Editor’s Note: Because of the unpredictable nature of the pandemic and governments’ varied responses to it, the information in this story is subject to frequent change. It was current at the time of publication on November 13.
The United Nations recognizes 193 countries in the world. And it seems like every one (along with numerous territories and observer states) has its own approach to travel and tourism during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Some tourism favorites, such as Turkey, have been welcoming visitors for months now with not too much in the way of restrictions. Other destinations have opened their doors partially and cautiously. That would include Argentina, which just recently started allowing citizens of only bordering countries to visit.
Then there are the nations that have shut the gates to would-be tourists.
This list covers many of the nations or territories not open to tourists at all or whose conditions are so restrictive they make any traditional vacations there almost impossible to pull off. Some of these have never been big draws. But many others, especially in Asia, were some of the most popular places to visit in the world before the pandemic.
Until they reopen, we’ll have to be satisfied with photos and videos to fuel our dreams of future visits. They’re listed alphabetically by continent or major region and then country or territory. Click on the links for details:
Africa
There are 54 recognized sovereign nations on this vast continent, along with territories and de facto independent states. Some popular countries – such as Egypt, Ethiopia, South Africa and Tanzania – are accepting visitors or will soon do so.
CNN Travel will expand the Africa section as more information becomes available. Meanwhile, these are some of the countries still not open to tourists yet: