I first wrote about the world's 25 least visited countries in 2013, and the post has has been read almost a million times, in addition to have been translated to several languages, republished in many countries, rewritten and plagiarized.
Two years have passed, and it is time for an update of what I consider the ultimate traveler's bucket list.
Why countries are less visited varies, but location, travel related logistics, costs, visa availability, governments or lack thereof and degree of war usually matters.
Figures on international visitors are often sparse for the least visited countries, quite a few of them lack tourism offices or governmental agencies that usually report such numbers.
UNWTO, World Tourism Organization and the UN, have rather comprehensive overviews, but several countries have not contributed with official numbers. I have therefore, as in 2013, had to look elsewhere. I have used news reports, passenger numbers from airports and spoken to tourist agencies.
Tourist numbers can in any case never be totally accurate as various countries count tourists differently. Some do for instance count tourists arriving by plane, others track those that stay in hotels. And there are always some people that claim to be tourists, simply to avoid the extra bureaucracy that may come with travelling on business.
In 2013, country number 25 was Dominica with 73,000 tourists. And do you know what? Dominica is still number 25, sort of. Two countries are tied for number 25 this time around, with 78,000 tourists each. That means that you will get 26 countries for the price of 25.
What a bonus.
78,000 might sound like a lot, but it is only just over 200 visitors a day. In an entire country. Not really anything to bet your economy on. You may also be surprised to learn that North Korea is no longer among the 25 countries, with approximately 270,000 international tourists a year (most of them are Chinese).
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25. (tie) Dominica: 78,000 tourists
Why so few?
A lack of tourists is one of the reasons why this is my favourite Caribbean country. The two airports here cannot take down anything bigger than commercial propeller aircraft, so most people will have to go to some transit trouble to get there. Unless they have a small private jet, of course.
Why still visit?
You can't really go wrong visiting a place nicknamed "The Nature Island of the Caribbean". The diverse and fantastic flora and fauna are protected by a number of natural parks, all accessible to you. Do also expect volcanic peaks and Boiling Lake. It is the second-largest hot spring in the world, only beaten by Frying Pan Lakein New Zealand.
What else?
Rumours have that the lack of mainstream tourism makes Dominica one of the favourite hot spots for a number of American celebrities. Don't be surprised if Brad Pitt says hi in Pagua Bay Bar & Grill. Then again, you might prefer to meet his wife instead.
Source: UNWTO, 2013
25. (tie) East Timor: 78,000 tourists
Why so few?
I bet you do not even know which continent it's in. East Timor is not very well connected to the rest of the world, and you have probably never even heard about any of the airlines that fly there.
Why still visit?
The diving is absolutely world-class! And you can stay in luxury hotels elsewhere. I slept in a windowless shed. With a hyperactive rooster nearby.
What else?
You will get your visa on arrival in the airport. Nice and easy. And do not overlook the opportunity to go by mikrolet, or minibus, at least once. They are the veins of the country and go virtually everywhere. Just don't expect them to be on time.
Source: UNWTO, 2013.
23. (tie) Central African Republic: 71,000 tourists
Why so few?
There is a civil war going on, and religious cleansing has occurred on numerous occasions the last few years. It doesn't help that the government, or what is left of it, is weak or that rebel groups are known to randomly attack the international airport in Bangui.
Why still visit?
Pygmy communities are not found in many places in the world, and here you may stay in pygme villages. Combine that with a trip to Dzanga Sangha Special Reserve, complete with shy forest elephants, mountain gorillas and other wildlife, and you will have a trip of a lifetime.
What else?
It is an advantage to speak French when visiting the landlocked country. And do not photograph large groups of angry people without asking permission (then again, which of the mad men do you approach to ask?). I did, and I was very nearly lynched.
Source: UN, 2012
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