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Ten countries that are virtually off-limits to tourists
  • It's generally a straightforward process to enter the States for your average tourist, but if you've got a criminal record then think again. If you've ever dabbled in illegal drugs and been caught, consider the US to be off limits.

  • This island paradise has so few embassies that you'll have to organise a trip through a specialist travel agent to have a hope of even glimpsing the beautiful Banana Beach in Principe. You also need proof of a Yellow Fever vaccine.

  • Tourist visas are notoriously difficult to get hold of in Saudi Arabia. Unmarried couples can't travel together alone; they must be part of a group and named as 'individuals'. Women under 30 also have to be accompanied by their husband or brother.

  • Due to international circumstances, visa applications to Syria are closed at the moment for the UK so  you won't be seeing the Krak des Chevaliers castle any time soon.�� And in any case the application process is time-consuming and you'll often need a letter of recommendation from your own embassy, which is expensive and increases the length of approval time.

  • If you're thinking of visiting Iran, your visa needs to be approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tehran, which can be a lengthy process, during which time you'll get little feedback about what's holding up the application. British and American passport holders also face being fingerprinted on arrival.

  • The biggest problem about visiting this West African country is the long processing time of obtaining a visa. Then there are consular fees, the requirement for an invitation and at least $100 a day financial support along with proof of immunisation.  So it might take you longer than expected to get to see its amazing sites, which include the Planalto Sentral escarpment near Humpata, pictured.

  • Although it's not a dangerous as it used to be, getting past the red tape involved in visiting is almost as difficult as spotting one of the elusive mountain gorillas that live there.  You also often face the prospect of paying 'unofficial fees'.

  • Even though easyJet recently launched flights to Russian capital Moscow getting a visa can get quite complex. Russia's visa applicationprocess reflects the days of the iron curtain and a tourist visa is inflexible. It allows you to stay for 30 days and you'll need an 'invitation' before you can enter. If you lose your visa (or over stay) then leaving the country can be trickier than getting in.

  • The Democratic People's Republic of Korea is one of the toughest places to get a visa and completely closed off to South Korean tourists. Travellers from Israel, America and Japan may face difficulties and even those that get in, whatever their nationality, face being escorted by North Korean 'guides' during their stay. UK citizens can apply via the embassy in London, although if you're a journalist, prepare to be disappointed.

  • If you've been to Israel recently then you can forget visiting the Meroe Pyramids in Sudan. Anyone with an Israeli visa stamp in their passport will be denied entry to Sudan, regardless of whether it's valid or expired. You also need a letter of introduction as well as at least six months left on your passport.

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