Welcome, $100 please: The countries with the weirdest entry requirements
For understandable reasons, tiny island nations tend to take sustainability seriously. But in 2017, the Micronesian nation of Palau (population 18,000) took things one step further by requiring all international visitors to sign a special environmental pledge committing them to 'tread lightly' and minimise their carbon footprint during their time on Palau.
As with a lot of climate stunts, the jury is out as to whether it adds up to more than just a clever gesture. But at least it leaves travellers with a nice talking point, given that the signed pledge is affixed to the pages of their passport as a novel souvenir.
Pay $US100 tourist tax: Bhutan
Tourist taxes are all the rage in Europe these days. But the controversial charges levied by the likes of Venice and Amsterdam look positively puny compared to that of Bhutan, which has imposed a $US100 daily fee on international tourists (excluding those from neighbouring India) to be payable on arrival.
Unsurprisingly, Bhutan's 'sustainable development fee' (to give it its proper name) is the highest tourism tax in the world. Despite that, though, the country's prime minister, Tshering Tobgay, insists that the hefty charge is welcomed by adventurous travellers who come to marvel at the kingdom's breathtaking landscapes.
'Most tourists are delighted that they can play a small part – a small meaningful part – in the sustainable development of Bhutan,' he told a US news network this spring.
Provide proof of parental permission: Canada
In the era of widespread international travel, the abduction of children by a parent has become a serious problem, with countries around the world cooperating to stop spurned parents trying to take their offspring out of the reach of their ex-partner.
That said, few countries take such a proactive approach to the problem as Canada, which advises that any parent travelling alone with their child (or children) bring a letter from their spouse proving that the arrangement is consensual.
In theory, then, it's a clever safeguard against parental kidnapping. In practice, it's the sort of unexpected requirement that could also trip up unsuspecting travellers with perfectly innocent intentions.
Leave chewing gum (and handcuffs) at home: Singapore
Singapore's zero tolerance approach to chewing gum has been part of travel folklore for decades. What is less well known, though, are the similar prohibitions on Christmas crackers and (ahem) handcuffs, both of which are taken equally seriously.
One benefit to Singapore's strictness is it presumably encourages travellers to check the bags – and the rules – carefully before their trip. Given the city state's extremely tough rules on drugs, including some prescription medicines, that is probably a good thing.
Hire a tour guide (with one exception): North Korea
Most people are aware that the only way into North Korea is to sign up for one of those tightly controlled propaganda tours which have become a fixation for a certain type of adventure tourist. But did you know there is an exception?
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For all its embrace of authoritarian socialism, the hermit kingdom actually contains a semi-capitalist 'special economic zone', where foreign investment is welcomed and entry requirements are considerably lighter for foreign nationals.
Getting to the city of Rason isn't easy, given that you'll have to obtain a Chinese visa first and make your way to the North Korean border. But if you're looking for novel entry requirements, it must be one of the most counterintuitive on Earth.
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ABC News
15-07-2025
- ABC News
Historic Alingano Maisu voyage brings new opportunities to learn traditional navigation
A historic voyage from Palau to Taiwan has brought with it new opportunities to learn traditional navigation. The traditional double-hulled voyaging canoe Alingano Maisu's 58-day cultural expedition was led by Grandmaster Navigator Sesario Sewralur, son of legendary Micronesian navigator and teacher Mau Piailug. The crew included members from Palau, Yap, Satawal, Guam, the Federated States of Micronesia, Taiwan, the US, and Japan, with one woman among the 11-member team — Andrea Yamoka Carr from Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands. "I highly recommend young ladies, women doing things that used to be only for the men but you know, women can also do," Carr said. Prepping for the voyage. ( Image: Selket Kaufman ) The first-of-its-kind voyage retraced ancient sea routes and served as a floating classroom, reconnecting Pacific Islanders with traditional navigation, environmental stewardship, and indigenous knowledge. "This was a true success in showing our children the cultural values we hold as ocean people," Sewralur said. "One ocean, one people. The youth of today are our sunrise, and we, the elders, are the sunset. We must help them understand: they will be the sunset of tomorrow, carrying this knowledge forward." Sesario Sewralur is also the son of legendary navigator and teacher Mau Piailug. ( Image: Selket Kaufman ) In partnership with Palau Community College, the Micronesian Voyaging Society (MVS) plans to launch crew camps, training, and navigation classes while the Alingano Maisu is in dry dock with work planned from August through November. Young people are encouraged to learn this traditional knowledge from their elders. ( Image: Nishida Ryota. ) During this period, the canoe will host interested groups from throughout the region, creating hands-on experiences and fostering deeper cultural ties. "Our ancestors followed the stars to find their way. Now, the next generation carries that knowledge forward, enriched by what they've learned in school," said Dr Patrick Tellei, President of Palau Community College. Students preparing plants for the voyage at Palau Community College and high school. ( Image: Selket Kaufman ) Carr encouraged young people to learn from their elders, as they had information and knowledge passed down from generation to generation. "I hear a lot of people say, 'Oh, I wish I would have talked to my grandmother because she knows this, she knows that, but too late, she's already dead',' Carr said. "In my heart, I always hope that the younger generation can continue … that this will still continue and perpetuate into the future and that they're able to teach the next generation and the next generation because we cannot let this stop."
