10 countries Americans are better off not traveling to

Although Americans are welcome in most countries, there are still places where U.S. citizens can get into trouble. A list has been compiled of countries that are difficult for Americans to visit.

The list was compiled based on an analysis of their relations with the United States. It is difficult for Americans to travel to each of these countries because of their bilateral relations with the United States or because it is very difficult for US citizens to obtain a visa, writes TheTravel.

Usually, there are no direct flights to Bhutan, and its strict visa regime and expensive tourist fees cause difficulties for tourists. In particular, Bhutan strictly regulates tourism through a "high value and low impact" policy, requiring visitors to book their trip through authorized tour operators and pay a daily rate. In addition, limited international flights and the exclusive Paro airport further complicate access to the country. To obtain a visa, a pre-arranged itinerary and the accompaniment of a licensed guide are required.

What you need to know: Bhutan is located in Asia. Population: 790,616 people. Relations with the United States: warm, informal, despite the lack of formal relations established by treaty or agreement.

Eritrea has been described as a communist stronghold in Africa that is rarely visited, due to cumbersome visa procedures. Owing to its conservative politics and autocratic rule, Eritrea, often referred to as the North Korea of Africa, is nearly inaccessible to everyone, not just Americans. Moreover, obtaining a visa to Eritrea involves a cumbersome process characterized by strict requirements and lengthy procedures. Furthermore, Eritrea's limited transportation infrastructure and remote geographic location further complicate accessibility for American tourists.

What you need to know: Eritrea is located in Africa. Population: 3.79 million. Relations with the United States: Tense. The country has a mixed record of human rights violations.

The former Soviet socialist republic of Turkmenistan creates obstacles for Americans (and people of other nations as well). This is due to the country's strict visa requirements and limited tourist infrastructure. Turkmenistan maintains a tightly controlled visa regime, requiring travelers to obtain visas in advance, a process that usually takes a long time. Additionally, obtaining a tourist visa often requires an invitation letter from a local sponsor. Independent travel is almost non-existent; tourists usually need to book guided tours for the duration of their stay.

What you need to know: Turkmenistan is located in Asia. Population: 6.57 million. Relations with the United States: Established, but the local regime remains questionable.

Libya has long been in conflict with the United States, and for Americans, visiting Libya remains an unattainable dream due to many factors. Chief among these obstacles are the serious security threats posed by the ongoing conflict and political instability caused by the civil war. Additionally, diplomatic relations between the United States and Libya are strained, further complicating the situation for American travelers. Visas are practically not issued to Americans.

What you need to know: Libya is located in Africa. Population: 6.94 million. Relations with the United States: Tense. The country's history as a supporter of terrorism casts a long shadow over bilateral relations.

Cuba is often referred to as the communist stronghold in the Caribbean. Travel to Cuba is complicated by decades of diplomatic tensions and a trade embargo between the two countries. In particular, travel to Cuba for tourist purposes remains prohibited under U.S. law, which requires compliance with one of twelve approved categories, such as educational or cultural exchanges. Additionally, Americans must navigate a complex process to obtain a visa or travel authorization, which often involves paperwork and additional fees.

What you need to know: Cuba is located in the Caribbean. Population: 11.18 million. Relations with the US: Economic sanctions remain in place, deteriorating normal relations.

North Korea is a real fortress of secrecy, closed to most of the world. Travel to North Korea is tightly controlled by the government, with visitors subject to strict surveillance and limited access to the outside world. North Korea's border is one of the most heavily fortified in the world. Ongoing political tensions between North Korea and the United States further exacerbate the difficulties. Americans traveling to North Korea without passports validated by the State Department risk arrest and long-term imprisonment.

What you need to know: North Korea is located in Asia. Population: 26.2 million. Relations with the United States: Hostile.

Syria is another dangerous country for Americans to visit due to security risks and diplomatic tensions. Americans are urged to avoid all travel to Syria because of the civil war. Additionally, the Syrian government imposes strict visa regulations, making it extremely difficult for Americans to obtain entry. Due to the lack of consular services and the unstable security situation, visiting Syria remains dangerous and virtually inaccessible for American travelers.

What you need to know: Syria is located in Asia. Population: 23.9 million Relations with the US: Tense due to sanctions and certain actions of the Syrian state.

Once the richest country in South America, Venezuela has become a hotbed of crime, civil unrest, and tension. Visiting Venezuela poses significant obstacles due to numerous factors. Americans are strongly discouraged from traveling due to security concerns such as crime and civil unrest. Additionally, diplomatic tensions between the United States and Venezuela further complicate the situation. It is known to be difficult for Americans to obtain a visa to enter Venezuela, as the Venezuelan authorities impose strict requirements and bureaucratic procedures.

What you need to know: Venezuela is located in South America. Population: 29.20 million. Relations with the United States: Tense. The United States claims that the current government of Venezuela was not democratically elected and recognizes the previously elected assembly from 2015 as a legitimate governmental body.

Iran is a mixture of culture, history, and politics, but it is a very difficult place for American tourists. Iran and America have had strained diplomatic relations for decades due to the 1979 Iranian Revolution and the sanctions that followed. Obtaining a visa to enter Iran is a long and unpredictable process. U.S. citizens are not allowed to travel to Iran on their own. All travel must be part of an organized tour led by an officially approved guide. Many US citizens have been illegally detained.

What you need to know: Iran is located in Asia. Population: 89.6 million. Relations with the United States: Were severed in 1979 and have not yet been restored.

Finally, another country is Saudi Arabia. Traveling there creates significant difficulties for many, not just Americans, primarily due to the country's strict visa policy and cultural differences. Obtaining a visa for tourist travel is usually a complicated process, usually requires sponsorship from a local organization, and is often limited to non-essential purposes. Additionally, Saudi Arabia's commitment to conservative Islamic principles dictates strict codes of behavior and dress that may conflict with Western norms and practices.

What you need to know: Saudi Arabia is located in Asia. Population: 37.29 million. Relations with the USA: Diplomatic relations exist. There are embassies in both countries.

If you are interested in a romantic vacation, TravelWise has previously published a list of the best hotels in London.