Top 10 World’s Most Difficult Countries to Visit (How and Why to Go) with Gunnar Garfors and Jacqui Kunz

Nov 25, 2025

Gunnar Garfors, the first person to visit every country twice, and Jacqui Kunz, named 'World’s Most Intrepid Traveler' in 2023, dive into the world's toughest countries to visit. They unpack how nationality affects visa access and share gripping tales from Yemen, Iran, Turkmenistan, and beyond. Discussions reveal the complexities of political tensions and the ethical dilemmas of travel. With insights on navigating restrictive entry and the debate on what counts as 'visiting,' their experiences are both eye-opening and thought-provoking.

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ADVICE

Get DRC Entry Via Park Visas

Use national park bookings (e.g., Virunga) to obtain park visas on arrival for DRC access.
Check current security and park status before planning as eruptions and conflict can close parks.

ANECDOTE

Deported But Counted As Visit

Gunnar recalls being detained in Niger and briefly allowed to buy items before deportation.
He counts the experience as having 'been' there despite the prison stay.

INSIGHT

Russia Visa Depends On Where You Apply

Russia's visa difficulty depends on which embassy processes you; US applicants face higher fees and outsourced services.
Living abroad often makes Russian visas cheaper and easier to obtain.

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What are the most difficult countries to visit, and why do some require months of effort just to get in?

Gunnar Garfors is an author, journalist, and the first person to travel to every country in the world twice. Jacqui Kunz was named “World’s Most Intrepid Traveler” in 2023 and is also well on her way to visiting every country in the world.

In this Zero To Travel Host Collective episode, Gunnar and Jacqui go through ten of the world’s most difficult countries to visit from a visa and access standpoint.

Gunnar and Jacqui share their personal experiences and insights navigating the world’s hardest-to-enter countries, especially from the perspective of American and Norwegian passports. You’ll learn not just where the access is difficult, but why - whether it’s politics, reciprocity, red tape, or safety concerns - and what it says about global mobility. They also explore the ethical side of “ticking countries off the list” and how that mindset can warp the meaning of travel.

If you were to visit one country that you know is extremely hard to get into, which country would it be and why? We’d love to hear about it, and hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. Tune In To Learn:

Why your passport dramatically affects your ability to visit certain countries
How political tensions between nations influence visa rules and travel bans
Advice for Americans trying to enter countries that officially don’t allow them
Why some countries like Turkmenistan or Libya require government approval before you can even apply
What Gunnar did after being rejected six times for a visa to Turkmenistan
How Jackie’s educational work raised red flags with the Iranian authorities
How to travel ethically to countries with problematic governments or ongoing conflicts
Tips for minimizing risk and maximizing cultural exchange in restricted destinations
What it really means to have “been” somewhere (and who gets to decide that)
And so much more

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