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.
CNN
—
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:
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:
courtesy Library of Congress
The harbor and admiralty, Algiers, Algeria. The printing process of photochroms was efficient and could produce hundreds of thousands of copies from a single negative. A 7x9 inch photochrom cost approximately 35 cents at the turn of the 20th century.
courtesy Library of Congress
Men leaving a mosque in Tunis, Tunisia circa 1899. Captured using a photolithography method known as a photochrom, it was an early way to create color stills from a camera.
courtesy Library of Congress
A crowd surrounds a snake charmer in Tunis. Photochroms were created by taking the negative and exposing it to multiple flat surfaces such as stone, glass or zinc. As many as 24 separate slides would we be used, each printing a different color. Together the inks would blend and create realistic hues. (Find out more about the process
here.)
courtesy Library of Congress
Resting Bedouins at the Grand Pyramid, Cairo, Egypt. Helena Zinkham of the Library of Congress, where these rare photochroms are kept, says the main market for these high quality images was European tourists.
courtesy Library of Congress
Bridge in Constantine, Algeria. The photochrom process, invented 1890, was soon patented by companies around Europe and the US. It's thought most of the photochroms from this period in North Africa were taken by Europeans, although many authors are unknown today.
courtesy Library of Congress
The label on this photochrom describes the subjects as "Distinguished Moorish women" in Algiers. Who does and doesn't appear in these images is an important discussion point, says Charlotte Chopin, expert on colonial Algeria.
courtesy Library of Congress
The cathedral, Carthage, Tunisia. Swathes of North Africa were under colonial occupation during the late 19th and early 20th century, with France and Britain holding sway over much of the region.
courtesy Library of Congress
A mosque in, Kairwan, Tunisia. Chopin says that the photochroms show a tale of two cities, with indigenous and colonial classes rarely meeting.
courtesy Library of Congress
View from Paris Hotel, Tunis. Architecture and indigenous people were both thrown into relief with the newly constructed European enclaves popping up across North Africa
courtesy Library of Congress
The Souc-el-Trouk, Tunis. Together, these images amount largely to an Orientalized, exotic version of North Africa appealing to tourists and travelers.
courtesy Library of Congress
Of course Europeans and Arab communities did interact, and were not always in friction. Madame Luce's School of Arab Embroidery in Algiers taught local Muslim girls. Frenchwoman Luce and her granddaughters "were very interested in preserving the traditional Algerian embroidery, which had been disrupted by the French occupation," says Arden Alexander of the Library of Congress.
courtesy Library of Congress
The photographers behind the images of Luce's school were identified by academic Rebecca Rogers as Jan Geiser and Arnold Vollenweider, two Swiss men. They publicized the school, which already had famous visitors including the Queen of Portugal.
courtesy Library of Congress
The Palace of Justice, Tangier, Morocco. Although not yet a colony at the time in which this photocrhom was taken, Morocco was nonetheless heavily influenced by Europeans, France and Spain later enforcing a protectorate.
courtesy Library of Congress
The great mosque in Algiers. Chopin says the peace and stillness of many of the photochroms belies much of the violence of colonial rule, providing the consumer with a romanticized perspective.
courtesy Library of Congress
Sailboat on the River Nile, Cairo, Egypt. The era of the photochrom coincided with an era of great expansion within the travel industry. It became easier to cross oceans and tour other continents, and Europeans often visited North Africa to escape the pollution of cities across the Mediterranean Sea.
courtesy Library of Congress
Woman and child on the terrace, Algiers. Despite depicting local people in their own environments, the colonial eye keeps "control of the frame," says Chopin.
courtesy Library of Congress
Arab juggler, Algiers. The era of the photochrom in Europe was over by the end of the First World War, as technology and commerce were both heavily disrupted. Cameras had advanced and public ownership had increased. Meanwhile some North African nations were beginning their journeys away from colonialism toward independence. These photochroms were already relics of a past epoch.
Algeria: The largest country in land area in Africa is home to sophisticated architecture in the capital of Algiers and hypnotizing Saharan landscapes. But Algeria has no international commercial flights, and travel is restricted mainly to repatriation cases.
Burundi: While neighboring Rwanda is open, tiny Burundi in central Africa isn’t allowing tourists yet.
Cameroon: Sometimes called “Africa in miniature” for its variety, tourists will have to wait to see it for themselves.
Asia has some of the world’s most visited destinations, but it’s also the continent with the strictest limits on tourism during the pandemic:
Blue Poppy
Bhutan is noted for its incredible scenery -- a hiker's paradise.
Bhutan: This tiny, blissful Himalayan nation – known for its avoidance of most modern trappings – was already one of the world’s most isolated before the pandemic. So it’s no surprise it’s closed off to tourists now.
Brunei: An Islamic sultanate on the tropical island of Borneo, Brunei has never been a big tourist destination. But if you wish to go, you’ll have to wait.
Courtesy Alexander Savin/Flickr/CreativeCommons
Three Pagodas, Dali, Yunnan: The oldest of these three Buddhist towers dates back to the mid-ninth century. At 69 meters and 16 stories high, it was a "skyscraper" for the Tang Dynasty and is still the tallest pagoda in China.
Courtesy Ivan Ahlert/Flickr/CreativeCommons
Mount Huangshan, Anhui: Renowned for its oddly shaped pines, spectacular rock formations and seas of misty clouds, Mount Huangshan is a once-in-a-lifetime trek for many Chinese.
Courtesy Carlos Adampol Galindo/Flickr/CreativeCommons
Wuyuan, Jiangxi: Colorful blossoms and a relaxed, countrified pace attract hundreds of thousands of visitors to this small county each spring.
