TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Several prospective Indonesian furoda hajj pilgrims have not obtained visas. Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar stated that this delay is experienced not only by hajj pilgrims from Indonesia but also by those from several other countries.
Nasaruddin said that the delay in issuing furoda hajj visas is not unique to pilgrims from Indonesia; several other countries experience the same issue.
"It's not only like that in Indonesia. It's the same in other countries as well," said Minister Nasaruddin Umar in Jakarta, as quoted from Antara, Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
A visa is an important document for traveling abroad. Currently, there are 195 countries in the world, and some travelers dream of exploring them throughout their lives. Indonesian passport holders can visit 76 countries without a visa, including some ASEAN countries that usually do not require a visa for entry.
Some countries have open visa policies, while others impose strict visa processes. The difficulty of obtaining a visa is usually caused by important factors such as political conditions and security issues.
The Times of India has compiled a list of countries that are known for being difficult to obtain visas from.
1. Russia
Travelers must undergo a complex procedure to obtain a visa to Russia. The main challenge in this process is the numerous questions that must be answered in the application form. Additionally, applicants must list all countries visited within the last 10 years to obtain visa approval.
2. China
The Chinese visa processing is quite lengthy. Although many passport holders can enter China without a visa for a 72-hour visit, if they want to stay longer, they have to go through a visa process that can feel complicated and exhausting.
3. Turkmenistan
Due to its very strict visa regulations, this country is among the least visited in the world. All prospective visitors must complete three copies of the visa form provided by the Turkmen State Migration Service. In addition, they must obtain an Invitation Letter from a sponsor in Turkmenistan, a process that can take up to around 20 days.
4. Cuba
Access to this country is very difficult, especially for American citizens. If they do not receive permission to enter, they will be given a red tourist card, different from the Green Tourist Card issued for other countries.
5. Afghanistan
Entering Afghanistan is not easy, especially with the unstable political conditions. Many governments advise their citizens not to visit there. A visa is required to enter this country, except for diplomatic passport holders from certain countries, including Indonesia, who are exempt from this obligation.
6. North Korea
This country is among the most difficult to access. Visas can only be applied for through official tourist agents offering government-approved tours. Neither South Korean nor American passport holders qualify for a visa. In addition, even with a visa, visitors are not free to travel around because they are prohibited from interacting with local residents, criticizing the country's leaders, walking alone, or leaving the hotel unaccompanied.
7. Chad
This beautiful country is also included in the list. The visa application process is exhausting because there is no definite processing time. In addition, the application form is only available in French, so applicants must have a good command of the language.
8. Somalia
Somalia, officially known as the Federal Republic of Somalia, is in East Africa. Tourists are not recommended to visit the country. According to the Global Peace Index, Somalia ranks 6th as one of the most dangerous countries in the world due to political conflict, so embassies rarely issue tourist visas.
9. Eritrea
This small North African country is located on the coast of the Red Sea and is not well known. Due to its political conditions, it is often called the "North Korea of Africa." Therefore, visa applicants are not guaranteed to obtain one.
10. Nauru
Nauru, a country in Oceania, is one of the least-visited countries in the world. Visiting this country is difficult due to its remote location, limited connectivity, and strict visa regulations.
11. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is one of the most difficult to access. Visas can only be applied for through official tourist agents offering government-approved tours. Neither South Korean nor American passport holders qualify for a visa. In addition, even with a visa, visitors are not free to travel around because they are prohibited from interacting with local residents, criticizing the country's leaders, walking alone, or leaving the hotel unaccompanied.
Editor's Choice: Mongolia and Indonesia Plan Visa-Free Travel
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