North Korea – The Hermit Kingdom’s Partial Reopening Remains Fragile
North Korea’s gradual border reopening since December 2024 represents one of the most precarious tourism situations in the world. North Korea will open its borders in December 2024 to Samjiyon area. Samjiyon is the most famous region in North Korea in the winter for tourism and is the home to the country’s famous volcanic mountain Mt. Paektu. The country only allows extremely limited access to specific regions, and this is the first time since it closed back in January 2020 to prevent the spread of Covid-19. While technically reopening, the reality is that North Korea could slam its borders shut again at any moment without warning. The visit of the six Russian tour groups that traveled to the country since February 2024 was a result of an inter-government agreement between the DPRK and the government of Primorsky Krai in the Far Eastern Federal District of Russia. This shows just how tightly controlled and politically motivated their tourism policies remain.
Myanmar – Military Coup Creates Ongoing Tourist Restrictions
Do not travel to Burma due to armed conflict, the potential for civil unrest, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, poor health infrastructure, land mines and unexploded ordnance, crime, and wrongful detentions. The Burma military regime deposed elected leaders and officials in a February 2021 coup d’état. The military junta has imposed severe travel restrictions throughout the country, and the military administration restricts travel in parts of the country, including to and from land border crossings. While some limited tourism continues in certain areas, unfortunately the junta aren’t keen on issuing permits right now, meaning a lot of the country remains off-limits. The ongoing civil war and deteriorating security situation make Myanmar a prime candidate for complete border closure to tourists. From January to December 2024, the U.S. Embassy in Rangoon calculated an average of 21 explosions per month detonated against regime personnel and facilities in Rangoon.
Gaza Strip – Already Sealed Under Military Blockade
Gaza represents the most extreme example of border closure to tourists, though it’s technically not a country. Border crossings out of Gaza have been closed to civilians and general traffic since the Israeli military took control of the Rafah crossing on 6 May 2024. The territory remains under complete Israeli military control with no exit routes available for foreign nationals to depart Gaza independently. Even the recent limited reopening of the Rafah crossing is strictly for medical evacuations. Since 2 March 2025, Israel has completely blocked all supplies from entering the territory, making it the longest complete closure in the history of the blockade. Since March 2025, Israel has made the blockade publicly official, with Defense Minister declaring that “No humanitarian aid will enter Gaza”. The complete tourism ban shows how quickly a territory can become entirely inaccessible to visitors.
Israel and the West Bank – Security Threats Create Travel Bans
Multiple countries now advise against all travel to Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories due to escalating conflicts. Do not travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories due to the volatile security situation, armed conflict, civil unrest and terrorism. The security environment has deteriorated so severely that Israeli airspace remains closed following recent attacks. Border crossings face constant threats, and international borders (air and land) in Israel and the OPTs could close at short notice. With security incidents, including mortar and rocket fire and armed UAV intrusions, often take place without warning, Israel could completely shut down tourist access if the situation worsens further. The ongoing conflict makes this region extremely volatile for tourism.
European Schengen Countries – Internal Border Controls Spreading
A growing number of European countries are reintroducing border controls that could signal broader restrictions ahead. A growing list of Schengen countries has reinstated internal border checks, disrupting the continent’s famed border-free travel zone. The move, legal under Articles 25 and 29 of the Schengen Borders Code, is being driven by national security threats, migration pressures, and large-scale events. France has implemented controls with six neighboring countries, with starting from November 1st, 2024, France will temporarily reintroduce border controls with six neighbouring European countries: Belgium, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain, and Switzerland. These enhanced measures will be in effect until April 30th, 2025, and apply to all forms of travel—land, air, and sea. The following countries have internal checks at their borders in effect up to September-December 2025: Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia, and Sweden. If security concerns escalate, these temporary measures could become permanent tourist restrictions.