Courtesy XiquinhoSilva/Flickr/CreativeCommons
Yungang Grottoes, Shanxi: This 1,500-year-old landmark houses 252 caves and more than 51,000 Buddha statues of different styles and sizes -- the tallest stands 17 meters, the tiniest two centimeters.
JOHANNES EISELE/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Potala Palace, Tibet: Standing 3,700 meters above sea level, the former winter home of the Dalai Lama is the highest palace on the planet. It's now a state museum.
Feng Li/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
Echoing Sand Mountain and Crescent Lake, Dunhuang, Gansu: Echoing Sand Mountain is a series of dunes surrounding Crescent Lake. Named for its distinctive shape and aural characteristics, its echoes can be heard as the wind blows over the dunes.
JOHANNES EISELE/AFP/Getty Images
Lake Karakul, Xinjiang: This stunning view of Lake Karakul is the reward after a thrilling ride over one of the world's most dangerous roads, the Karakoram Highway.
courtesy Kaiping Travel Resource Development Centre
Fortress Towers, Kaiping, Guangdong: Erected mostly in the early 20th century, these fortress towers were built as a display of wealth by well-traveled Kaipingers, who brought home many architectural styles, including Islamic, Roman and even ancient Greek.
Ainhoa Sanchez/Volvo Ocean Race/Getty Images AsiaPac/Volvo Ocean Race/Getty Images
Guanyin Statue, Hainan: At 108 meters tall, this figure is the world's largest Guanyin statue. It's located near the Nanshan Temple of Sanya on Hainan island.
China Photos/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
Yangshuo, Guangxi: A bamboo boat cruise might be the best way to see Yangshuo, the riverside town most famous for its karst hills and traditional fishing-village lifestyle.
Jason Kwok/CNN
Jiuzhaigou, Sichuan: Jiuzhaigou's a region full of stunning alpine lakes that are filled with incredible water that changes color throughout the day.
China Photos/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
Xiapu Mudflat, Fujian: Xiapu, the largest mudflat in the country, is a favorite destination of Chinese photographers.
Courtesy Ludger Heide/Flickr/CreativeCommons
Fenghuang, Hunan: Colorful stilted houses and the rich Miao and Tujia ethnic culture are some of the main draws of the ancient town of Fenghuang.
Courtesy miquitos/Flickr/CreativeCommons
Yalong Bay, Hainan: The 7.5-kilometer crescent beach is the most popular and developed stretch of Hainan's southern coastline, China's tropical beach getaway.
Feng Li/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
Huangguoshu Waterfall, Guizhou: The highest waterfall in Asia, majestic Huangguoshu "Yellow Fruit Tree" Waterfall plunges a dramatic 77.8 meters across a 101-meter-wide span.
WANG ZHAO/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Heaven Lake, Changbai Mountain, Jilin: The vodka-clear Heaven Lake is said to resemble a piece of jade surrounded by 16 peaks of the Changbai Mountain National Reserve, near the border with North Korea. With an average depth of 204 meters, it's the deepest lake in China.
wenzhou tourism bureau
Nanxi River, Zhejiang: With its mountain backdrop and shores lined with ancient houses, the Nanxi River inevitably became the cradle of classic Chinese water-and-ink painting. It's also where travelers can watch local fishermen team with cormorants to catch fish.
FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Saint Sophia Cathedral, Harbin, Heilongjiang: This 54-meter-tall neo-Byzantine structure was built by Russian expats in China's most Russian-accented city in the early 20th century. It's now a state-run museum after being used as a warehouse by the Communist Party.
Kevin Frayer/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
Hailuogou Glacier National Park, Sichuan: Morning is the best time to see Sichuan's magnificent glacier, which drives through woodlands, cliffs, peaks and gullies.
China Photos/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
Xi'an City Wall, Shaanxi: The other -- lesser known -- great wall of China, Xi'an City Wall was first constructed more than 2,000 years ago.
Shutterstock
Zhangjiajie, Hunan: The giant quartz sand pillars of Zhangjiajie are said to have been the inspiration for James Cameron's floating mountains on the planet Pandora in his Oscar-winning movie "Avatar."
China Photos/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
Qinghai Lake, Qinghai: China's largest inland saltwater lake, Qinghai Lake is like an oil painting. The Qinghai-Tibet railway is one way to see it.
Lintao Zhang / Getty Images
Hongcun Ancient Village, Anhui: Standing in front of majestic Mount Huangshan, the 900-year-old village of Hongcun has long drawn in-the-know Chinese visitors, who love its tranquil vibe and distinctive architecture.
China Photos/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
Hukou Waterfall, Shanxi: It may not be the biggest waterfall in China but Hukou Waterfall is arguably the most magnificent.
Liu Mancang/Xinhua/Getty Images
Chengde Mountain Resort/Rehe Palace, Hebei: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this mountain resort was once a summer palace used by Qing Dynasty emperors on holiday. Lush grasslands, marvelous mountains and tranquil valleys still make it a cool place to avoid the heat.
Zhang Cheng/Xinhua/Getty Images
Thousand Island Lake, Zhejiang: In the 1950s, the Chinese government evacuated and flooded 928 square kilometers of villages, plains and hills to build a reservoir. The indirect result was this surreal view. Around 1,078 islands dot the lake.
Jie Zhao/Corbis News/Getty Images
Mount Lu, Jiangxi: A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, Lushan National Park, with its centerpiece of Mount Lu, is a cultural and spiritual symbol of China. Upward of 1,500 famed painters and poets from various periods of ancient and modern China have traveled here to be inspired by Lu.
