10 Forbidden Places on Earth You Are Not Allowed to Visit
- What deadly secrets are hidden inside the Vatican Archives?
- Why does the Brazilian government forbid humans on “Snake Island”?
- Can you survive an arrow attack from the tribe on North Sentinel Island?
We live in an age of globalization where almost every corner of the map has been explored, mapped, and turned into a tourist destination. However, there are still pockets of the planet that remain strictly off-limits. Whether due to government secrets, dangerous ecosystems, or fragile history, these locations are protected by armed guards, deadly nature, or simply the law.
Attempting to enter these places won’t just get you a fine; it could result in imprisonment or, in some cases, immediate death. Here are the 10 most forbidden places on Earth that you will never see in person.
1. North Sentinel Island, India
Located in the Bay of Bengal, this island is home to the Sentinelese people, one of the last uncontacted tribes in the world. They reject all contact with the outside world violently. In 2006, two fishermen who drifted too close were killed, and in 2018, an American missionary met the same fate. The Indian government enforces a 3-mile exclusion zone around the island.
Shock Fact: The tribe has lived there for 60,000 years and has no immunity to modern diseases like the flu, meaning a single handshake could wipe them out.
2. Ilha da Queimada Grande, Brazil (Snake Island)
Just 90 miles from São Paulo lies an island so dangerous that the Brazilian Navy has forbidden all civilians from landing. It is infested with the Golden Lancehead Viper, one of the most venomous snakes on Earth. Estimates suggest there is one snake for every square meter of land.
3. Area 51, USA
The world’s most famous secret military base is located in the Nevada desert. While the CIA finally acknowledged its existence in 2013, the base remains a “black site.” It is heavily guarded by “Camo Dudes” (private contractors) authorized to use deadly force against intruders. Conspiracy theorists believe it houses alien technology, but it is likely a testing ground for experimental aircraft.
4. Svalbard Global Seed Vault, Norway
Built deep inside a mountain on the remote island of Spitsbergen, this vault is designed to withstand nuclear war, asteroids, and climate change. It holds duplicate samples of nearly every seed crop in the world—a backup hard drive for global agriculture. Only a handful of scientists have the key codes to enter.
5. Lascaux Caves, France
Discovered in 1940, these caves contain stunning Paleolithic paintings estimated to be 17,000 years old. They were opened to the public in 1948, but the heat and carbon dioxide from tourists began to damage the art with mold. The caves were permanently closed in 1963 to preserve human history.
6. Vatican Secret Archives, Vatican City
With 53 miles of shelving, the archives contain state papers, correspondence, and account books from the Holy See accumulated over centuries. Access is strictly limited to select scholars who must go through a rigorous application process. Theories about what is hidden there range from evidence of extraterrestrials to the true lineage of Jesus.
7. Ise Grand Shrine, Japan
This Shinto shrine is dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu. It is so sacred that only the Japanese imperial family and high-ranking priestesses are allowed inside the inner sanctum. Interestingly, the temple is demolished and rebuilt every 20 years to symbolize death and renewal.
8. Room 39, North Korea
Located inside the Workers’ Party building in Pyongyang, Room 39 is a secretive bureau established to find ways to obtain foreign currency for the regime. Intelligence agencies believe it is the hub for state-sponsored illegal activities, including counterfeiting $100 bills and drug smuggling.
9. Poveglia Island, Italy
Known as the “Island of Ghosts,” Poveglia was used as a quarantine station for plague victims in the 18th century and later as an asylum. It is rumored that 50% of the island’s soil is composed of human ash. Today, it is illegal to visit, and locals refuse to take tourists there.
10. Surtsey Island, Iceland
This island didn’t exist before 1963. It was formed by a volcanic eruption and serves as a pristine natural laboratory. Only a few scientists are allowed to visit to study how life colonizes new land. Before landing, they are thoroughly checked to ensure they don’t accidentally introduce any seeds.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is it illegal to visit Ilha da Queimada Grande?
The Brazilian Navy prohibits entry to protect the public from the deadly Golden Lancehead Vipers and to preserve the snakes, which are critically endangered and exist only on that island.
Can I visit Area 51?
You can drive up to the back gate, but crossing the perimeter is a federal crime. The guards are authorized to detain you, and there are signs explicitly stating that “deadly force” is authorized.
Is there any way to see the Lascaux Caves?
While the original caves are closed, an exact replica named “Lascaux II” was built nearby, allowing tourists to see the artwork without damaging the originals.
