12 Places You’re Banned From Exploring
Have you ever wondered what lies beyond the barriers that forbid entry? Some locations have strict regulations to ensure they stay protected and isolated. Even if they’re preserved to defend our history and animals or maintain their magical charm, these places are a big part of why we feel curious.
UNESCO estimates that over 1,150 World Heritage Sites, including protected areas, are of cultural, historical, and environmental importance. Some of these destinations lie hidden from direct exploration but have stories to tell about the world.
Here are 12 places you’ll never get to visit…and the quirky reasons why.
North Sentinel Island, India

The Sentinelese tribe has lived alone on North Sentinel Island in the Andaman Sea for over 50,000 years and fiercely protects its island from the outside world. They are one of the last uncontacted peoples on the planet.
To protect the Sentinelese from diseases to which they have no immunity and to protect outsiders, the Indian government has banned all access. Hostile reactions and violent attacks are the usual responses of the island’s inhabitants when visitors approach the island.
It’s off-limits because of cultural preservation, to save the traditional lifestyle of the tribe, and for safety concerns. Earlier incursions have resulted in deaths.
Lascaux Caves, France

Lascaux Caves are more than 17,000 years old, and their prehistoric art includes animals and abstract shapes left with vivid depictions. They were discovered in 1940 and soon became a big attraction until exposure to tourists in 1963 caused irreparable damage from humidity and microbial growth.
Replicas of the caves now give visitors a taste of the past, and only a few scientists are allowed to visit annually. The caves are off-limits because of preservation efforts to prevent further deterioration of the ancient paintings.
Snake Island (Ilha da Queimada Grande), Brazil

Infamously home to an estimated 4,000 golden lancehead vipers—one of the deadliest snakes in the world—this small island is off the coast of Brazil. Snake Island is dangerous because the snakes have Venom that instantly destroys tissues.
Researchers and the Brazilian Navy rarely visit it, limiting access to the few researchers who visit to check that the lighthouse stationed there is still working.
The island is off-limits for human safety, as the snakes’ venom is lethal, and for environmental balance, to protect this rarest of ecologies.
Surtsey Island, Iceland

Surtsey, one of the youngest and Southernmost islands on Earth’s surface, was formed by volcanic eruption in 1963. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a controlled scientific laboratory where researchers can study ecological development from scratch.
The public is barred from accessing the island to prevent human interference and ensure that the island remains as pristine an environment as possible.
Area 51, Nevada, USA

Area 51 is probably our list’s most well-known “forbidden” location. The government only confirmed it exists in 2013, officially an Air Force testing site, but conspiracy theories about UFOs and aliens researching there abound.
Trespassing is forbidden. Area 51 is off-limits to the public, and armed guards protect it. There are no-fly zones. Although it is off-limits to the public, the government uses it to develop top-secret military technologies.
Vatican Secret Archives, Vatican City

It is home to records on the Catholic Church’s history from the 8th century onwards. Few people can access these documents, making it one of the world’s most inaccessible libraries.
Poveglia Island, Italy

Poveglia Island, situated near Venice, hosts story upon story of horror. During the plague, this area functioned as a quarantine zone, and after the plague, as a mental asylum with horrific rumors about the inhumane treatments the patients underwent.
Now, the island is empty and publicly closed for safety reasons. It is known as one of the world’s spookiest places. It’s off-limits because of Safety Hazards, crumbling buildings, and disturbing history; its eerie past deters visitors.
The Svalbard Global Seed Vault, Norway

Often called the “Doomsday Vault,” the Svalbard Global Seed Vault is home to over 1 million seed samples collected worldwide. It’s tucked into a mountain on a remote Norwegian island and designed to preserve plant diversity if a global disaster strikes.
Only scientists and agricultural organizations with seeds or research to submit have access. It’s off-limits for strict security to ensure the seeds remain safe and untouched.
Mezhgorye, Russia

People remember this closed town in Russia’s Bashkortostan Republic as the possible site of Mount Yamantau, which is believed to be a significant top-secret nuclear bunker or weapons storage site. The town is heavily guarded, and no outsider is permitted to enter.
It’s off-limits for high secrecy. The Russian government never revealed the town’s real purpose.
The Coca-Cola Recipe Vault, Georgia, USA

According to Reuters, the secret recipe for Coca-Cola, established in 1886, is guarded in a high-security vault at the World of Coca-Cola Museum in Atlanta. Only a few people knew of the formula, and access to the vault was strictly forbidden.
It’s off-limits: One of the world’s most valuable trade secrets must be safeguarded.
The Queen’s Bedroom, Buckingham Palace, England

The public is strictly off limits to Queen Elizabeth II’s private quarters. History has unfolded in the room, and in 1982, a rare security breach occurred when an intruder could make their way to the bedroom undetected.
It’s off-limits for privacy, security, and the royal family’s safety.
Morgan Island (Monkey Island), South Carolina, USA

About 4,000 rhesus monkeys live on Morgan Island, captive for medical research. The animals wander about freely, and the island is closed to the public to keep monkeys safe and research studies continuous.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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