--- title: "15 Most Interesting International Borders in the World (With Pictures)" description: "Crossing an international border is a big deal depending on where you are, these are some of the most interesting international borders in the world." url: "https://viatravelers.com/international-borders/" published_at: "2014-06-02T10:15:55-06:00" updated_at: "2025-08-26T08:01:55-06:00" author: "Kyle Kroeger" categories: - "Cultural Travel" tags: - "International" --- With nearly 200 countries worldwide, there are a number of interesting international borders that must be crossed. We put together some of the most unique borders you can cross in the world right now. Get your papers ready, have your passport open, and get ready to pass through customs when you visit these international borders. ## Most Interesting International Borders in the World ### 1. Netherlands and Belgium ![Netherlands and Belgium Border](https://viatravelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Netherlands-and-Belgium-Border.jpg) [The Netherlands](https://viatravelers.com/destinations/netherlands/) and Belgium border is one of the most interesting international borders. It’s actually the busiest land border in the world, with over 300 million crossings each year. The crossing is so famous because it’s effortless – you can walk across, as seen from the international border picture above. The border has a long and interesting history. It was first established in 1843 when the two countries signed the [Treaty of Maastricht.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maastricht_Treaty) The treaty established peace between the two countries and prevented future wars. Interestingly, the border has changed a few times over the years. The most recent change happened in 1963 when the [Netherlands](https://viatravelers.com/landmarks-in-the-netherlands/) and Belgium swapped a small piece of land near Baarle-Hertog to straighten the border and make it easier to cross. If you want to cross a monumental border with a sense of novelty, it doesn’t get much better than this. It is a fascinating [place to visit in the Netherlands](https://viatravelers.com/places-to-visit-in-the-netherlands/). **See Related:** [Places to Get Married in Europe](https://viatravelers.com/best-places-to-get-married-in-europe/) ### 2. Austria – Slovakia – Hungary ![Austria – Slovakia – Hungary Border](https://viatravelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Austria-–-Slovakia-–-Hungary-Tripoint.jpg)“[File:Tripoint SK HU AT 6250528.JPG](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4288716)” by Krokodyl is marked with [CC BY 3.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/?ref=openverse). The Austria-[Slovakia](https://viatravelers.com/best-places-to-visit-in-slovakia/)-Hungary border is one of the most interesting international borders in Europe to cross. It’s located in the [heart of Europe](https://viatravelers.com/destinations/europe/) and is home to a number of interesting landmarks. The border was first established in 1921 after the Treaty of Trianon was signed. The treaty ended World War I and redrew the borders of these countries. ### 3. Norway and Sweden ![Norway - Sweden Border](https://viatravelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Norway-and-Sweden-Border.jpg) The [Norway-](https://viatravelers.com/places-to-visit-in-norway/)Sweden border is one of the most beautiful international borders. It’s located in the [Arctic Circle](https://viatravelers.com/arctic-towns/) and is home to some of the most stunning scenery in the world. The border was first established in 1925 after the Treaty of Oslo was signed. The treaty ended the Norwegian Civil War and established the border between Norway and [Sweden](https://viatravelers.com/destinations/sweden/). ### 4. Belgium – Netherlands – Germany ![Belgium – Netherlands – Germany Border Flags](https://viatravelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Belgium-–-Netherlands-–-Germany-Border.jpg)[image](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:%27Echte%27_drielandenpunt_grenspaal_-_omgeving_Vaals_(Zuid-Limburg)_(21950660541).jpg) by [Frans Berkelaar](https://www.flickr.com/people/28169156@N03)  is marked with [CC BY-SA 2.