How 44 landlocked countries of world surging tourism industry including Austria, Switzerland, Hungary and Serbia? – Travel And Tour World

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Landlocked countries, defined as those entirely surrounded by land with no direct access to oceanic coastlines, are fascinating destinations for global travel. As of 2024, there are 44 recognized landlocked countries and 3 partially recognized ones. Despite the challenges posed by their geography, these nations offer unique travel experiences worth exploring for both leisure travel and business travel. Holidaymakers can find a wealth of cultural and natural attractions, while corporate travel often benefits from these nations’ strategic regional roles. Navigating the visa requirements is essential, as it can impact both leisure travel and corporate travel plans. Here’s a closer look at these countries and their accessibility for tourists in the realm of global travel.

List of Landlocked Countries

Africa:

• Botswana
• Burkina Faso
• Burundi
• Central African Republic
• Chad
• Eswatini (Swaziland)
• Ethiopia
• Lesotho
• Malawi
• Mali
• Niger
• Rwanda
• South Sudan
• Uganda
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe

Europe:

• Andorra
• Armenia
• Austria
• Belarus
• Czech Republic
• Hungary
• Kosovo
• Liechtenstein (double landlocked)
• Luxembourg
• Moldova
• North Macedonia
• San Marino
• Serbia
• Slovakia
• Switzerland
• Vatican City

Asia:

• Afghanistan
• Bhutan
• Kazakhstan
• Kyrgyzstan
• Laos
• Mongolia
• Nepal
• Tajikistan
• Turkmenistan
• Uzbekistan (double landlocked)

South America:

Europe

1. Austria:
   • Footfall: Approximately 46.2 million international tourists in 2022.
   • Attractions: Vienna’s cultural landmarks, the Alps, and the Salzburg music heritage.
2. Switzerland:
   • Footfall: Around 11.7 million tourists in 2022.
   • Attractions: Scenic Alpine landscapes, luxury ski resorts, and cities like Zurich and Geneva.
3. Hungary:
   • Footfall: Approximately 14.8 million international tourists in 2022.
   • Attractions: Budapest’s thermal baths, historical sites, and vibrant nightlife.
4. Czech Republic:
   • Footfall: About 22.1 million visitors in 2022.
   • Attractions: Prague’s historical cityscape, castles, and beer culture.
5. Luxembourg:
   • Footfall: Approximately 1.1 million tourists in 2022.
   • Attractions: Medieval old town, scenic valleys, and castles.

Asia

1. Nepal:
   • Footfall: Around 620,000 international visitors in 2022.
   • Attractions: Himalayan trekking routes, including Mount Everest and Lumbini (Buddha’s birthplace).
2. Mongolia:
   • Footfall: About 350,000 tourists in 2022.
   • Attractions: Vast steppes, Gobi Desert, and nomadic culture.
3. Kazakhstan:
   • Footfall: Approximately 1.2 million tourists in 2022.
   • Attractions: Almaty’s cultural hubs, the steppe landscapes, and modern architecture in Astana.
4. Uzbekistan:
   • Footfall: Around 1.7 million visitors in 2022.
   • Attractions: Historic Silk Road cities like Samarkand and Bukhara.

Africa

1. Botswana:
   • Footfall: Approximately 2.4 million tourists in 2022.
   • Attractions: Chobe National Park, the Okavango Delta, and rich wildlife safaris.
2. Ethiopia:
   • Footfall: About 912,000 tourists in 2022.
   • Attractions: Historic sites in Lalibela and Aksum, and natural beauty in the Simien Mountains.
3. Rwanda:
   • Footfall: Approximately 1.2 million tourists in 2022.
   • Attractions: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and the cultural sites of Kigali.
4. Uganda:
   • Footfall: Around 1.5 million visitors in 2022.
   • Attractions: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Murchison Falls, and Lake Victoria.

South America

1. Bolivia:
   • Footfall: Approximately 1.1 million tourists in 2022.
   • Attractions: Salar de Uyuni, Lake Titicaca, and the city of La Paz.
2. Paraguay:
   • Footfall: About 720,000 tourists in 2022.
   • Attractions: Jesuit missions, Iguazu Falls, and the Pantanal wetlands.

Traveling to landlocked countries often requires navigating various visa regulations, which can vary significantly depending on your nationality and the specific country you intend to visit. Here’s a detailed look at the visa requirements for some of the landlocked countries across different continents.

Africa

1. Botswana:
   • Visa-free: Many nationalities, including US, UK, and EU citizens, do not require a visa for short stays up to 90 days.
   • Visa required: Some nationalities, particularly from countries with less diplomatic representation, need to apply for a visa in advance.

Ethiopia:

• Visa on Arrival/E-visa: Available for tourists from most countries for stays up to 90 days. E-visa can be applied for online.
• Visa required: Certain nationalities may still need to apply in advance depending on diplomatic agreements.

Rwanda:

• Visa on Arrival: Available to citizens of all countries for a stay up to 30 days.
• E-visa: Can also be applied online in advance for ease of entry.

Uganda:

• E-visa: Available for most nationalities and can be applied online for various types of travel (tourism, business).
• Visa required: Required for nationals of some countries who cannot use the e-visa system.

Europe

1. Austria:
   • Schengen Visa: As part of the Schengen Area, nationals of many countries need a Schengen visa for entry, unless visa-exempt.
   • Visa-free: US, UK, and many other nationals can enter for up to 90 days without a visa.
2. Switzerland:
   • Schengen Visa: Required for many travelers, allowing entry to all Schengen countries for up to 90 days.
   • Visa-free: Nationals of many countries including US, Canada, Australia, and Japan do not need a visa for short stays.
3. Serbia:
   • Visa-free: Citizens from EU, US, UK, and other selected countries can enter Serbia without a visa for short stays.
   • Visa required: Nationals from other countries must apply for a visa in advance.
4. Vatican City:
   • No Visa Required: There are no specific visa requirements for Vatican City as it can be accessed through Italy. Therefore, travelers adhere to Italian (Schengen) visa rules.

Asia

1. Nepal:
   • Visa on Arrival: Available for most nationalities at all international airports and certain land border crossings.
   • E-visa: Can be obtained online in advance to expedite the process.
2. Uzbekistan:
   • Visa-free: Available to nationals of several countries for stays up to 30 days.
   • E-visa: Available online for a broader list of countries for stays up to 30 days.
   • Visa required: Certain nationalities need to apply in advance.
3. Kazakhstan:
   • Visa-free: Citizens from many countries, including the US and EU, can enter without a visa for stays up to 30 days.
   • Visa required: Nationals from other countries must apply for a visa in advance.
4. Laos:
   • Visa on Arrival: Available for most tourists at international airports and several land borders.
   • E-visa: Can be applied for online in advance.
   • Visa required: Some nationalities must apply in advance.

South America

1. Bolivia:
   • Visa on Arrival: Available for nationals of several countries for short stays.
   • Visa required: Certain nationalities need to apply for a visa in advance.
2. Paraguay:
   • Visa-free: Citizens from certain countries can enter without a visa for short stays.
   • Visa on Arrival: Available at certain points of entry for others.
   • Visa required: Some nationalities need to apply in advance.

Key Points for Travellers

• Research and Preparation: Always check the specific visa requirements for your nationality before planning a trip to any landlocked country.
• Visa Types: Many countries offer visa on arrival or e-visas, making travel more accessible.
• Exceptions: Some countries have more stringent visa regulations and may require advance applications.

The Schengen Visa is a powerful tool for travelers wishing to explore Europe’s rich and diverse landscape. With a Schengen Visa, travelers can visit up to 27 European countries without the need for additional visas, making it incredibly convenient for both leisure and business travelers. One of the best ways to explore these countries, including several landlocked nations, is by using the extensive and efficient Eurail network.

Benefits of a Schengen Visa for Travel

• Seamless Travel Across Borders: The Schengen Area allows for border-free travel across 27 member countries, which include many landlocked nations. This facilitates a hassle-free journey as you only need to go through passport control upon entering the Schengen Zone.
• Up to 90 Days of Travel: With a Schengen Visa, travelers can stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This is ideal for those planning extended vacations or multiple country tours in Europe.

