Least visited countries in the world

20 Least Traveled Countries in the World for the Adventure-Seeker

Visiting the least visited countries in the world can offer a unique and off-the-beaten-path travel experience for those seeking adventure and cultural immersion. Travel trends often focus on the most visited countries in the World, but what about the least visited country in the world?

This comprehensive guide to the shines a light on those hidden-gem countries that see only a trickle of tourists each year. We’ll explore how tourism numbers have changed from 2004 to 2014 to 2024, reveal the 20 least traveled countries of 2024, and dive into why they receive so few visitors.

Least visited countries in the world

More importantly, we’ll give you compelling reasons to add these off-the-beaten-path countries to your bucket list, highlighting their top attractions, cultural insights, and practical travel logistics. Whether you’re an intrepid traveler seeking untouched destinations or just curious about these remote corners of the world, read on for an engaging journey through the globe’s least visited countries.

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In this episode, we explore 20 of the countries with the least tourism, perfect for adventure-seekers who crave unique experiences, untouched landscapes, and rich cultures far from the tourist crowds.

Why You Should Explore the Unexplored

Here are five highlights of traveling to the world’s least visited countries:

  1. Unique Experiences: Discover hidden gems and experience local culture and customs in a unique, authentic way.
  2. Undiscovered Beauty: Explore unspoiled natural landscapes, with less development and more pristine beauty.
  3. Cultural Immersion: Gain a deeper understanding of the local culture through meaningful and authentic interactions with locals.
  4. Affordable Travel: Lower costs of living make travel more affordable and accessible for budget travelers.
  5. Off-the-Beaten-Path: Get off the well-trodden tourist path and discover new destinations that are often hidden from typical travelers.

Discovering Hidden Gems (click to read more)

20 Least visited countries in the world historically

It’s difficult to determine the exact 20 least traveled countries in the world, as the number of annual tourists can fluctuate from year to year. However, based on available data, some unknown countries in the world have historically received fewer tourists include:

CountryPopulation (Approx)Capital City
Central African Republic4.7 millionBangui
Afghanistan38 millionKabul
Somalia15 millionMogadishu
Democratic Republic of the Congo87 millionKinshasa
South Sudan11 millionJuba
Burundi12 millionBujumbura
Eritrea3.2 millionAsmara
Liberia5 millionMonrovia
Syria17 millionDamascus
Yemen29 millionSana’a
Mozambique31 millionMaputo
Sierra Leone7.9 millionFreetown
Chad16 millionN’Djamena
Guinea13 millionConakry
Rwanda13 millionKigali
Togo8.6 millionLomé
Burkina Faso20 millionOuagadougou
Malawi20 millionLilongwe
Mali20 millionBamako
Benin12 millionPorto-Novo

Comparative Tourism Trends for the Unknown Countries in the World

International tourism has grown enormously in the past two decades – from 760 million arrivals in 2004 to 1.5 billion in 2019 globally (Analyzing Tourism Traffic | Development Asia). Yet, many countries have seen relatively little tourist traffic, due to factors like remoteness, conflict, or limited infrastructure. The table below compares estimated international arrivals for several of the world’s least visited countries in 2004, 2014, and 2024 (or latest data):

CountryArrivals (2004)Arrivals (2014)Arrivals (2024)
Tuvalu1,3001,400~3,700 (2023)
Marshall Islands9,0004,900~6,100 (2023)
Niue<500 (est.)~9,300 (est.)~10,200 (2023)
Kiribati63,9008,300~2,000 (Least Visited Countries 2024) (2022)
Federated States of Micronesia (FSM)19,30035,400~18,000 (2019)
Montserrat~0 (volcano)~8,000 (est.)~19,300 (adventure – What is the LEAST visited country by tourists? – Travel Stack Exchange) (2019)
Solomon Islands5,60020,100~28,900 (2019)
São Tomé & Príncipe~5,000 (est.)~12,000 (est.)~34,900 (Revealed: Here are the least-visited countries in the world, 2024 – CEOWORLD magazine) (2019)
Comoros23,30022,800~45,100 (2019)
Guinea-Bissau~6,000 (est.)36,100~52,400 (2019)
American Samoa~20,000 (est.)~40,000 (est.)~58,600 (2019)
Sierra Leone~2,000 (est.)44,000 2014
Chad26,000119,000~81,000 (Chad – International tourism, number of arrivals) (2019)
Timor-Leste~5,000 (est.)~60,000 (est.)~74,800 (East Timor – International Tourism, Number Of Arrivals) (2019)
Central African Rep.~10,000 (est.)95,700~87,000 (International tourism, number of arrivals – World Bank Open Data) (2019)
Tonga51,00050,400 (Tonga – International tourism 2022 – countryeconomy.com)~94,000
Palau~85,000 (est.)140,000 ([Palau – International tourism 2020
Liechtenstein~60,000 (est.)~79,000 (2017)
Burkina Faso222,000 (Burkina Faso – International tourism 2018 – countryeconomy.com)191,000
Anguilla62,000 (Anguilla tourism up by 19 pct – Breaking Travel News)~70,000 (est.)~166,000 (2019*)

Sources: UNWTO Yearbook of Tourism Statistics and national tourism authorities. (Note: 2024 figures are provisional or latest available, often 2019 pre-pandemic data. *Anguilla’s 166k includes day-trip visitors (Revealed: Here are the least-visited countries in the world, 2024 – CEOWORLD magazine).)

Key trend takeaways:

  • Many of these countries saw little growth between 2004 and 2014. For example, Tuvalu hovered around only ~1,300–1,400 visitors per year in that decade.
  • Some experienced declines by 2014 due to disruptions. The Marshall Islands dropped from ~9,000 in 2004 to under 5,000 by 2014, and Kiribati plummeted from ~64k in 2004 (due to a one-time event) to just 8k by 2014.
  • Before COVID-19, several were finally rising. By 2019, countries like Solomon Islands, São Tomé & Príncipe, Comoros, and Guinea-Bissau hit record highs – still modest at a few tens of thousands of tourists but an improvement.
  • The pandemic in 2020 wiped out years of growth. Many of these destinations closed borders entirely and are only slowly reopening. For instance, Kiribati had just ~2,000 visitors in 2022 (down from 12k in 2019) and Niue only 610 in 2021.
  • Despite low numbers, these countries often offer unspoiled environments and unique cultures. Next, we’ll identify the current least visited nations and delve into the reasons behind the low tourism – and why that shouldn’t deter you from visiting!

20 Least Traveled Countries in 2024 (Ranked)

Least Traveled Countries in the World

20 least-visited countries

According to the latest available tourism statistics (as of 2023/24), the following are the world’s 20 least-visited countries. The list is ranked by annual international tourist arrivals:

  1. Tuvalu – ~3,700 visitors
  2. Marshall Islands – ~6,100 visitors
  3. Niue – ~10,200 visitors
  4. Kiribati – ~12,000 visitors
  5. Federated States of Micronesia – ~18,000 visitors
  6. Montserrat – ~19,300 visitors
  7. Solomon Islands – ~29,000 visitors
  8. São Tomé and Príncipe – ~34,900 visitors
  9. Comoros – ~45,000 visitors
  10. Guinea-Bissau – ~52,000 visitors
  11. American Samoa – ~58,600 visitors
  12. Sierra Leone – ~71,000 visitors
  13. Chad – ~81,000 visitors
  14. Timor-Leste – ~81,000 visitors
  15. Central African Republic – ~87,000 visitors
  16. Tonga – ~94,000 visitors
  17. Palau – ~94,000 visitors
  18. Liechtenstein – ~98,100 visitors
  19. Burkina Faso – ~143,000 visitors
  20. Anguilla – ~166,000 visitors

(Source: UNWTO and national tourism data compiled in 2023 (Revealed: Here are the least-visited countries in the world, 2024 – CEOWORLD magazine).

As we can see, even the most “visited” of the least visited (like Anguilla or Burkina Faso) barely exceed 150k tourists annually – a tiny number compared to top destinations like France (~90 million) or Italy. The top 10 least visited countries on this list each receive fewer than 50,000 travelers per year, and the top 5 least known countries are all under 20k. These are places where you won’t be waiting in tourist lines or jostling for a selfie spot!

Why do so few people visit these countries? And what makes these places special despite (or because of) the low arrival numbers? Let’s explore each country in detail – uncovering the reasons for low tourism, the hidden treasures that await adventurous visitors, the must-see destinations, and how to actually get there.

Note: It’s important to note that these countries may have limited infrastructure and safety concerns, which can make travel challenging or even dangerous. It’s always a good idea to research the specific conditions and risks of a destination before planning a trip.

