The collection of “Hardest Countries To Visit” includes a few heavily controlled regimes – North Korea, Iran – and many more locations that are either too isolated, too war-torn, too wild or simply too small to provide tourist visas. And if you can’t visit, how can you find employment? Don’t be discouraged by all those Do Not Enter signs; even though they may also be the hardest countries for working visas, they sometimes offer the coolest temporary jobs.
- Russia – Au Pair –Visitors must submit proof of accommodation and an itinerary in order to travel through Russia; even after the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, visa numbers remain limited. So if you want to experience this vast country for more than a few days, working as an au pair/nanny with a local host family is an ideal opportunity. Hundreds of families, usually with 1-3 children, provide housing and meals in exchange for daily child care. You don’t have to be the next Mary Poppins, you just need to enjoy being around kids and living in a foreign environment. Some positions may also request light physical help around the house or educational tutoring. A majority of placements are in Moscow. Payment varies depending on the number of children and total job requirements. Compare host families and positions through agencies like New Au Pair and Easy Au Pair.
- Brazil – Olympic Worker – With both the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympics bringing floods of foreigners to the South American country, the visitor visa process has become closely regulated. You could apply now and wait months for approval to enter as a tourist; or, you could skip the queue and apply to work with the Olympic Organizing Committee in Rio de Janeiro. Hiring for some 4,000 positions prior to the games, the committee is looking for temporary employees as call center operators, administrative assistants, sports managers and ticketing agents. Limited experience is required for most positions. Check out all opportunities through the Rio 2016 Committee.
- Antarctica – Tourism/Support Staff – Thousands of tourists visit this icy landscape a year, spending exorbitant fees for a brief chance to experience Antarctica’s remote, sunning environment. Due to the short summer season, cruise ships and flights are infrequent and fill quickly; to visit once in a lifetime is extremely lucky. Yet you can find reason to live here for 4-12 months, with a tourism or support staff position on one of the national research bases. These positions – chef, housekeeper, carpenter, waitress, retail attendant – provide support for tourists and the scientific workers who live here full-time. Shifts are long but pay is good. Prepare for rigorous health screenings prior to acceptance. For the best assurance of a job, apply through your own national base (i.e. Americans should apply through the US-run base). Cool Antarctica offers detailed information on the working environment and potential jobs.
- Bhutan – Teachers – This Himalayan nation only opened its borders to tourists in 1974, insisting that visitors spend a mandatory $250 per day. Rumor has it this rule was made to keep out the crowds of budget backpackers that “ruin” local culture through overwhelming Western influence. Instead, visa numbers are now limited and require proof of funds. But what if you could make money working in Bhutan, instead of spending it? Both international organizations and national schools hire teachers in an assortment of individual and cross-curricular subjects. A University degree is beneficial, though not always required; for English teaching positions, a TEFL certificate may be necessary. Positions run from 6 months – 1 year. Consider wage and benefit options through job databases, like Go Overseas and Dave’s ESL Cafe.
- Cuba – Private Yacht Staff – While the infamous Caribbean country is quickly becoming the latest must-visit spot for intrepid travelers, it’s still near-impossible for Americans to get a tourist visa. Unless you have relatives in Cuba, a trip here may bring huge fines from the U.S. government. Legal employment is one of the only ways to ‘sneak’ in. Several international resort chains hire hospitality workers for their resorts, bars and restaurants; a second option is to find a job on a private yacht. Wealthy North Americans, Europeans and South Americans moor their boats around Caribbean islands, keeping a staff of chefs, food and beverage servers and room attendants ready for the next departure. Wages are high and usually tax free (in international waters). Work is irregular, usually several weeks on the boat and several weeks off. Room and board are provided throughout the period of employment. Start looking for positions at AllYachtJobs.
- China – Disney English Teachers – China is notorious for its temperamental visa process. Visitors must apply in advance, provide an itinerary and letter of invitation and register with police upon arrival. Many travelers have managed to explore the country by working as English teachers; and now, you can find similar jobs through the Disney-sponsored educational program, Disney English. Based out of Shanghai, the program now operates in cities around China, helping inspire children through Disney stories and language. A university degree and some teaching experience is required. TEFL certification is a plus. Housing and insurance are provided.
Do you know about more cool gigs in countries that don’t offer working visas? Let me know what’s missing from this list!
~ Until the next adventure! ~ Kelli
Photo credits: Tabercil – Wikimedia Commons; Ryanne Lai – Flikr; Runawaybrain – Wikimedia Commons