Have you ever considered that there are plenty of countries that DON’T want you to visit? No? Well, as tourists keep getting more ignorant, the amount of countries that dislike them is on the rise. Why, you ask?
Travel broadens the mind, right? It provides us with new experiences, sights, tastes and perspectives, and it makes life so much more fun. But do we ever spare a thought to whether the country we want to travel to actually wants us there?
As the world becomes smaller with faster planes and cheaper tickets, more and more countries are starting to limit the amount of people they allow in.
Tourism is a massive source of income for many countries around the planet. But as so very often in life, money isn’t enough to fix priceless architecture that tourists destroy.
Most of the countries that don’t want you to visit anymore do actually have a legit reason for it. And I’m not talking about the famous horror tourists from a certain island state, although I do think that every single country is against them. I’m talking about something even more serious.
- Housing problems,
- rising prices,
- local people not being able to live their normal daily lives,
- destroyed buildings and nature,
- pollution
- and so much more harm is caused by tourism numbers rising over sustainable limits.
In another article I list amazing alternatives to popular tourist destinations. But here’s a list of countries that are currently restricting or suffering from the amount of tourists that visit every year.
The Countries That DON’T Want You To Visit
1. Iceland
Let’s start with a country that is planning to restrict tourism on their land: Iceland. A report has been presented to the parliament asking them to limit the amount of people allowed to certain places on the island due to those places suffering.
This report has been applauded by both, government officials and the locals, due to the number of visitors growing fast. These growing numbers mean degraded and eroded natural sights, such a the Geysirs and hiking trails.
The popular Reykjadalur hike trail was already closed due to its eroded and potentially dangerous condition caused by over-tourism. In addition, Iceland has now reinstated a tourism tax that is then used to preserve deroded and damaged areas.
I’d love to see Iceland. I’m not a fan of snow or cold weather, but somehow the country seems magical. But I do think I’d rather let it be, than become a part of the problem.
2. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is a big addition to the list of countries that don’t want you to visit. And it is a serious issue, that has even been recorded in many documentaries, like Bye Bye Barcelona. Barcelona is one of Europe’s most densely populated cities, with 30 million tourists per year adding to it all.
It’s a city of narrow streets, and lost heritage. The places that used to capsulate the true spirit of Barcelona – Barcelonate, La Rambla and la Boquería food market – have all been transformed to accommodate tourism at the expense of the locals.
Tourist knick-knacks instead of actual local art, take-away sandwiches instead of fresh local foods, and crowds so tight that nobody’s comfortable.
Due to all that, plus the AirBnB effect, house prices have risen so high that locals can’t live in the city anymore. Imagine if you’d be forced out of your home like that!
Recently the local residents have started to protest against tourists. They’ve even gone as far as spray tourists with water guns while they’re enjoying an afternoon on a terrace. Tbh, they have my full sympathy for doing so.
For me, Barcelona has always been just another over-crowded tourist trap. And from what I’ve gathered there’s very little authenticity left there anymore. Which honestly makes it an uninteresting travel destination. So, at least I can promise not to add to the issue.
Read also: Zakynthos Island – 8 Must-See Places That NOBODY’s Told You About!
3. Machu Picchu
The ancient Inca city has taken strict actions to restrict the amount of tourists allowed to the area. Only 3 500 people are allowed to visit per day, which is almost 50% less than the daily allowance in 2020. These people are divided into 4 groups per day, and they are always led by a tour guide.
The tour of Machu Picchu lasts 4 hours and nobody’s allowed to wander around on their own in the area anymore. This is all due to tourists destroying the indigenous people’s spiritual heritage and stealing artifacts from the area.
Tourists have also damaged and downright desecrated burial sites. Add erosion caused by masses of people stampeding the area every day to that, and I’m sure you understand why Machu Picchu is one of the countries that don’t want you to visit.
I can’t imagine anything worse than ignorant and selfish tourists destroying something that is important to me. And that’s what Machu Picchu is to the locals! So I think them turning against tourism in the area is 100% justified.
4. Mount Everest
Have you seen the documentary Šherpa? Don’t you dare even plan a trip to Mount Everest before you’ve watched it! The mountain is suffering from serious over-tourism problem. But the local people suffer from it all even more!