Sydney Morning Herald
03-07-2025
- Sydney Morning Herald
Welcome, $100 please: The countries with the weirdest entry requirements
Sign a climate pledge: Palau For understandable reasons, tiny island nations tend to take sustainability seriously. But in 2017, the Micronesian nation of Palau (population 18,000) took things one step further by requiring all international visitors to sign a special environmental pledge committing them to 'tread lightly' and minimise their carbon footprint during their time on Palau. As with a lot of climate stunts, the jury is out as to whether it adds up to more than just a clever gesture. But at least it leaves travellers with a nice talking point, given that the signed pledge is affixed to the pages of their passport as a novel souvenir. Pay $US100 tourist tax: Bhutan Tourist taxes are all the rage in Europe these days. But the controversial charges levied by the likes of Venice and Amsterdam look positively puny compared to that of Bhutan, which has imposed a $US100 daily fee on international tourists (excluding those from neighbouring India) to be payable on arrival. Unsurprisingly, Bhutan's 'sustainable development fee' (to give it its proper name) is the highest tourism tax in the world. Despite that, though, the country's prime minister, Tshering Tobgay, insists that the hefty charge is welcomed by adventurous travellers who come to marvel at the kingdom's breathtaking landscapes. 'Most tourists are delighted that they can play a small part – a small meaningful part – in the sustainable development of Bhutan,' he told a US news network this spring. Provide proof of parental permission: Canada In the era of widespread international travel, the abduction of children by a parent has become a serious problem, with countries around the world cooperating to stop spurned parents trying to take their offspring out of the reach of their ex-partner. That said, few countries take such a proactive approach to the problem as Canada, which advises that any parent travelling alone with their child (or children) bring a letter from their spouse proving that the arrangement is consensual. In theory, then, it's a clever safeguard against parental kidnapping. In practice, it's the sort of unexpected requirement that could also trip up unsuspecting travellers with perfectly innocent intentions. Leave chewing gum (and handcuffs) at home: Singapore Singapore's zero tolerance approach to chewing gum has been part of travel folklore for decades. What is less well known, though, are the similar prohibitions on Christmas crackers and (ahem) handcuffs, both of which are taken equally seriously. One benefit to Singapore's strictness is it presumably encourages travellers to check the bags – and the rules – carefully before their trip. Given the city state's extremely tough rules on drugs, including some prescription medicines, that is probably a good thing. Hire a tour guide (with one exception): North Korea Most people are aware that the only way into North Korea is to sign up for one of those tightly controlled propaganda tours which have become a fixation for a certain type of adventure tourist. But did you know there is an exception? Loading For all its embrace of authoritarian socialism, the hermit kingdom actually contains a semi-capitalist 'special economic zone', where foreign investment is welcomed and entry requirements are considerably lighter for foreign nationals. Getting to the city of Rason isn't easy, given that you'll have to obtain a Chinese visa first and make your way to the North Korean border. But if you're looking for novel entry requirements, it must be one of the most counterintuitive on Earth.
The Age
03-07-2025
- The Age
Welcome, $100 please: The countries with the weirdest entry requirements
Sign a climate pledge: Palau For understandable reasons, tiny island nations tend to take sustainability seriously. But in 2017, the Micronesian nation of Palau (population 18,000) took things one step further by requiring all international visitors to sign a special environmental pledge committing them to 'tread lightly' and minimise their carbon footprint during their time on Palau. As with a lot of climate stunts, the jury is out as to whether it adds up to more than just a clever gesture. But at least it leaves travellers with a nice talking point, given that the signed pledge is affixed to the pages of their passport as a novel souvenir. Pay $US100 tourist tax: Bhutan Tourist taxes are all the rage in Europe these days. But the controversial charges levied by the likes of Venice and Amsterdam look positively puny compared to that of Bhutan, which has imposed a $US100 daily fee on international tourists (excluding those from neighbouring India) to be payable on arrival. Unsurprisingly, Bhutan's 'sustainable development fee' (to give it its proper name) is the highest tourism tax in the world. Despite that, though, the country's prime minister, Tshering Tobgay, insists that the hefty charge is welcomed by adventurous travellers who come to marvel at the kingdom's breathtaking landscapes. 'Most tourists are delighted that they can play a small part – a small meaningful part – in the sustainable development of Bhutan,' he told a US news network this spring. Provide proof of parental permission: Canada In the era of widespread international travel, the abduction of children by a parent has become a serious problem, with countries around the world cooperating to stop spurned parents trying to take their offspring out of the reach of their ex-partner. That said, few countries take such a proactive approach to the problem as Canada, which advises that any parent travelling alone with their child (or children) bring a letter from their spouse proving that the arrangement is consensual. In theory, then, it's a clever safeguard against parental kidnapping. In practice, it's the sort of unexpected requirement that could also trip up unsuspecting travellers with perfectly innocent intentions. Leave chewing gum (and handcuffs) at home: Singapore Singapore's zero tolerance approach to chewing gum has been part of travel folklore for decades. What is less well known, though, are the similar prohibitions on Christmas crackers and (ahem) handcuffs, both of which are taken equally seriously. One benefit to Singapore's strictness is it presumably encourages travellers to check the bags – and the rules – carefully before their trip. Given the city state's extremely tough rules on drugs, including some prescription medicines, that is probably a good thing. Hire a tour guide (with one exception): North Korea Most people are aware that the only way into North Korea is to sign up for one of those tightly controlled propaganda tours which have become a fixation for a certain type of adventure tourist. But did you know there is an exception? Loading For all its embrace of authoritarian socialism, the hermit kingdom actually contains a semi-capitalist 'special economic zone', where foreign investment is welcomed and entry requirements are considerably lighter for foreign nationals. Getting to the city of Rason isn't easy, given that you'll have to obtain a Chinese visa first and make your way to the North Korean border. But if you're looking for novel entry requirements, it must be one of the most counterintuitive on Earth.