China: The world’s most populous country has some limited flights coming in from various nations, but none of those are for tourists. The Great Wall, Forbidden City and terracotta warriors will have to wait.
Hong Kong: Bustling, energetic Hong Kong, a special administrative region of China, is closed to tourists right now. An exception has been made just for Singapore residents, thanks to a new “travel bubble” that launches November 22.
01:32 - Source: CNN
Inside Rajasthan's stunning Umaid Bhawan Palace
India: From the warm, languid backwaters of Kerala to the mighty Himalayas, India’s many wonders are severely limited to the rest of the world for now. The website Kayak reports this restriction stands through at least November 30.
Indonesia: Known for its delicious food, crystal-clear ocean waters and the relaxed vibe of Bali, the massive island chain has reopened to some visitors but not tourists yet.
K. Fukunaga/JNTO
Kawachi Fuji Garden (Fukuoka): This fragrant wisteria tunnel is the most stunning display at the Kawachi Fuji Garden. With flowering vines overhead, the walkway is said to inspire a zen-like calm in visitors. The garden displays about 150 wisteria plants of 20 different species. It hosts the annual Wisteria Festival at the end of April, when the flowers are in full bloom.
ourism Commission of Hakuba Village/JNTO
Happo Pond (Nagano): The hike to Happo pond from Hakuba -- a village known for its winter skiing amid the mountains of Nagano Prefecture -- is a classic trail in the Japanese Alps. Surrounded by the Hakuba Peaks, the pond is 2,060 meters above sea level. What the pond lacks in size, it makes up for in beauty, reflecting the 3,000 meter tall peaks in its quiet waters.
Courtesy JNTO
Motonosumi-inari Shrine (Yamaguchi): The 123 Torii gates stretches from the Motonosumi-Inari Shrine to the cliff overlooking the ocean. Motonosumi-Inari is a popular shrine where locals wish for success. The final Torii's donation box is placed out of reach at the top of the gate. It's believed that if you can successfully toss money into the box, all your wishes will come true.
hiufu wong/cnn
Nachi Falls (Wakayama): Nachi Falls, at 133-meters high, is the biggest waterfall in Japan. It steals some of the attention from Kumano Nachi Taishai, a sacred shrine built close by. It's usually the last stop of the scenic pilgrimage known as Kumano Kodo.
JNTO
Zao ski resort (Yamagata): With 15 slopes and 12 courses, Zao Onsen is one of the most well known ski resorts in Japan. But travelers come to Zao not only for the snow-capped mountain but the trees. Extreme snow and seasonal winds cocoon the mountain's pine trees during the coldest winter months, creating snow towers in obscure forms known as "ice monsters" or Juhyo in Japanese.
Courtesy Promotion Airport Environment Improvement Foundation/JNTO
Kintetsu Beppu Ropeway (Oita): For those who don't enjoy hiking, this cable car can carry 101 passengers at a time to the top of the 1,375-meter-high Mount Tsurumi in 10 minutes. From the top, there's a view of Beppu, Mount Yufu and Kuju Mountain Range. The best time to ride up is during spring when more than 2,000 cherry trees blossom on the mountain.
Courtesy Matsumoto city/JNTO
Matsumoto Castle (Nagano): Also known as the "crow castle" because of its black exterior, Matsumoto is Japan's oldest wooden castle, constructed more than 400 years ago. The years during the castle's construction were marked by near-constant military conflict. Rather than focusing on residential comforts, the castle is fortified with extensive interconnecting walls, moats and gatehouses.
Kagoshima Prefectural Tourist Federation
Shiratani Unsuikyo Gorge (Kagoshima): Hayao Miyazaki fans will find this forest familiar. Shiratani Unsuikyo Gorge
inspires Studio Ghibli's fantasy animation "Princess Mononoke." The otherworldly nature park on Yakushima Island offers a network of maintained hiking trails along the ravine. From historic tracks built in the Edo period to developed footpaths paved in stone and wood, the circuits range from one to five hours long, varying in difficulty.
MOEJ
Koya Pond (Niigata): Fall at Mount Hiuchi brings out spectacular colors on Koya Pond. The shallow and marshy water covered with vegetation changes colors -- into red, orange, yellow and green -- like the forest around it. On the edge of the pond, Kouyaike Hutte provides beds and kitchen facilities if you need a rest on you hike up the 2,462-meter-tall mountain.
Iwate Prefecture/JNTO
Poetry Reading at Motsu-ji Temple (Iwate): On the fourth Sunday of May, Motsuji Temple invites poetry lovers to write by the stream of the temple's garden pond. As they compose their verses, cups of sake float to them -- to help the float of inspiration, we assume. The event is concluded with the master of ceremonies reading each poem aloud.
Hitachi Seaside Park Office/JNTO
Hitachi Seaside Park (Ibaraki): Also known as "baby blue eyes," more than 4 million nemophilas bloom from late April to May in Hitachi Seaside Park, the public park on Miharashi Hill. The Nemophila Harmony is the highlight of park's flowering events. The 190-hectare park constantly changes color with the seasons. During the transition into fall, puffy kochia shrubs turn from vibrant green to fiery red.
JNTO
Sagano (Kyoto): Considered one of the world's most beautiful forests, it's not just tranquil visually but also aurally. The bamboo grove is beloved for its distinct rustling sound, so much that Japan's Ministry of Environment included the
Sagano Bamboo Forest on its list of "100 Soundscapes of Japan." The towering green stalks creak eerily while leaves rustle in the sway of the wind.
