Top 10 Countries That May Soon Close to Tourists: Travel Restrictions Imposed Due to…

With travel returning in full swing and global tourism numbers skyrocketing, some of the world’s most iconic destinations are sounding the alarm. While the boom in travel has boosted local economies, it’s also caused overcrowding, environmental degradation, and cultural disruption. In response, several countries and cities are starting to rethink their approach—putting in place new restrictions, fees, and even potential closures to protect their natural and cultural heritage.

If you’re dreaming of your next adventure, this list of 10 destinations considering tourist limits (or already implementing them) is worth your attention. It’s not just about when you travel—but how. Here’s a closer look at the places you may want to visit before access becomes much more limited, or possibly even off-limits.

1. Bhutan:

Bhutan has long taken a unique approach to tourism, prioritizing Gross National Happiness over mass tourism. To protect its pristine Himalayan landscapes and cultural heritage, the country enforces a “High Value, Low Impact” model. Visitors must pay a Sustainable Development Fee of $100 per day, which funds conservation efforts and infrastructure.

With limited facilities and a growing global interest, Bhutan may impose even stricter rules in the future especially in ecologically sensitive or remote regions. This could include seasonal closures, tighter visitor caps, or higher fees to safeguard sacred sites and wildlife.

2. Venice, Italy: 

Venice is battling a rising tide—both literally due to climate change and figuratively due to millions of tourists. The narrow canals and centuries-old buildings aren’t built for cruise ship crowds or mass tourism. In response, the city banned large ships from its historic center and introduced an entry fee for day-trippers starting in 2024.

But these are just the beginning. Officials are exploring more drastic steps to protect the UNESCO-listed city, including strict visitor caps, timed access to landmarks, and potentially closing certain parts of the city to non-residents during peak seasons.

3. Barcelona, Spain: 

Barcelona welcomes over 30 million visitors a year, overwhelming the city’s infrastructure and pushing up housing costs. Neighborhoods like El Raval and Barri Gòtic have seen local life disrupted by short-term rentals and tourist noise.

In response, the city has cracked down on illegal rentals, frozen new hotel licenses, and is promoting lesser-known areas. Short-term rentals may be banned altogether by 2028. Further limitations on access to major sites and new zoning laws to protect residential neighborhoods could follow.

4. Machu Picchu, Peru:

Machu Picchu’s ancient ruins weren’t built for the million-plus tourists who now visit each year. To prevent irreversible damage, Peru has introduced strict entry limits, set time slots, and designated walking paths. The Inca Trail also has a daily cap and requires advance booking.

UNESCO has warned that the site’s heritage status is at risk. Future changes could include even tighter limits, mandatory guided visits, or rotating access to allow for ecological recovery—perhaps even temporary closures to preserve the site for future generations.

5. Thailand: 

From Phuket’s beaches to the famous Maya Bay (made famous by The Beach), Thailand’s hotspots have suffered from overcrowding and environmental damage. Maya Bay was closed in 2018 and reopened with heavy restrictions—a wake-up call that changed Thailand’s tourism outlook.

Now the country is encouraging sustainable travel, spotlighting lesser-visited regions, and considering higher entry fees at national parks. Access to popular sites may be further restricted or seasonally closed to ease the strain on nature and local communities.

6. Iceland: 

Iceland’s raw beauty—from volcanic landscapes to waterfalls—has made it a global favorite. But with tourist numbers now far outpacing the local population, environmental damage is becoming an urgent concern. Popular sites like the Blue Lagoon and Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon have already seen partial closures.

To cope, Iceland is planning to hike entry fees, restrict access during certain seasons, and cap visitors in fragile areas. In the future, some places may require booking guided tours—or close entirely—so nature can recover.

7. New Zealand: 

New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes have made it a magnet for eco-tourism and adventure seekers. However, this surge has strained remote communities, park infrastructure, and natural habitats. The country introduced a visitor levy and strongly promotes the “Tiaki Promise,” urging tourists to respect local values and the land.

With growing concerns, more regulations may come—like limited permits for popular trails, seasonal access restrictions, and higher fees for high-impact areas. In some cases, full closures could be on the table to protect both the land and Māori cultural sites.

8. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador:

The Galápagos Islands are among the most biologically unique places on Earth—but their fragile ecosystems are under pressure. Ecuador already enforces strict regulations: guided-only visits, limited ship licenses, and aircraft caps. Despite these, rising tourist numbers are threatening native species and habitats.

Conservation groups are calling for more drastic action, including higher fees, expanding no-go zones, and stricter caps on annual permits. Ecuador may prioritize long-term protection over tourism revenue, making the islands harder to access in the future.

9. Dubrovnik, Croatia: 

Thanks to Game of Thrones, Dubrovnik’s medieval walls now draw hordes of fans and cruise ship crowds. Locals have complained about noise, congestion, and degradation of the historic center. The city has responded with limits on cruise ships, surveillance for crowd control, and a reduction in tourist-focused businesses.

Future steps may include ticketed entry to the old town, higher fees during peak times, or limiting visitors entirely during the summer rush. Dubrovnik is determined to reclaim its city for residents and preserve its cultural legacy.

10. Bali, Indonesia:

Bali’s natural charm and rich culture have turned it into a top global destination—but tourism has come at a cost. Traffic jams, trash problems, and water shortages are common. Cultural sites are often overcrowded, and some tourists have disrespected local customs.

In response, the government is proposing a tourist tax, cracking down on bad behavior, and exploring limitations on budget tourism. Certain destinations may see entry caps or seasonal closures, especially in fragile areas like Ubud or the Gili Islands. More eco-focused policies are on the way to ensure that Bali remains beautiful—and livable—for future generations.

These destinations aren’t shutting down out of spite—they’re fighting to preserve the very magic that draws travelers in. As global tourism grows, the shift toward controlled, sustainable travel is likely to become the norm. Being aware of these changes can help travelers make more ethical and informed choices—and maybe even inspire a deeper respect for the places we visit.