Šerpa people are an indigenous people living on the mountains, who now aid people in their climb up the mountain. And too often these natives die while doing so.
Not because they would be inexperienced, but because the climbers themselves are. And inexperienced self-indulgent people put everyone in jeopardy along the way.
Mount Everest is one of the most dangerous mountains to climb. Here’s a wee fact for y’all dreaming of climbing it: if you’re not trained in mountain climbing and, more importantly, FIT OVERALL, YOU DO NOT CLIMB Mount Everest. PERIOD!
The extent of Western people’s arrogance sometimes goes beyond any measure. And the way Western people treat Mount Everest and the Šerpa people is a perfect example of it all.
If you’re not sure whether you’re fit to climb it, start with the Alps or the Tatra mountains in Slovakia. You’ll quickly notice you’re not quite as capable as you initially thought. I know, because I’ve done it!
5. Angkor Wat
The Angkor Wat temple in Cambodia first brings to mind Disney’s Jungle Book animation. No wonder it’s been a super popular tourist destination for ages. It’s particularly popular for watching the sunset.
But due to growing numbers of tourists climbing on the ruins, and fast destroying the whole complex, their amounts are these days restricted.
This shouldn’t be too surprising, though, because when traveling there you are quickly introduced to other restrictions that have been in place for a long time already:
- Angkor Wat is a religious structure, and thus deserves certain respect clothing-wise.
- Long trousers and shirts that cover shoulders are allowed.
- Whereas shorts, skirts and tank tops are not allowed into the grounds.
- It’s also strictly forbidden to touch the ruins or the carvings, or remove any stone from the structure (because many people do… Unbelievable).
6. Venice
Ah, Venice. The super romantic destination rivaling Paris. Except it won’t be for long, since it’s sinking and literally falling apart.
Yes, there are forces of nature in action here, but the decay of the city has been largely accelerated by enormous amounts of tourists removing pieces of actual buildings to take home with them.
Read also: Traveling to Venice? You Need to Know This Before Booking 2023
The enormous and extremely unecological cruise ships have ruined the city’s waterways and bring huge crowds into the small city every day. The city is so over-crowded that nobody enjoys the experience.
So far Venice has seen the appearance of turnstiles appearing to some of the busiest areas to comb down the crowds. In addition, Venice is now introducing an entrance fee. Yes, entering the city will cost you.
Brilliant idea, if I may say so. I’m not sure it will help decrease the amount of people visiting every day. But if the money could be used to restore destroyed buildings, it’s totally worth it, right? Because Venice truly has plenty of reasons to be one of the countries that don’t want you to visit.
7. Galapagos Islands
Galapagos Islands are one of the most beautiful places on the planet. And with its giant turtles, iguanas and ocean manta rays, it’s also very popular. I mean when you hear the word ‘paradise’, Galapagos Islands is the image that pops in your mind.
But due to over-tourism the small islands and their gorgeous nature are suffering. To avoid any further damage Ecuador has imposed restrictions on who can move on the islands and where there.
For example, Ecuadorians aren’t allowed to move to the island anymore, and the Glapagos National Park can only be visited accompanied by an authorized guide. Motorized aquatic sports are completely banned.
Writing this post made me curious: where are you from? Does the country you live in suffer from over-tourism? What do you think about countries turning against tourism?
I’d love to discuss this phenomena of the modern world, please comment below and let’s chat! ♥
FAQ
Q: What countries restrict tourism?
A: There are multiple countries worldwide that have brought in restrictions to halt the amount of tourists pouring in every year. The restrictions vary from allowing only small amounts of people entering certain areas to charging a fee for entering a city. Some place that charge a tourism tax are Venice and Iceland.
Q: How much is the tourist tax in Venice?
A: In April 2024 Venice launched a trial program during which the island city charges a 5€ entry fee from tourists. This applies to those who arrive after 4pm. The tax doesn’t apply to tourists who have overnight accommodation booked on the island.
Q: How do countries restrict tourism?
A: Different countries have introduced different tourism restrictions depending on the nature of the tourism issues. Fragile nature and building sites may only allow small numbers of people in per day, and only with a guide. However, big over-crowded cities can impose entry fees and taxes on tourists.
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