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No Selfies Allowed! Discover 7 Surprising Travel Destinations Where Selfies Are Strictly Forbidden

Travelling female friends taking selfie in city

In today's world of social media, taking selfies has become a popular way to capture memories and share experiences while traveling.

However, not all destinations are selfie-friendly. In some places, taking selfies is considered disrespectful, dangerous, or even illegal. In this article, we'll explore seven travel destinations where selfies are strictly forbidden, so you can be prepared and respectful during your next adventure.

  1. Sistine Chapel, Vatican City The Sistine Chapel, located in Vatican City, is a masterpiece of Renaissance art and one of the most famous attractions in the world. It is strictly forbidden to take photos or selfies inside the chapel due to the risk of damaging the delicate frescoes with camera flashes. Additionally, the ban aims to preserve the sacred atmosphere of the space, allowing visitors to admire the art in quiet contemplation.
  2. Mecca, Saudi Arabia Mecca, the holiest city in Islam, is visited by millions of Muslims every year during the Hajj pilgrimage. In recent years, Saudi Arabian authorities have discouraged selfies and photography at the sacred sites to maintain the spiritual focus and discourage showing off on social media. Visitors are encouraged to concentrate on their prayers and religious duties instead of snapping pictures.
  3. Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam houses the world's largest collection of Vincent van Gogh's artwork. Photography and selfies are strictly prohibited inside the museum to protect the artwork from potential damage caused by camera flashes and to ensure a pleasant and respectful experience for all visitors.
  4. The Pentagon, Washington D.C., USA As the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense, the Pentagon is one of the most secure buildings in the world. Photography and selfies are strictly prohibited in and around the building due to security concerns. Unauthorized photography may result in confiscation of your camera or even legal consequences.
  5. The Valley of the Kings, Egypt Home to the tombs of ancient Egyptian pharaohs, the Valley of the Kings is a UNESCO World Heritage site. To preserve the delicate wall paintings and prevent damage from humidity, flash photography and selfies are banned inside the tombs. Visitors are asked to respect the historical and cultural importance of the site by refraining from taking pictures.
  6. The Eiffel Tower, Paris (at night) While taking selfies with the Eiffel Tower is a popular activity for tourists during the daytime, taking photos of the tower's illuminations at night is technically illegal. The light show is considered an artistic work protected by copyright law, and taking photos or selfies of the display without permission could result in fines.
  7. Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp, Poland The Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp is a haunting reminder of the Holocaust and a place for reflection and commemoration. Out of respect for the victims and their families, selfies and posing for photographs are considered inappropriate and disrespectful. Visitors are encouraged to pay their respects and learn about the historical events that occurred at the site.

While selfies have become a popular way to document our travels and experiences, it's essential to remember that some destinations require a more respectful and mindful approach. By being aware of the rules and cultural sensitivities at these seven locations, you can ensure a thoughtful and respectful travel experience. Always research local customs and regulations before visiting any destination, and when in doubt, opt for capturing memories with your eyes rather than your camera.