Iran – Sanctions and Regional Tensions Threaten Access
Iran’s tourism access remains precarious due to international sanctions and regional conflicts. The country previously closed its borders to all non-residents, the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) had halted permits for all tourist, business, and medical visas during the pandemic and could easily implement similar restrictions again. Recent military tensions with Israel have created an extremely volatile situation where Iran might completely shut down tourist access for security reasons. The ongoing regional conflicts and international pressure make Iran particularly vulnerable to sudden border closures. With escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, Iran represents a significant risk for tourists who might find themselves completely cut off from access without warning.
China – COVID-19 Policies Could Return Instantly
China’s history of sudden border closures makes it a prime candidate for complete tourist restrictions. The country was among the first to implement severe restrictions, and China, home to more than 1.4 billion people, closed its borders to foreigners other than some diplomatic and scientific personnel starting March 28. While China has reopened for tourism, the infrastructure for complete closure remains in place. China is applying visa-free travel for citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia for a year to 30 November 2024. However, these temporary measures could be reversed instantly if another health emergency or security concern arises. China’s centralized control system means that tourist access could be eliminated overnight, making it one of the most unpredictable destinations for future travel planning.
Thailand-Myanmar Border Region – Conflict Spillover Effects
The Thailand-Myanmar border region faces increasing instability that could force Thailand to completely restrict tourist access to border areas. In Myanmar’s south-eastern states bordering Thailand, people continue to flee from violence, military attacks and airstrikes. Internally displaced numbers in Tanintharyi, Bago, Mon, Kayin, Kayah and southern Shan states swelled from 355,600 in January 2023 to 468,600 in June and 693,300 in December. Thailand has had to establish temporary safety areas for refugees, with according to the Royal Thai Government (RTG), 48,408 refugees have crossed into Thailand to flee fighting and seek protection since February 2021. The deteriorating situation in Myanmar creates ongoing security risks that could force Thailand to completely seal its border regions to tourists. If conflicts escalate further, Thailand might implement blanket restrictions on tourist access to protect visitors from crossfire and refugee movements.
India-Myanmar Border Crossings – Already Closing Indefinitely
India has begun implementing indefinite border closures with Myanmar that signal broader restrictions ahead. Previously, on 17 April 2024, the Indian authorities started restricting movement across the border. Then, on 19 April at about 5:00 pm the Assam Rifles, under instructions from the Indian Government, closed the crossing to all trade and people for the Mizoram State elections. Current restrictions are severe, with the transport of goods across the border is restricted and the only people who can cross are students or people travelling to receive medical treatment or people travelling for emergencies. The border closure would also negatively impact people who depend on food imports, particularly those who depend on rice imported from India. Many people on the Myanmar side rely on essential goods from the Indian side of the border and they will also have problems after the border crossing closes. These indefinite closures show how quickly tourist access can be eliminated due to security concerns.
United States Southern Border – Migration Policies Affecting Tourism
While not closing to tourists, the U.S. southern border restrictions demonstrate how quickly countries can implement severe access controls. President Biden signed Presidential Proclamation 10773 to temporarily suspend and limit the entry of certain noncitizens at the southern border because there were high numbers of encounters straining the U.S. immigration system. As of June 5, 2024, U.S. immigration enforcement and asylum procedures across the southern border are more strict. These policies show the infrastructure exists for rapid border control implementation. CBP recorded its lowest southwest border crossings in history in March, demonstrating that operational control of the border is becoming a reality and enforcement measures are yielding significant results. Aliens are receiving the administration’s message: if you cross the border illegally, you will be deported. If security concerns escalate or tourism becomes linked to broader migration issues, similar restrictions could be applied to tourist visa programs.
What makes these situations so concerning isn’t just the current restrictions – it’s how quickly everything changed. Myanmar went from a growing tourist destination to a military-controlled zone overnight. Israel’s borders can close within hours of security incidents. Even European countries that pride themselves on open borders are now implementing strict controls that were unthinkable just a few years ago. The lesson here? Today’s dream destination could become tomorrow’s no-go zone faster than you can say “travel insurance.”