Unexpectedly Difficult Countries to Visit in 2025

8. Cuba: The U.S. Travel Restrictions Minefield

For U.S. travelers, Cuba remains uniquely difficult to enter due to a complex web of government restrictions. The U.S. still prohibits tourism to Cuba, requiring travelers to fit into one of 12 licensed travel categories. You cannot use a tourist visa; instead, you need a special visa license or a general license for activities like "support for the Cuban people." Additionally, U.S. credit cards and debit cards are largely unusable, making the trip cash-only. This legal minefield makes entry a bureaucratic and logistical challenge for U.S. citizens.