Landlocked Countries Accessible by Eurail with a Schengen Visa

Traveling by train in Europe is one of the most scenic and convenient ways to explore the continent. The Eurail network connects numerous destinations, including several landlocked countries. Here’s a list of landlocked countries you can visit with a Schengen Visa using Eurail:

1. Austria
   • Highlights: Vienna’s imperial palaces, Salzburg’s musical heritage, and the stunning Alps.
   • Accessibility: Austria is a central hub with direct rail links to neighboring countries like Germany, Switzerland, and Hungary.
2. Switzerland
   • Highlights: The picturesque cities of Zurich and Geneva, and breathtaking alpine scenery.
   • Accessibility: Switzerland is well-connected with high-speed trains to France, Germany, and Italy.
3. Hungary
   • Highlights: Budapest’s thermal baths and vibrant nightlife, and historical sites in Pécs and Debrecen.
   • Accessibility: Hungary’s rail network provides easy access to Austria, Slovakia, and Romania.
4. Czech Republic
   • Highlights: The charming streets of Prague, the historic town of Český Krumlov, and the spa towns of Karlovy Vary.
   • Accessibility: The Czech Republic is centrally located with convenient rail routes to Germany, Austria, and Poland.
5. Slovakia
   • Highlights: The medieval capital, Bratislava, and the natural beauty of the High Tatras.
   • Accessibility: Slovakia is easily reachable by train from the Czech Republic, Austria, and Hungary.
6. Luxembourg
   • Highlights: Luxembourg City’s fortified medieval old town and the scenic Moselle Valley.
   • Accessibility: Luxembourg’s compact size makes it easy to explore, with direct trains to France, Germany, and Belgium.
7. Liechtenstein
   • Highlights: The alpine landscapes and the charming capital, Vaduz.
   • Accessibility: Though small, Liechtenstein is accessible via a short train ride from Switzerland or Austria.
8. Andorra
   • Highlights: The Pyrenees mountains and duty-free shopping.
   • Accessibility: Andorra doesn’t have its own railway station, but you can reach it by train from France to nearby stations and then take a bus.
9. San Marino
   • Highlights: Historic fortresses and panoramic views.
   • Accessibility: Similar to Andorra, San Marino can be accessed by train to nearby Italian stations followed by a bus ride.
10. Vatican City
    • Highlights: St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel.
    • Accessibility: Accessible via Rome’s extensive rail network.

Travel Possibilities

Despite their lack of coastlines, landlocked countries are highly accessible and offer diverse attractions:

• Cultural Richness: Countries like Nepal and Bhutan are renowned for their rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes. The Himalayas provide some of the world’s most spectacular trekking opportunities.
• Historical Sites: European landlocked countries, such as Austria, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic, boast historic cities, castles, and well-preserved medieval architecture. The Vatican City is a significant religious and cultural center, attracting millions of visitors annually.
• Natural Beauty: Switzerland and Austria are famous for their beautiful alpine scenery. Ethiopia offers unique landscapes like the Simien Mountains and historic sites such as Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches.
• Wildlife and Adventure: Botswana and Zambia are prime destinations for wildlife enthusiasts, with national parks like Chobe and the Zambezi River’s Victoria Falls.

GDP of Landlocked Countries

Landlocked countries often face economic challenges due to their lack of direct access to oceanic trade routes, which can impede their economic growth and increase costs associated with import and export. However, the GDP of these countries varies widely, from high-income economies in Europe to developing nations in Africa and Asia.

GDP Overview by Continent

1. Africa:
   • Botswana: Approximately $19.7 billion (2022)​​.Ethiopia: Approximately $156.1 billion (2022)​​.Uganda: Approximately $44.3 billion (2022)​​.Zambia: Approximately $28.0 billion (2022) .Chad: Approximately $11.0 billion (2022) .

   Challenges: African landlocked countries often face higher transportation costs and rely heavily on their neighbors for access to international markets. Many of these nations are classified as low-income or lower-middle-income countries.

2. Europe:
   • Austria: Approximately $503.5 billion (2022) .
   • Switzerland: Approximately $807.7 billion (2022) .
   • Hungary: Approximately $176.1 billion (2022) .
   • Czech Republic: Approximately $306.0 billion (2022) .
   • Slovakia: Approximately $113.1 billion (2022) .

   Strengths: European landlocked countries often benefit from strong infrastructure, robust regional trade agreements, and high levels of economic development. Nations like Switzerland and Austria have diversified economies and high GDP per capita.

3. Asia:
   • Kazakhstan: Approximately $224.7 billion (2022) .
   • Uzbekistan: Approximately $80.4 billion (2022) .
   • Nepal: Approximately $40.9 billion (2022) .
   • Mongolia: Approximately $15.3 billion (2022) .
   • Laos: Approximately $19.0 billion (2022) .

   Growth Potential: Asian landlocked countries vary significantly, with some like Kazakhstan benefiting from rich natural resources, while others like Nepal and Laos are more reliant on agriculture and tourism.

4. South America:
   • Bolivia: Approximately $43.8 billion (2022) .
   • Paraguay: Approximately $41.1 billion (2022) .

   Economic Activities: South American landlocked countries often engage in regional trade and benefit from rich agricultural land and natural resources.

Tourism in Landlocked Countries

Tourism plays a crucial role in the economies of many landlocked countries, offering a significant source of revenue and employment.

1. Africa:
   • Botswana: Known for its spectacular wildlife and national parks, such as Chobe and the Okavango Delta. Tourism is a key sector, attracting safari enthusiasts worldwide .
   • Ethiopia: Offers rich historical sites, including the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela and the ancient city of Aksum. It’s becoming a popular destination for cultural and adventure tourism .
   • Rwanda: Famous for its mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda has become a major destination for eco-tourism and luxury safaris .
2. Europe:
   • Austria: A top tourist destination known for its historical cities like Vienna and Salzburg, alpine resorts, and rich cultural heritage. Tourism is a significant part of Austria’s GDP .
   • Switzerland: Attracts tourists with its stunning landscapes, luxury ski resorts, and cities like Zurich and Geneva. Tourism contributes substantially to its economy .
   • Hungary: Budapest, with its thermal baths and architectural landmarks, is a major draw. Hungary’s tourism sector is growing steadily .
3. Asia:
   • Nepal: Famed for its trekking routes and the Himalayas, including Mount Everest. Tourism is a vital economic sector, with significant contributions from adventure tourism .
   • Uzbekistan: Rich in Silk Road history, with cities like Samarkand and Bukhara attracting cultural tourists. The government is actively promoting tourism as a growth sector .
   • Laos: Offers beautiful landscapes and a relaxed pace of life, with sites like Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng drawing increasing numbers of tourists .
4. South America:
   • Bolivia: The Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat, is a major attraction. Bolivia’s diverse landscapes and cultural festivals also appeal to travelers .
   • Paraguay: Though lesser-known, Paraguay offers unique cultural experiences and natural beauty, including the UNESCO World Heritage site of Jesuit Missions of La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná and Jesús de Tavarangue .

Economic and Accessibility Challenges

While some landlocked countries, particularly in Europe, have thriving economies and excellent infrastructure, others face significant challenges:

• Transportation and Trade: Many landlocked nations, especially in Africa and Asia, grapple with higher transportation costs due to their dependence on neighboring countries’ ports for trade. This often results in economic disadvantages and slower development.
• Limited Resources: The absence of direct access to sea resources, such as fishing, compels these countries to rely on agriculture or mining, as seen in Mongolia and Zambia.

Visiting landlocked countries around the world presents unique challenges for travelers. These difficulties range from logistical issues and accessibility concerns to economic and political obstacles. Here’s an in-depth look at the problems travelers might encounter when visiting landlocked countries globally.

