Countries Where Tourists Are No Longer Welcome

The golden age of tourism is cracking under its own weight. From overtourism and environmental strain to rising rents and cultural erosion, many beloved destinations are pushing back—not with fanfare, but with firm, quiet resistance. Think visa restrictions, tourist taxes, daily visitor caps, even outright bans. What was once a warm invitation has, in many places, turned into a polite but pointed “enough.” In this newly expanded guide, we spotlight 31 countries where tourists are no longer welcome—or where the welcome mat is rapidly being pulled back. Some are already enforcing tough measures; others are teetering on the edge. This isn’t just a shift in travel—it’s a global reckoning with the cost of being discovered. If you’re planning your next getaway, consider this your wake-up call: paradise doesn’t want to be overcrowded. And in more places than ever, the door is quietly closing.

1. Bhutan: The "High-Value, Low-Impact" Pioneer

Bhutan remains the quintessential example of a nation intentionally limiting tourism. Since 1974, its "High-Value, Low-Impact" policy requires most visitors to pay a daily Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), currently $100 USD per person per night (reduced from $200 pre-pandemic). This isn't a ban, but a deliberate price point designed to attract discerning travelers who respect its pristine environment and unique Buddhist culture, ensuring tourism revenue directly funds healthcare, education, and ecological preservation. It's a strategic move to prevent overtourism and maintain authentic cultural integrity.