The 10 Least-Visited Countries In The World & Why You Shouldn’t Visit Them

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By Samantha Collins

If you’re a traveler seeking new and invigorating places not many others have visited, we want you to pause if you’re considering any of the countries below. 

Not all countries have low tourist visitation because they’re off-the-beaten-track undiscovered gems. In fact, some countries should not be visited because of serious safety concerns with a high risk of harm and death. 

Give this article a read on the ten least-visited countries in the world and why you shouldn’t visit them to learn more!

1. Libya

Tripoli, Libya - December 27, 2020: Capital of Libya, Tripoli seafront skyline view.
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

The Mediterranean Sea borders the 17th largest nation in the world, Libya. The country boasts the longest African coastline along the Mediterranean Sea and features the largest desert in the world. 

Although Libya has many incredible natural sites, it is not a place we recommend visiting. 

Unfortunately, there is political unrest in Libya which can make it unsafe for visitors and locals alike. Terrorism, armed conflict, crime, and kidnapping are all running rampant. Due to the extremely high crime levels, it is unsafe to travel to this country. 

2. Marshall Islands

Aerial view of Marshall island located in the Pacific Ocean.
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Officially called the Republic of the Marshall Islands, this country is a collection of volcanic islands located between the Philippines and Hawaii. Its waters are notoriously beautiful, blue, and clear. One of its islands, Bikini Atoll, features a popular dive site used as a ship graveyard after World War II. 

Most recently, in August 2023, the travel advice level was lowered so travelers can now exercise normal safety precautions. Over the years, this was impossible as there were – and still could be – natural hazards, like typhoons and tsunamis, that can make visiting these beautiful islands dangerous. 

3. Equatorial Guinea

Aerial View of Malabo Capital of Equatorial Guinea
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Equatorial Guinea consists of five volcanic offshore islands and the Rio Muni mainland in Central Africa. It is one of the smallest countries in the world by area alone. 

The country is on the list of least-visited countries because of its difficult access. Hardly any flight connections run to Equatorial Guinea, making it challenging for tourists to visit. 

4. South Sudan

Aerial of Juba, the capital of South Sudan, with river Nile on the right
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Officially known as the Republic of South Sudan, this country is in East Africa. It is one of the newest countries after splitting from Sudan. Unfortunately, safety is a huge concern for visitors and those living in the country.

Civil war has been an ongoing issue in Sudan and South Sudan, making it a dangerous place to be. If this weren’t a concern, South Sudan would be a wonderful place to visit as the country is rich with ancient history, beautiful architecture, and delicious cuisine. 

5. Tuvalu

Aerial view of the island of Tuvalu located in the Pacific Ocean.
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

An independent nation consisting of nine islands, Tuvalu is located in Oceania in the South Pacific. It is the world’s fourth smallest country by area. 

Tuvalu is part of the least-visited countries list because of its hard-to-reach access. Its main island, Funafuti, is the only island with an airport. The country is also estimated to be swallowed by rising sea levels in the near future. 

6. Somalia

Baidoa, Somalia
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

The Federal Republic of Somalia features the longest coastline of Africa’s mainland. It is one of the poorest countries in the world and one of the unsafest places to visit. 

Somalia is wrecked by havoc. From war and famine to terrorist and pirate attacks, the country is full of conflict. This makes it a perilous place for visitors to travel, with locals under constant threat. 

7. Nauru

Nauru - 3rd smallest country in the world, aerial view
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

A small island country in Micronesia, Nauru is the world’s third smallest country. It is called the “country that ate itself” for its once famous status, known as “Pleasant Island,” which was destroyed by greed, incompetence, and colonial mismanagement. The life expectancy of Nauru people is one of the lowest in the world due to obesity caused by a poor diet of high sugar, fat, and processed food. 

Only one airline serves the country, making it difficult for tourists to visit Nauru. There’s also not ideal healthcare or accommodations for tourists, making it one of the least-visited countries in the world. 

8. Afghanistan 

Jalalabad Road, Afghanistan, January 2004: Young girl on the Jalalabad Road, Afghanistan
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is well-known for its strife and chaos. Currently, women’s rights in Afghanistan are not respected. Women are restricted from basic acts such as schooling, freedom of rights, and are placed in forced marriages. 

Violence and kidnapping against United States citizens visiting Afghanistan is dangerously high. Traveling to any part of Afghanistan is unsafe for Americans and other tourists, placing you at risk of serious harm or death. 

9. Democratic Republic of the Congo

Pedestrian crossing in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo, commonly referred to as Congo-Kinshasa, is the second-largest country in Africa and the eleventh-largest country in the world.

Violence has ensued in the Democratic Republic of the Congo with conflicts with ethnic militias, UN troops, and other forces. Currently, the travel advisory highly advises tourists to remain away from visiting this country as the rate of violent crime, such as pillaging, rape, and murder, is extremely high. 

10. Burundi 

Burundi Bujumbura lake Tanganyika, windy cloudy sky and sand beach at sea lake in East Africa, Burundi sunset with boat from wood. Thatch african roofs on umbrellas
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

The poorest country in the world, the Republic of Burundi is one of the world’s least developed countries. It features the world’s longest freshwater lake, which flows into the Congo River System and the Atlantic Ocean. 

The country is visited infrequently due to its low development, which can be severe if health concerns arise. If you consider visiting this country, political violence and crime are other Burundi concerns that raise the risk of violence and harm. 

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