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Worst visa policy countries list - Visa Openness rankings in 2024

200 Worst visa policy country rankings

Landscape view of North Korea
1   🇰🇵
22
Pyongyang •
Asia •
Eastern Asia •
Developing •
25M people
231
required
7
banned
Landscape view of Afghanistan
2   🇦🇫
23
Kabul •
Asia •
Southern Asia •
Least Developed •
28M people
236
required
2
banned
3   🇹🇲
24
Ashgabat •
Asia •
Central Asia •
Developing •
5M people
237
required
1
banned
24
Bangui •
Africa •
Middle Africa •
Least Developed •
5M people
238
required
5   🇸🇩
24
Khartoum •
Africa •
Northern Africa •
Least Developed •
40M people
4
on arrival
231
required
3
banned
6   🇬🇶
24
Malabo •
Africa •
Middle Africa •
Developing •
1M people
3
online visa
235
required
7   🇪🇷
24
Asmara •
Africa •
Eastern Africa •
Least Developed •
5M people
1
visa free
237
required
Kinshasa •
Africa •
Middle Africa •
Least Developed •
85M people
4
visa free
3
on arrival
3
online visa
228
required

Worst visa policy countries list - Visa Openness rankings in 2024

Last updated:
Worst visa policy countries include North Korea, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan and Central African Republic. North Korea has easy visa entry for 0 countries. Find visa openness ranking across the world. See a visual map of visa openness rankings on the world map.

Visa openness definition and methodology

The Visa Openness Index is a comprehensive tool for measuring the visa policies of countries around the world. Our methodology is designed to provide a rigorous and transparent assessment of visa openness, based on data from reliable sources. To calculate the Visa Openness Index, we consider a variety of factors related to visa policies, including visa-free access, visa on arrival, and e-visa policies. We also take into account the restrictions and requirements that may apply to each category of visa.
The score for each country is calculated based on the number of visa types it offers, and the number of countries its citizens can travel to without a visa or with a visa on arrival. Our scoring system is designed to provide a comprehensive view of visa openness, with a maximum score of 100. Countries with high scores are considered to be more visa-open, while those with lower scores are considered to be less open. The data used to calculate the Visa Openness Index comes from reliable sources, including the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), and the World Economic Forum (WEF). Our team of experts has analyzed the data and methodology used to create the index to provide you with the most comprehensive information available. Whether you're a frequent traveler or simply curious about the world, we're confident that our guide to the Visa Openness Index in 2024 will be an invaluable resource.

Practical implications of Visa Openness

The Visa Openness Index 2024 is a valuable tool for understanding the visa policies of different countries and their implications for travelers and countries. Here are some of the practical implications:
  1. Travel planning: For travelers, the Visa Openness Index 2024 can be a useful resource for planning trips to different countries. By understanding a country's visa policies, travelers can determine whether they need to obtain a visa in advance or if they can obtain a visa on arrival. This information can help travelers avoid unnecessary delays or complications during their trips.
  2. Business opportunities: AFor businesses, the Visa Openness Index 2024 can be a useful resource for identifying new markets and potential business opportunities. By understanding a country's visa policies, businesses can determine whether it is feasible to expand their operations to that country. This information can also help businesses to plan for the logistics of sending employees to work in other countries.
  3. Government policy: For governments, the Visa Openness Index 2024 can be a useful tool for evaluating the effectiveness of their visa policies and identifying areas for improvement. By analyzing the rankings of different countries, governments can determine whether their visa policies are competitive and attractive to foreign visitors. This information can also help governments to adjust their visa policies to better align with their economic and diplomatic goals.
  4. International relations: For countries, the Visa Openness Index 2024 can have important implications for their international relations. By adopting more open visa policies, countries can improve their standing in the global community and promote closer ties with other nations. Conversely, countries with more restrictive visa policies may face increased isolation and reduced opportunities for international cooperation.
This has numerous practical implications for travelers, businesses, governments, and countries. By providing valuable insights into visa policies and their impact, the Index can help to promote more informed decision-making and facilitate greater global connectivity.

Frequently asked questions