Yasufumi Nishi/JNTO
Otaru Snow Light Path Festival (Hokkaido): Hundreds of buoyed candles float in Otaru Canal every February in Otaru, during the Snow Light Path Festival. For 10 days, lanterns and snow statues for 10 days adorn the Hokkaido city. Lined with restored warehouses and gas lamps, Unga Kaijo -- the area around the canal -- is the prime spot to enjoy the festival.
JNTO
Usa Shrine (Oita): Originally built in the 8th century, Usa Shine is the most important of thousands of shrines dedicated to Hachiman, the god of archery and war. After getting a fortune paper (omikuji) -- hopefully a daikichi (exceptionally lucky) one, visitors can enjoy a local specialty called negiyaki, or green onion pancake, in the shrine area.
Tottori Prefecture/JNTO
Mt. Daisen (Tottori): Mount Daisen looks vastly different depending on which side of the mountain its viewed from. The 1,709-meter-tall volcanic mountain has been regarded as sacred since the ancient Jomon and Yayoi eras. Because of its importance, climbing was strictly prohibited until the Edo period about 200 years ago.
Tottori Prefecture/JNTO
Tottori-sakyu Sand Hills (Tottori): Yes, there's a desert on Japan's islands. The Tottori Sand Dunes span 16 kilometers long and 2 kilometers wide and are the only large sand hills in Japan. The dunes are a blend of sand and volcanic ash mixed over 100,000 years then shaped by winds from the Sea of Japan. Part of the San'in Kaigan Geopark, they can be experienced via camel rides, dune buggies and sandboarding.
Courtesy Hiroshima Prefecture
Itsukushima Shrine (Hiroshima): Believed to be the boundary between the spirit and human worlds, the Otorii's vermilion color is said to keep evil spirits away. It's possible to walk to it on the sand bar during low tide and enjoy the view of Mount Misen behind the gate. At high tide, the 16-meter-high Torii appears to float on the water.
Farm Tomita/JTA/JNTO
Lavender farm (Hokkaido): Farm Tomita has three lavender fields: Lavender East, Sakiwai Field and the Traditional Lavender Garden. Sakiwai Field, meaning "happiness field," has four types of lavender growing in rows, creating a gradient of purple with the rainbow colors of Autumn Field, Spring Field and Hanabito Field as background. Still not enough lavender? Try the farm's lavender ice cream.
JNTO
Lake Toya (Hokkaido): Even in winters that plummet well below freezing point, Lake Toya never ices over. The near-circular lake is the remains of a volcanic eruption that hollowed out the ground. Mount Usu lies on the southern rim of the lake and Nakajima Island sits at the center.
Courtesy Promotion Airport Environment Improvement Foundation/JNTO
Saimyoji Temple (Shiga): Located in the Suzuka mountain range, Saimyoji Temple is one of a trio of ancient Tendai Buddism temples in eastern Shiga, also known as "Koto Sanzan." The temple is renowned for the beautiful red and orange leaves that surround it in the fall and long blooming cherry trees.
Courtesy JNTO
Gokayama (Toyama): Gokayama is one of the
greatest towns for architecture buffs in the world. The oldest traditional
gassho style house in Ainokura is said to be about 400 years old. Part of the UNESCO-designated area of Gokyama, the village preserves an architectural design that dates back hundreds of years. The steep triangular thatched roofs were built without the use of nails and are designed to prevent snow buildup.
JNTO
Lake Kussharo (Hokkaido): Some 300 whooper swans migrate to Lake Kussharo every winter. Geothermal springs prevent ice from forming along its sandy shores despite most of the water surface freezing. Reported sightings of a lake monster, dubbed Kusshii by the media, since 1973 earned Kussharo a reputation as Japan's Loch Ness.
Courtesy Hiroshima Prefecture/JNTO
Ini Tanada (Hiroshima): Ini has more than 320 terraced rice paddies. The oldest stone terrace dates back about 500 years.
Using only pure natural water from mountain valleys, Ini Tanada's rice is particularly favored for its rich fragrance and taste. The town regularly holds a rice planting event on its terraces to pass on traditional farming methods.
Courtesy JNTO
Himeji Castle (Hyogo): Frequently called the "White Egret" or "White Heron" castle because of its white exterior and resemblance to a bird taking flight, Himeji is made up of 83 buildings. The 17th century castle is equipped with heavy defense systems. It featured extensively in Hollywood and Japanese films, making a prominent appearance in the James Bond movie "You Only Live Twice."
Yamanouchi Town/JNTO
Jigokudani Monkey Park (Nagano): The steaming springs set in a snowy mountain may be scenic, but travelers come here to see something else -- the hot spring monkeys. Some 200 Japanese macaque monkeys live in Jigokudani -- which translates to "hell valley" -- where the rough cliffs and onsens are covered in snow for a third of the year. The monkeys bathe at the main onsen of the park in winter without a care for observers.
Anyone jealous of the monkey's lazy ways can head over to Korakukan Ryokan for their own thermal soak.
Tourism Commission of Hakuba Village/JNTO
Hakuba village (Nagano): Revered as a ski resort town in the northern Japanese Alps, Hakuba is equally appealing during the summer. The hike up to Happo Pond is among the most scenic trails in the country.
Courtesy JNTO
Adachi Museum of Art (Shimane): The Adachi gardens, a part of Adachi Museum of Art, are said to be a "living Japanese painting" and one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan. Adachi Zenko founded the museum in 1980 to combine his passion for Japanese art and gardening.
JNTO
Sotomo Arch (Fukui): One of the most scenic spots in the bay of Wakasa, the Big Gate and Little Gate of the Sotomo Arch were holes on rock carved by the rough waves of the Sea of Japan. With some careful maneuvering, it's possible to climb into the Little Gate. An excursion ship, which departs from the Wakasa Fishermen's Wharf, offers rides to view the rock formation.