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/) The Belgium, [Netherlands](https://viatravelers.com/places-to-visit-in-the-netherlands/), and Germany borders are fascinating international borders. It’s located in the heart of Europe and is home to a number of interesting landmarks. The border was first established in 1921 after the Treaty of Trianon was signed. The treaty ended World War I and redrew the borders of these countries. ### 5. Poland – Ukraine border ![Poland and Ukraine Border](https://viatravelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Poland-–-Ukraine-Border.jpg)[image](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Polish-Ukrainian_border.jpg) by [Ondřej Žváček](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Ond%C5%99ej_%C5%BDv%C3%A1%C4%8Dek) is marked with [CC BY 2.5](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5/) The Poland-Ukraine border is a fascinating border to cross. It’s located in the heart of Europe and is home to a number of interesting landmarks. The border was first established in 1991 after the fall of the Soviet Union. It was created as part of the newly independent states that were formed in [Eastern Europe](https://viatravelers.com/cities-in-eastern-europe/). ### 6. USA and Canada ![USA and Canada Border](https://viatravelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/USA-–-Canada-Border.jpg)[image](https://www.flickr.com/photos/67872859@N00/42040829210) by [IainCameron](https://www.flickr.com/photos/67872859@N00) is marked with [CC BY 2.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/?ref=openverse). The USA and [Canada’s](https://viatravelers.com/destinations/canada/) borders are some of the most heavily fortified in the world. They’re also one of the busiest, with over 400,000 people crossing them daily. The border was established in 1854 after the [United States](https://viatravelers.com/roadside-attractions-in-us/) and Canada signed the Treaty of Washington. The treaty settled a number of disputes between the two countries. ### 7. Spain and Portugal ![Spain and Portugal Border](https://viatravelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Spain-–-Portugal-Border.jpg)[image](https://www.flickr.com/) by [Yuri Rapoport](https://www.flickr.com/photos/147897064@N02/) The [Spain](https://viatravelers.com/places-to-visit-in-spain/) and Portugal border on the Iberian Peninsula is one of the most historic borders in Europe. The border was established in 1278 after the Treaty of Alcanizes was signed. The treaty ended the conflict between the two countries and established the border between Portugal and [Spain](https://viatravelers.com/destinations/spain/). ### 8. Norway – Russia ![Norway and Russia Border](https://viatravelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Norway-–-Russia-Border.jpg)[image](https://www.flickr.com/photos/7692807@N05/579980409) by [Maltesen](https://www.flickr.com/photos/7692807@N05) is marked with [CC BY 2.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/?ref=openverse). Norway and Russia are some of the northernmost international borders in the world. It runs through the Arctic Circle, home to some of the world’s most northern communities. ### 9. India and Pakistan ![India and Pakistan Border](https://viatravelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/India-–-Pakistan-Border.jpg)[image](https://www.flickr.com/photos/97235261@N00/15027737723) by [Koshyk](https://www.flickr.com/photos/97235261@N00) is marked with [CC BY 2.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/?ref=openverse). The [India](https://viatravelers.com/destinations/india/) and Pakistan border is a fascinating border located in the heart of Asia and is home to a number of interesting landmarks. The border was first established in 1947 after the partition of British India. It was created as part of the newly independent states formed in the region. The India and Pakistan border is incredibly tense and is the site of a number of skirmishes and cross-border attacks. ### 10. Argentina and Chile ![Between Argentina and Chile Border](https://viatravelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Argentina-–-Chile-Border.jpg)[image](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_border_between_Argentina_and_Chile.jpg) by [Австралиец](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:%D0%90%D0%B2%D1%81%D1%82%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%B5%D1%86&action=edit&redlink=1) is marked by [CC BY-SA 3.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/) The Argentina-Chile border is another of the most beautiful international borders. It’s located in the heart of [South America](https://viatravelers.com/travel-insurance-for-south-america/) and is home to some of the most stunning scenery in the world. The border was first established in 1881 after the Treaty of San José de Flores was signed. The treaty ended the War of the Pacific and established the border between Argentina and [Chile](https://viatravelers.com/destinations/chile/). ### 11. Zimbabwe – Mozambique ![Zimbabwe – Mozambique Border](https://viatravelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Mozambique-and-Zimbabwe-Border-Post.jpg) The Zimbabwe-Mozambique border is one of the most historical international borders to visit. The border was established in 1980 after the