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- The Countries With Strict Dress Codes Tourists Need To Follow Is Even Longer
Boho accessories, designer clothing, and glitter; "fashion is everywhere and everything is in fashion." Unfortunately, nobody can escape from the fashion police, with women being severely scrutinized on a regular basis.
That being said, there are some places where traditional clothing and modesty are a must. Tourists visiting conservative areas, religious sites, and Muslim countries, such as Saudi Arabia and Sudan, are encouraged to be respectful and follow all the local dressing regulations. We should note that in some places, inappropriate clothing can lead to severe legal consequences. On the other side, some liberal countries and popular destinations, such as Italy and Greece, have also banned certain clothing and shoe-wear to preserve their historical and cultural sites.
So, here are 17 places where tourists have to follow strict dress codes (and 5 with no rules).
UPDATE: 2022/11/14 20:45 EST BY AARON SPRAY
The Countries With Strict Dress Codes Tourists Need To Follow Is Even Longer
As a general rule, people and police around the world cut tourists a fair amount of slack when it comes to the dress codes of their countries. That being said, tourists do still need to follow a number of dress codes otherwise they can offend local people or get fined. This list was updated to include more countries with strict dress codes.
21 Bicycle Helmets Are Compulsory In New Zealand (& Australia)
New Zealand and Australia are very strict when it comes to public health and safety. And in order to minimize head injuries from people falling off bicycles, it is the law for all cyclists to wear helmets. The rule is enforced by both the police and the people - it is not uncommon to be offered a helmet if one is cycling around a neighborhood without one. The fine in New Zealand for not wearing a helmet is NZD $55.00 (USD $33).
20 No Miniskirts Or Pants For Women In Swaziland (Now Eswatini)
There are some countries in the world (particularly some countries in sub-Saharan Africa) where it is frowned upon for women to wear mini skirts or pants (aka trousers for British readers). Around 10 years ago Swaziland, now called Eswatini, took a step further and banned women from wearing the garments. It is not clear how much the rule is enforced in the country (and it is very unlikely to enforce the rule for tourists). Oddly enough it was technically illegal for women to wear pants/trousers in France until the old forgotten law was finally stricken from the books in 2013.
19 Western-Style Clothing Is Not Allowed In North Korea
North Korea is a conservative country, so it's no surprise people there are often forced to follow strict dress codes. Citizens can choose only from haircuts approved by the government and hair should be neat. In addition, men and women avoid Western-style clothing. Alarmingly, women caught wearing jeans and trousers can be punished or fined.
18 Saudi Arabia: Abayas And Headscarves Are Mandatory For Women
People in Saudi Arabia are often forced to follow old-fashioned and religious regulations. It's not a secret that women there wear an obligatory niqab and an abaya as showing a bit of flesh is considered a criminal act. On the other hand, men caught in "feminine clothing" and "behaving like a woman" can be punished. Thus, tourists should be careful and modest. Rules have been somewhat relaxed as Saudi Arabia has opened up to international tourism.
17 Cinque Terre, Italy: Tourists With Inappropriate Footwear Will Be Fined
Italy is a beautiful and liberal country. Yet, if you are visiting Cinque Terre, Italy’s amazing five, avoid wearing heels and flip-flops – simply to prevent accidents. Tourists who choose to hike the vineyards and the hilly area between the five villages will be fined if caught wearing sandals, flip-flops or heels.
16 Face Covering Is Banned In France
Elegant France is one of the few countries in Western Europe where it’s illegal for people to cover their faces. A national burqa ban was introduced in 2010 regarding burqas, motorcycle helmets, and hoods. According to Business Insider, the law was criticized as discriminatory towards Muslim women and their religious rights.
15 No "Indecent Dressing" In Uganda
Diverse Uganda is one of the most socially conservative places in Africa. Local women, in particular, are often forced to follow strict dressing rules and may face arrest for wearing skirts above the knee. The government bans "indecent dressing," so tourists should also avoid wearing skirts above the knee or shorts.
14 Cover Up When Visiting Meteora, Greece
Whether you’re planning to visit the wonderful St. Peter Basilica in the Vatican City or the impressive St. Alexander Cathedral in Sofia, Bulgaria, all churches have a dress code of modesty. Men and women visiting the stunning rocks and monasteries in Meteora, Greece, for example, are required to cover their legs and arms.
13 The Maldives: Swimwear Is Not Always Welcome
Although many people associate the Maldives with white beaches and turquoise diving spots, we should not forget that this tropical country is Muslim and revealing swimwear is not welcomed. Western-style swimwear is limited to resorts and bikini beaches. Public beaches, on the other hand, are mainly for covered locals.
12 Avoid "Public Order" Offenses In Sudan
Sudan is another country with strict dressing regulations. According to the notorious Sharia law, women can be arrested for public order offenses, such as wearing skirts. Men, on the other hand, can be punished for "indecency," such as attending a fashion show and wearing make-up. Tourists should be extremely careful.
11 How To Respectfully Visit Buddhist Temples In Southeast Asia
From Orthodox churches to Buddhist temples, visiting a religious center requires modesty. Locals and tourists visiting temples across Southeast Asia, for example, are required to cover their shoulders and knees. We should note that having a Buddha tattoo is often seen as disrespectful, so tourists should make sure to hide their body art.
10 People Are Not Allowed Camouflage Clothing In St. Lucia
Believe it or not, camouflage wear is illegal in several countries across the globe, such as St. Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Antigua, Barbados, Jamaica, Grenada, Nigeria, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the Philippines. To provide an example, tourists and locals are not allowed to wear camouflage clothes in St. Lucia because it is considered military wear.
9 Avoid High Heels At Ancient Sites In Greece
Planning to visit sunny Greece? Well, tourists should know that heels are not allowed at many of Greece’s ancient sites, including the Acropolis in lively Athens. As a matter of fact, authorities have banned high heels since 2009 in order to protect national treasures from tearing. Better pack some comfortable travel shoes!
8 Look Classy When Visiting Harrods
Harrods in posh Knightsbridge, London is one of the most iconic department stores not only in the UK but across the globe. It provides stylish attire, first-class service, and high quality, attracting celebs and tourists throughout the year. Thus, people visiting Harrods are encouraged to dress classy – even when window-shopping.
7 Be Respectful In Hvar, Croatia
Hvar, Croatia is one of the most popular destinations all over the globe, also known as one of the "main island destinations for the super-rich." Interestingly enough, in order to preserve the old city, authorities encourage tourists to be more respectful and have banned eating and drinking in public. Plus, tourists walking in their swimwear can be fined up to $670.
6 How To Stop Looking Like A Tourist
We all know that packing can be tough. Unfortunately, many people follow stereotypes and try (unsuccessfully) to look like locals while holding a selfie-stick. Better do some research and stick to comfortable and modest clothing, especially when visiting religious and conservative places. Tourists are simply encouraged to... stop looking like tourists.
5 Go Wild In Rio De Janeiro
With picturesque views and vibrant atmosphere, it’s no surprise that Rio de Janeiro is known as the "cidade maravilhosa" - the marvelous city - of Brazil. The Rio Carnival, in particular, is like a colorful feast for the senses: fresh coconut water, provoking attire, and crazy beats. Thus, tourists can feel free to choose shiny accessories and steamy outfits.
4 Miami Is A Skate (And Bikini) Friendly City
If you are visiting Miami, do not forget that temperatures there can be really hot, just like the outfits some locals wear. Many people living in Miami look not only comfortable but glamorous. No surprise the Miami Design District has become an attractive place for fashion-lovers from all over the globe. Skating in steamy shorts or a bikini? Why not?
3 The Street Style Trends Of New York Are Inspiring
The Big Apple is one of the most fascinating and fast-moving places across the globe. The city has created numerous iconic brands and subcultures. In fact, according to highsnobiety.com, the most interesting changes in men’s fashion have started in New York. From street goth to boho style, New York is one of the most liberal places for tourists and fashion-lovers.
2 Designers Simply Love London
London is one of the most cosmopolitan and diverse places across the globe, so it’s no surprise that its fashion industry is influential worldwide. From stylish businessmen to vintage-inspired youths, the capital of England is like a colorful catwalk. If you are visiting London, do not dress to impress - simply be yourself!