Unexpectedly Difficult Countries to Visit in 2025

2. Turkmenistan: The Opaque Government Invitation Process

Turkmenistan remains one of the world’s most isolated countries, and its difficulty lies in its opaque visa process. To even apply for a tourist visa, you must first secure a letter of invitation (LOI) from a state-approved travel agency. This process is notoriously unpredictable, often requiring extensive documentation and a pre-planned, supervised tour itinerary from start to finish. Independent travel is almost impossible. The government's stringent controls on movement and interaction make this an incredibly challenging, highly-controlled travel experience, reflecting a deliberate policy of isolation.