Tuvalu – Rank #1 – 3700 Visitors per year

Tuvalu is a remote Polynesian nation of nine tiny atolls in the Pacific Ocean. With only 3,700 visitors in 2023, it’s officially the least visited country on Earth. What Tuvalu lacks in tourist numbers, it makes up for in authenticity and a peaceful way of life that has barely changed in decades.

Reasons for Low Tourism in Tuvalu:

  • Geographic Isolation – Tuvalu is extremely remote, lying roughly halfway between Hawaii and Australia. It has no direct flights from major hubs; the only regular service is a twice-weekly propeller plane from Fiji (and even that can be unreliable). The time and expense to get there deter many travelers.
  • Limited Infrastructure – The country is very small (all land totals 26 km²) with few hotels or tourist facilities. Funafuti, the capital atoll, has a couple of guesthouses, but luxuries like resorts, shopping, or fine dining are nonexistent. This rustic setup appeals to backpacker types but not mainstream tourists.
  • Environmental Vulnerability – Tuvalu is one of the lowest-lying nations, with most land barely 2-3 meters above sea level. It faces serious threats from climate change and rising seas. Occasional king tides flood parts of the islands, which can disrupt visits. (Paradoxically, this looming threat also inspires some intrepid travelers to visit “before it disappears”.)

Why Visit Tuvalu:

  • Unspoiled Atolls – Experience pristine lagoons and reefs with virtually no other tourists around. Snorkeling or scuba diving in Tuvalu’s clear waters, you’ll have vibrant coral gardens all to yourself. The Funafuti Conservation Area protects several islets and reef systems teeming with tropical fish.
  • Authentic Culture – Tuvaluan culture remains strong and welcoming. Visitors can witness community events like evening te ano (ball) games or lively fatele dances, and interact with locals who are genuinely curious about outsiders. With only ~11,000 inhabitants, it’s a close-knit society with rich Polynesian traditions.
  • Digital Detox & Serenity – Tuvalu offers a rare chance to completely unplug. There are no crowds, no traffic (only a handful of cars), and limited internet. Life moves at a slow pace. Travelers often find the seclusion and simplicity to be deeply rejuvenating – it’s the ultimate escape from modern stress.

Top 7 Destinations in Tuvalu:

  • Funafuti Atoll & Conservation Area – Tuvalu’s capital atoll features the only urban center (Vaiaku) and the airport (with its runway doubling as a playground when no flights arrive). Offshore, a marine conservation area covers 33 sq km of lagoon, reef, and islets), offering world-class snorkeling amid colorful corals, sea turtles, and reef sharks. You can boat to uninhabited islets like Tepuka and go for a picnic on your own private sandbank.
  • Funafuti Marine Conservation Area Islands – Specifically, Motuloa, Tepuka, and Fuafatu islets within the protected area are stunning. Motuloa has a WWII aircraft wreck in the shallows, a relic from when American forces had an airbase on Funafuti (1943). Tepuka’s lush vegetation and white sands are the picture of a Pacific paradise.
  • Te onepati (Funafuti Lagoon Beach) – The western shore of Funafuti Island has a long stretch of lagoon-side beach. At sunset, locals gather here to play games and socialize. It’s a great spot to join a pickup game of volleyball or watch an impromptu kirikiti (local cricket) match. The sight of the sun sinking into the calm lagoon is unforgettable.
  • Philatelic Bureau in Funafuti – Tuvalu is famous among stamp collectors for its colorful postage stamps (a key revenue source). The Philatelic Bureau, next to the main post office, is a quirky stop where you can buy commemorative stamps featuring everything from marine life to Tuvalu’s UN admission in 2000. It’s a small but interesting cultural footnote, reflecting Tuvalu’s creative economy.
  • Nanumaga – One of the outer islands (accessible by occasional inter-island boat), Nanumaga is known for the legend of an underwater cave discovered by divers in 1986 with signs of ancient habitation. Locals call it “Te Ana o Tagata” (Cave of People). It suggests Polynesians may have lived here over 8,000 years ago – a fascinating mystery for history buffs.
  • Nanumea Atoll – The northernmost atoll, Nanumea, has historic significance as a WWII site. In 1943 it was used by Allied forces; you can still find the wreckage of a crashed American B-24 bomber in the swamp, and remnants of war bunkers. Nanumea also has beautiful traditional meeting houses and is famed for its skilled canoe builders.
  • Nukufetau Atoll – Another outer atoll with postcard-perfect scenery: think turquoise lagoon and coconut palm islets. Nukufetau also had an Allied airfield in WWII – one of its islets, Motulalo, was essentially turned into a runway. Today it’s a quiet village island where one can relax, bird-watch, and imagine wartime history amid peaceful surroundings.

