Asia

NORTH KOREA


 

DIFFICULTY LEVEL : 9/10

 

WHY SO?:

 

  • access through an organised tour crossing from China

 

  • interactions with locals are limited   

 

  • do not be vocal about North Korea leader, including sharing your opinion about their political/ government regime – there are rules 

 

  • smuggling your way to North Korea through any illegal secret channels is highly dangerous

 

  • independent travel is a big NO

 

  • citizens from the US and the UK might have a harder time obtaining entry 

 

  • requirements are subject to change

 

CHINA

 

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 8/10

 

WHY SO?:

 

  • lengthy visa process for longer stay inquires 

 

  • certain passport holders can travel to China visa-free for a period of 72-hours

 

  • can only apply for a visa in your country of residence or citizenship

 

  • schedule a face-to-face appointment to submit your application

 

  • a long list of documents you need to gather ,such as hotel vouchers, flight itinerary that can prove your intentions for your longer stay

 

  • daily itinerary if you’re staying longer than 30 days

 

  • required to register with the local police within 48 hours of their arrival

 

  • can take a while to be processed, its better to apply at least 2-3 months before your trip

 

Bhutan

 

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 8/10

 

WHY SO?:

 

  • at this moment the only way to visit is through an all-inclusive package booked through a Bhutanese travel agent

 

  • each package costs about $200-$300 USD per day, that including accommodations, transport, meals, and guides

 

Europe

RUSSIA

 

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 8/10

 

WHY SO?: 

 

  • asking for details for every trip taken in the last 10 years 

 

  • all visa applications for Russia have to be made in person

 

  • online form is very important and must be filled out without mistakes as often lead to a rejected application

 

  • if you finally receive the visa from the consulate make sure you cross-check every detail on your visa ensure the dates align with your travel plans

 

  • language barrier could be the challenge

 

  • the regular process takes 20 business days to get your passport back and if you pay extra for the rush fee to shorten this process (in 5 business days) you might still receive it in 10 business days (2 weeks)

 

Belgium

 

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 7/10

 

WHY SO?:

 

  • the highest rate 16.9% of applications refused in the Schengen Area

 

  • Schengen Visa application form, 2 recently taken passport-style photos, a passport/other travel documents that are no older than 10 years plus valid for at least 3 months after your departure date from the Schengen Area

 

  • travel and medical insurance covering you up to costs of €30,000

 

  • cover letter about your itinerary and the purpose of your visit, as well as a  proof of flight itinerary, accommodation (hotel bookings), proof of your civil status (marriage certificate if you have), and proof you have subsistence or income are enough to support yourself during your trip (€95 per day if staying in a hotel, and €45 when planning to stay in cheaper accommodation) – showing bank statements

 

  • additional documents will be needed if you are planning to work or study

 

Middle East

SAUDI ARABIA 


 

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 8/10

 

WHY SO?:

 

  • women cannot travel solo – must have a sponsor who will be responsible for meeting them upon arrival

 

  • couples travelling together are expected to be married – marriage certificate should be shown

 

  • applications more likely to be denied without a sponsor or a marriage certificate

 

  • an Israeli stamp on your passport is big NO to your entry 

 

IRAN

 

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 8/10

 

WHY SO?:

 

  • confusing and complicated 

 

  • visitors are eligible for free visas if they are from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bolivia, Georgia, Malaysia, Syria, Turkey, and Venezuela

 

  • most travellers are eligible for a VOA, or Visa on Arrival except Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Colombia, India, Iraq, Jordan, Nepal, Pakistan, Somalia, and Sri Lanka

 

  • those who have visited Israel within the last 6 months might have a risk to have their visa application refused 

 

  • for a VOA, travellers need evidence of a hotel reservation, a host contact, cash to pay for the visa, and travel insurance

 

  • need to obtain a “visa code” from a tour operator – code is valid for one month, therefore travellers will need to work quickly in order to secure their visa