Zimbabwe-Rhodesia Transition Agreement was signed. The agreement ended the Rhodesian Bush War and established the borders between Zimbabwe and Mozambique. ### 12. Vatican City and Italy ![Vatican City and Italy Border](https://viatravelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Vatican-City-–-Italy-Border.jpg) [The Vatican City](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vatican_City)and Italy border is a fascinating international boundary. It’s located in the heart of [Rome](https://viatravelers.com/things-to-do-in-rome/) and is home to some of the most stunning architecture in the world. St. Peter’s Square marks the boundary between [Vatican City](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vatican_City) and Italy. This border, home to the Catholic Church, is most visited by visitors and locals. With some divided by a small indentation on the ground and others guarded by fences and soldiers, no boundaries are alike. The border was first established in 1929 after the Lateran Treaty was signed. The treaty ended the dispute between the two countries and established the border between Vatican City and [Italy](https://viatravelers.com/things-to-do-in-italy/). ### 13. Italy and Switzerland ![Italy and Switzerland Border](https://viatravelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Italy-–-Switzerland-Border.jpg)[image](https://www.flickr.com/photos/152930510@N02/49931777617) by [crash71100](https://www.flickr.com/photos/152930510@N02) is marked with [CC0 1.0](https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/?ref=openverse). A single cabin overlooks the Italian-Swiss border and is used by researchers to work in low temperatures. The palace, originally built by the Queen of Italy in 1893, was only accessible on foot. This building has recently been renovated and is used to conduct high-elevation scientific research. ### 14. North Korea and South Korea ![North Korea and South Korea Border](https://viatravelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/North-Korea-–-South-Korea-Border.jpg)[image](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=80276323) by [Jasmine Halki](https://www.flickr.com/people/120420083@N05) is marked with [CC BY 2.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/?ref=openverse). It’s certainly one of the most protected international borders on this list. Both North Korea and South Korea are still technically at war, although American troops remain in South Korea today. The official ceasefire agreement was signed on July 27th, 1953, but a peace treaty has never been ratified. There have been several attempts to reunite the two countries over the years, but all have failed so far. Despite this, with an army on both sides, conflict could happen at any time. It’s not recommended as a [place ](https://viatravelers.com/romantic-cities-in-the-world/)for tourists to visit. ### 15. The USA and Mexico ![USA and Mexico Border](https://viatravelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/USA-–-Mexico-Border.jpg) The USA-Mexico border is one of the world’s most traveled and photographed. It is also one of the longest, at 3,200 kilometers in total length. This border is considered one of the most interesting international borders largely due to the controversy and outright puzzling purpose of such strict protection. The two countries share a long and complex history, and the border has become a focal point for their ongoing relationship. This controversial border features walls and fences to stop illegal immigration. We all know that walls and fences never last. At one point, residents between the [United States](https://viatravelers.com/strange-museums-in-us/) and Mexico played a volleyball match over the fence. Why not just live free and as one community? ## FAQ ### What are some famous borders? There are many famous borders worldwide, including the US-Mexico border, the India-Pakistan border, the North Korea border, and the Israel-Palestinian border. These borders are often the site of conflict and tension but can also be beautiful. ### What is the weirdest border? The world’s most unique border crossing is the Zambezi River, a natural border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Zambia have joined at one point to form the globe’s only quadripoint. ### What is the longest international border in the world? The longest international border is between the United States of America and Canada, totaling 5,525 miles. **Related Resources** - [Best Destination Wedding Locations on a Budget](https://viatravelers.com/affordable-destination-weddings/) - [Best White Water Rafting in the World](https://viatravelers.com/best-white-water-rafting-world/) - [Most Romantic Destinations in the World](https://viatravelers.com/romantic-destinations-in-the-world/)