Travel Logistics for Tuvalu:

Best Time to Visit: Tuvalu’s climate is hot and tropical year-round. The dry season (May to October) is the best time to visit, with slightly cooler temperatures and less rainfall. November to April is wetter and prone to cyclones (and extremely high tides). For calm seas (important if you plan to boat to outer islands) and events like local Independence celebrations, aim for August–September.

Getting There: The only practical way to reach Tuvalu is by air from Fiji. Fiji Airways operates flights (typically twice a week) from Suva or Nadi to Funafuti International Airport (FUN) – basically a paved strip on Funafuti. Keep in mind flights can be canceled or delayed due to weather or maintenance, so flexibility is key. Alternative access by sea is very limited; occasionally there are cargo/passenger ships from Fiji or nearby atolls, but no regular cruise or ferry service for tourists.

Visa Requirements: Tuvalu is fairly open – visa-free or visa on arrival entry is offered to citizens of most countries for stays up to 30 days. Always check the latest, but currently Americans, EU citizens, Brits, Australians, Canadians, and many others simply get a stamp on arrival (a novelty in itself, as Tuvalu’s stamp is rare!). No special permits are needed to visit outer islands, but it’s courteous to inform the local leaders on arrival.

Marshall Islands – Rank #3 – 6000 Visitors per year

Niue – Rank #3 – 10,000 Visitors per year

Kiribati – Rank #4 – 12,000 Visitors per year

Federated States of Micronesia – Rank #5 – 18,000 Visitors per year

Montserrat – Rank #6 – 21,000 Visitors per year

Solomon Islands – Rank #7 – 29,000 Visitors per year

São Tomé and Príncipe – Rank #8 – 35,000 Visitors per year

Comoros – Rank #9 – 45,000 Visitors per year

Guinea-Bissau – Rank #10 – 52,000 Visitors per year

This data shows the top 10 least-visited countries in the world according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in 2019. The countries are ranked based on the number of visitors they received in that year. The country with the lowest number of visitors was Nauru with 200 visitors. Tuvalu is in second place with only 3,700 visitors, while the country with the highest number of visitors in the top 10 least-visited countries was Guinea-Bissau with 52,000 visitors.

This information suggests that these countries have limited resources or attractions to draw in large numbers of tourists. However, it’s also worth considering factors such as location, transportation infrastructure, and political stability, which can also impact a country’s tourism industry.

Least Traveled Countries in the World

20 Adventure-Seeker’s Paradise: The Least Traveled Countries in the World for an Unforgettable Experience:

Central African Republic

Visit the Central African Republic, a landlocked country in Central Africa, for a unique adventure and off-the-beaten-path experience. Explore lush rainforests, witness abundant wildlife, and visit cultural heritage sites amidst its tumultuous recent history. The Central African Republic is the world’s least visited country.

Afghanistan

Visit Afghanistan, known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and hospitable people. Discover the historic cities of Herat and Kabul and the stunning mountains of the Hindu Kush for unique and authentic experiences. Afghanistan is the world’s second least visited country.

Somalia

Visit Somalia, often associated with instability, for a chance to experience its rich cultural heritage and stunning coastline. From the ancient city of Mogadishu to the scenic beaches of Puntland, Somalia offers a different side of Africa. Somalia is the world’s third least visited country.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Visit the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a vast country with incredible natural beauty, for an adventure of a lifetime. Explore gorillas in Virunga National Park and the stunning waterfalls of the Congo River. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is the world’s fourth least visited country.

South Sudan

Visit South Sudan, the youngest country in the world, for an authentic cultural experience and adventure. Discover the Nile River and the savannas of Boma National Park for a different perspective of Africa.

Burundi

Visit Burundi, a small country in the Great Lakes region, for a unique cultural experience. Immerse yourself in a different culture from the rolling hills to the bustling markets of Bujumbura.

Eritrea

Visit Eritrea, known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, for off-the-beaten-path experiences. Explore the historic city of Asmara and the stunning Red Sea coastline.

Liberia

Visit Liberia, with its rich history and diverse culture, for unique and authentic experiences. Discover the beaches of Robertsport and the lush rainforests of the interior.

