Fill your mind and soul: 2024’s 10 most visited countries in the world

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16 Jan 2025

The most visited countries in the world are where millions of travellers flock each year to experience rich cultures, iconic landmarks and diverse landscapes.

Countries like France, Spain and the US consistently top the charts for international visitors. In 2019, France alone welcomed nearly 90 million tourists, drawn to its romance, world-renowned cuisine and iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower.

Their popularity can be attributed to a combination of factors, including well-established tourism infrastructure, extensive marketing efforts and a wealth of attractions.

Famous landmarks, cultural festivals and historical sites attract travellers worldwide. These countries often benefit from great transportation networks, making them easily accessible.

As a traveller, exploring the most visited countries in the world provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in the diverse tapestry of global cultures, discover iconic landmarks and indulge in different cuisines.

But it begs the question — why do some countries receive hordes of eager tourists while others don’t?

The least visited countries in the world, and why they don’t receive visitors

Venturing off on the road not taken can lead you to some of the world’s least visited countries, often hidden gems waiting to be explored.

For example, Tuvalu, an island country about midway between Hawaii and Australia, boasts a marine conservation area and has nesting sites for the endangered green sea turtle. 1,514 kilometers away, Nauru, the third-smallest country in the world, allows you to explore the trails and remnants of World War II history on its shores.

Regardless of this, Tuvalu received only around 3,700 visitors in 2023, while Nauru hit their target of having 50 tourists a month in the same year.

It’s not too strange — these remote nations often face challenges in terms of accessibility, with limited transportation options and fewer international flights.

The most visited countries in the world boast the opposite features: many flights, easy transport links and many other great factors that draw millions of tourists every year — the same factors that can enhance your study abroad adventure.

10 most visited countries in the world

Note: The number of visitors was taken from Data Pandas.

The home to the city of love retains its position at the top of the list of most visited countries in the world. Source: AFP

1. France

Number of international tourist arrivals in 2024: 89.4 million

The allure of France is undeniable. Its history is shown through its castles and cathedrals, which tell tales of royalty that span centuries. Idyllic villages and romantic cities are inviting for those who want to indulge in markets, the quintessentially French café terraces and the timeless ritual of enjoying a coffee and croissant.

Beyond its architecture, France is known for its outdoors. This includes Corsica’s forests and the French Riviera’s sun-soaked shores. Then, there’s the delectable cuisine too. From Michelin-starred restaurants to charming cafes, France provides a gastronomic journey defined by the world’s best wines, pastries, and classic fine dining dishes.

Many international students are also drawn to France due to the many educational opportunities, like its English-taught programmes to some of the country’s most affordable universities.

Here, you’ll find four French universities within the top 100 of the QS World University Rankings 2025 list:

#24, Université PSL
#46, Institut Polytechnique de Paris
#63, Sorbonne University
#73, Université Paris-Saclay

Spain is one of the most visited countries in the world, with millions of visitors each year coming to see the country’s beautiful beaches, historical landmarks, and cultural attractions. Source: AFP

2. Spain

Number of international tourist arrivals in 2024: 83.7 million

Spain boasts a trove of captivating attractions. Antoni Gaudi’s masterpieces like the Sagrada Familia and Park Guell in Barcelona, the awe-inspiring Alhambra, the serene El Retiro in Madrid and the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao are just a sampling of the country’s cultural riches.

It has also become a hotspot for international students seeking educational opportunities. With a range of universities offering diverse programmes in English and Spanish, students from around the world are drawn to the quality of education and the cultural experience Spain provides.

The country has four universities on the top 200 of the QS World University Rankings 2025 list:

#164, Complutense University of Madrid
#165, Universitat de Barcelona
#175, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
#198, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid

Naturally, one of the most visited countries in the world is the US. Source: AFP

3. US

Number of international tourist arrivals in 2024: 79.3 million

The US remains one of the most visited countries in the world, enticing visitors with its diverse blend of metropolises and small-town charms.

From the iconic skyline of New York City to the glitz of Las Vegas, the cultural melting pots of Los Angeles and Chicago, and the historical charm of Boston, American cities are vibrant, ever-evolving spaces that offer many cultures and cuisines.

Its landscapes also add to its popularity, with attractions like the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park and the lush rainforests.

Apart from being a sought-after travel destination, the US is also a hub for international students seeking quality education. From Ivy League universities to community colleges, there’s a place for everyone to fulfil their American dream.

Four US universities rank within the top 10 of the QS World University Rankings 2025 list:

#1, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
#4, Harvard University
#6, Stanford University
#10, California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

China’s universities have been slowly but surely increasing the number of English-taught programmes to entice more international students to join their ranks. Source: AFP

4. China

Number of international tourist arrivals in 2024: 65.7 million

China, standing as one of the most visited countries in the world, has an appeal beyond politics.

From iconic attractions like the majestic Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an and the modern skyline of Shanghai to a legacy predating many nations and universities established before schools even existed in England, China has become popular for international students with a growing number of top-ranking universities.

In 2021, the Chinese Ministry of Education reported 255,720 were full-time international students, representing less than 1% of total enrolments nationally. While that might not sound as impressive, it is — that figure was equivalent to 38% of the UK’s total international enrolment share, in what was a record recruitment year for the UK.

