Brits who have set visiting new countries as a priority in 2025, with competition rising thanks to the surge in ‘country ticking’ in order to secure the bragging rights of those who visited the most countries.
Over one in five (22%) of Brits want to boost their country count and track it so they can compare their tally with others, using apps like Skratch to brag about their latest ticks.
But even for some well-seasoned travelers there are some countries that aren’t even accessible by direct or in direct flights, making them prized ‘ticks’ for Brits counting every single nation.
Despite the lack of landing strips and terminals, Hadleigh Diamond, of luxury airport transfer provider SCSChauffuers, explains how to visit them: “Whilst these locations don’t have their own international airports, by making use of airport transfers, you can visit all these countries with ease.
When planning a trip, consider all airports and what airport transfers are available, either with a private driver or public transport.”
How to visit Europe airport-less nations:
Liechtenstein
- Nearest Airport: Zurich (Switzerland) and Friedrichshafen (Germany)
- Airport Transfer time: 1hr 10 minute drive from both airports
One of the world’s least visited countries, Liechtenstein is double-landlocked, being surrounded by other land-locked countries.
San Marino
- Nearest Airport: Rimini 16.8 km away. Florence (FLR) (101 km), Bologna (BLQ) (113.1 km), Pisa (166.5 km) and Venice (174.6 km)
- Airport Transfer time: 25 minute drive from Rimini
With more cars than people, San Marino is the world’s 5th smallest country. Despite its size, San Marino has its own Olympic Committee and participates in the Games.
Monaco
- Nearest Airport: Nice (France)
- Airport Transfer time: 1 hour drive, 50 minute train, 7 minute helicopter ride.
Vatican City
- Nearest Airport: Rome (Italy)
- Airport Transfer time: 25 minute drive from Rome Airport – walk-able from Rome city centre.
Home of the Pope, it is the smallest country in the world with an area of only 0.44 square kilometres and a population of 825 people, the Vatican is the smallest country in the world.
Andorra
- Nearest Airport: Perpignan (Switzerland) and Barcelona (Spain), Girona (Spain)
- Airport Transfer time: Perpignan (Switzerland) and Barcelona (Spain), Girona (Spain) – 2 hours 30 minutes