
Your comments is tipical Thai blame others for problems …. I one word you said it all 100% corruption on every level , from school teachers to police to government . Corruption is in the culture , everyone k owns it .
ABSOLUTE NONSENSE
David, not sure about your specific experience but many of those who came and had bad didn’t bother to do any research before they arrived. They don’t take in facts like, be sure you understand norms & culture…, what it permissible and what is not…, understanding you’re a visitor. If you encounter police, there’s probably a reason for it and the venue questionable. Entrance fees to national parks…, more for farang than locals…, suck it up buttercup…, the fees are still far lower than national parks in US. Taxi drivers…, be kind and know the fare. Ask only for “meter”…, if they say no wait until another comes as one certainly will who will meter. waiting (teetering) for a taxi @ 3AM in a tourist trap area, go figure. Learn to smile, say “please”, “I’m sorry” and “thank you” in Thai (not hard).
Your other country choices aren’t without their issues either. I know as I’ve been to them all multiple times over many years. It will always come down to personal civility, understanding you’re in THEIR country, and being nice.
Guy is right about Vietnam , I’m here atm. Everything is fine. Looking a lot more like a democracy nowadays.
welcome to Vietnam where beautiful country and have a lot attractive location in the world like Son Doong Cave and Ha Long Bay…
True.
Spot on…
What about Chicago Il in the USA. Visitors there are never heard from again. Yes I know it’s not a country.
But Vietnamese is very friendly. Traveling here is also cheap
We always see what we are looking for. Thailand is my winter home and have never had a problem. Cabs are really cheap and always agree on the fare first – same as anywhere on earth. Police never bother me but of course I am not a roudy drunk or anything. English speakers are everywhere so no problems with language. Its safe, cheap, and warm.
Maybe these countries observe that the first tourist of the world were Europeans who in their own right were also territorial thieves who befriended friendly inhabitants, taught them Christianity, chained them up, turned them into the first immigrants (without visas), scattered them all over the world on stolen land, work them in slavery, reap the wealth of these lands, and enrich Europe and America and then dampened their iniquity to turn colonialists and when they deemed themselves satisfied they talk about giving independence and then the IMF and World Bank become the new (economic) slavemasters.
Totally agree with you David, I will confirm more on Malaysia !!!
All True.and no rule of law,if a rich Thai wants you dead you will be dead, look at two English tourists murdered out of a beach bar on paradise island Koh Tao, the police did not even secure the murder scene for over 24 hours.
Look at the Red Bull Heir ran over and killed a Policeman in Bangkok dragged his body 200 metres down the road and left the murder scene, went home and drunk alcohol , we know why , has not been to court in two years some charges have expired, Thailand is incapable/not trying very hard to bringing him to justice.
David didn’t you know or read further news that the murderers who killed the two tourists are from Burma(Meinma). They were hired as labours to a Thai business employer.
What makes you say Thailand, I imagine you had some unexplained bad experience, that you did not agree with. Please let me enlighten you, if you where to take time & learn Thai customs, your overall experience of Thailand & it’s people, would be a positive one. The truth.
I agree 100%.
I am Thai. Don’t totally agrees with your comments. We are friendly welcome and warmness to tourists.
I’m Chinese, what do you think of China？
Thailand is just great! Just don’t be a total gringo and you will have a lot of fun for very little money. Negotiate prices beforehand and nobody will rip you off. They usually honor what has been negotiated. But if nothing has been negotiated beforehand, be prepared to ou too much. Yes, sure, locals will pay less than half of what you pay, but in London, Tokyo or New York you would be paying 5 times more than that anyway. Just be slightly slick and you will be fine.
I appologize for your bad situation here.
About the double entrance fee, it quite same as other country that free for only citizens and charge only visitors. And others that also like ‘the black hole in every countries’.
In Europe, My dad was stolen his watch while raised his hand for say Hi. My sister was stolen her iphone while someone acted as she need help.
Anyway, there are a lot of beautiful things waiting for you. ^^
Thanks you sir for choose my country.. im from malaysia.. thank you again.. hope you can come to viait malaysia again.. terima kasih.. 🙂
I’ve lived in Thailand for 3 years on a retirement visa and true, they make it difficult, however it’s the nicest, safest and cheapest place.
I’ve been to Burma and Laos. Both totally poverty stricken and extremely expensive. Cambodia is not to good either. Most capital city’s are fair, but once 5km outside it all ends.
The USA should imitate Thailand’s immigration policy.
How about Cambodia? Angkor Wat temples in Siem Reap city.
Okay now how can I gets info about communication
Yes, this is truth. I am totally agree.
Also add to the list most of East European countries, lately they have been becoming a strong dictature, you can easily be part of victim of the authorities’ abuses, its enough not to give them “black money”. The corruption is so high that an innocent, normal visitor from a civilizated country can have very uncomfortable experiences (Hungary, Rumania, etc etc, as we always say, the line between civilization and “barbarie” is the Austrian-Hungarian border).
Very correct observation. Vietnam is very cheap and good place for visit, people are vary nice and honest.
Ok
yes that’s right in some ways in Thai big cities as Bangkok,Pattaya,Phuket….Krabi and Koh samui but if u try to go to other provinces in the heart of Thailand u will find other kind of sweet peaple very friendly very helpful,they ‘re not interested in how much money in ur wallit….provinces full of historical areas and beautiful sightseeing……cities as Chiang mai and Chiang rai in the north of Thailand cheap hotels and nice food and very safe if u re interesting in hot nightlife……. i have been there 2 years ago …i’ve stayed for more than 3 weeks alone with a very small budget ……Thailand is not that bad
Right..I saw that.It is a amazing place. I used to eat and drink with payless. Money is meanless.I saw their smile and brought me a coconut milk from the palm and told me .test .test in the south of
Thailand.
Hey ! I have lived and worked in many so called first world country and am now in Thailand and it is the best I have been to. So each person has different experience so do not put down any country. I guess people can say negative about your paradise country.
Thailand is my favourite place to visit. Just behave and you will have the time of your life. Tourists are the lifes bread of Thailand and you will find the best food and welcome of any country. A more warm and friendly people cant be found anywhere else. If you have problems you have brought them with you.
That’s a common myth usually spread by tourists who learn nothing about the place. Thailand is usually around 27th in the world GDP list and only about 10% comes from tourism. They welcome the extra revenue but they don’t depend on it.
Are these countries just against Americans then,? as the article keeps mentioning the American embassies. My grandson didn’t like Myanmar, as the locals chew this red stuff,( don’t know what ) and then spit it out, he says everything is red, yuck, As for Cuba, my nephew just last week came home from his Honeymoon, and had no problem getting to go there, mind you, he is English, and booked his trip, from England, hence my original question.
Maybe you should think about why they don’t want US citizens to come in…
hahhahaha
Thailand is not the only country that charges more than double for entry fees, not even close. Guatemala, Colombia, Peru are just some of the many countries I have been to that do that.
As for taxis, you have to be careful of taxis in EVERY country and research your route beforehand, even in the states. Does Thailand have uber now? I went in 2010, so it has to by now I would think.
Obviously you have had a bad experience in Thailand but to put it in the same list as the countries mentioned in the article is really to exaggerate. “That the police target tourist in Thailand..” Well it happens especially in some parts of Bangkok where the police target tourists throwing away cigarette butts on the street. It can cost you up to $60 but mostly people get away with around $30. In some tourist areas the entrance fee is higher for tourists. “Taxi drivers are well known for ripping off tourists..” I would say in what country isn’t it like that ?
I have been living in Thailand for more than a decade and I’ve never been targeted by the police neither overpaid or been ripped off by taxi drivers. Thailand is still much cheaper than the countries you mentioned to visit instead and if you use common sense you don’t get ripped off. It’s very simple; for example, don’t sit in a taxi that refuses to put on the meter, refuse to pay more in places that try to overcharge you , don’t break the law etc. When you follow that and as I said use common sense you will have a nice and cheap holiday in Thailand.
Go to Isaan. Loei province, Nong Kai. In my opinion beats the socks off Laos and malaysia
I have lived in Thailand 16 years and i find the place wonderful, very very nice people in general. You got bit by a sex worker????
Thailand is better off without you.
Ditto on that..Thailand is a dirty money grubbing country..there is so much deceit about what that country is really all about..the sex tourism is the only thing that is actually represented with truth..and it is degrading and dirty..the rest of the country is pretty much 1-2 star everything..and the smiles you see?…phoney as the king…that disgraceful “ monarchy”:is a sham…has billions yet people in bangkok live in shacks by the tracks..the country is full of suspicious simpletons that will take your money, smile and laugh with each other at the stupidity of tourists..lived there 5 years…unfortunately…job demanded it of me..would rather eat glass then go back.
Thailand isn’t the only country that rip off tourists, plus can you really complain when half the stuff is 10 times cheaper than you would get it other countries? I’m in Thailand and I got a pack of Marlboro cigarettes for only £3 (converted into GBP) – I wouldn’t complain much if I were you
Add to list Russia possible to street stopped your car stolen all got street pirates ,…
Everywhere, there are good and bad people even in your own country. It’s depend on your luck to find different kind of experiences. I have been to several countries and can never escape certain kind of experiences you have had. The thing is that the more i travel, the more understanding about people, places, surrounding and environment expanding my mind with less and less bias and discrimation. Just let live and enjoy every moment we are given whatsoever.
Been to Thailand. No problems whatsoever. One of the least restrictive countries in the Far East. I entered with a USA passport, my wife used her UK passport. Brilliant country to visit. Really recommend going there. Also North Korea welcomes foreign visitors. Been there twice. Excellent shopping as well.
Thanks for choosing Vietnam. Welcome.
I am Thai and I agreed with you except the tourism authority of Thailand cause some of them are not bad at all.
I think you just understood and met some bad ppl or bad company and I recommended you to try another, not just only meet the bad once and say they’re all bad.
Thailand is a beautiful country and the park fees are used for conservation and cleaning up after tourists.
Thailand is awesome. Chiang Mai is the best to live long-term. I was there for a year plus. Got Dengue.
Are there police in Thailand ? I was there for 4 weeks in 2007. To be honest, I noticed a few police officers, and I felt safe at all times and places, so they must be doing something, but they weren’t annoying me ! Thailand…what a place for holiday, for a Kiwi at least !
David,
How many times you have visited Thailand?
Pisit
My experience in Thailand over the last 9 years has been very positive.
Yes some fees for national parks are doubled to only a few pounds but as many of the locals can’t afford it I don’t have a problem.
Only had one taxi driver who didn’t want to use the meter in 9 years.
I’m sure you don’t get any of these issues in other countries 🙂
Absolutely correct. Thai tourism authy ask you to report double pricing for non nationals on national parks etc. When you do, they just smile or should i say smirk and promise to investigate. Thais do not like to lose face and thus smile and do nothing. I have lived here for many years and have come to terms with it. So they do not get any income from me for their parks. They want your money but not your presence. Corruption is accepted by majority of Thais as a way of life and is from the top down in all govt depts.
You are 100% right . Thailand only want your money . And scam you all the time double price on entry , police booking none stop … , a tourist is just a atm walking around for then and you are the target to any one .
How I know I spend 4 years there .
Yes, entrance fees to National parks etc are doubled for non Thais, but to say the police target tourists is just ridiculous, and as far as taxis are concerned, as long as you insist on turning on the meter, you will have no problem. taxi fares in Thailand are hugely cheaper than in the US.
I have lived in Thailand for the past 10 years, and am a bit disappointed in Davids remarks. He does make some strong points but the ignores the plus side as thais are some the most pleasant and kind people on earth but the sad fact is the tourist industry has become a pit for ripping off tourists. Advice become more adventures Avoid tuk-tuks and Taxis but ride the songtaws,subway-bangkok and regular busses Thailand does have tourist police and they are manned by both locals and expats like myself Entrance fees….damm shame and it includes some private businesses as well
What you said sounds unfair to Thailand. How do Thai people discriminate the tourists? Can you explain clearly? But I am sure not everyone believe you in what you said. Many tourists revisit Thailand which means the they like something about a Thailand.
Indeed ! you are not wrong. Right ,Thailand love tourist revenue but discriminate against the visiors. That is the point that you see. In another point that you never see,Thai is so kind and you will see that those of people help to arrest the bad guy who attack the tourists ; in rural area that money is meanless and Buddhist are the worth thing, you will meet the positive view that you never think you can seek in this planet.I didn’t love Pattaya and Bangkok. I love to walk along the street from Bangkok to another place of this country.I am so hungry and feel hot and want some drink.It is amazing that people gave me some drink with their smile on their face.and they said why don’t you take a sit for a while. In another point,in Kl , I saw the bad guy who are in the same room and noboby want to get involve.Thailand, I saw the same nevertheless; Thai told the police to take a look ,they guess in this room have something ‘s wrong .And that day ,I
saw many people from many country were arrest in the position of deceiving.
It was You. Not tourists. the police is super friendly. and yes, you pay 50 cents more to visit a zoo. As for taxi drivers ripping off tourists you are kidding right ? same thing in all the countries in the world.
Dont come back to Thailand.
Many non western countries practice this cheaper prices for locals to make things affordable for their people…don’t forget they earn heaps less than what we westerners earn.
Thailand is a beautiful place to visit especially Phuket and surrounding islands…one of the best I’ve been to. We loved it so much we went 3 times…beats Malaysia and Vietnam hands down
well dog gone! I am an American, and live in Thailand, and it has been a lovely experience. What you described, in my current 2 yr 6 mo stay I have yet to see. Nor did I see anything like that in my PREVIOUS 2 yr 6 mo stay, albeit in the military during Vietnam. And the suggestion for Myanmar I would not suggest a visit, nor Malaysia. Singapore, however, is a green light. But holy cow, it is a fast city. I am a bit more laid back, but still enjoyed my visit there.
In vietnam, the police will always see you as spies. In addition, taxi drivers, peddlers and extra fees will even rip you more than in Thailand.
Excuse me! But that, to put it mildly, is not true. I’ve been staying in Thailand for 7 years already and can say it’s still a very friendly country for visitors especially for ones who respect the laws and the culture of this beautiful country.
I am American and spend about one-third of my time in Thailand. I find the Thai police polite and helpful and I have never been targeted. I suppose they might be indignant if your were drunk and rude. Yes, entrance fees to many venues are higher for tourists, but this true in tourist area around the World. Residents often get preferred pricing. It is true in most communities in America (golf for example is usually cheaper for residents everywhere). There are some unscrupulous taxi drivers everywhere, not just Thailand. Try using services like Uber or Grab. Those are great, but in Thailand taxis are usually less expensive than those ride services. What lies does the Thai Tourism Authority tell? All such agencies around the World put a positive spin on their own country. That is their job.
I enjoyed reading comments here. guess thats why i m writing a few sentenses.
A lot is repetative. in a very nice way though. Praising the people , talking about kindness and welcomness and such.
To me – its simple. like many pointed out- there are good and bad ppl everywhere.
also as we all know, US has some of the most ignorant, stupid, loud, disrespectful beings on the planet. so there is a stigma, a reputation.
these are the ones that leave negative comments here. i live in the US for 20 years being a russian immigrant.
just like other countries, US has the most warm smart open good people too.
I guess the point is- current political stance vs US, turmoil, what have you is sure an obsticle.
But the obvious thing is- be polite, respectful, kind, modest, speak few local words, smile and what not- and wherever you go, you are likely tobe met with reciprication. people are people. most people are good and also get exited to talk to someone who is a bit different.
you ll prob make their day. something intersting happenned today. something to tell their spouse at dinner table. maybe joke about. and they ll try to make yours . we all have more good inside.
the rest is noise, talks about visas, unfriendliness, shadyness and this garbage. its mass media, ignorance and brain fuck. i mean, we got internet now…. why bother get brainfucked by 6 US corporations w their agendas that control 99 per cent of news outlets? like all newspapers already have went up in flames, TV is next. is dinasour crap for dinasours and lazy folk who cant figure out which buttton to press on his comp or iphone to find a real news source.
i wish everyone fantastic time and adventures during their travel.
Igor
Vietnam is the peace country. Just come to discover about culture, food and people especially landscape. I swear you all guys will be love this country. If you have a chance to come to Vietnam I will help you with my abilities.
Dual pricing is really bad in Thailand. At places the foreigner will 5 or more times pay the local rate. Locals go for free to their church (temple) as we allow them to enter our churches. But the wat pra keow in Bangkok, tourist 500 baht , Thai for free, even when they arrive in a Ferrari. Judgement is often based on racial characteristics, were even Thai “who do not look right” (as in parks and historical sites) have to pay foreigner rates.
Fully agree yes
If the things you said are supposed to be common occurrences rather than exceptions, then why do millions of tourists continue to visit Thailand, many of them again and again?
Sounds like Honduras, it’s real bad here and on Roatan
why Cuba has the name on this list ? i love cuba, peaceful country , friendly people
We are out here now. Don’t care about those charges, we’ve enjoyed excellent hospitality at half the price we would pay in England. My only complaint is with the longtail boats, the noise and pollution keeps us away from the beaches they regularly pass.
As for the taxi drivers ripping you off, its not as bad as most places. Negotiate a price before you get in. No problem.
Grow up David, still expecting everyone to bow to the white man?
“Absolutely True!!!”
Even the USA has dual pricing… Hawaii for example has resident price for golf and price for visitors..
You dolt, that’s why they DO want you to visit.
I am in Thailand now. the Thai people are the most gracious people on the planet. I have travelled here over 25 times and have a business in Chiang Mai. They help whenever they can and serve you like you are a king or queen. The food is the best and also the hospitality. My taxi driver in Bangkok was very kind. The wages are very low for the Thai people so it only makes sense that tourists pay more, If you can afford an airline ticket you can afford 3 extra dollars at a National Park. You seem like the type of tourist who only takes and never gives back to the people you are visiting. I agree, you should visit these other countries and stay out of Thailand.
I am in Thailand right now, just linke TENS oft thousands oft Westerners every year.
The police DO NOT target foreigners.
Yes, entrance fees are lower for locals. Guess what, they also subsidize them with their income tax, that you as a foreigner do not pay.
Taxi drivers are known to ripp people off EVERYWHERE. Taxi drivers fuck with tourists, in Egypt, in Hungary, in Thailand, in New York, in Berlin.
Putting Thailand in the same list as Lybia shows that you might be retarded.
Ignorance is bliss. Every tourist country has tourist prices and local prices. USA Canada and where we now live, Mexico is the same, friend. Double the price for those who can afford it. Do not be a tourist in soneone else’s country and expect to pay local prices. I guess it takes more life experience and simple economics courses to understand. Sigh…
When you travell to other countries for pleasure or business you must feel safe to go there, you must enjoy the culture, the tradition, the food of that country and get respected as a visitor and welcome it by the people of that country 🙂 the truth this moment the world hate each other and don’t trust each other because of internet gossip, Facebook, utube, TV and propaganda and bad leaders Like USA, Saudi Iranian , North Korea, Russian, Syrian, Israeli, etched creates hate among the world.
Im Thai myself and I couldnt agree more, dealing with most Thais are a hell on earth.
Bruh its not only Thailand its all other countries including America , china etc etc ….. Thailand got so many tourist attractions and yes we need money to develop and also they is tax refund in the airport so pls if u don’t know don’t mention our country …. And The Reason Why u Earning Is for Enjoyment And Thailand Got So Many to enjoy n view
Visit all countries but do not visit racist countries. I have decided not to visit France and USA due to their racist and discriminatory visitor visa policies.
Oh, so you were bothered that they doubled an entrance fee from $3 for locals to $6 for visitors? Were here *right now *, and I’ve never been able to travel this cheaply.
I have been to Thailand seven times in the last three years. If you had a bad experience, no need to discredit a country that loves tourists. Everywhere I have gone in the past you always find people that try to take advantage of tourists. Thailand is overall a great destinations both for long term expats and tourists alike. Even with those extras that you complaint about Thailand is an extremely safe and cheap place to live and/or spent your holidays.
I disagree I love visiting Thailand… Never had anything but helpful locals it’s an amazing trip each time I go,
I could not agree with any of them comments I have been visiting Thailand for years my opinion is the opposite,we are being ripped off in our own country.
THATS ONLY THE BEGINNING..What you are in store for….Can loose your life easily..
Avoid the areas that exploit women. Be polite, humble and respectful ( like they are) Thailand is the best country in the world.
No! I live in Thai it’s wonderful! My cousin visit us so many times!
Sawaht dee! Well, I certainly don’t think Thailand rates as one of the worst. It could use some improvement sure, like everywhere.
1. What country doesn’t like tourist revenue? How do they discriminate against visitors? Thailand is a very, very, friendly, fun country.
2. (Some) police target tourists sure. Targeting tourists? How so? Did you get targeted? How? Why are the tourists breaking the law in the first place?
3. Entrance fee doubled? Well, I know that in the U.S. there are “residency” prices to some locations and senior discounts; what’s the difference, and so what? They need to raise revenue to facilitate and service these areas – for you in part. Thais pay taxes, and it’s their country last time I checked. Anyway, you don’t have to pay it if you don’t want.
4. Taxi drivers around the world rip people off. If you don’t want to get ripped off, learn some Thai, get a map, negotiate, and ensure that you get the best deal – just like any country.
5. TAT selling a lie? What lie exactly?
Yes, I have lived here for 20 years and have seen some changes. However, I am not biased one way or the other. Sure, there could be some improvements, but it is still a great place to visit and live, still friendly, and still the land of smiles. Maybe learn some Thai and NOT ACTING like a dumb tourist would help alleviate your financial disappointments. Yes, go other countries (I do). Laos for example is worse, and Viet Nam from what I hear. Enjoy!
Completely false I have been to Thailand 30 times it’s easy to visit and they live foreigners
So true, total rip off no after sales service…….money number one!
Do you really feel the procedures are tough? You ask any asian, visa to any country in the world is toughest procedure than your 10 listed countries. (except Singapore Malaysia Japan and Southkorea)
You are really right! Asian is highly discriminated when come to visa for overseas travel. In Laos, it takes months before application would be accepted or decline by embassies especially the USA, Australia, Canada etc. However, to get Lao visa might be relatively easy but, be warned, to say in Laos is another story. Check with your embassy website before making a move.
Laos enter from Thailand much easier. and lets not forgot the fact its very difficult for a thai and laos national to get a visa to the united states…..my thai wife was denied even though married to me an american
Hmmm, first time I applied for a visa to China I got a one year visa. Not a problem. As a condition I had to leave China every 60 days and come back in so I visited Vietnam…no problem. Every where people were friendly (VERY friendly) even in Vietnam. Now I have been in China for 5 years. Costs are far less, everything else about the same as the USA, well crime is a lot less, and it is hard to get good beef and good hot dogs! and people are still a lot more friendly.
COME TO ZIMBABWE. YOU ARE ASSURED OF A FREE MOVEMENT IN CITIES AND TOWNS. ALL RACES AND PEOPLE OF DIVERGENT BACKGROUNDS MINGLE FREELY
Agreed! We loved visiting Zim for the JW International Convention in August 2014! We still keep in touch with our brothers there! Jw.org
I think It’s not true about Iran, second place after Saudi Arabia? Even before North Korea and Libya?! really? ?
Have anyone any experiences about traveling to Iran? (specially the writer)
I really agree with you….they must emend this news….
Iran is completely different from what you have been saying and shown on television.
Iran has four seasons.
Iran is not a desert.
It’s snowing in Iran.
To never see or ignore yourself, never believe it
Have toured Iran TWICE, EU passports get Visa on arrival ! No problems at all. Iranians are very very kind, hospitable people. There is no danger, crime is almost non existant. Iran has a deep history, they are welcoming people, the only real “not nice” thing is the request for the ladies to wear a head scarf or men not to wear shorts, nothing else. USA president is a bias individual, a sort of right winger colluding with Saudi Arabia and the likes, just for money….nothing else, once Trump is removed, the world will be a better place.
You guys obviously did not visit Iran before 1979! That’s when it was a great place!
Sara I agree with you e
so true ?
Only one problem with Iran it that’s its full of Iranians
Hi, I beg you study about Iranians then judge about them, the nation with nice IQ that if decide ti leave America promptly you will face huge management and scientific difficulties you can not imagine! See how many great and famous scientists live there in US. Indeed you have to upgrade your study and knowledge about Iran before saying non -the- less. Have a nice time!
Iran is most beautiful hospitable place
That ever exist on planet earth
I go there to enjoy 5 times a year
For last 25 years
Very in expensive
Delicious food
Good people
And I live in Virginia
USA
I don’t think there was any order with the list
hi it’s not true about Angola
the trouble of Angola are only the politicians and hight prices
but Angola have good people nice place to have a big party
it’s like Rio de Janeiro.
is the true about angola real is the good plaese to holiday becouse´ve a great people good party and other!
Asking why?
What common to those counties?
Countries under some form of threat from the US.
He is not true about Cuba. Tourism is the second most important sector in the Cuban economy. Anybody can travel to Cuba by a tourist visa that you could buy with tour plane ticket.
Exactly! Cuba is welcoming. It’s the US government that doesn’t want it’s citizens visiting.
Sad fact the united states still holds a grudge after all these years….Cuba sounds like a blast
I don’t believe the info on Cuba is all accurate. Cuba, like most of the Caribbean relies on Tourism as the main economic activity and earner for the country. The US has an embargo against Cuba, hence why US citizens find it difficult to get there. But Americans can travel to Cuba via Jamaica or the Bahamas.
Cuba is one of the most important place visited for tourist. Maybe this information is just for USA citizen.
I don’t agree about Thailand description because according my experience in the country is my favorite place
The U.S ought to be on this list for some because of the recent Border Walls and stringent immigration laws.
This is totally incorrect about Cuba. I have been there, and it is one of the most beautiful places to visit, with many tousist attractions, some of the world’s best beaches, and the people are kind, warm and friendly. Whoever wrote this has surely never been there.
Its not true some country first i vist Saudi Arabia be for 3years and nothing bad its better than dubai go to jedah & abha its betufull nice place to
Absolutely correct. And Cuba does not bar access to Americans, America restricts that access. Cubans are ingenious survivors of a blanket embargo of the same products that America offers to other third wheel countries.
Wait. Why isn’t USA on this list? To just apply for a US Visa costs US$160.00, a non-refundable fee if declined btw, and a large percentage of applicants are declined. And of course, let’s not forget the travel bans trying to be currently imposed for several countries. Welcoming indeed.
I agree with you Sharris. The US of A isn’t on the list. They should as a matter of urgency get on it.
Yeah, this is a list of 10 countries the US doesn’t like…Cuba, for a starter is crawling with tourists. The US is nasty to visit. Just ask anyone who has had to apply for a visa and then go through the TSA gauntlet. Couldn’t be more unfriendly and I’m a citizen!!!
yoyu are 100% correct, say no more
The article is about the assumed difficulty for Americans to visit those countries.
The real problem is when Americans return from those countries.
Exactly
travel to iran. then post this information. Iran is an amazing country with lovely people.. plz research more, about iran
Thank you very much
Have you traveled to Iran? Thanks for your comment… we really love tourists and Iran is really cheap, you can even buy house for yourself for one night even
how much do bodyguards cost to prevent kidnapping by muslim terrorists
that’s correct Hanieh. unfortunately US want to raise fear among the people in the world and increase the risk of war for selling their weapons. this is the story
John, I really want to visit Iran. Some told me it’s a beautiful country.
Thank you John
Most of these countries have made most of their population into slaves for a small ruling class, usually belonging to certain clans, using fondamenatlistic religion or political principles as tools, and the oligarchies are afraid any influennce on the population from outside. Cuba is perhaps an exception, . It is not that extreme anymore, and it encourages visitations, except from citizens of USA.
The enlightened would say that describes America.
Yes, you should state that the European Union, has also made slaves of the population of Europe, to serve the likes of Germany.
Holt, I think I get you right. There are specific groups of people who rule us and we don’t want to know. These few groups don’t tolerate foreigners who they think may open our eyes! Oh my God!
Writing the name of Iran among this list is ultimately unnecessary.
Iran is not Iraq. Iran is not an Arab country. Iran has the most security in the Middle East, which is not the day when nobody is killed by ignorance.
What have you got against Arab countries? You Americans always think that if we are Arab that means we are terrorists and we hate Americans, that’s wrong, it is you Americans who don’t accept us and spread lies about us
Dear Sara : people vilifying Iran are mostly ignorant, let us remember that only 4 to 5% of Americans travel abroad….Iran will soon be recognised for what it is: beautiful country with deep history, lovely, welcoming people. Virtualy no crime. Shall visit again, God allowing.
But some are muslim fanatics
But Gino, there are unwelcomed people everywhere in the world. US is the best place in the world – This is my oppinion. However, there are shootings everywhere.We can’t say US is bad guy!
I’m a tourist from Afghanistan yes its hard to believe and i’ve visited 37 countries from four different continents. Ive been to Iran and my experience is awesome, i loved people’s hospitality regardless of where you come from unless you have a political intention then its not going to be easy for you. I loved Cuba and i visited Cuba three times in three different years. Currently i live in Belize (Central America) which is my second home and i love it. I’m not a religious nor a politician thus i don’t lie nor i support any country. I love Jews, Christians, Muslims, Hindus and Athiests as long as you are a normal human being. But one thing i want to share with you guys is that, i applied for US tourist once and another time i applied for a transit visa my both time they refused my application without explaining me why? even though i have background of working with US army in Afghanistan. So should you add US to your list?!
well, you must see Iran up close before any idea. Iran is the cheapest country, because Rial lows down every day. And you have no idea how people love tourists. There are even documentaries about traveling to Iran : Iran’s great/ Don’t go to Iran, you might have the best trip of your life by TOLT
Good, those useless countries can buries their heads in the muds for all I care. I am not interest in those horrible countries anyway. Add CCP China to the list too please, thanks.
Have you been to China, better learn few words in Chinese , thank you, hi. And find out that you are welcome everywhere. They do not expect tip, Restaurants, Taxi, they don’t expect tip, but, in New York, even if you are not served properly, the Restaurants call Police and fine you or arrest you if you don’t pay tip. So, different countries, different custom.
This is not true. Tipping in the US is common practice but ask any server and they will tell you that many people don’t leave tips. It’s not the law.
And China is not all that welcoming to foreigners. The visa process is ridiculous. They ridicule anyone that looks different, openly pointing laughing and taking pictures and the government will stop you on the street to ask for your papers. Once I had gone through immigration and was leaving the airport, a customs person singled me out, walked all the way across and asked, “Why are you here.” Yeah, very welcoming.
Ever wonder why most countries don’t like America tourists?
Ask the British or the French.
i don’t understand why you think british or french have a problem with american as French i can say that majority of the people in france love america and would love to go over there so they’re always glad to meet american people
I’m British and wherever I have been in the world, Americans are always the worst idiots you can meet.
London is also the worst place you can visit in the UK. Lots of things to see but the people who live there just want to claw their way over everybody else. They are not nice and are mostly very antisocial.
Greece is my favourite place in the world.
Cheers mate on that Greece remark!
Rubbish even for a million dollar what is attractive in those 4th world countries, to bother anyone taking holiday there .I rather go to ogbunike cave ,okomu park than ,somalia ,Saudi Arabia ,north Korea ,that has no internet ,all the aforementioned countries are trash for .
Typical racist coment.
History, culture, nature,.. all attractions long before the internet.
You need to get out more.
This guy is an African yet he is racist and its because all those countries kill drug traffickers. Unfortunately for Africa, it’s these criminals that the rest of the world is seeing because Africa is the best place to be.
America’ll find most countries unwelcoming brcause they use themselves as reference, but they have forgotten that their country is getting even more hostile than North Korea. For me, travelling to the US has never been ab option because i’ll not allow any embassy tell me bullshit over my money afterall i’ll be going there to spend, not to live as illegal immigrant even for one second…
Oladipo, I want to go and live in the US for some time even as illegal immigrant, no problem.
Oladapo, I am African as you said. But you are aware that some countries in Asia eat black people not because they are traffic drugs but simple that blacks don’t look like human beings. This is a clear issue. People should be informed of this attitude! I love every human being but hate people who eat blacks. Except you want to let us know you hail from Asia but bear African or Yoruba name.
So true never been there and no plans to visit these countries , most people living there are desperate to leave this countries for good.
Very bad article. Has the writer ever travelled to Iran ? .iran is one of the most beautiful countries in the world with a lot of historical places dating back to 5000 years ago. Iranian people likes foreigners and u will be suprised that how they are open and kind with u. I don’t deny that our government is not a good one and I know they have problems with Americans , but it’s not true with Iranian people. Travel to Iran and u will be suprised
Salam, dear Perspolis.
You are not right about Iran’s government.
Iranian government is open to all nations and regimes except the US and Israel, who, themselves are hostile towards Iranian nation.
It is easy to visit CUBA for a holiday or for business. Many countries do so and their passports are not stamped because of the US attitude towards anyone who visit the island. I have never visited but I have many friends and business colleagues who have, and their feedback has been excellent. For both business and pleasure .There are many repeats by them.
@ Bolleood film: Cuban immigration not stamping passports of visitors due to future victimization of some country having visited it, is considered a huge act of the country’s selfless sacrifice! GOD BLESS CUBA..(I’m not Cuban though)
This is pure and rude right-winged manipulation. It’s just a list of countries that are not submisive to US policies and have been blockaded by the for many decades. If you say Saudi Arabia with their cruel, obsolete, middle ages legislation, well, Ok. But Cuba?!! A country which welcomes tourists in a familiar environment, prepared humanly to make visitors feel at home and being almost the safest country in the Western Hemisphere, only second to Canada? This page is a shameful manipulation. Iran is another country which respects visitors and their culture, and even North Korea is an extremely safe, beautiful country, though being true that they will asign you a guide who will tell you where you can go and where not. This website stinks!
Your ignorance is no different from the author’s.
Saudi Arabia has millions of visitors from around the world, many of them Americans. What they don’t want is the American tourists culture,(or lack of).
There are thousand of American and europeans there but they make life difficult for others to go to their countries. I think America and Europe should be added. I undetstand why Iran and cuba and many countries in the list don’t like tourist because they send spies and like to destabilise other countries
Sorry Khaliil,
This not my experience. I am in Amman International Airport right now, and I am flying to Dubai, because Saudi Arabia is making very difficult to visit the country -your country, I assumed-
I am from Denver, CO where many Saudi Arabians go to learn the language and go to College. Many of them advised me to visit the country because “it is beautiful”. then, why making it so difficult to get the visa?
I had been in 80 countries -so far-, and in several posted in this list. I do consider this list to be biased: I had been in Madrid and got rip off with the taxi -and I do speck Spanish-, same thing Egypt and Jordan were they triple the prices for the tourists. Taking a taxi is the worst thing anywhere, unless you agreed to the fare before the trip. To my fellow travelers:
Keep traveling, learn and contribute to the World Peace!
First of all, why would anyone in a right mind would like to travel to ANY of those places?
I’ve traveled to all, but Angola, where I lived 1 year as a child, and truly, none of them is worth a simple glimpse.
Except for the civil wars backed by America, those places have history, culture, natural beauty,..
Saudi Arabia is amazing and its really protected and safe so I don’t blame them.
You forgot USA. If u are tourist you will be treated like a terrorist or illegal immigrant by the border police. So if u say that You (USA citizen I supose) are not welcome to visit Iran, you can say the same thing for we (non USA citizen) if we want to go vissiting NY for example
Would never set foot in the USA,even with the offer of a free flight. When Trump gets locked up I would go.He insulted the UK.Also you’ve got a good chance of getting shot!
Its just another example of American ignorance and non education towards other countries, their culture and history.. oh I forgot.. yes its not easy to understand other countries history when you not have one ..
Ouch!
Is it true that In the US they make you strip naked in the customs for a security check up ? Wow! and what do they see?! All countries have issues. I’d lose a million before I even thought of entering the Saudi kingdom- you could be beheaded before your head realises why!
Satish, bull shit! Dont comment with hate and commit religious hatred against a muslim country without knowledge. Main source of foriegn exchage assets to india coming from indians employed in saudi and other gulf arab countries. How many heads you have seen in saudi roads?
.
Only if you are trafficking drugs.
The US of A must be the least desirable place to visit, full of people who are
either too ignorant or too poor to gain experience of civilised countries.
It is dangerous, dirty and diseased in the majority of its larger conurbations,
with its natives carrying more weapons than Libya, Syria and Korea combined.
Who would want to go to any of those s$%#holes anyway. Lock the gate and throw away the key.
You are everything they wish to keep out of their countries.
I think some of you negative critics should go explore the tourists destinations in your own countrys first before travelling anywhere else . I am from New Zealand and have lived in Australia’s major cities , I have lived in Malaysia and am now living in Beijing China, it’s the same wherever you go (if you get in) try challenging the service you are using , you might be surprised, most of theser people are really testing you.
Looks can be deceiving ( About IRAN ) , you can find beautiful scenery , we really love tourist and you can enjoy your traveling ,your claim is incapable of proof !!! i think your evidence of this article is full of errors and you need more study and investigate. put yourself to the prooof
Regards
you are 100% correct, Iran has history, nice, welcoming people and places like Shiraz, Isfahan ect ect are unforgettable ! Have toured twice, wish to go back.
You are really right! Asian is highly discriminated when come to visa for overseas travel. In Laos, it takes months before application would be accepted or decline by embassies especially the USA, Australia, Canada etc. However, to get Lao visa might be relatively easy but, be warned, to say in Laos is another story. Check with your embassy website before making a move.
Cabdi Remove Somalia to your list!
Pirates were eradicated and now it is a safe place. you have to know that somali people are smart and they greatly welcome to
This article assumes we are American. I am English and have lived and worked in 4 countries in your list. OK, I had to get sponsored etc. but didn’t have any problems.
10 Million Expats are currently living in Saudi Arabia, almost living in their home country. I think you need to redo your homework again.
expats living in saudi arabia? are you kidding me? .99% of foreigners in saudi arabia are poverty stricken asians that go there to work and are treated like near slaves by their employers. there are documentries about how many of these so called employees return to their native countries in a box. im a expat that spends a lot of time in panama and costa rica. dont even need a visa.. stay in panama for 6 months without applying for a visa. all they ask is prove you can leave. and most of the time. they dont even ask that.
Remove Somalia to your list!
Pirates were eradicated and now it is a safe place. you have to know that somali people are smart and they greatly welcome to the foreignness.
that is true actually somali is safe only some parts are not safe
Yes, the tourists are welcomed in Somalia with explosive belts & machine guns. Are you kidding?
I fully agree. Thailand is a lovely country. If you are nice and respectful, people are nice too. I have been there several times and always love to visit again. As a european i have been discriminated much more in the US , but never in Thailand. Go to Thailand and enjoy! Like everywhere else, if you are looking for trouble you will find it!
….and the question is, Why?
That’s for the warning about these countries , fact is why the hell would I want to goto most of them in the first place utter shite holes
Your superior ignorance is showing.
I agree with the commenters who say that the writer of this article has no clue and has probably never travelled anywhere except the West. Most of what he says seems to apply to AMERICAN travellers, who find it more difficult and pricely to get visas into many countries than anyone else from the WEST. I’m Western, too (Australian) but I’ve lived and travelled everywhere since babyhood. The only country I’d not be able to get a visa for is North Korea (but that applies to almost everyone; even Mainland Chinese can seldom be allowed there). In my case as an Australian, I’d be able to get a transit visa for Saudi with just an inexpensive letter of introduction from my consulate, and since I”m a female, a letter from a male relative (if I were a male, I’d not need the latter). But many countries require similar types of documents to obtain their visas, and yes, it is true that the article is only geared towards Westerners: Asians and people (even wealthy, well established people) from Asia, Africa and most non-British-Commonwealth less developed countries find it very very difficult to get Western visas, and YES, THE US TOPS IT FOR DIFFICULT ENTRIES, EVEN FOR ITS SO-CALLED WESTERN ALLIES. Although I’m Australian and grew up in Canada, I was once threatened to be put under police surveillance in a locked room at the airport when I was travelling in transit to Mexico with absolutely no desire at all to leave the airport or spend any time in the US: I was ONLY there to change flights after a brief wait. Fortunately, the official in LA immigration did not after all enforce this rule, but this depended upon the whim of the official. Even then, for me to visit the US requires a great deal of rigmarol and red tape.
I’ve lived in Syria (just before the revolution: it was very easy to get in there without any visa sponsorship) and I have travelled in Iran, and I did both ALONE (I travelled to Syria from Greece by land via Turkey and crossed the Syrian border on foot. I was treated very well. Yes, there is a problem now with getting into Syria but there is a problem getting into ANY country which is having a current war or revolution. I lived in the Republic of Georgia and when I crossed into there from Turkey, the bus avoided one province and did the long way around (not because of me; almost everyone on the bus was Georgian and there were no other Westerners) but since the region was having a civil war and was unsafe. THAT is why you are not granted visas for places in crisis: for your OWN protection. Unless you’d like to get in there and be caught up in the crossfire, which is your own choice. I know a British man who travelled through Iraq on his own without incident during the Iraq War: he arrived at the border and was granted the visa after being warned that the region was at war and unsafe, when he insisted on the visa to pass through Iraq to the next country. He had done his research and just avoided certain areas.
For the idiots who say that these are all “bad countries” to visit, that is total bigoted apparently American, naive rubbish. I am very happy living in and travelling through most of these countries, happier in fact than in the West since they are so welcoming and group oriented, not cold and individualistic like many Western developed countries.
And about Iran, as an Australian it’s very easy, and cheap, to get the visa. Any police I encountered (including immigration police) were polite and kind, and I was very welcomed by the local people, and I travelled across the country ALONE AS A FEMALE.
And the silly person, David I believe, who posted the rubbish about Thailand is beyond naive. I”ve lived in Thailand (did part of my graduate degree there and also worked there). It was one of the nicest countries I’ve ever lived in and I’ve travelled the entire country ALONE. Yes, we are charged more than locals for certain things, but the prices are VERY low. We are charged more for economic reasons (the prices are so cheap for us). Sometimes I also paid local prices with the help of local friends who came with me when getting the tickets. For almost everything though I was charge local prices. And yes, this is the norm in many countries. As for being ripped off by taxis, that can happen in any less developed (and one developed and eastern globe) countries, but it’s NEVER happened to me in all the 60 countiries on every continent I’ve been to. Why? Since I’m not naive: I tell my price to the taxi drive BEFORE getting into the cab, and if anyone doesnt agree I find another cab. In the United Arab Emirates (it’s developed but taxi drives are mostly from less developed countries), if anyone tried to overcharge me by taking the long way around (there’s a meter in the cab) I’d just demand to be let out of the cab, not pay them at all, and get another cab. When one guy was reluctant to let me out of the cab, i called the police FROM the cab, and the guy freaked out and let me out instantly. And I’m a shy, polite young, attractive female, yet I’ve never had an issue. Oh, by the way, UAE, the country I’ve just mentioned is one of the SAFEST countries in the world, despite its name “Arab”. But most of these countries are very safe, and MUCH safer than the US, or Canada too for that matter. I’m always disoriented when I return to the West since I forget to protect myself (like not go out alone at night, etc etc).
And Viet Nam? The guy is an idiot. THAILAND is much more foreigner friendly than Viet Nam. Viet Nam will let you in with a very expensive visa, and will treat you like dirt from day one unless you take tours (which I never take). The local people push you off buses by hand and tell you “You’re rich, take a taxi” even if you are on a low budget. You have to pay to enter the country and again to leave. It’s all about money and they are a very harsh culture. Of course, the naive idiot, David I believe, who mentioned the place is no traveller, so if he was there, or knew someone who was, they were probably TOURISTS, not travellers, and they took taxis and tours like good little (and terrified) tourists who cant handle getting around on their own, so they didnt encounter the flack. But I was so relieved to get from Viet Nam back into China where I’d been living, and when I told the border police about it, they agreed that the place is abusive and that they have the same experience with them. Although I did make friends with a former Vietnamese general who fought on the chinese side during the Viet Nam war, and when I was with him I was treated well by locals.
If you dont know anything about the world, don’t write articles on it and definitely DO NOT go posting rubbish here to scare other people. Get out of your ivory tower and find out what the world is really like, and then we’d be able to deal with the issue of American bully imperialism and the current regime there. Since all these things take place due to sheer anglo North American ignorance. We don’t need people posting FANTASY BASED negativity in order to get everyone stirred up for nothing.
OH about the higher prices, please recall that most less socialist Western countries (not some West European countries, though) charge DOUBLE their already exorbitant fees to foreign university (including graduate) students, including all those from less developed countries, in order it seems to force only the rich to be able to study in their countries. Less developed countries when they charge Westerners more do it since we can actually pay the prices (which are very low anyway). But the West does it since they selfishly wish to get even richer than they are. And to racistly reduce whom they allow into their countries (the wealthier from less developed countries also tend to be more “Westernized”).
“total bigoted apparently American, naive rubbish”
Hypocrite. Your blind hatred for my country is real. You sound an awful lot like the moron that posted this article. But I guess that’s okay, as long as your rant fits your own prejudice, yeah?
Good luck in life..
Nigeria is a better place to visit,so u can come and enjoy yourself
Yeah Adah true with Nigeria, but please try once with Ghana…..”Akwaaba”
Double thumbs up to you, SOMEONE. You practically spilled my mind so I’ll just let sleeping dogs lie.
“Asians and people (even wealthy, well established people) from Asia, Africa and most non-British-Commonwealth less developed countries find it very very difficult to get Western visas,”. This statement is not always the truth. I am an Asian American, and I can say I was able to receive visitors from Asia without problems. In fact, the Immigration Officer at San Francisco International Airport “loves” my mother – an Asian lady (I am not mixed-blood). We are not wealthy people. You just have to have your travel documents in order. Every country has a protocol. Without a protocol, there is no country. I regret your experience in the U.S., who knows, you may have the wrong papers, and became a suspect. Believe me if you come from a sloppy/sleazy background, you are most likely picked out. Did you wear appropriate attire to begin with? I have met women from down-under on-board an aircraft wearing inappropriate clothing (i.e. no bra or with panty band showing above the back of their skirts). Makes me want to visit Australia, but, I won’t, even though it is visa-free. *
Forget about the Vietnamese General. Even a Vietnamese Lance Corporal would fancy you since you look far different from them.
*I heard there is quite a bit of racism in Australia?,,,,from Asian immigrants. Pity.
And you know women in a lot of countries wear inappropriate attire doesn’t mean it is a reflection on everyone in Australia. Bit of a narrow view don’t you think. So you don’t want to visit Australia? Pity( uttered with sarcasm)
Iran welcomes all travelers but political relations is another thing and it is very difficult for Americans to get visas.
@ someone Actually, what you say is not true about Vietnam. The visa is 25 usd and i found the people very welcoming. They do not treat you like dirt. None of what you said was even remotely true. Maybe you showed a lack of respect for the culture as I had locals walk me across the street, seal up my wounds, fix my motorbike for no cost.Walk me to the cheap streetfood places. Please do not spread lies about a very nice country.
And PJ, London. The british don’t have the best stereotypes either. Especially when they take the stag party to eastern Europe and leave a trail of destruction behind . Brits need an organized tour of Iran as well as do Canadians. Your border guards are not exactly nice either. Speak to people who have sat in the Heathrow holding cell for hours. I had issue in Israel and uK and do not blame the entire nations for the bordergaurds.
@brian, i traveled through Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand and always had ice in my drinks. I never once had issues with food.
Thank you for your comments. I am Malaysian. The article is misleading. Thank you again.
Someone: as an American, like you, have traveled the world. I am currently in Vietnam.
When it comes to Vietnam you are as naive as Dave. Sorry, but I don’t agree with anything you’ve said about Nam. I have been in Ho Chi Minh city, can doa island and right now in rainy da Nang. I find the Vietnamese people gracious hosts and genuinely friendly. They are very eager to welcome me and help with any questions I have. Thailand is great too and is known as the land of smiles and I can easily say that applies to Vietnam too. I love nam and Thailand too. Vietnam also has one of the best cuisines in the world. I was just in Rome, and find Vietnamese food more flavourful than Italian and I love Italian. I would return here any day. I got an online visa for $28 usd. That included the fees, direct from the Vietnamese government website in one day. So it goes.
Yes you are absolutely right.most of these rules are for taking care of visitors actually and they don’t hate foreigners at all!
Good analysis, am totally agreed to every insightful and objective analysis made by you. Thanks
Visas for Vietnam are easy, quick and cheap. I, a US citizen an veteran of “the American war”, have lived in VN 2004 to 2008 and have visited many times since. My only major complaint is they don’t have a retirement visa program, because I would retire there if it were feasible.
As far as I know, you’re true about my country, Iran and also Thailand, because many Iranians travel to Thailand and I heard how good Thai is. Iran’s ancient locations, even to 800 hundreds years ago, people really love tourists, European, American or far east… Sea, desert, jungles, mountains, rivers, different animals, waterfalls… Everyone is invited by Iranian people. I hate politics, but we talk about tourism here. Looks like this writer has the article from white house, except Saudis of course who are a good buyer for US weapons, other countries are not submissive to US policies. I like peace and freedom and friendship all over the world
I meant 800000 years ago or even more.
800 hundreds years ago… Then even worse, 800000 years ago… Dude, get a grip with your time scales… Get yourself an education. Comment afterwards.
What ‘Someone’ said. ?
On target. ?
@ someone:your post is truly of great insight to me..’been reading your post over and again! True Inspiration..(I’m female too and you’ve just inspired me….GOD bless you!)
Charles, I agree with almost everything you say, but in fact West Europe, Australia and New Zealand are safer than Canada; I’m living in West Europe at the moment and when I’m in Canada I always have to “rethink” and be careful when going out alone after dark, not go to certain areas of the city, etc; situations I don’t have when anywhere else I’ve lived including the above mentioned places. But yes, Canada is definitely significantly safer than the US.
And yes, I definitely agree with Charles that this is right-winged manipulation, the same which is responsible for garnering American support so that the US can go and bomb more countries, making them then “unsafe for travel” at the time the are being attacked.
Dana, why do you go to “such places” if you look down on them so much. I’ve LIVED in many of these countries (I’ve lived in 16 countries in fact) and travelled through many more. I’ve only twice been in countries that were turnoffs, both of which were developed countries, and one which is the US.
If you are going to go dropping in on countries you look down on due to your indoctrination, I’d recommend using your money to go somewhere you’d actually like, such as Miami Beach. No one needs your negativity or bigotism.
??Opinion expressed is that of an informed person.
Hi Someone,
If you don’t already, I suggest you find a TV company to help you make documentaries. You seem to be so experienced and successful that you make Michael Palin and every travelling journalist, male or female, that has ever worked for the BBC, look like a moron. I’m in the UK, surprise surprise.
Lots of respectful people love to travel and know different cultures. As for you, just stay home then and keep your mouth shot and your keyboard idle, instead writing disrespectful and discriminative coments.
??
To be honest i am syrian and we love foreigners, however the conflict makes it hard to make tourism a thing, it is not that they hate foreigners.
when I toured Syria seven years ago I found nothing but : a lovely,safe and beaufiful contry.. My heart is sore for what happened. Syrian people did not deserve a war. At times I think USA who is exporting terror……..
travel to iran. then post this information. Iran is an amazing country with lovely people.. plz research more, about iran
Friends of mine went to Iran as tourists , the only nuisance was the Chador she had to wear ( it was summertime ) all the time .
The people were friendly , ready to talk to forigners , curious about Europe , helpful , honest , and smiling , in spite of the heavy sanction which Europe has inposed on Iran .
The people have been more outstanding than historic memories, landscape and food .
By the way , they are Italians .
yeah. i think each country is beautiful in its way. we go and come and each of us has our own coment, but we should show our respect.
Many of US citizens now in Somalia, and traveling from USA to Somalia is not totally see traveling that’s the reality not your sh**t publish
Many US Citizen in Somalia now..
Yeah..With guns..;)
https://www.rt.com/usa/384941-us-army-deployed-somalia/
It baffles me that in this century, some countries still prefer to be Island to themselves. Travelling is part of education and relationships are built up by individuals and governments. It is barbaric to make visits to other countries a bottleneck in as much as such visitors are prepared to visit legally with adequate documentations. The world is now a global village and one may like to experience what has been heard or read and also know about the topography of such countries. Unless there are some nasty things in such countries that they are holding to their chests visits to other countries is of much benefit for such countries. This article is very educative. Thank you.
Add South Africa to the list. 55 murders a day.
LOL, DO NOT RIDICULE MY S.A. BUT ALL THE SAME IT A NICE PLACE TO BE
Yes I’ve been to South Africa on two occasions and as a woman it was not safe. CapeTown is a beautiful city scenery wise but I won’t be going back there
I have been to Cuba 9 times. It is a friendly and kind Country ; while the tourists live better than the common people; but that is the same with many other Tourist Destinations yes even USA.
I look forward to going to Iran in the future when time permits.
I never feel in danger in Cuba ; but when I visit many USA States I feel imminent danger and keep to my hotel complex…but there are some very nice places in USA as well.
MOST BORING ARTICLE I´VE EVER READ —-THERE IS A NEED FOR FACTUAL DOCUMENTED WORK CONCERNING TOURIST DESTINATIONS. BY THE WAY, CUBA IS EMERGING AS A FAVORITE DESTINATION WORLDWIDE AND THE U.S. IS LOSING VISITORS DUE TO REGULATIONS, COSTS, AND BANS.
William: Yes, you are correct but it is impossible to have an un-biased opinion. Any author is going to write from their own perspective whether they are Asian, American, European or any other nationality.
I’m English and have travelled widely and never experienced half of the problems that have been listed here.
Most of what Someone wrote is quite true apart from Vietnam. She obviously had a bad experience here and so her article is biased.
Any article by anybody is going to be subjective and should be read that way.
Hey guys..
then after all the solution is just one–>visit Greece
the country discovered hospitality and gave democracy and civilization to
the rest of the world.
Safe country,reasonable prices and all r welcome here.
Find yrself in a safe atmosphere ,visit as many islands u can and discover
the spirit of ancient Greece,you ll find very interesting the local kitchen among other
things.
Think about it….
Take care all of you….
With regard to Greece,
A total rip-off. I would never recommend it to anyone. It has to be one of the most corrupt countries in the world, and very dangerous, like Nigeria. My long experiences in visiting over 60 countries, I am 72 and very well traveled: these two are the most dangerous and corrupt countries, and should be number one and two on your list. Compared to Greece, their neighbors are fantastic, cheap and very friendly countries, like Macedonia, Turkey, Malta, and Italy. You can say the same for Nigeria. Nigeria’s neighbors are very friendly, cheap and beautiful countries to visit, like Cameroon, Ghana and Senegal. Take care and think very well before visiting any one of them: Nigeria and Greece
Many foreigners currently working working in Lagos Nigeria were scared before coming but now they don’t want to go back. some have been in the country for 10 -20 years. They tell their friends back home not to come yet they refused to leave. An expatriate once told me he advised his friends back home not to visit Nigeria to reduce competition………. Nigeria is a massive country with people of kind heart. Like in any country, even America, you can get ripped off by taxi men, and that can now be eliminated with the advent of UBER and Taxify.
Hey how about in the west Africa the Gambia?
This post is biased and certainly untrue. Greece is a jewel, i do not need to defend.
Yiorgos I agree! Greece is the nicest country I have ever visited and the Greeks are lovely people. I wish I could afford to retire there. The only bad thing is that the Drachma has gone :O(
The post is biased
Only to remark that restrictions to visit Cuba is for US citizens and comes from the USA regulations not from Cuba.
Well Saudi Arabia has more visitors more than any other country annually why would people be selfish if that’s so what about isreal, Us, UK, Ukraine etc with their resist ideology??
Saudi Arabia has very few true visitors. Those large numbers it does have are only there for religious reasons, the Hajj. They go once in their lives because their religion tells them that they have to, not because they want to. Saudi also beheads more people per year than ISIS has ever done.
We don’t need approvals from Americans to be a good place. You need a fooking visa to visit Algeria or Cuba..
May the writer be right when it comes to Libya and Ksa.. however one things is sure we don’t need your money or mass- tourism /bikinis to live and therefor we don’t eat maccdos ( cheap food)
It is unfair to make opinions regarding countries, that the owner of the comment has never visited. I have been vising Algeria for over 40 years, on and off, and it has to be one of the most friendly, fantastic and beautiful countries in the world. Algeria is a very modern and democratic country in fact. It has a tremendous richness in history and culture, from Roman ruins, in all its coastal cities to palaces from the Ottoman period, mountains, with pine forests, beautiful beaches and deserts of the romantic Sahara. Officials are very friendly, the food is some of the best in the world, from Berber, Arabic, Turkish, to French and Italian, you will always find what you would like to eat, including fresh fish, lamb, chicken, pigeon, and beef. The prices are some of the cheapest in the world. The restaurants are some of the best I have ever eaten. The hotels are also reasonable and the country is very clean. Highly recommended for any vacation. Also, Algeria has an excellent economy and a very brisk business environment. Just one visit and you will be presently surprised and it will be one of your favorite countries in the world.
Selim, thank you. I have never visited Algeria but I have always wanted to. Your description is very accurate I think. It is so close to Southern Europe and easy to get to. I will go there when I can, hopefully quite soon. Thanks again!
You saying you don’t need money? From where your money is coming then? Open the tourism and apply good rules and your country will florish.
Look as though when one disagrees with “DAVID” over Thailand one’s posts get deleted or removed. I have lived in Thailand for over two decades what DAVID quotes is completely unbalanced and untrue. Simply looks like the usual “sound bites” that are banded about in certain “falang” establishments in Pattaya, Soi Cowboy, Nana or Soi Seven or simply copied from postings on TEAK DOOR or the postbag section of the Bangkok Post. Utter rubbish Thailand is no worse or better than any other “tourist” destination for ‘rip offs’. Stay SOBER, keep alert as one would on any foreign travel destination and one will have a fantastic experience of a lifetime!
I’d rather travel to any of these 10 countries than to the US. Yes, I’ve been there before. Horrible place. Can’t control their guns. And what’s with this orange president? If more US citizens took the time to learn about the rest of the world, they’d probably be welcomed in more places.
Can’t agree more. Americans should start asking themselves why they were treated like that when the rest of the world were not. And that their opinion does not represent the universe.
American people is lovely and warm however sometimes they need to learn more about the world outside and widen their perspective. And oh, when you want to be welcomed, you should do the same. Visiting US is not easy either.
How insightful putting countries that are a war zone. It must have taken a degree in rocket science to work that out. Remarks above about Thailand: it is actually an easy and great place to visit (if you’re going to not go there because of the government then you may as well boycott most of the world – USA has an unofficial policy of shooting black people, Australia keeps refugees in off shore concentration camps etc, etc.). Of course you can ripped off in some areas, especially if you have a indulge in prostitution, but that’s common in lots of countries and if you have a modicum of common sense you will be fine and enjoy a very friendly people.
An Indian here.. The author is absolutely wrong about Iran.. Currently in Iran on business.. Fantastic country, fantastic people, great food, great weather… Everything needed to visit a country… Not sure what is author is going about.. Do not believe the western media talking trash about Iran… Come over and experience a great culture and great people…
this article is not true . we like peoples that comes from other countries and surely we hostess them warmly.Iran is big country that you can find history of it in all cities so you can easily come here .
You may qualify for a discount on return fare to Iran and several of the other countries if you take your own body bag with you for your return flight.
Hahaha really funny. I mean really, what do you think about Iran? You think the people and the police are trying to the terror you or something? Wow, some people are just too close-minded
i moved from iran to uk 4 years ago and honestly i wouldn’t travel there if i were u. people in iran are mean no matter what they think about themselves.
Proof of accommodation, return plane ticket, proof of purpose of your visit, security background checks, proof of knowing someone in the USA…. Visiting the USA for foreign tourist has also become a nightmare deterrent for any one who just wish to visit and see different culture. Every country has its own restrictions, sad for the citizen of the world.
Hi,I am very sorry for you.
you are very bad judgment about Iranian and so on…
My Dear, please more study subject’s nation Iranian and their behavior against other people.
please, spread friendly sentences about Iranian and so on.
We don’t forgot impose war at last 30 years that, your government help our enemy.
we don’t forgot your first government occupy united state violently and how make your nation on motherland’s Indian ,your governments make houses themselves on blood’s Indian.
Please more study about your nation government.
yours truly
you guys are totally wrong, which one of you have been recently in Iran? None of your saying is true here . please do not mislead others by your comment. You don’t know Iran as well ! so please don’t judge the book!
Iran is a one of the biggest country in the region , a four season country , hospitable people , well known for everybody please get back to the history. I am not talking about politics either power, no!
I am talking about familiarity with Iran itself. The nature of Iran , landscapes , sceneries , waterfalls , mountains, flats, north of the Iran is known for “green belt” you won’t believe unless you come and visit us . surely we will welcome you.
Iranian food is amazing and the people are gorgeous
Unfortunately many Americans are ignorant and often naive. Donald Duck Trump is not by accident there. This is what Americans deserve.Sad but true. Look at there comments on countries like Iran, Thailand, Cuba, and believe what i am saying. Let the lions roar…
Many countries policies make it difficult for people to visit, which is often a different story once there. Some countries are easy to reach but hard to navigate (culture shock, attitude of locals towards visitors), and some are very hard to reach (visa conditions) but easy to navigate. It all depends where you are coming from or going to, and perhaps both. Cuba’s information is specifically mentioning Americans; the US government has everything to do with that but in no way it is a reflection of how Cuba receives all visitors. Though some of these countries may be worth visiting in one way or another, for the average traveler, most are no attractive or if they are it is for a specific reason, such as Canadians hooked on Cuba because it is the cheapest Caribbean destination and offers warm weather during the long Canadian winters.
Only savvy, expert and perhaps risky travelers will visit Somalia, or Iran, for example. It makes it all the less attractive when some policies are completely out of touch with the current market reality, such as one requiring to have an airline ticket (what if your visa is not approved? Airline tickets are non-refundable in most cases). So save yourself the trouble if Saudi Arabia does not seem to want you, or the US, or Angola. The world is a big place with a lot to see and most likely, even in the best financial position, you will not have the time to see it all.
If you are an average traveler, take this site for what it is worth, a fishing site looking for you to buy stuff through ads by luring users in with information that’s been given elsewhere with less overhead.
You’ve missed out The USA – their visa regulations are ridiculous and they’re even talking about building a friggen wall for ffs!
and racism is rampant, over all since this new clown of an ignorant president, there are shootings and crazy people that can run you over for nothing…
Misleading article maybe it should be called “Countries that don’t want you to visit, if you’re a US Citizen.
It would be much easier to list the countries that DO want US citizens to visit.
START LIST
–
END LIST
I think North Korea should be removed. Not from this list, just the face of the earth as POTUS suggested.
FOR PEACE then let’s start the next World War ehhh… COVFEFE
North Korea is indeed a basket case, but so is that arsehole Trump.This Brit won’t be going to the USA till that prick is locked up.
I think personal experiences isn’t really the point of this article. Tourists are going to face discrimination in most countries period. Higher fees, ripping off, and not speaking English is normal in any non English speaking country. After all, ur going on a vacation for fun and spending money, means u have excess money in comparison to people of many of these countries with poor people who work everyday just to be able to have one meal a day. It’s also normal in English speaking countries that those people don’t go out of their way to welcome tourists either. This article is really speaking about political climates and tensions between various countries and the US specifically that prevent people from traveling there, the governements. It’s not about the people that live there, most of them have little say in what the government does. Rather it’s about the about the procedures and time it takes to be able to even allowed to visit. The countries listed here make it waaaay harder for tourists to visit than most Asian countries do. Asian countries (except NK) don’t require you to stay in ur designated tourist spots and hotels all. You have freedom to do what you want. You just have to be a smart experienced traveler to avoid being ripped off.
Such a lot of HOGWASH as I was born in Mauritius , lived in South Africa. Australia, USA, and now Mexico and have spent a great week in CUBA
I can assure one and all that you will feel as threatened as you want to feel and you will see crimes where you look for them
I had a wonderful wonderful week in Cuba and was always well received and treated wherever I went as I wasn’t looking for the bad things one hears about Cuba but was there to interact with the Cubans listening to their great music and enjoying their food and fun and if ever I were to receive a fully paid trip anywhere in the world I would choose Cuba without a doubt
Top tip for American travellers. “Pretend that you are Canadians” (of course you will find that very difficult as you have to be polite and pleasant)
The fact is that no-one, that is right No-one wants Americans.
As a Brit, I have been welcomed in two of the countries mentioned and about 13 others. Only ever had problems when American colleagues travelled with me.
I will never travel again to the USA, the most ill-mannered and despicable customs and border personnel. You may enjoy being teated as a criminal, it only ever happened to me in US (twice).
So please Yankee go home and stay there, all others welcome.
lot of ignorant people in the USA : yes border control at times can be harsh, the officers think they are demi-gods…..
Hi Traveller, I agree with you 100% if I took in everything that I read that is published by western governments I’d still be in London sitting in front of the fireplace, instead I follow my own mind and travel wherever takes my fancy, I may have ever had only one regret and that is not starting to travel much sooner, I have been to some beautiful places and met some great people, I wish I could continue to do this for another 50 years, but I’ve found a nice beach house that is open for all my extended family to have a taste of the good life, I don’t miss England at all because when I do visit I can only last a week before I feel the need to go fishing in the Indian Ocean, plus I miss picking my own mango and coconut first thing in the morning, life is about being happy so I can’t understand why people ask me what I get out of living a stress free life, they should try it.
judging people from where they come from is what bigots do. im a polite person with a usa passport. i have anglo features. im treated well in panama and all of latin america. only a bigot would say we dont like you based on your passport.
The only country on the list I would be tempted to visit is Cuba and that wouldn’t be a problem since in addition to being an American citizen I also have Panamanian citizenship. So I would travel to Cuba using my Panamanian passport. Right now I am in the Dominican Republic so Cuba is not that far away. Also the USA is not that easy to visit if you are from most countries in the world.
This list is based on the American Traveller point opf view. Why would anyone want to travel to those countries anyway. Those are not favourite destinations in the world. it is only Americans that are interested in going to these places for only God know why.
For me the first on the list should be the United States.
please consider that this nomination in depends on some different points.
safety, beauty, hospitality, kindness, civilized , etc…
I swear we have all and more than in IRAN. its really unfair nomination to put iran in this list. you can find no one that had been traveled to iran and regretted . complexity between governments should not keep away people from each other.
I’m an Iranian and I’m proud of my nationality . I recommend to all that give this chance for a once to themselves for visit our country.
There are far more than 10 countries that I would not go to unless God specifically told me to go there!
For instance, like Jonah, God would have a hard time getting me to Nineveh ( Iraq)!
your artical is full of sheet. do your resurch befor you say anythings , am sorry to say that …. befor you mention algeria ,check with your gouvrnmets why they imposed visa with ticket reservation and hotel booking and bank statment in local currency and euro ,plus work paper and holiday statment mentioned start and finish date and somtimes stupid question on the forms like HOW MANY TIMES A WEEK YOU EAT MEET AND FRUIT . .so be fair and squar same goes for any country ask visa for algerians passport holder they get treted the same viseversa , so don`t excpet to be superiour that other nations ….
American brothers and sisters, don’t go to any Latin, Arab or African Country, and of course, North Corea.. is what i can say, no security at all. Just a waste of time.
Blessings
Agree with most here. And…The number 1 country that doesn’t want visitosterol is the US since Trump. We wanted to fetch a client’s car in California in march. When I found out they want 2x 200 dollars entrance fee plus a lot of red tape we abandoned the idea.
