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Burkina Faso Joins Laos, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone, Libya and More Twenty Countries in New Travel Restriction, Is Your Next Holiday Destination on the Verge of Ban
Burkina Faso has now joined Laos, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone, Libya, and more than twenty countries facing new travel restrictions. These nations are grappling with political instability, security concerns, and growing internal conflicts, making them difficult or dangerous to visit. With countries like Burkina Faso, Laos, and Mali tightening borders, tourists must act fast before their dream destinations are banned entirely. If you’ve been planning to travel to one of these places, now is the time to reconsider. Is your next holiday destination on the verge of a ban? Read on to discover which countries are imposing restrictions and how it might affect your travel plans in 2025.
In 2025, the world of travel is facing serious disruptions. As tensions rise across the globe, a significant number of countries are preparing to tighten borders or impose outright restrictions on tourist access. For many wanderlust travellers, these updates may spell the end of their holiday plans. Countries that once welcomed international tourists with open arms are now considering drastic measures to limit entry. The following article explores 20 nations that could soon make it harder for tourists to travel, with official government sources confirming that the days of seamless travel might soon be a thing of the past. Stay informed about these travel bans and entry restrictions to avoid any future surprises!
1. Burkina Faso: Full Travel Ban Looms for U.S. Tourists
In December 2025, the United States included Burkina Faso on its full travel ban list, making it clear that U.S. citizens will be severely restricted from visiting the country. The ongoing internal conflict and the security risks surrounding the area have made it unsafe for foreign nationals. Even for those who were considering a trip, this ban leaves no room for easy access. Tourists planning to explore the West African country should heed this warning. Burkina Faso’s position in the travel industry is dwindling, and U.S. citizens are advised to avoid all travel to the region entirely. Find further information on official travel advisories at CFR (source).
2. Laos: New Restrictions Threaten Free Travel to Southeast Asia
Laos, once a popular stop for Southeast Asia backpackers, has now been added to the list of countries with significant travel restrictions. The U.S. government has confirmed a full travel ban to Laos in December 2025. This surprising move has left many in shock, as Laos was previously considered a peaceful tourist destination. However, with growing concerns over political instability and human rights violations, travellers should reconsider plans to visit this charming country. For more details, check the official reports from CFR (source).
3. Mali: Civil Unrest Forces Governments to Issue Travel Bans
Mali, a country rich in culture and history, is struggling with serious political unrest. The government has now imposed a travel advisory for all citizens, advising them to avoid non-essential travel. Mali is currently suffering from terrorism and armed conflict, which has led many international governments to impose restrictions. The U.S. has placed the country on its full travel ban list while urging American citizens to reconsider their plans. Discover more about Mali’s current security situation from the CFR (source).
4. Niger: A Country on the Brink of Complete Border Closure
Another West African nation experiencing unrest is Niger. As of December 2025, multiple nations, including the U.S., have issued full travel bans on Niger due to increasing instability. Terrorism, militia groups, and civil war concerns make this country extremely dangerous for visitors. Niger’s borders are becoming more difficult to navigate, and travellers should avoid the area at all costs. Explore more about Niger’s travel restrictions and safety warnings via CFR (source).
5. Sierra Leone: Rising Tensions Result in Restricted Travel Access
In Sierra Leone, a nation in West Africa known for its beautiful beaches and wildlife, the situation is becoming increasingly precarious. As tensions rise, the U.S. State Department has announced a full travel ban, urging Americans to stay away. While the nation was once a hotspot for eco-tourism, recent instability means that international tourism is nearly impossible. Read more on CFR (source) for updates on travel access to Sierra Leone.
6. South Sudan: Travel Disruptions for Tourists Due to Ongoing Conflict
South Sudan is another country where conflict continues to make it difficult for foreign nationals to visit. The U.S. and other global powers have strongly warned against all travel to this war-torn region. The full travel ban is a direct result of civil war and ongoing violent clashes, which have made it unsafe for international travellers. South Sudan may soon tighten its borders even further, and those planning a trip should be aware of the constant threat to their safety. Official travel advisories can be found on CFR (source).
7. Syria: Avoid All Travel to the Middle East War Zone
Syria’s place in the global travel scene has been shattered by nearly a decade of war. It remains one of the most dangerous countries in the world, with all travel and tourism opportunities effectively halted. The U.S. government has issued a full travel ban, and many other nations are following suit. The country remains in a state of crisis, and tourists should not even consider visiting. Details of Syria’s travel restrictions can be found on official government sites (source).
8. Central African Republic: Travel Threatened by Political Instability
The Central African Republic (CAR) is another country grappling with political unrest, which is severely impacting tourism. The government has recently advised against all travel, urging citizens to reconsider their plans to visit this conflict zone. Tourism to the region has already dropped significantly due to violence and limited infrastructure. CAR has also been flagged by global advisory services as a country with severe security concerns. Learn more on official travel advisory platforms (source).
9. Libya: An Unstable Nation with Serious Border Restrictions
Libya, once known for its historical sites and Mediterranean beaches, is now in the midst of a civil war. Travel advisories and full bans are in place for many countries, including the U.S. Visitors to Libya face great risks, including the threat of terrorism and kidnapping. The Libyan government has closed many of its borders, making access increasingly difficult. International travellers should avoid planning a trip to Libya at all costs. Official warnings are listed on travel.gc.ca (source).
10. Somalia: Terrorism and Political Unrest Make Travel Impossible
Somalia continues to be one of the most dangerous travel destinations in the world. Terrorist groups, including Al-Shabaab, make travel here not only dangerous but nearly impossible. The U.S. government and other global authorities have issued full travel bans, advising against all forms of tourism. Somalia has suffered from ongoing conflict for decades, with no signs of peace in sight. Explore detailed travel warnings from official government sites (source).
11. Yemen: A No-Go Zone for Tourists Due to Ongoing War
Yemen has been caught in a civil war that has devastated its infrastructure, security, and tourism sector. The full travel ban issued by numerous governments, including the U.S., has left the country virtually closed to tourists. Even those attempting to visit Yemen for humanitarian reasons face significant risks. Travel to Yemen is highly discouraged, and all international flights have been severely limited. Check official sources for detailed advisories (source).
12. Sudan: A Country in Crisis with Tightening Entry Regulations
In Sudan, escalating violence has pushed foreign governments to issue travel restrictions and full bans. The instability in Sudan, particularly around the capital, Khartoum, has made tourism nearly impossible. Sudan’s government has started to impose tighter border controls, further restricting international access. The country is quickly becoming a no-go zone for tourists. Visit travel.gc.ca for more on Sudan’s travel advisories (source).
13. Iran: A Diplomatic Nightmare for Tourists
Iran has been a source of tension between Western nations and the Middle East for years. As of 2025, travel advisories have escalated, with many governments urging their citizens to avoid all travel to Iran due to political instability and the threat of terrorism. Iran has also implemented a visa ban for several countries, restricting access even further. Review the latest developments on official government travel platforms (source).
14. Iraq: A Dangerous Destination for Foreign Nationals
Iraq remains one of the most dangerous countries in the world for tourists. Due to ongoing conflict and political instability, Iraq is listed under avoid all travel advisories. Multiple nations have banned travel to the country, and only essential personnel are allowed access. Tourists should not consider Iraq as a travel destination at any point in 2025 or beyond. Refer to official sources for more details (source).
15. Myanmar: Military Junta Cripples Tourism Industry
The military junta in Myanmar has led to widespread human rights abuses, causing most countries to warn against all travel. Despite the country’s rich cultural heritage, the tourism industry has been decimated. The full travel ban and worsening political conditions have made it incredibly difficult for anyone to visit Myanmar without significant risks. Learn more via official government travel websites (source).
16. Ukraine: No-Go for Tourists Amid Ongoing Conflict
Ukraine’s ongoing war has made it extremely unsafe for international visitors. With cities in the east of the country still in conflict zones, tourism is nearly impossible. Governments have issued high-risk advisories for Ukraine, and most international flights to Ukraine have been suspended. For updated information, visit official government platforms (source).
17. Belarus: A Country Under Political Crisis
Belarus has found itself isolated on the world stage due to political unrest, with tourists being advised against visiting. Travel restrictions are tightening, and a full travel ban may soon be enforced. Belarus has become increasingly inaccessible, with limited diplomatic ties and serious political instability affecting tourism. More information can be found on travel.gc.ca (source).
18. Haiti: A Struggling Nation Faces Severe Travel Disruptions
Haiti’s travel and tourism industry has taken a major hit due to its ongoing political instability. The government has issued a no-go advisory for most areas, and many international airlines are suspending services to the country. Tourists planning to visit should be aware of rising dangers and restricted access. Refer to official government advisories for more (source).
19. Lebanon: Security Concerns Rise, Limiting Access to Key Areas
Lebanon, with its vibrant culture and rich history, has seen its tourism sector suffer due to security concerns and escalating tensions. Non-essential travel is being heavily restricted, and several popular tourist spots have been closed. Travel warnings suggest avoiding the border regions entirely. Find out more on official sources (source).
20. Nigeria: A Volatile Destination Facing Major Travel Limitations
Nigeria is grappling with both political instability and high levels of violence. These factors have led many countries to issue travel advisories urging citizens to avoid all non-essential travel. Nigeria’s complex security situation makes it difficult to travel safely, especially in high-risk regions. More details can be found on official travel advisories (source)
As we approach 2025, the global travel landscape is shifting dramatically, with increasing political unrest, security concerns, and government-imposed restrictions making certain destinations difficult or even impossible to visit. From full travel bans to high-risk advisories, tourists must stay informed and adjust their travel plans accordingly.
While these restrictions may affect travel dreams, it’s essential for travelers to prioritize safety and adhere to official government advisories. Countries once known for their welcoming atmospheres are now grappling with internal issues that pose significant risks to international visitors. The world of tourism is evolving, and understanding these changes will be key for anyone planning to explore the globe in the coming years. Always stay updated with reliable sources to avoid surprises during your travels.
