In a world stitched together by borders, politics, and history, geography has a funny way of shaping how we move. While many countries offer direct access via international airports, highways, or seaports, there are a few fascinating places on Earth where the only way in is—surprisingly—through another country. These are not your typical destinations. They’re enclaves, landlocked gems, or geopolitical quirks where getting in involves crossing someone else’s backyard.
Welcome to the curious world of countries you can only reach through another country. Grab your passport, because this journey is filled with border crossings, winding roads, and tales of historical twists.
1. Lesotho: The Country Inside a Country
Let’s begin with Lesotho—a country entirely surrounded by another country. This mountainous kingdom in Southern Africa is an enclave, meaning it lies wholly within South Africa. There’s no other way in or out. If you’re heading to Lesotho, whether by air or land, you must travel through South Africa.
This unique geography gives Lesotho its nickname, “The Kingdom in the Sky,” thanks to its high elevation. The country offers stunning scenery—snow-capped peaks in winter, rolling green hills, and traditional Basotho villages.
But here’s the kicker: Lesotho relies heavily on South Africa for trade, employment, and transportation. In fact, many Basotho people commute across the border daily. Lesotho’s very identity is intertwined with its neighbor, and that makes visiting it a truly unique experience.
2. San Marino: A Hidden Jewel Inside Italy
Next up is San Marino—the fifth smallest country in the world and entirely surrounded by Italy. This microstate perches on the slopes of Mount Titano and claims to be the oldest republic in the world, founded in 301 AD. No airports, no seaports—only Italian roads lead to San Marino.
Despite its small size (just 61 square kilometers), San Marino packs a punch: medieval towers, cobblestone streets, and panoramic views that rival any Tuscan postcard. It’s a favorite day-trip destination for tourists in northern Italy, especially those visiting Rimini or Bologna.
Entering San Marino feels like stepping into a fairy tale—but don’t forget, you can only do so by entering and exiting through Italy.
3. Vatican City: The Tiny State With Huge Influence
Speaking of enclaved countries, the Vatican City is perhaps the most well-known. Nestled entirely within Rome, this 44-hectare sovereign state is the spiritual headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. It’s the smallest country in the world, but arguably one of the most influential.
To reach the Vatican, you’ll walk (or drive) through Rome. There’s no airport or train station, and no customs checkpoint—it’s all open border with Italy. The Pope lives here, the Sistine Chapel stuns visitors daily, and St. Peter’s Basilica remains one of the most iconic structures in Europe.
Despite being inside Italy, Vatican City is its own country, with its own flag, coins, and postal system. But again, you can only get there by going through Italy.
4. Liechtenstein: No Airport, Only Land Routes
Liechtenstein, a tiny Alpine country sandwiched between Switzerland and Austria, doesn’t have an airport. That means if you’re flying in, you must land in Switzerland or Austria and drive in. Most visitors choose Zurich Airport, followed by a scenic drive through Swiss countryside.
There’s no border control between Liechtenstein and Switzerland, thanks to the Schengen Area, but still—you can’t fly directly to Liechtenstein, nor can you arrive by sea. This landlocked principality depends entirely on its neighbors for access.
Fun fact: Liechtenstein is the world’s largest producer of false teeth, and one of the few countries without a military.
5. Bhutan: Entry Through India Only (Mostly)
Bhutan is a Himalayan kingdom that tightly controls tourism. While it technically borders China, there’s no open border or road access from that side due to political tensions and rugged terrain. So, for most visitors, entry is only allowed via India, particularly through the town of Phuentsholing or via flights from Indian cities.
There is an international airport in Paro, but almost all flights originate from India, Nepal, Thailand, or Bangladesh. Bhutan’s geographic and political positioning makes India the default gateway for nearly every traveler.
Its isolated nature adds to its mystique—this is the land of the Gross National Happiness Index, where monasteries cling to cliffs and modernization is cautiously embraced.
6. Monaco: A French Affair
Monaco might be the playground of the rich and famous, but you can’t get in without going through France. This glittering microstate on the French Riviera is bordered on three sides by France and the other side by the Mediterranean Sea.
No international airport exists in Monaco. The nearest is Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, just 30 minutes away by car or 7 minutes by helicopter (yes, that’s a thing). The only road access is through France, and although there’s a port, even those arriving by sea often pass through French maritime checks.
Monaco might be a tax haven and Formula 1 hub, but its access depends entirely on France.
7. Kaliningrad: Russia’s Isolated Island
Kaliningrad is a Russian exclave located between Lithuania and Poland on the Baltic Sea. It’s part of Russia but not connected to mainland Russia, meaning anyone traveling there by land must pass through another country—typically Lithuania or Poland.
This geopolitical oddity exists because of post-World War II border changes. Kaliningrad remains strategically important to Russia and is home to a major naval base.
Travelers, especially EU or NATO citizens, often require special documentation or visas to visit, and tensions between Russia and the West have made this a challenging but fascinating place to explore.
Why Do These Places Exist?
The reason for these unique access scenarios often lies in history, colonial legacies, wars, or political negotiations. Whether it’s the peaceful cohabitation of San Marino and Italy, or the strategic complexities of Kaliningrad, these countries offer a deeper understanding of how boundaries shape our world.
They challenge the notion of what a country should look like or how it should be connected. And for geography lovers, they’re like easter eggs on the world map—hidden in plain sight, but with stories that are anything but ordinary.
Final Thoughts
So, next time you’re planning a trip, consider visiting one of these hidden gems. They’re not always easy to reach, but that’s what makes them special. Whether it’s a country inside another country, a landlocked paradise with no airport, or a territory stranded between rivals, each destination offers a lesson in geography, history, and culture.
Sometimes, the best journeys begin by going through somewhere else.
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