My passport is European .I have been to Algeria and there is no hassle with a visa. I have also been to Cuba and wish to go again. So has my Costa Rican business partner. . It is actually easier to fly to Cuba than to the US.
Ps visitors from the US pay zilch to enter our country, please do the same for us.
I can not take this article serious. They are spreading lies for at least 4 of these countries. I am actually AMERICAN and residing in Iran right now as we speak. Teaching English. So, please tell me where they don‘t want Americans? They love Americans, just not the American politics. But then again, most Americans don’t even like the politics. Also, the mention of Angola is false. The mention of Algeria is false. I also Saudi Arabia.
Whether or not you’re putting a declaimer at the bottom of your post, doesn’t change the fact that you’re spreading “alternative facts” just to create a post. Thats not cool. Speak on actual places you’ve been rather than places you have chosen not to visit. Stop spreading propaganda.
Add Hong Kong to the list, really expensive, taxi drivers that take you wherever they want and charge what they want, if you don’t like it, step out of the taxi in the middle of nowhere, even raining !, they seem not to know addresses, hotels or english !!, when they want to rip you off they start speaking cantonese.
Re Davids comments on double pricing in Thailand. Lived here for two decades or more personally I have never had this problem. However when it does occur keep thing in perspective one is probably talking about a couple of pounds or around three dollars. One also must remember that Thai’s earn considerably less than those who live in the west in Thailand a “good’ wage is on average THB15,000 (£350) PER MONTH even for professions in banks and medical services. The average factory or farm worker is usually on THB300 (£7:50) or less PER DAY. As for taxi’s from the airport to central Bangkok (about 23 miles) the average charge is THB400 to THB500 (£12) try taking the same journey in London (gold card job). One can even splash out on an airport limousine for about THB1,200 (£28) for the same journey. As for eating out it is a really great experience however yet again one must remember “etiquette” is totally different in the east to the west however there are plenty of KFC’s, McDonalds etc who would welcome people like David. Admittedly some Thai foods I simply do not like (pure personal choice) but the range of aromas, tastes and varieties available at very low prices in a THAI eatery is fantastic especially when one leaves the “tourist traps” behind. Explore live a little and you will enjoy THAILAND. One important piece of advice though when eating out NEVER HAVE ICE IN YOUR DRINKS (as one never knows it’s origin) biggest cause of stomach problems throughout the Far East.
As someone who has lived in Thailand for 30 yrs, I think your remarks are nieve to say the least. Thailand is a very nationalistic country, and when combined with the rampant corruption, then it’s easy to understand why many, but not all, Thais considered Europeans as an easy source of money, usually obtained by one form of con or another.
You also forgot to mention that approximately 10 million Thais ( the so- called elite ) that are fabulously rich. Far more so than most visitors to Thailand. Just ask the very wealthy military P.M
“One important piece of advice though when eating out NEVER HAVE ICE IN YOUR DRINKS (as one never knows it’s origin) biggest cause of stomach problems throughout the Far East.”….nearly correct, that is, it is safe to have ice while in Singapore. Singapore’s tap-water is portable. Another food hazard … fresh salad. There is a joke..it can’t be fresher. Take along some anti-diarrhea pills and one roll of toilet paper* to be safe while traveling in the region!!
*toilet paper is not available in most public loos, unless in an up-class shopping mall. If out of luck, you have to wash it off with a hose (typically provided, attached to a faucet).
Well you are correct on most of your comments, but the ice thing is wrong…having lived and travelled to most provinces in Thailand for the past 12 years, l never have had a problem from ice in drinks…cannot be just luck!
Iran, Iran ,Iran is greate country and greate people. the only problem is, hospitality of iranian(سپاه) may cause , never let you come back to your country. like Nazinin saghari,
Cuba loves tourists! you only have to pay a visa at the airport, not sure if this is from the perspective of an USA citizen but the rest of the world is more than welcome, don’t expect modern services but expect a wonderful experience in this country that is very safe to travel , they look after tourist very well ; but do not challenge authorities cause they don’t take brats very well. so be respectful, cautious and enjoy! as a solo lady traveler the rest of the countries listed have never been in my interest.
Algeria??!!!!!!! All EU, US, CA, Aus. and NZ have the same visa requirements for visitors from outside these countries (Asian & African) !! How do you feel when a country from the “other side of the world” treat you the same? No bad intention, but it is a “policy of similar treatment” that such countries follow.
Besides, this article is for Americans who like to travel, it is not a general one.
I think all countries are worth visiting … I dont know why we are not kind to eachother ….just think about these comments that some of them how terrible they are…we cant judge countries based on our bad experiences.
While aa lot of what u say “might” be true a non US individual I think USA could be added to the list as well?. As many of the reasons cited for other countries apply to visiting the USA as well. Exorbitant visa fees with no guarantee of acceptance, intrusive information on financial standing and statement on all assets own, evidence of where u will be staying and ability to pay, police records and professional background, ginger print and other such information. And after all these requirements you can be denied entry simply because some one is not satisfied that u have enough ties to your family, your newly wed wife of 2years, your newborn child, your two jobs your new home. So even though your own parents are US citizens you are still denied entry to attend your uncle’s funeral who helped to raise you. So yes I don’t think when you are required to do the same as you ask that criticism should be levelled at these countries. Not to mention the prejudice that is experienced by many when they visit.
Let’s level the playing field then criticize. From one who is on the other side.
Cuba actually has a thriving tourist industry. Amazing all inclusive resorts all over the country. And Americans are very welcome. It’s the USA that forbids Americans from traveling there. Most Americans travel to Cuba from Mexico or Canada. And get this: The Cubans are kind enough not to stamp the entry into your passport to save you the hassle of explaining it back in the USA. They will stamp a separate piece of paper for you to carry with you.
yes, you should not even think to visit these places and I will add also
Turkey, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Burma, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Kenya, South Korea, Albania, Kosovo, Ukraine, Egypt, Israel, Iraq.
you can see them all on ‘youtube’, safely at your sofa with a glass of wine !
What about USA and Australia they should be on the list
The various comments showed so much lack of understanding about the gist of the article. I found only one comment from one Sunny to be forthrightly logical and unbiased.
By the way, it surprises me, why is there an assumption that it is an American right wing biasper se? Not that I am an American. All peoples have their own kind of discrimination wherever you go. People must be closing their eyes or are completely naive, or totally lie about their own discriminate attitude, if they don’t understand that. Or that they may not have seen or experienced it first hand. That is a reality, accept it or not.
Let us take the article for what it proposed to share, nothing discriminatory as perceived.
Rise above it, fellas!
saudi ppl will not give a f**k of what you saying about their country and they still gonna welcome you.
unbelievably incorrect information !!! Iran requires these conditions for Americans since they do the same to us! tourists use couchsurfing and also homestay easily in Iran. you can get visa just when you arrive at the airport here, without any additional information which other countries requires for Iranians.
please do not write what you are not sure!
All hail to the great American Empire which dictates what people think, thanks to its very powerful MSM. Great is the American Empire value system which promotes peace and love, by any means necessary, and if you don’t like it, they’ll just kill you.
Iran is not only dangerous but also a secure and beautiful country with very kind and hospitable people whome will tell welcome to anyone who want to visit the country as a tourist. I am sure your knowledge is very little about Iran that say so!
I dont think that saudi arabia is a country that dont like tourist.
KSA has Hadj…a pilgrimage that is required for every muslim in the world..
.take note…in the world…how many billions of muslim are allowed to make pilgrimage to Mecca…as long as they can afford finacially…for working class citizen,,,there are ample of oppurtunity for skilled men…..
With so much trouble and danger, I will not visit them even if they are free
Add La Republique du Cameroon. Gross human rights violations, abductions, torture, extra-judiciary killings. Torture of war criminals and innocent citizens. Just ask UN and State Department about Southern Cameroons and severe torture of Boko haram prisoners. Boycott this nation completely.
Somalia is peace
I love somalia
“10 Countries that don’t want U.S. Americans to visit” is a more correct headline
This article is meant only for citizens of United States of America. For it is impossible for a Pakistani to visit America.
Complete lie about Iran!!
It’s never been easier to get a 15 days or even 3 weeks tourist visa straight from Tehran airport…
From all the countries I visited Iran was the most warm and welcoming, and also the safest.
It completely blew up all expectations, it’s amazing how medias and governments are trying to make you swallow anything about Iran…
Nigeria is best country with lovely people
Holy shit, other than Cuba, I wouldn’t want to visit any of the other nine douche holes even if all my expenses were paid!! What a totally stupid and laughable article to state the very least, come on Syria, where they still have a civil war raging, Iran, etc., lol!!!
When you are in Rome…do as the romans do…. ever heard of that ? It works so well for all.
Anyone who voluntarily steps foot into anyone of these countries is an idiot and deserves whatever happens to them.
good i am a somalian citizen it is true we have pirates and tourists all over the country but this doen’t mean we hate visitors. it means we don’t want to risk their lives and their wealth so untill we have full full guartee to your lives stay away from somalia. but we have the best places to visit. we love theworld and the good people but not pirates andtourists we also love our children wake up and go to school to learn as u do.
What a useless Article,
While writing an article you should have considered other nationalities problem as well, Like as US citizen the way that you have some difficulties while getting a Visa from above-mentioned 10 countries, remember that traveling to some countries are literally impossible for middle east nations.
Likewise, I have had an admission from Australia, paid to university any to my visa application in advance which is a nonrefundable fee in advance, spend a whole lot of money but at the end god a visa rejection with a very silly reason.
Plus, right now I have been granted a volunteering program in the Czech Republic, I have been asked to show proof of accommodation, buy the ticket in advance, show bank statement and much more.
So this is where the world is going nowadays, creating these kinds of nonsense problems for travelers is pretty common among highly profiled countries like USA, Australia etc.. and some other developing countries.
That happens because of the criminal policy of the United States imperialist debloqueo against Cuba
As others have noted, Cuba welcomes visitors; the restrictions are from the U.S. You should definitely look at Equatorial Guinea. I have read about people working unsuccessfully for a year to get a visa. Also, Nepal is very restrictive (Not to mention hard to get to)
a suggestion for the author don’t watch fox news before writing anything about Iran .Iran is a four season at a time country with kind people to foreigners and its very far from north korea or saudi arabia…
90% of the listed countries are enemies of USA not enemies of the world. Americans are selfish too, they believe that they control the whole world. Libya, Syria etc are in that state because of USA and allies. I can visit all the countries listed since I am not an American
It’s an international problem, i.e. taxis. You just have to make sure a fixed price had been agreed upon if you suspect the meter is faulty or absent. I heard it is bad in Stockholm, Sweden; but so is Cusco, Peru; and on Bintang Is., Indonesia. Wait till you arrive in Cusco, Peru, and you will get a little surprise from the airport taxis. They are more expensive than a return from a Cusco hotel (arranged by the hotel management). On the other hand, I have had an interesting experience in S. Korea. My taxi driver forgot to turn on the meter (he was too taken away making negative comments about certain political figure during my Jan. 2009 visit to Incheon), and later estimated the fare, which to my surprise was much less than a metered one (on my return, I took another taxi with the fare meter in operation).