Accessibility and Transportation Challenges

1. Limited Access to Major Airports:
   • Fewer Direct Flights: Many landlocked countries do not have major international airports, resulting in fewer direct flights from other countries. Travelers often need to transit through multiple countries to reach their destination, which can add to travel time and cost.
   • Remote Locations: Countries like Bhutan and Nepal are nestled in mountainous regions, making air travel more complex and often dependent on smaller, less frequent flights.
2. Increased Travel Costs:
   • Higher Airfare: Due to limited flight options and the necessity of connecting flights, traveling to landlocked countries can be more expensive compared to countries with major international airports.
   • Additional Transport Costs: Once at the nearest airport, travelers may need to undertake long road or rail journeys to reach their final destination, adding to overall travel expenses.
3. Dependency on Neighboring Countries:
   • Transit Visas: Traveling through neighboring countries may require additional visas, increasing the complexity and cost of the journey. For instance, visiting a country like Uzbekistan might require transiting through Kazakhstan or Russia, which has its own visa requirements.
   • Border Issues: Landlocked countries often depend on their neighbors for trade and transit routes. Political tensions or border disputes can lead to closed borders or travel restrictions.

Economic and Infrastructure Issues

4. Poor Infrastructure:
   • Limited Transportation Networks: Many landlocked countries, especially in Africa and Asia, have less developed infrastructure. This includes poorly maintained roads and limited rail networks, which can make internal travel difficult and time-consuming.
   • Connectivity Issues: Remote areas might lack reliable transport links, making some regions difficult to access. For example, the Central African Republic and Chad have minimal transportation infrastructure outside their capitals.
5. Higher Costs of Goods and Services:
   • Import Dependencies: Landlocked countries often face higher costs for imported goods, including fuel, which can lead to higher prices for services such as accommodation and transport.
   • Limited Tourism Infrastructure: In some landlocked countries, the tourism sector might be underdeveloped due to the lack of investment and infrastructure, impacting the quality and availability of services.

Political and Security Concerns

6. Political Instability:
   • Conflict Zones: Some landlocked countries are in regions of political instability or conflict, which can pose safety risks for travelers. For instance, Afghanistan and South Sudan are often affected by internal conflict and unrest.
   • Government Regulations: Political regimes in certain landlocked countries may impose strict travel regulations, surveillance, or restrictions on foreign visitors, complicating travel plans.
7. Visa Complications:
   • Complex Visa Processes: Obtaining visas for landlocked countries can be more challenging due to bureaucratic processes or limited diplomatic representation. Countries like Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan have stringent visa requirements that can be difficult to navigate.
   • Unpredictable Policies: Visa regulations and entry requirements may change suddenly due to political or security issues, leading to travel disruptions.

Environmental and Health Concerns

8. Harsh Geographical Conditions:
   • Extreme Climates: Many landlocked countries have harsh climates, such as the hot and arid conditions in Mali or the cold mountainous regions of Mongolia, which can be challenging for travelers to adapt to.
   • High Altitudes: Countries like Nepal and Bhutan are known for their high altitudes, which can cause altitude sickness and other health issues for travelers unaccustomed to such environments.
9. Health and Safety Risks:
   • Limited Medical Facilities: In some landlocked countries, especially in remote or rural areas, access to medical care can be limited, posing risks in case of illness or accidents.
   • Disease Risks: Travelers may face health risks from diseases prevalent in landlocked regions, such as malaria in parts of Africa or waterborne diseases due to poor sanitation facilities.

Cultural and Language Barriers

10. Cultural Differences:
    • Language Barriers: Travelers may encounter difficulties due to language barriers, especially in countries where English is not widely spoken. For example, in Central Asia, knowledge of Russian or local languages is often necessary.
    • Cultural Sensitivity: Understanding and respecting local customs and traditions is crucial. Misunderstanding cultural norms can lead to uncomfortable or even dangerous situations for travelers.

Overcoming Challenges

Despite these challenges, many landlocked countries have developed strategies to enhance their connectivity and economic prospects:

• Regional Cooperation: Nations like Uganda and Mali leverage regional partnerships to facilitate trade through neighboring coastal countries.
• Tourism Development: Investing in tourism infrastructure has proven successful for countries like Laos and Rwanda, attracting visitors with their natural and cultural assets.