Der Norweger ist Profi-Reisender, mit einem besonderen Auge für die wirtschaftlichen Facetten seiner Touren. Auf capital.de öffnet er künftig als Gastkolumnist sein Reisetagebuch in Originalsprache. Im zweiten Teil geht es um die Plätze zehn bis sechs der am schwersten zugänglichen Länder. Platz 15 bis elf gibt es hier: https://www.capital.de/meinungen-newsbeitrag/Die-unzugaenglichsten-Laender-der-Welt.html
The world's least visited countries are not necessarily the most difficult to get to. I am using three criteria to determine which 15 countries in the world are the most inaccessible, as well as my own overall experience of getting there. Why you would like to know? There is a reason why you are reading my column at capital.de or garfors.com. And it isn't to find the cleanest pool at all-inclusive resort joints in the Bahamas or Gran Canaria.
Which will be added to your bucket list? The hardest 15 or the world's 25 least visited (http://www.garfors.com/2013/01/the-25-least-visited-countries-in-world.html)? 7 countries are on both lists. I have been to all 198 countries of the world, and I know which list I would have chosen first if I were to start from scratch.
10. Syria
Why so inaccessible?
There is a civil war there. Chemical weapons may be used. Whereas accessing the country may be possible, leaving again in one piece is less certain.
Why you should still bother to go
Actually I'd say you wait a while until Damascus shows a little bit more of its well-known hospitality. And possibly change its government.
How I got in
The visa situation is a little uncertain at the moment due to the civil war. I travelled there a few years ago, and I then got my visa on the border in exchange for a couple of dollar notes. I travelled by shared taxi from Beirut.
Any loopholes?
Quite a few people actually travel to Syria and volunteer to fight for the "rebel" forces. I would not recommend that.
9. Turkmenistan
Why so inaccessible?
You will only get a tourist visa to Turkmenistan by signing up for a guide. As with Bhutan, you will need to pay up front.
Why you should still bother to go
Parts of Ashgabat, the capital, is virtually empty despite very impressive and expensive looking buildings. Do also check out the 12 meter tall gold plated statue of the former president Saparmurat Niyazov. It stands on a 63 meter tall concrete structure called the tripod. The statue itself always looks at the sun. Come on, imagine you were a dictator with unlimited power and money; You would so have done the same!
You also need to go to "Door to Hell" in Karakum desert. It is the most underestimated tourist attraction ever. Except that there are no tourists. All the better!
How I got in
Four of us, all guys, had organized the trip through a local agency and drove in to the border by taxi from Mashad, Iran. After having walked across and sorted out formalities, we were met by our guide Oleg. He turned out to be quite a character.
- Welcome to Turkmenistan! Are you here for drinks or for girls?
- Hehe...I am sure we will have some drinks, but we have girlfriends at home.
- So?
- But Oleg, do you not believe in love?
- Love was invented by the French. They were too cheap to pay for prostitutes.
This mother of ultimate responses came without hesitation. Say no more. Oleg comes highly recommended. He is over two meters tall, and I challenge you to drink him under the table. I know someone who managed.
Any loopholes?
Your option is to get a transit visa. This is possible if you are driving or biking through the country. You will then be on your own and can explore more or less what you want along your predetermined route.
8. Somalia
Why so inaccessible?
There are big challenges when it comes to both government and infrastructure in Somalia, although the situation has improved greatly recently. Just finding an embassy might be a challenge, but I'd go for the Somali Embassy in Turkey. Turkish Airlines can take you directly to Mogadishu three times a week.
Why you should still bother to go
Piracy has plummeted and the government has regained control in Mogadishu. Your friends will love receiving a postcard from your holiday in Somalia and you will love hearing about how brave you were for having gone there in the first place. It is the second least visited country in the world. Possibly for a reason.
How I got in
I applied for a visa to Somaliland in the north from its consulate in London. The process only took an hour, but the staff there ensured me I was completelly mad for wanting to go there.
- Why do you want to go to Somaliland? Are you crazy? Do you want to die?
They still issued me the visa, strangely enough. I travelled straight there from London, only to discover that there were no hotels in the town of my choice. I ended up sleeping in the major's "house." In his guestroom. That left the vice major less than happy as he then had to sleep in the living room. You win some, you lose some.
Any loopholes?
A Canadian tourist just travelled to Mogadishu and managed to talk his way in. This was a few years ago, and the situation has improved, but do not expect many fellow travellers.
7. Libya
Why so inaccessible?
Tourism was tightly controlled under Gadaffi and getting a visa was a little like betting on fruit machines. You will win sooner or later, but it might take you a lot of time and money. The current visa situation is still not transparent.
Why you should still bother to go
Go there to show support to the people who are trying to build a democracy after Gadaffi's 42-year "First of September Revolution." And why not pop by the ruins of Leptis Magna, an ancient city of the Roman empire? You can thank me for the tip later.
How I got in
I visited when Gadaffi was still alive, during the civil war in 2011. The opposition was very happy to see journalists in the country and let me in on a whim when I showed them my press card.
Any loopholes?
None known to me.
6. Pakistan
Why so inaccessible?
Whether a tourist visa is issued or not depends on the time of year, the mood of the government and its assessed threat levels. You may get your visa one day, your friend not so the next. This uncertainty can make Pakistan a tricky country to visit as a tourist. Do however expect speedy service if the country is currently open.
Why you should still bother to go
Pakistan is a vast country with beautiful scenery and fantastic food. And Osama bin Laden was there. It can't be all bad.
How I got in
I wanted to visit at a time that was less than ideal from the government's point of view. There was no way I would get a tourist visa. My press card did yet again secury entry.
Any loopholes?
Does a press card count as a loophole?
Alle Fotos: © Gunnar Garfors