The only country l want to be in.Is USA or Jamaica
I know you can’t experience of being or travelling in these countries but as a person who is living in IRAN I want u guys to know that’s not correct about my country
We love world and world is going to love the people of IRAN
To prove my sentences I invite u to my home and my magnificent country to feel it
And stop mixing politic issues with this kind of things
I just returned from Iran five days ago. It was a trip of a lifetime! I went with RoadScholar Tours, and we had 11 travelers, one tour escort from Turkey, and an Iranian tour guide (both wonderfu). Our tour guide was a walking encyclopedia. I felt like a celebrity, as when people saw me, when it was not obvious to them I was American, they asked where I was from. When I said USA, they smiled and said” Welcome!” . Everywhere we went, we were touched by the warm, friendly, and welcoming Iranians. One woman invited me to her home about a minute after I met her. Another young woman, who began talking to me in the main square in Qom, said to me, “I want to give you a gift”, and gave me the most beautiful ring off her finger! When we were taking photos, people would come up to us and ask to be in them and want photos of us, too. I was so touched by the love they expressed. They conveyed that our governments may be at odds, but it didn’t change the way they felt about us.
I have never seen so much beautiful art and architecture, and I have traveled the world. This is something that has to be seen. When we were in cities, we would never guess, if we didn’t know, that we were surrounded by desert–there is so much greenery: grass, trees (flowering and fruit), flower beds everywhere, sculptures at every intersection, wide streets. I could go on and on.
Add to all that the woderful food, and the excellent hotels, the safety of tourists, and you will have one of, if not THE, best trip you have every taken.
I had to apply for approval to get a visa, but that was no big deal. It just takes a little time, and the visas service companies do all the work. My advice is, if you want to go, go. You will not regret it.
In regards to editing, you may want to change the title to something like: 10 countries that don’t want United States Americans to visit. This article is easily disappointing upon realization that is does not apply to those outside the borders of the United States, for whom it does not apply.
As a Thai people , before now I always pickup hitchhike tourists , but now I rarely pick them up because many tourists were not friendly even they were in my car , when they leave my car some one didn’t even say thank you and slam my car door. I feel like I was a Taxi who made mistake.
Many foreigner insult Thai people. If possible please visit other countries that make you feel you come heaven.
i was very surprised when i saw all the hate about thailand but not everyone is the same of course there will always be rude people at some moments but not everyone is like that happily
Add Sri Lanka to your list it is more worst than the above 10.
Well i can say that its totally incorect about Iran , please do not say something when u dont have any idea how things are going in a country like iran , there are bunch of good people , they are helpful and really really hospitable . Im really sorry for you and your false informations .
How about USA? Their visa officer don’t even talk to you properly not explain their reason except handing out a piece of paper with enigmatic article reference (like you need to go to a library to read their immigration statutes… weird!! ). Not to mention the official umwelcoming rhetoric from Donald Trump! Ironically they keep handing out visa for terrorists & those who never come back to their countries.
hi I am from iran . this news is a untruthful… iran is very very good I am sorry for author
I am from iran.a iranian gril. We never ask you to come and visit us beacuse yoy are afraid of some thing wich is not excisting any more. You are just listening to your countris advertisments.go and ask from all those travlers who came hear,you will undrestand how my real iran looks like not like your imgination of my country my people.
Add India as well, mainly due rape attempts on female tourists by locals.
When I opened this file, I had expected the USA to be on the list – but now I realise it is being written by someone from the USA! It all depends on your perspective.
Jamica its the people have a prison mentality and will rip u off
Why is England not on the List??
I mean come on! The English invented Discrimination.
I made the mistake in 2014 of coming back for a holiday and brought some foriegn friends with me. The moment they opened their mouths they were treated with distain and agression. Even from the Nationally challenged “Londoners” in Pyjamers and Turbans.
Iran is a good palce to visit
OMG!
Iranians are people very warm Every tourist who travels to Iran speaks of different people. They say Iran and its people are different from the things we already heard. Iran is not like Iraq or even Afghanistan. Western politicians have made Iran very bad, and this is not true. Iranians are peaceful.
This article should be renamed as: “Countries that America doesn’t like”
You Americans always think you are the best place when you are actually one of the worst places in the world, I tried to travel to America but I was banned because I was Syrian, and before Trump became president, I traveled once and it was a pain just to pass through Airport security.
Besides you put some countries like Syria and Lybia and Somalia, and say they are not safe to go to, well that’s because of the WAR {I think you had to study 5 years of collage study for you Americans to realise that.} Ask yourself a question, do you think if you had war in your country, people would want to visit you, and do you think it will be easy or safe?? As for other contrived like Iran, you say it is bad to go to because of the recent conflict between America and Iran, so what, if America doesn’t like Iran, that doesn’t mean that it is dangerous or bad to go there, Iran is a beautiful place and the people are really kind!! Also, Syria is full of history from the Greek, Roman, Babylonian, and Phoenician times, but America history? Oops, no history. Did you know Mr.American that Damascus is one of the oldest capitals in the world? And about Cuba, you Americans don’t like it because there isn’t an American embassy there, for your information, it’s not only Americans who can travel, the WHOLE WORLD can travel, not only Americans so you can’t say it’s bad.
Went to Australia. What stood out to me was the service. Went to a restaurant. Had to ask for water. Service was really slow. Food had no flavor. Went to liquor store. Handed me the bottle. I had to ask for bag. He had to look around for one.
Its easy to get carried away with negativity when staying in foreign countries, like Philippines that Bobby mentioned. However this is the 2nd main phase all expats go through no matter where they are. The first phase is being over-enthusiastic about the place, praising the culture and the people, recommending all your fiends to go there and everything is just great. When you get into the second phase when everything is just bad try to remember what made you so enthusiastic to begin with, its the same place, your opinion is simply getting more seasoned as years go by and the recoil from the extreme enthusiasm you had can be very severe, especially if you sit and drink beer together with half-old expats, the topic of discussions will be overwhelmingly negative. Tell them “why are you still here, go back to your perfect country then”. And they would, the thing is just that Phil, Thai and Indonesia arent THAT bad, but the bad things always has priority in discussions between western men living in Asia.
If you add Central and South America my “Feelings are Mutual List” is complete.
I find this article is only fir US citizens… I went 3 times to Iran and didn’t even need a visa… it’s a really lovely country with amazing food and welcoming people… this article isn’t really valid, in my experience
You must be out of your mind or rather to say you do not even have mind to go to any one of these country ! I came from one of these shitty places and I know what I am talking about!! , 3rd world dangerous countries. Do not even think about it ok?? Even if one of these country offer you free plane ticket and visa. say no thank you. I do not think , you want to be kidnapped, robbed, rapped killed..etc in one of these very dangerous countries. do you?
This article should be retitled “10 Countries that are utterly sick and tired of relentless US imperialism and covert action since the end of WW2” If a country doesn’t want you to come to them, it may have something to do with the country that you are coming from. Iran is one of the most beautiful countries in the world with wonderfully hospitable people. Imagine how different their lives might have been if the Shah and his incredibly repressive regime had not been foisted on them by the Americans. There would possibly have been no Government of the Mullahs and perhaps no Iran / Iraq war. It is hardly surprising that Americans are not welcomed with open arms.
Having been to over 30 countries, I find people in most of them pretty disgusting. Thailand, Germany, France, Greece, Sri Lanka, Burma, Taiwan (super-racist). Europe? No way!
I wouldn’t consider North or South Korea, China, and there’s plenty more that are a big racist turn off.
and could we know where are you from ? if everyone’s disgusting in those countries i would be glad to see where you are from, heaven ?
This is lie because i am an irainian and we here love visitors and there is no different whit an american or an African and i add pls come to our country ❤️
You should rename the article, countries the US have pissed off. The most factually correct part of the entire article is the disclaimer. As for Thailand, it’s awesome, and some of the best food on Earth. Scamming in Asia is just part of the experience, although I’d put Vietnam below Thailand. Vietnam is far worse.
And given the reasons you give other than “They don’t like Americans”, basically you are listing reasons why you should travel. I hope not all Americans are such closed minded pussies.
I long for the time when people writing all these articles stop thinking America is the centre of the universe.
Haha, you’re right!
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All of these countries are mention they are not americans friends only saudi arabia is american puppet because america want to be boss and police of the world every where in the world America is pushing himself or fighting to get his own interest but i don’t say all american people are bad they are generous and good people although i don’t mention all americans are good they are some negative america people like klux klan idiot thinking towards foreignes together with their american goverment and his foreign policy make them american citizen not to be welcome in some part of the world , look all countries in part of the world can still travel except american citizen why because of their own goverment ,and dont forget America is making other countries to fight one onether to sell wepons because of his own intrest for oil and lying propagandas danger of creating terreur ,no one has created terreur in this world today that america and now making their puppet saudi arabia to fight with iran , AMERICA has burn the world , they way he burns his own country with free guns law, i think thailand is more safe today than american street,your talking about ripping off in thailand just go to Newyork you will be ripped off from street to taxi every where ,as i live in europe i can travel any where in the world Cuba nice place to be than in newyork and safer.
Thats where you are wrong about america. We only show up when the countries call us to help them. It is part of the un policy. Dont belive everything you hear. Maybe we should start charging the countries for our military services we provide. Then i am sure you will not see us in your countries. Yep everyone criticize america but it seems that a whole lot of people come running to america to get away from there countries forna better life. Idk. ????????
REALLY, IS THAT TRUE? BECAUSE , I HAVE NOT REALIZED THAT. BUT ANYWAY, THE COUNTRIES YOU MENTIONED ARE IN THEIR WAY BEST OF THEIR OWN- SELVES. THANKS AND ENJOY YOUR DAY
Iran is really nice! I suggest you to visit this country. Isfahan and Shiraz are fantastic cities!!
Gee whizz…. yet these people come to the West in droves…. Saudi Arabia don’t want their poor muslim brothers… nor want to help them…. go figure….
Reciprocate visa rules shall apply between all countries.
How about US that gives hard time to other countries just for a tourist visa its so hard,its almost like trying to get Citizenship in heaven yes its that hard pls add US to the list they don’t want others visiting them.
USA Beurk = stupidity land
fast food racisme and pollution what else?
US applys almost all mentioned rules for travelers from 70% of the countries in the world. It took me 60 days to get US visa
This article assumes that only Americans travel to these countries. Or is the article meant for only Americans? If the listed countries are less receptive to Americans, it doesn’t translate to being receptive to other nations.
You speak of the requirement to prove that you can afford your stay in a country as if it’s evil. First, there is nothing wrong with that because inadequate preparation and a lack of a show of such evidence is how people get stranded in other countries; and also how people with other intentions pose as tourists and get across borders. Second, proving that you can afford your stay + having a sponsor with an amount of money that exceeds a certain mark is top of the list before one gets a US visa from my country, Ghana, and several countries across the world before we can get your visa, even when we do have a significant amount of money and we meet all other qualifications. I bet the US will show up on top as “country that doesn’t want you to visit” in several places, more than we can count.
No. That isn’t true. We love people all of the world.
I was in Bangkok this past October with a group of friends and was surprised to read an article about Thailand that was totally untrue.
We stayed at Amari Watergate. Compared to my country of South Africa I was so happy there; the people were very friendly and life reasonably inexpensive. You go shopping even at night without fear of attacks; even learnt a bit of Thai language.
Problem would be if you show up there (same anywhere in the world) and begin to act like a big fish. The taximan was not a problems either; negotiate the price before you jump on and tell them to take you to your destination directly and you will be okay.
I travel a lot – what I do is to know the place before I get there; thanks to the Internet.
Cuba, who wants tourists, could come off the list and be replaced by North Sudan, who do not really want to see any tourists.