Syria

Visit Syria, rich in cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, for unique experiences. Explore the ancient city of Damascus and the stunning desert landscapes of Palmyra.

Yemen

Visit Yemen, with its rich history and unique culture, for a unique and authentic experience. Explore the historic city of Tarim, the scenic valley of Wadi Dawan, and the ancient city of Shibam.

Mozambique

Visit Mozambique, known for its stunning coastline and diverse culture, for beach and adventure opportunities. Explore the tropical beaches of the Bazaruto Archipelago and the lush rainforests of the interior.

Sierra Leone

Visit Sierra Leone, rich in cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, for unique experiences. Discover the bustling markets of Freetown and the stunning beaches of the Freetown Peninsula.

Chad

Visit Chad, located in North-Central Africa, for stunning landscapes and diverse cultures. Venture off the beaten path to explore vast deserts, rolling savannas, and abundant wildlife.

Guinea

Visit Guinea, located in West Africa, for rich cultural heritage and abundant natural beauty. Explore vibrant cities and pristine beaches for an authentic West African experience.

Rwanda

Visit Rwanda, located in East Africa, for a unique adventure and nature experience. Discover lush rainforests and abundant wildlife amidst its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

Togo

Visit Togo, located in West Africa, for a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Enjoy its vibrant cities, pristine beaches, rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and friendly people.

Burkina Faso

Visit Burkina Faso, located in West Africa, for a unique travel experience rich in culture and natural beauty. Explore vibrant markets and stunning landscapes with warm hospitality and diverse cultures.

Malawi

Visit Malawi, known for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, for a unique adventure and cultural experience. Explore the pristine beaches of Lake Malawi and the rolling hills of Zomba Plateau for a truly authentic African experience.

Mali

Visit Mali, located in West Africa, for a unique blend of cultural and natural beauty. Discover the vibrant cities of Bamako and Timbuktu, and the stunning landscapes of Dogon Country for a rich and diverse cultural experience.

Benin

Visit Benin, located in West Africa, for a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Immerse yourself in the vibrant cities, rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and friendly people for a truly unique and authentic West African experience.

Travel to the least visited countries

At RJ Travel, we believe in the power of adventure and exploring the unknown. For those seeking to broaden their horizons and experience new cultures, we have a range of tours available to some of the least traveled countries in the world.

From the rugged beauty of Afghanistan to the vibrant communities of Rwanda and Sierra Leone, our tours offer an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in these diverse and fascinating countries.

Whether you’re seeking to uncover ancient ruins in Yemen, explore the natural wonders of Somalia, or witness the resilience of the Syrian people, RJ Travel has the experience and knowledge to make your journey unforgettable. So pack your bags and join us on a journey to the heart of these truly remarkable destinations.

Tours to Least Traveled Countries with RJ Travel

Least Traveled Continents in the World

Least Traveled Continents in the World

When it comes to continents, the most visited and least visited destinations offer vastly different experiences for travelers. The most visited continent, Europe, sees an annual influx of 720 million visitors, drawn to its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and diverse landscapes. Europe is home to iconic landmarks such as The Colosseum, The Louvre, and The Vatican, making it a must-visit destination for history and culture buffs.

Read more: Least Traveled Continents in the World

Predicting Tourist Trends

It’s difficult to determine the exact 20 least traveled countries in the world due to the lack of comprehensive data, fluctuations in tourism numbers, different definitions of “tourist”, undeveloped tourism infrastructure, and incomplete data reporting.

Not all countries have accurate or complete data on the number of tourists they receive, and the number can fluctuate due to factors such as natural disasters, economic recessions, geopolitical instability, and travel restrictions.

There is no standard definition of a “tourist”, and different countries may define and count them differently. Some countries may have limited tourism infrastructure, making it difficult to accurately track and count the number of visitors.

Additionally, some countries may not report all of their tourism data, leading to undercounts and making it difficult to determine the exact 20 least traveled countries in the world.

Here are 5 reasons why it’s difficult to determine the exact 20 least traveled countries in the world:

  • Lack of Data: Inaccurate information from some countries make comparison and ranking difficult.
  • Fluctuating Numbers: Tourism numbers fluctuate due to various factors like natural disasters, economic factors, geopolitical instability, and travel restrictions.
  • Defining Tourists: No standard definition, leading to discrepancies in data.
  • Limited Infrastructure: Some countries have limited infrastructure for tracking tourists. Underreported Data: Some countries may not report all tourist data, leading to undercounts.

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