The border gates in Van (Wan) have been closed since March 2020. The gates were first closed due to the coronavirus restrictions. However, despite the normalisation process, Turkey has not yet re-opened the gates. With no visitors, tourism in the city is dying.

Tourism has become an important aspect of life in Van, especially over the last five years. Two hundred and forty new cafes and 140 hotels have opened in recent years, but are now struggling to make money. Tourism professionals are suffering, and pleading for authorities to open the gates.