China has five universities in the top 50 of the QS World University Rankings 2025 list:

#14, Peking University
#20, Tsinghua University
#39, Fudan University
#45, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
#47, Zhejiang University

Whether you prefer a classic margherita or pepperoni, Italy is the place to be for all pizza lovers. Source: AFP

5. Italy

Number of international tourist arrivals in 2024: 64.5 million

Next on the list of most visited countries in the world is Italy. It is the epitome of culinary delights, rich history and artistic treasures. This comes as no surprise with cities like Rome, Florence, Venice, the Amalfi Coast and the picturesque island of Sicily.

The charms of Italy lie not only in its delicious cuisine of pizza, pasta, and wine but also in its cultural significance and beauty. Whether exploring the ruins of Pompeii, strolling through Tuscany’s vineyards, or marvelling at St. Peter’s Basilica, Italy offers an enriching experience.

Italy hosts some of the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities. Here, the chance to study art, history, fashion, and architecture in the very landscapes that inspired the masters of these disciplines is a dream come true for many.

The best Italian universities featured within the top 200 of the QS World University Rankings 2025 list are:

#111, Politecnico di Milano
#132, Sapienza University of Rome
#133, Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna

Thanks to its compelling cuisine and beautiful architecture, Turkey was one of the most visited countries in the world. Source: AFP

6. Turkey

Number of international tourist arrivals in 2024: 51.2 million

Turkey lures travellers with its unique charm and diverse attractions. It has fairytale-like hot air balloons of Cappadocia, the cascading waterfalls of Pamukkale and the ancient marvels of Ephesus.

Endless beach resorts, including the stunning Mediterranean coastline, as well as culinary delights such as spiced kebabs, oil-cooked vegetables, and baklava increase Turkey’s appeal.

Every year, more than 250,000 international students join its 207 universities. They come through both the Erasmus+ scheme and international partnerships with universities.

The three best universities in Turkey featured on the QS World University Rankings 2025 list are:

#285, Middle East Technical University
#326, Istanbul Technical University
#401, Koç University

The people of Mexico have a vibrant spirit, and even more vibrant festivals for all to enjoy. Source: AFP

7. Mexico

Number of international tourist arrivals in 2024: 45 million

The Mexican spirit is unlike any other.

The country’s diverse landscapes, including eye-catching jungles, volcanoes, deserts, and coastlines, offer adventures for both hikers and divers, from scaling Oaxaca’s mountainous ridges to diving deep into the Caribbean. For the foodies, you’ll find the street tacos, enchiladas, and guacamole create a tantalising journey for your taste buds.

Mexico also stands as an increasingly popular destination for international students. Over 70,000 international students have chosen Mexican universities, drawn by the academic quality, affordable tuition and the chance to immerse themselves in the Spanish language and Mexican culture.

Two of Mexico’s best universities that are featured within the top 200 of the QS World University Rankings 2025 list:

#94, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)
#185, Tecnológico de Monterrey

People enjoy a drink at a bar along the popular tourist and nightlife strip Khao San Road in Bangkok. Source: AFP

8. Thailand

Number of international tourist arrivals in 2024: 39.8 million

The appeal of Thailand lies in its multifaceted charm – from having the best food in the world, pristine landscapes and endless beaches to friendly people and a cost of living that won’t break the bank.

The vibrant atmosphere of Bangkok, the laid-back beauty of Koh Samui, the stunning landscapes of Phang Nga, and the breathtaking scenery of Krabi are all appealing in many and various ways.

Thailand’s nightlife, shopping, scrumptious street food and numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including ancient structures and dense forests, make it a perennial tourist favourite.

Beyond drawing toursits, Thailand is becoming an increasingly popular destination for international students. The country’s universities offer a range of programmes in English, providing the opportunity to study in a tropical paradise.

Two of Thailand’s best universities that are featured within the top 500 of the QS World University Rankings 2025 list:

#229, Chulalongkorn University
#368, Mahidol University

People enjoy the sunset on the Admiralsbruecke in Berlin’s district of Kreuzberg. Source: AFP

9. Germany

Number of international tourist arrivals in 2024: 39.6 million

Germany, nestled at the heart of Europe, is one of the most visited countries in the world, boasting a rich tapestry of cultural, historical and natural wonders. The country’s allure is thanks to its 6,800 museums, including the Städel Museum, preserving 700 years of art history and many magnificent castles and palaces like Neuschwanstein Castle.

With 16 natural landscapes, including the Black Forest Natural Park and Harz National Park, Germany attracts nature enthusiasts from around the world.

Germany also stands out as a hub for education, attracting international students seeking academic excellence. The opportunity to pursue programmes in English, coupled with the absence of tuition fees in many public universities, adds to the appeal.

You’ll find five German universities in the top 100 of the QS World University Rankings 2025 list:

#28, Technical University of Munich
#59, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
#84, Universität Heidelberg
#97, Freie Universitaet Berlin
#99, RWTH Aachen University

10. UK

Number of international tourist arrivals in 2024: 39.4 million

The UK’s popularity is attributed not only to its rich historical and cultural heritage but also to its exceptional Christmas markets, festivals, and diverse attractions.

From Buckingham Palace to the lush green countryside, the UK has so much to offer. It is more than just London, with cities like Glasgow, Birmingham, Cardiff, Leeds, Edinburgh, and Manchester just as exciting as its capital.

On the higher education front, the UK’s universities need no introduction. With esteemed institutions like those of the Russell Group and beyond, the UK is home to some of the world’s brightest minds tackling the grand challenges of the 21st century.

Four UK universities rank within the top 10 of the QS World University Rankings 2025 list: