Recent travel surveys reveal a concerning trend in global hospitality. As political tensions rise and cultural barriers persist, certain destinations have earned reputations for making visitors feel less than welcome. These findings, based on comprehensive expat and traveler surveys conducted from 2023 through 2024, shed light on countries where the warm embrace of tourism has grown notably cold. Let’s dive into the nine destinations where travelers report the strongest feelings of being unwelcome.
Kuwait
Kuwait ranked last (53rd) in the global expat survey for the seventh year in a row, and the numbers tell the story. Just 22% of expats are satisfied with their social life (vs. 52% globally), and only 26% feel locals are friendly toward foreign residents (vs. 61%). The oil-rich Gulf state’s unwelcoming reputation stems from deep-rooted cultural barriers and limited social integration opportunities for foreigners. Nearly half (47.8 hours) of full-time workers clock in well above the global average (42.5), yet only 43% are happy with their hours. At the same time, 73% view Kuwait’s economy positively, but the heat, rigid work culture, and difficult social scene make life there challenging.
Turkey
In 2024, Türkiye and Finland landed at the bottom of the Expat Insider rankings, placing 52nd and 51st, respectively. Türkiye struggles most with work-related issues, ranking last in the Working Abroad Index – 40% of expats rate their career opportunities negatively, and 64% are unhappy with the economy. InterNations rates the country last regarding working abroad due to limited career opportunities, a lack of job security, and unfavorable working hours. The language barrier is another significant issue, as Turkish is considered a moderately difficult language to learn. The ongoing economic challenges and political climate have created an atmosphere of uncertainty for visitors and residents alike.
Germany
According to Internations, the “stereotype of the unfriendly German” still persists in society. And the ranking of the friendliest countries provides its own evidence: Germany ranks fifth-to-last, or 42nd out of a total of 46. Not even two out of five respondents perceive Germans as friendly towards foreigners. Additionally, more than three out of five respondents said they find it difficult to make friends with locals here. Just over a third (36 percent) are satisfied with their social life in Germany. Very few feel at home here, so Germany ranks only 44th in this aspect. The rigid bureaucratic system and formal culture contribute significantly to this perception of unwelcome attitudes.
Czech Republic
The residents of the Czech Republic are perceived as almost as unfriendly as those in Kuwait. This year, it pushed Austria from the second-to-last place, which now ranks third-to-last. Both countries suffer greatly in this regard, while it doesn’t seem all that difficult for immigrants in the Czech Republic to make friends (rank 25). Despite Prague’s tourism boom, many visitors report encountering a cold reception from locals. Kuwait finished dead last in the ranking, with more than half of respondents describing the locals as highly unwelcoming. The Kuwaiti government also does not encourage tourism, as the country already has a high number of foreign workers, who make up 60% of the population.
United Kingdom
Some popular travel destinations such as the United Kingdom, France, and the United States fell into the ranks of the unfriendly or rude countries in the survey, placing 28th, 27th, and 42nd (out of 53), resp. One Portuguese expat explained that he believes Brexit had something to do with the decreased friendliness in the country. Although the UK ranks high for career prospects, expats are frustrated with low salaries, job insecurity, and shifting migration policies. These factors have significantly contributed to the UK’s poor ranking in the survey. Post-Brexit tensions and evolving immigration policies have created an atmosphere of uncertainty for international visitors.
Russia
Russia, with its grand history and cultural richness, presents a paradoxical allure. On one hand, its vast landscapes and historical cities captivate the imagination. On the other hand, bureaucratic hurdles and geopolitical tensions can make the visitor experience daunting. The perception of Russia as unwelcoming stems from stringent visa requirements and a political climate often at odds with Western nations. Current geopolitical conflicts have intensified these challenges, making travel to Russia increasingly complex and unwelcome for many international visitors.
North Korea
Stepping into North Korea feels like entering a parallel universe. The Hermit Kingdom’s strict regulations on where visitors can go and what they can photograph contribute to a sense of unease. Tourists are constantly accompanied by government-assigned guides, making spontaneous exploration impossible. The country’s political tensions and its history of isolation further add to the perception that visitors are more tolerated than welcomed. Those who do visit must adhere to stringent rules, which can feel restrictive for the average traveler.
Iran
Iran offers a rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, yet its political climate can make visitors wary. The country’s strained relations with many Western nations contribute to the perception of an unwelcoming environment for tourists. While Iranians themselves are known for their hospitality, government policies and the potential for sudden political unrest can deter tourists. The duality of warm local interactions versus the overarching political atmosphere creates a complex travel experience. Currently, traveling to Iran requires a balance of curiosity and caution.
Finland
Finland, once a top destination, saw a sharp drop: only 51% of expats are happy with life there, down from 78% the year before. Finland, which previously ranked 16th in 2023, also joins the list of worst places for expats in 2024 at 51st place. While rent is relatively affordable at around $747 a month for a one-bedroom apartment, the high cost of living – largely due to high taxes – poses a challenge for many expats. Additionally, Finland’s cold climate and long, dark winters contribute to difficulties in settling in. The Nordic reserve and challenging winter conditions create barriers for tourists seeking warm hospitality and easy cultural integration.
These survey findings reflect a complex interplay of political tensions, cultural barriers, and economic challenges affecting global travel sentiment. Recent travel industry reports underscore how travelers today are navigating a delicate balance between wanderlust and global awareness, highlighting the growing prominence of a trend first observed last year: alongside the perennial favorites of pleasant weather and familiar landscapes, travelers are increasingly factoring personal safety and global events into their travel decisions. Safety and political climate have become major concerns for travelers, reaching unprecedented levels in Europe and North America, where an increasing percentage of travelers cite safety as a primary criterion for choosing a destination. What do you think about these unwelcoming destinations? Have you experienced similar treatment while traveling?