Originally Posted by Swanhunter
Probably second toughest after Turkmenistan - where tourist visas just don't happen.
The figure is about 1200 and US citizens are generally NOT allowed. Up until '95 this was a US government ruling....when that was changed the DRPK implemented the restriction instead. The last time US citizens were allowed in was in 2002 for the Arirang Games.
Interesting question.
Actually, Turkmenistan was not always difficult to visit. You used to be able to transit with a visa from another CIS country. While the transit option may have changed, it seems getting a tourist visa is possible as long as you prepay some tours and accomodations. And there is the national airline, Turkmenistan Airlines (T5), that covers quite a few countries and offers some cheap airfares.
I think any country that does not allow independent travelers is tough, with North Korea being at the top of that list. Throw in the near-blanket restriction on US passports, and the limited transport connections with the rest of the world, and the challenge becomes even greater.