Akira Okada/JNTO
Fuji Shibazakura Festival, (Yamanashi): With Mount Fuji in the background, some 800,000 stalks of shibazakura or "moss phlox" cover 2.4 hectares of land in a carpet of pink, white and purple. Thousands travel to the Fuji Five Lakes area for the festival celebrating the flower's first bloom.
Kagoshima Prefectural Tourist Federation/JNTO
Senganen Garden (Kagoshima): The Japanese style landscape garden features small ponds, streams, shrines and a bamboo grove. Set along the coast north of downtown Kagoshima, visitors can look out at Sakurajima volcano and Kagoshima Bay. The garden dates back to 1658, during Japan's Edo period.
Marnie Hunter/CNN
Golden Pavilion (Kyoto): Covered in gold leaf, Kinkaku-ji, or the Golden Pavilion, is arguably Kyoto's most famed attraction.
JNTO
Jodogahama Beach (Iwate): It's easy to see why this stunning Iwate prefecture beach was named "Jodogahama," or Pure Land. Located in Rikuchu Kaigan National Park, it's one of Japan's nationally designated places of scenic beauty.
JNTO
Kumano Kodo (Wakayama): Kumano Kodo, as seen here from the famous Hyakken-gura viewpoint, is a network of seven pilgrimage routes. It's one of only two UNESCO-listed pilgrimages in the world. Find out how to tackle
Kumano Kodo here.
Japan National Tourism Organization
Mototaki Waterfall (Akita): This pretty waterfall, fed by year-round snow on Mount Chokai, remains chilly even during the warmer seasons. It's in Akita prefecture in Japan's Tohoku region.
TORU YAMANAKA/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Mount Fuji: One of Japan's three sacred mountains and one of its most recognizable natural attractions, Mount Fuji is a popular hiking destination for pilgrims and travelers. Its seemingly symmetrical shape is an icon that has appeared on many postcards and artworks in Japan.
KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Tokyo: Tokyo's cityscape -- a mix of historic temples, skyscrapers and the iconic Tokyo Tower -- is a sight Japan lovers never tire of. The open-air Sky Deck of Roppongi Hills is one of the best places to snap an Instagram-perfect shot like this one.
Japan: From the frenetic energy of Tokyo and historical beauty of Kyoto, Japan is open to some business travelers. But tourists are on hold.
Kazakhstan: This landlocked Asian nation is allowing limited flights and visitors, but it’s not open to tourists ready to see its vast wilderness areas.
Laos: Already less in the spotlight than Southeast Asian neighbors Cambodia and Vietnam, this alluring and verdant land remains in the shadows, closed to all tourism.
Macau: International tourists hoping to visit this former Portuguese colony turned gambling destination, now a special administrative region of China, are out of luck.
Shutterstock
Langkawi: The Sky Bridge -- a symbol of Langkawi. Located right by the border with Thailand, this stunning island is part of the Malaysian state of Kedah and one of the country's most popular tourist destinations.
Shutterstock
Layang Layanag: Layang-Layang's isolation makes it one of Asia's best diving experiences. Little more than a coral reef with a runway, this tiny island is located some 300 kilometers northwest of the Sabah capital of Kota Kinabalu.
Shutterstock
Pangkor: Tiny Pulau Pangkor lies off Perak on the west coast of peninsular Malaysia.
Shutterstock
Tioman: A waterfall at Kampung Juara, on Tioman Island. The island of Tioman and the waters surrounding it are protected nature reserves, which has helped it retain its wild vibe.
Shutterstock
Rawa: There aren't many chances to stay on a Sultan's private island. Rawa is one. Owned by the family of the Sultanate of Johor, Rawa is a small island 16 kilometers off the east coast of Peninsula Malaysia.
Shutterstock
Perhentians: While many backpacker haunts have become gentrified over time, the Perhentians have managed to retain their low-key vibe.
Shutterstock
Labuan: Early morning view of Labuan during a hot air balloon festival. Located off the coast of East Malaysia, sandwiched between Sarawak and Sabah, Labuan is one of three Federal Territories (the others are Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya).
Shutterstock
Redang: If you get tired of white beaches, Redang also has plenty of wildlife, including monkeys, deer and monitor lizards.
Tourism Malaysia
Sipadan: The only oceanic island in Malaysia, Sipadan rises 600 metres (2,000 ft) from the seabed. It is located in the Celebes Sea off the east coast of Sabah, Malaysia.
Shutterstock
Penang: One of Malaysia's top destinations for culture seekers, Penang is where you'll find beautiful George Town. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, it showcases the island's multi-cultural influences.
Malaysia: From the urban allure of Kuala Lumpur to dazzling tropical beaches, the sights, sounds and tastes of multiethnic Malaysia will have to wait.
Mongolia: The breathtaking scenery of the vast Mongolian steppes are only for the eyes of its citizenry for now.
Myanmar: Formerly known as Burma, this reclusive Buddhist nation full of exquisite temples and remarkable natural beauty started to open up recently after decades of isolation. But the pandemic has put a full stop to that.
North Korea: This communist-led nation isn’t called “The Hermit Kingdom” for nothing. Even before the pandemic, this was one of the most isolated nations in the world. Bottom line: No vacation in Pyongyang.
Philippines: So many lovely islands! So many lovely beaches! Unfortunately, they’re closed to tourists.
Courtesy Sri Lanka Tourism
The tea fields of Sri Lanka are a rich, gorgeous green.
Sri Lanka: Vacationers will have to wait to partake of the charms of this gorgeous island nation (tea, elephants, unique architecture) off the east coast of India.
Taiwan: This beautiful island savored for its cuisine has one of the best records in the world in containing Covid-19. So you know what that means – no vacation here.
Thailand: With its exciting capital of Bangkok, friendly people and multitude of balmy beaches, Thailand is one of the world’s favorite destinations. Only a narrow list of people can go, and that doesn’t include short-term vacationers.
02:27 - Source: CNN
The secret behind Vietnam's most indulgent pho
Vietnam: Graceful Hanoi. Fast-paced Ho Chi Minh City. Otherworldly Ha Long Bay. No wonder people love going here. But it’s closed tight to any tourism. In fact, Vietnam is one of the most closed-off countries in the world for now.
Australia and South Pacific
Here’s the no-visitors status of one the world’s most remote and beautiful regions, where Covid-19 containment is taken very seriously.
Sydney Opera House Trust
Sydney: Australia is a wonderland for vacationers. Sydney, with its distinctive Opera House, is Australia's largest city and one of the top places to go. Click through the gallery to find 11 other destinations that make this country/continent such a draw:
Scott Barbour/Getty Images
Melbourne: People cross the Southbank Pedestrian Bridge in Melbourne, which makes frequent appearances at or near the top of best-places-to-live lists. The Southbank neighborhood is a big entertainment district in a city known for its lively cultural scene.
courtesy Tourism Western Australia
Perth: Along the western coast, a couple enjoys the sand and surf of the Indian Ocean outside the city at Trigg Beach. Perth is a favorite for lovers of beaches and dry, sunny weather for most of the year.
Courtesy Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
Brisbane: This is the capital city of Queensland, and Kangaroo Point is an excellent place to take in the beauty of this part of Australia. Locals and tourists head here for entertainment venues and outdoor fun.
Mark Kolbe/Getty Images
Cairns: A couple strolls through the palm trees on the beach in Palm Cove, a suburb of Cairns. Located in the far north of Queensland, Cairns is one of Australia's most popular destinations, with a tropical climate and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest.
WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty Images
Great Barrier Reef: The colorful reef is the world's largest. It attracts snorkelers and divers to some of the most amazing underwater displays in the world. It's also in danger. Populations of marine life have dropped by about half in the past four decades.
Mark Kolbe/Getty Images
Uluru: The sun sets on Australia's sacred rock in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Once called Ayers Rock, it's a large sandstone formation in central Australia. The site and its surrounding area is sacred to the Anangu indigenous people. (Editor's note: A polarizing filter was used for this image.)
Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
Blue Mountains: A visitor walks on a line rigged between cliffs at Corroboree Walls at Mount Victoria in the Blue Mountains. The scenic national park also has plenty of stunning viewing options for the less daring. Sydney is your gateway city to this amazing area.
Courtesy Tourism Western Australia
Rottnest Island: Situated offshore from Perth, Rottnest Island is one of Australia's favorites. What can you do here? Bike ride to one of its 63 beaches, dive for fresh crayfish and snorkel or dive in transparent turquoise waters. Make it a day trip or come for an extended stay.
Shutterstock
Noosa: Want to get a little bit off the typical international tourist trail but still enjoy a classic Australian beach experience? Then head to Noosa in Queensland. Diving, fishing and relaxing on the beach are Noosa favorites.
Shutterstock
Atherton Tablelands: Gorgeous features such as Millaa Millaa Falls have been attracting outdoors lovers to Atherton Tablelands in Queensland for years. Birding and caving are just two of the popular activities here.
Shutterstock
Kangaroo Island: Offshore from Adelaide in South Australia lies Kangaroo Island. It's home to remarkable rock formations as well as sea lions, koalas, diverse bird species and its namesake animal, the kangaroo. (And Adelaide is well worth spending some time in, too).
Australia: The wonders of Sydney, Melbourne and the Great Barrier Reef will have to wait until this nation-continent reopens to tourists.
Cook Islands: The great scuba diving and rugged wonders of Rarotonga are off-limits to tourists.
Micronesia: Consisting of four states, including Yap, and more than 600 islands, the Federated States of Micronesia has had no confirmed cases of Covid-19 and it’s not inviting vacationers in to risk that record.
New Caledonia: This special collectivity of France, located between Australia and the island of Fiji, is closed to tourists according to this recent RNZ news report and TravelBans.org.
Shutterstock
Cape Reinga is the northernmost point of the North Island of New Zealand. The
lighthouse is a beloved tourist attraction.
New Zealand: Who wouldn’t want to go there? New Zealand is stunningly gorgeous with glaciers, volcanoes and beaches — and it has done a top-rate job of handling the pandemic. But it’s no surprise tourists aren’t allowed back yet.
Samoa: From beaches to waterfalls, Samoa is for water lovers. It has no confirmed cases of Covid-19 and is trying to keep it that way, turning away all tourists for now.
Solomon Islands: Steeped in World War II history and surrounded by the blue Pacific, the Solomon Islands recorded their first Covid-19 case in early October and is closed to international visitors.
Ian Lloyd Neubauer/CNN
The famed land divers of Vanuatu inspired bungee jumping.
Vanuatu: The shipwreck diving, freshwater swimming holes and land divers (who jump from towers while attached to vines) will have to wait as Vanuatu is closed to visitors through at least the end of the year. The nation recorded its first Covid-19 case in November.
