Visas to countries like the United States and North Korea are among the most difficult to secure due to strict policies and geopolitical concerns.
The hardest visa to get often involves intense scrutiny, lengthy applications, and low approval rates, making access to certain nations far more challenging than others.
In this article, we’ll explore:
- Why is getting a US visa so difficult?
- Why is it difficult to get a UK visa?
- Why is it so hard to get a Schengen visa?
- Which is the toughest country to get a work visa?
- What is the hardest student visa to get?
- Which is the most powerful visa in the world?
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What Makes a Visa Hard to Get?
A visa can be considered hard to get due to several factors: high financial requirements, strict eligibility criteria, limited quotas, intense background checks, long processing times, or high rejection rates.
These factors vary by visa type (tourist, work, student) and country, making some entry permits far more exclusive than others.
Top 10 Countries with the Hardest Visas to Obtain
- North Korea
Only a few foreigners are granted entry each year, almost exclusively through state-approved tour operators. Independent travel is forbidden, and all movements are strictly monitored by government guides. The political climate further complicates approvals, especially for applicants from countries with strained diplomatic ties. - Russia
Tourist and business visas require official invitation letters, detailed day-by-day itineraries, and adherence to tight application deadlines. Inconsistencies or errors can lead to denial, and some nationalities face longer vetting due to geopolitical tensions. - Bhutan
This Himalayan kingdom imposes a strict “High Value, Low Volume” tourism policy. Travelers must book through licensed tour operators, prepay a daily fee ($100 per person, per night as of 2025), and follow a fixed itinerary. Independent travel is not permitted, and visa issuance is contingent on tour approval. - Iran
The process is marked by long approval times, limited embassy access, and bans for certain passport holders. US, UK, and Canadian citizens face particularly tight scrutiny and must often travel as part of escorted tours. Political instability and sanctions can cause sudden policy changes. - Saudi Arabia (historically)
While tourist visas have recently become more accessible under the Vision 2030 reforms, religious and work-related visas remain complex. Applicants often face employer sponsorship requirements, extensive background checks, and gender or religion-based restrictions. - China
Visa approvals can be unpredictable, with long forms, hotel bookings, and round-trip tickets required in advance. Political sensitivities—especially for journalists, researchers, or those with previous ties to activism—can lead to delays or outright rejections. - United States
Arguably one of the hardest visa systems globally due to its rigorous screening, high denial rates, and lengthy interviews. Tourist and student visa applicants from developing nations face additional scrutiny, and past overstays or missing documents often result in bans. - United Kingdom
Applicants often struggle with complex paperwork, strict financial requirements, and high visa rejection rates. Visitor and student visa applications from certain countries are frequently denied due to vague or inconsistent documentation, despite high fees and processing times. - Canada
Despite its image as immigrant-friendly, Canada has one of the most detailed visa vetting systems. Temporary visa applicants must prove strong ties to their home country, clear purpose of travel, and sufficient funds, often with high visa rejection rates from African and Asian countries. - Nigeria
Nigeria imposes reciprocal visa restrictions and complicated application procedures for many nationalities. The process often includes in-person interviews, police reports, proof of yellow fever vaccination, and extended processing times. Some visas require approval from Nigeria’s immigration headquarters.
Which Is the Most Expensive Visa in the World?
The Singapore Global Investor Programme (GIP) is currently the most expensive visa in the world.
- Option A requires an investment of S$10 million in a new or existing business in Singapore.
- Option B requires S$25 million into a GIP-approved investment fund.
- Option C involves setting up a single-family office with S$200 million in Assets Under Management (AUM), with at least S$50 million invested locally.
In comparison, other high-cost visas include:
- The US EB-5 Visa, which requires an investment of $800,000 to $1,050,000, depending on the location and type of project, plus significant legal and administrative fees.
- The now-discontinued UK Tier 1 Investor Visa, which once required £2 million in capital, also ranked among the costliest routes to residency.
Why Are US and UK Visas Considered Difficult?
It is to prevent overstays, illegal employment, and fraudulent claims—concerns deeply rooted in both countries’ immigration laws, which prioritize national security, economic protection, and strict compliance with visa conditions.
1. US Visa Denials Based on 214(b) — Failure to Prove Strong Ties
Section 214(b) of the US Immigration and Nationality Act is often cited in visa denials.
It assumes all applicants are intending immigrants unless they prove otherwise.
This has led to high visa rejection rates, especially for young or single applicants with weak financials or no property.
2. US Visa Scrutiny Post-9/11 and Trump-Era Policies
After 9/11, US visa procedures became stricter. Citizens from Muslim-majority countries like Iran, Syria, and Yemen face additional screening through Security Advisory Opinions.
Under the Trump administration’s travel bans, even valid visa holders from affected countries were denied entry or subjected to revocations.
3. UK Visa Rejections for Dubious Financials or Minor Errors
UK visitor and student visas are frequently refused due to minor inconsistencies or perceived financial risks.
4. UK High Rejection Rates for Tourist Visas
According to UK Home Office statistics, the refusal rate for visitor visas from some African countries exceeds 40%.
Is the Schengen Visa Hard to Get?
Yes, the Schengen visa can be difficult to obtain for applicants from low-ranking passport countries.
Reasons include:
- Detailed application requirements including travel insurance, flight and hotel bookings, and financial proof.
- High rejection rates from certain embassies (e.g., France, Spain, Germany).
- Even minor inconsistencies in documentation can lead to refusal.
The process is also more stringent for those applying from outside their country of citizenship.
Hardest Work Visas in the World
- H-1B Visa (USA): Subject to an annual cap and lottery system, with tight employer sponsorship rules.
- Blue Card (EU): Requires high income, recognition of qualifications, and employer documentation.
- Japan Work Visas: Rigid qualifications, company sponsorship, and often language proficiency are required.
- Australia Skilled Migration Visa: A points-based system where only high-scoring applicants across age, skills, and education are selected.
Hardest Student Visas and Academic Entry Barriers
- USA F-1 Visa – Requires proof of full-time enrollment, strong financial capacity, and return intent.
- UK Student Visa – Recent tightening includes proof of funds and English language skills.
- Canada Study Permit – Increasing rejections for applicants from certain countries due to over-enrollment concerns.
- Australia Student Visa (subclass 500) – Demands robust evidence of financial ability and academic intent.
Visas with the Highest Rejection Rates
- Schengen Visa for Algerian, Nigerian, and Pakistani passport holders: Over 45% rejection rate.
- US B1/B2 Visa for African nations: Rejection rates often exceed 40%.
- UK Visitor Visa: Particularly tough for South Asian and African applicants.
Which Is the Strongest Visa in the World?
Strongest visa often refers to visas that allow long stays, multiple entries, and wide access.
- The US B1/B2 Visitor Visa is considered powerful because it allows up to 10 years of multiple-entry travel and is recognized by several countries as a basis for visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry.
- The Schengen Visa is also powerful, providing access to 29 European countries on a single visa. However, it can be notoriously difficult to obtain for applicants from countries with weaker passports.
Conclusion
Securing international entry can be an uphill battle especially when dealing with the hardest visas to get in the world.
Whether it’s North Korea’s restricted tourism, the United States’ intense consular scrutiny, or the Schengen Zone’s high visa rejection rates for certain nationalities, these visa systems reflect a complex mix of national security, immigration policy, and diplomatic considerations.
Understanding why some countries impose such barriers is key to managing expectations and navigating the process effectively.
As global travel becomes more regulated, applicants must prepare thoroughly to meet the toughest visa standards in today’s world.
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Adam is an internationally recognised author on financial matters with over 830million answer views on Quora, a widely sold book on Amazon, and a contributor on Forbes.
