These are the 10 least travel-friendly countries in the world in 2026, according to a new report

Planning an international trip involves much more than choosing beautiful destinations. Factors such as safety, visa policies, infrastructure, healthcare, political stability, and tourist services play a crucial role in determining how easy and enjoyable a country is to visit.

A new global travel report for 2026 has identified the world’s least travel-friendly countries based on a combination of security risks, accessibility, tourism infrastructure, ease of travel, and visitor experience. While many of these countries boast rich history and stunning landscapes, ongoing conflicts, political instability, or poor infrastructure continue to make them difficult destinations for tourists.

Here are the 10 least travel-friendly countries in 2026.

1. Afghanistan

Afghanistan remains at the bottom of the rankings due to continuing security concerns, strict travel restrictions, and extremely limited tourism infrastructure. Most governments continue to advise against all travel to the country.

2. Yemen

Years of conflict and humanitarian crisis have made Yemen one of the world’s most challenging destinations. Damaged infrastructure, security threats, and limited transport options make travel highly risky.

3. South Sudan

Political instability, violent conflict, and poor road connectivity continue to affect tourism in South Sudan. Visitors also face limited medical facilities and basic infrastructure.

4. Syria

Despite some areas seeing relative stability, ongoing conflict, damaged infrastructure, and travel advisories keep Syria among the least accessible destinations for international tourists.

5. Haiti

Political unrest, gang violence, kidnappings, and weak public services have significantly impacted tourism, making Haiti one of the least visitor-friendly countries in the Caribbean.

6. Myanmar

Following years of political turmoil and armed conflict, Myanmar continues to face travel restrictions, security concerns, and disruptions to transportation and tourism services.

7. Libya

Libya remains affected by political divisions and periodic violence. While some regions are calmer, most foreign governments continue to warn against non-essential travel.

8. Somalia

Somalia continues to struggle with terrorism threats, piracy risks, and limited infrastructure. Tourism remains extremely limited despite its long coastline and cultural heritage.

9. Iraq

Although parts of Iraq have become more stable and tourism has slowly increased, security concerns, regional instability, and infrastructure challenges continue to affect visitor confidence.

10. Venezuela

Economic instability, shortages of essential services, crime, and transportation challenges continue to make Venezuela a difficult destination for international travellers.

How the rankings are determined

The report evaluates countries using multiple indicators, including:

• Safety and security
• Political stability
• Quality of transport infrastructure
• Healthcare access
• Ease of obtaining visas
• Tourist services and accommodation
• Risk of natural disasters and emergencies

Countries that score poorly across several categories rank lower in overall travel friendliness.

Should travellers avoid these countries?

Not necessarily. Some destinations on the list contain regions that are relatively safe, while others are slowly rebuilding their tourism industries. However, travellers should always check the latest government travel advisories, purchase comprehensive travel insurance, and stay informed about local conditions before planning a trip.

As global travel continues to recover, several countries are investing in improving infrastructure and security. Future rankings could change significantly if political stability and tourism facilities improve.