For those who love capturing moments with a selfie while traveling, be aware that not all destinations welcome this popular practice.
Some places have strict rules against taking self-portraits, often for significant reasons like safety, preservation, or respect.
Whether you find selfies a fun way to remember your trip or an annoying distraction, knowing where they are forbidden is essential for any traveler.
Avoid these locations if selfies are a must, or plan your visit knowing you’ll need to put your phone away. Let’s explore seven such places.
1: Running of the Bulls
The Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain, is a highly anticipated event each summer, drawing thousands of participants and spectators.
However, taking selfies during this potentially life-threatening festival is strictly forbidden. The event involves people sprinting ahead of charging bulls through the streets.
To ensure the safety of participants and manage the chaotic environment, officials have banned selfies.
Runners caught attempting to take a picture face substantial fines, potentially thousands of dollars. This prohibition highlights the serious nature of the event and the need for full attention.
2: Saudi Arabia
Travelers visiting Saudi Arabia are instructed to keep their phones out of sight, as selfies are not permitted.
The regulations in Saudi Arabia extend beyond just selfies; taking pictures of locals, government buildings, or military personnel is also prohibited and can be punishable by law.
If you are a media professional and intend to take photos for media-related purposes, you must first secure permission from the General Commission for Audiovisual Media.
These rules underscore the country’s strict privacy and security regulations regarding photography.
3: Tower of London
The Tower of London, historically responsible for safeguarding the royal family and precious artifacts during wartime, is now a major tourist attraction, welcoming three million visitors annually.
Many visitors are eager to capture the experience, including taking selfies. While photography is allowed in certain areas, specific parts of the Tower have selfie prohibitions.
The Jewel House, which houses the crown jewels, and The Chapel of St. John strictly prohibit selfie-taking.
These restrictions are in place for important security and religious reasons, emphasizing the need to protect valuable exhibits and respect sacred spaces.
4: Big Cats in New York
For tourists in New York hoping to snap a picture with large felines at venues like zoos, circuses, or carnivals, it’s necessary to reconsider this plan.
A “tiger selfie” ban was enacted in 2014 specifically prohibiting selfies with big cats. This ban was implemented following a noticeable increase in the public taking photos with these potentially dangerous predators.
The aim is to prevent dangerous interactions between people and animals. Individuals who violate this mandate can expect to incur a fine, reinforcing the seriousness of the safety concerns.
5: Sydney Opera House
The Sydney Opera House in Australia has regulations regarding photography, particularly within its main performance area. Inside this key space, the use of cameras and selfie sticks is restricted.
This rule is often in place to maintain the integrity of performances and avoid disruptions for both artists and the audience.
Furthermore, anyone wishing to use photos taken at the Sydney Opera House for commercial purposes must obtain authorization from the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority.
This dual restriction covers both casual photography during events and professional or commercial use.
6: Anne Frank House
Thousands of visitors come to the Anne Frank House in the Netherlands every year to learn about Anne Frank’s life and the history of the Holocaust.
To preserve the solemn atmosphere and protect the historical items within the museum, visitors are asked to refrain from using their phones. This includes a request that people do not take pictures, including selfies.
The prohibition serves two main purposes: to protect the original artifacts from potential damage caused by flashes or accidental contact, and to prevent disturbances to other visitors who are experiencing the museum.
7: Portofino, Italy
Portofino is a famous, picturesque town located along the Italian Riviera, known for its colorful buildings and scenic harbor.
However, it is also gaining recognition for its implemented selfie ban. Officials in Portofino have mandated this ban specifically in designated “no-waiting” zones
Alicia Richards