9 countries known for strict visa rules, excluding USA

With the Donald Trump administration halting new student visa interviews at Harvard, anxiety among Indian aspirants has surged. But the US isn't alone¡ªseveral other countries are known for imposing rigid visa rules; click to see.?

North Korea is considered one of the most challenging places to visit; primarily Korea grants visas to organise tour groups from China, but independent travel is practically impossible.?

Visa applications are often complex in Turkmenistan, and limited access is only granted to citizens of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.?

In Chad, only a few countries are exempt from the need for a visa, and others may find the application procedure difficult.?

Travel to Afghanistan is strongly discouraged because of safety concerns, while visa application is likely difficult.?

In Saudi Arabia, tourist visas are easy to obtain, but there are strict eligibility criteria and documentation requirements for the application procedure.?

Iran requires a sophisticated visa application process, including sponsorship and permission codes, which are often needed.?

Unless you have a close relative who is already a Chinese citizen, obtaining citizenship is quite difficult, and applying for a visa might be a complicated procedure.?

In Bhutan, visas are primarily obtained via organised tour groups.?

It is still a country with stringent entry regulations, even though visa requirements have changed.??