Unlike Asia, the bulk of Europe has been much more open to travelers – at least to other Europeans and select nations with low rates of coronavirus infection. (US citizens aren’t on the invite list to a lot of them, though). With Covid-19 resurging in Europe this November, we’ll monitor if that changes. Meanwhile, here’s a short list of the no-tourism zones:
Christopher Lee/Getty Images
The Land of Fire: The South Caucasian country of Azerbaijan has largely remained off the tourist radar. However with a new and easy three-day visa service, that could be set to change. Here's what to do when you get there. (Pictured: Baku's Flame Towers).
Shutterstock
Stroll through time in Baku's Old City: Baku's cultural heart, the Old City is a maze of cobbled streets, artist's workshops, cafés and museums.
Shutterstock
Visit Baku's Museums: The curvy, futuristic forms of the
Heydar Aliyev Center, designed by the late
Zaha Hadid, make this extraordinary structure an exhibit in itself but inside the center also regularly hosts world-class exhibitions.
Shutterstock
Take a day trip to Gobustan: Gobustan National Park is the best place to see some of Azerbaijan's estimated 350 mud volcanoes (between 30% and 50% of the world's total according to different sources).
Shutterstock
Explore the beaches of the Absheron: Summer in Baku is hot, so come late May Baku residents who can will make a hasty escape to the Absheron Peninsula, the area that protrudes into the Caspian like an eagle's beak.
Shutterstock
Sample honey and wine in Ismayilli: The mountainous Ismayilli region is the place to find some of the best honey in the Caucasus It's also home to Azerbaijan's last functioning collective farm whose grapes are used to make the popular "Ivanovka" brand of wine.
Shutterstock
Discover Sheki's Silk Road legacy: Sheki, at the foot of the Caucasus Mountains in northwest Azerbaijan, is a former Silk Road city. The city's caravanserai monument (pictured) was originally built to host Silk Road travelers. Part of the building is used as a hotel today.
Shutterstock
Hiking between Guba's remote villages: Azerbaijan is blessed with some breathtaking scenery and few places can beat the Caucasus Mountains in the Guba region. Khinalig -- pictured -- is becoming a popular ecotourism spot.
Clive Rose/Getty Images
Experience the Formula 1: Like Monaco and Singapore, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix is a street race and the
Baku City Circuit is the fastest of them all. It was designed by German engineer Hermann Tilke to encompass most of the city's major landmarks.
Shutterstock
Weekend away in Nakhchivan: Noah's Mausoleum, built in the eighth century in southern Nakhchivan is -- according to legend -- the last resting place of Noah, the Biblical figure who famously built an ark.
Shutterstock
Marvel at Lake Goygol: The most iconic site in the west of the country is the spectacular Lake Goygol ("Blue Lake") at the foot of Mount Kapaz in the Goygol National Park.
Shutterstock
Hit the slopes in Azerbaijan: Azerbaijan has two small but developing winter resorts, offering an off-the-beaten-path skiing experience in the Caucasus Mountains.
Shahdag Mountain Resort has the greater range of slopes and high-end accommodation and dining.
Shutterstock
Embrace the hospitality and tea culture: Tea (chay) is the national drink and an integral part of any Azerbaijani experience. It's served in small pear-shaped armudu glasses.
Azerbaijan: This oil-and-culture rich nation on the Caspian Sea isn’t allowing tourists. Besides that, the country has been engaged in recent hostilities with neighboring Armenia.
Georgia: Sitting between Russia and Turkey, Georgia’s charms – including the Caucasus Mountains and its renowned wine country – are off limits to leisure travelers at this time.
The Middle East has long captured travelers’ imaginations. But here’s a quick list of popular places you’ll have to wait on:
Bill Weir/CNN
The southwestern coastline of the Dead Sea in Israel. This body of water has fascinated people for millennia.
Israel: This history-rich country is just emerging from a second Covid-19 lockdown. Tourists will have to wait for cosmopolitan Tel Aviv, ancient Jerusalem and the Dead Sea.
Saudi Arabia: Home to the holy Islamic sites in Mecca and Medina, the mesmerizing landscapes of the desert kingdom and its high-end malls are for Saudis only at this time. Read the latest information from the country here.
North American nations and territories have had a widely varying response regarding tourists, but most are at least partially open now. Here are the places you’ll have to wait to see:
British Virgin Islands: These sun-kissed British holdings in the Caribbean are keeping tourists at bay, but only until the end of November. Starting December 1, Tortola and the other BVI islands will reopen to vacationers. Find out more here.
Government of Yukon/Fritz Mueller
Tombstone Territorial Park: When the Yukon government advises you to
leave a hiking plan before traveling into the Tombstone Park area, you're in for a wild time. This park, located 90 minutes from Dawson City, is filled with rugged peaks and wildlife. Click on for more beautiful Canada destinations.
Julia Pelish
Capilano Suspension Bridge: British Columbia's Capilano Suspension Bridge is only a few minutes away from Vancouver's city center. Built in 1889, it stretches 137 meters across and 70 meters above the Capilano River.
Canadian Tourism Commission
Prince Edward Island: Prince Edward Island, which is Canada's smallest province, gained global fame after Lucy Maud Montgomery's 1908 novel "Anne of Green Gables." More than 100 years later, PEI remains as glorious as ever with beautiful beaches, fresh seafood and historic architecture.
Canadian Tourism Commission
Nahanni National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978, this national park in the Northwest Territories consists of deep river canyons cutting through mountain ranges, huge waterfalls and complex cave systems.
Scott Munn
Peggy's Cove: Famous for its natural scenery, fresh seafood and working fishing village, Peggy's Cove in the eastern coastal province of Nova Scotia is best known for its historic lighthouse, built in 1915.
Julia Pelish
Lake Louise: An alpine lake with sparkling blue waters, Alberta's Lake Louise in Banff National Park sits at the base of a cluster of glacier-clad peaks. The lake offers paddling in summer and an outdoor skating rink in winter.
Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism
Avalon Peninsula: Iceberg viewing is a popular activity in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. On a sunny day, you can view these 10,000-year-old glacial giants from many points along the northern and eastern coasts of the province, including the Avalon Peninsula (pictured).
Barrett and MacKay/Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism
Canadian Tourism Commission
Niagara Falls: Niagara Falls refers to three different sets of falls on the border between Canada and the United States. Horseshoe Falls (pictured) is the most famous.
OTMPC
Toronto waterfront: For the best views of Canada's 553.33-meter-high
CN Tower and Rogers Centre sports stadium you need to hit Lake Ontario (pictured).
Douglas E. Walker/Tourism Saskatchewan
Lakes of Saskatchewan: The province of Saskatchewan has more than 100,000 lakes. Otter Lake (pictured) is an excellent destination for fishing, camping and, obviously, sunsets.
Julia Pelish
Notre Dame Basilica: Located in Montreal, Notre Dame Basilica is one of Canada's most stunning churches. Completed in 1891, it was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1989.
Canadian Tourism Commission
Sirmilik National Park: Located in Nunavut Territory -- Canada's northernmost region -- Sirmilik National Park features rugged mountains, glaciers, fjords and river valleys. April to June is the best time to visit the edges of the ice floes (pictured).
Canadian Tourism Commission
Historic Rideau Canal" Rideau Canal, a UNESCO site built in the early 19th century, is made up of a chain of lakes, rivers and canals stretching 202 kilometers from Kingston to Ottawa.
Canadian Tourism Commission
Yukon: Canada's remote Yukon, the smallest of the country's three federal territories, is one of the best places to check out the northern lights, as seen here on the Eagle Plains.
Canadian Tourism Commission
Old Quebec: Founded in the early 17th century, Quebec City's historic Old City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and North America's best example of a fortified colonial city.
Destination BC/Randy Lincks
Whistler, British Columbia: Horstman Hut (pictured) on Blackcomb Mountain, sits in front of Horstman Glacier and Black Tusk Mountain at the Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort.
Canadian Tourism Commission
Bay of Fundy's Hopewell Rocks: Canada's Bay of Fundy in the Atlantic Ocean is home to the highest tides in the world. As a result, New Brunswick's incredible, eroded
Hopewell Rocks are covered in water twice a day.
Canadian Tourism Commission
Churchill, Manitoba: Known as the world's polar bear capital, Churchill is one of the few towns on earth where you can come face to face with the famed white bears in the wild.
Canada: This vast land has so much offer – sophisticated cities such as Vancouver and Montreal and stunning wilderness in the Canadian Rockies and rugged Atlantic and Pacific coasts. We’ll have to be satisfied with photos, memories and dreams of future trips until friendly Canadians decide they can safely have tourists back.
Montserrat: This British territory in the Caribbean is known for its rugged gorgeousness – and volcanic activity. But for now, there’s no tourist activity there.
South American favorites such as Peru and Brazil are open, but some nations are still off-limits:
Courtesy Explora
Atacama's riches: Northern Chile's windswept Atacama Desert, with its rust-colored rock canyons, snow-capped volcanoes, steaming, gurgling geysers and turquoise sinkhole lakes, is a striking destination.
Courtesy Explora
Explorations: Explora Atacama, an eco lodge and outfitter in San Pedro de Atacama, offers a range of expeditions into the vast landscape.
Courtesy Explora
Challenging conditions: It is the driest desert in the world outside of the polar regions.
Courtesy Explora
Arresting expanses: The mountains and other environmental factors prevent would-be precipitation from reaching the Atacama, creating a so-called rain shadow.
Courtesy Explora
Explora Hotel: Explora is located on 17 hectares near the village of San Pedro de Atacama. The lodge is located 8,202 feet above sea level.
Courtesy Explora
Lodge rooms: Explora's 50 rooms are designed for deep rest in the desert's vastness. Rooms are not equipped with televisions or Wi-Fi.
Courtesy Explora
Soaking it all in: Interconnected, ambient-temperature pools, sauna and steam bath facilities and open-air Jacuzzis are all on site to help guests connect with the quiet.
Courtesy Explora
Observing above: Explora Atacama also has a sophisticated private observatory to aid guests in the exploration of some of the world's clearest skies.
Courtesy Explora
Natural soothing: More than 15 years ago, Explora bought the Puritama Hot Springs, an area that's in the process of becoming a nature reserve.
Courtesy Explora
Rich with life: The Atacama is home to diverse flora and fauna, despite its harsh climate.
Chile: The beautiful lakes, soaring Andes peaks, intriguing Atacama Desert and stunning Patagonian wilderness of Chile remain closed off to tourists for now.
Suriname: Noted for its multicultural capital of Paramaribo, this former Dutch colony on the northeast coast of South America is closed except for relief flights from the Netherlands.
Shutterstock
When it reopens, the charms of Uruguay's capital of Montevideo await.
Uruguay: This lively little neighbor between giants Brazil and Argentina is beloved for its beaches, cosmopolitan capital of Montevideo and tasty meats. While some foreigners may enter for other reasons, tourism is off the table at this time.
Here are some links where you can find out additional details:
The US State Department has country-by-country for US citizens that often contains information of interest to citizens of other nations, too.
The government of the United Kingdom has a website with foreign travel advice for its citizens.
This is the travel website of the government of Canada with international travel information.
The following websites monitor the global situation, but be aware each one looks at the information from different perspectives: Kayak.com | Travelbans.org | Covidcontrols.co