Forbidden places in the world that no one can visit

Photo Credit: X/@Miss__Emerald

<img src='https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2025/02/27/900x1600/Snake_Island_1740643945380_1740643945670.png' width='720' height='1280' alt='Snake_Island' style="position: relative; z-index: 0;"/> By Sakshi Sah Published Mar 11, 2025 Hindustan Times Trending <img fallback src='/res/images/logo.png' class=' img-fill elementStyle' width='1000' height='1000' alt='Hindustan Logo'/>

Some places are so protected that even stepping near them is impossible. Here are the most famous ones.

These caves contain 17,300-year-old prehistoric paintings. Closed to the public since 1963.

<img src='https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2025/01/03/900x1600/HT_1735897189729_1735897193409.png' width='720' height='1280' alt='HT' style="position: relative; z-index: 0;"/> Unlock Now <img fallback src='/res/images/logo.png' class=' img-fill elementStyle' width='1000' height='1000' alt='Hindustan Logo'/> Unlock Now

This island in the Andaman chain is home to the Sentinelese tribe. Outsiders are strictly forbidden as the tribe remains isolated from the modern world.

Formed by a volcanic eruption, Surtsey is one of the world’s youngest islands. It is only open to scientists to study nature without human interference.

One of Japan’s most sacred shrines, rebuilt every 20 years to preserve Shinto traditions. Only royal family members can enter its inner halls.

Once a quarantine hospital and later a rehab centre, this abandoned New York island is now a bird sanctuary and is permanently closed to visitors.

Home to thousands of deadly snakes, this island is so dangerous that the Brazilian government bans visitors to protect both people and the ecosystem.

Area 51, a secret US military base, is off-limits and linked to alien conspiracy theories.

Bizarre phobias you've never heard of

<img src='https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2025/02/27/900x1600/Fear_1740483533704_1740645712341.jpg' width='720' height='1280' alt='Fear' style="position: relative; z-index: 0;"/> <img fallback src='/res/images/logo.png' class=' img-fill elementStyle' width='1000' height='1000' alt='Hindustan Logo'/> Read Next

Photo Credit: X/@Miss__Emerald

Forbidden places in the world that no one can visit

Some places are so protected that even stepping near them is impossible. Here are the most famous ones.

Photo Credit: Flickr

These caves contain 17,300-year-old prehistoric paintings. Closed to the public since 1963.

Lascaux Caves, France

Photo Credit: Flickr

This island in the Andaman chain is home to the Sentinelese tribe. Outsiders are strictly forbidden as the tribe remains isolated from the modern world.

North Sentinel Island, India

Photo Credit: Flickr

Formed by a volcanic eruption, Surtsey is one of the world’s youngest islands. It is only open to scientists to study nature without human interference.

Surtsey Island, Iceland

Photo Credit: Flickr

One of Japan’s most sacred shrines, rebuilt every 20 years to preserve Shinto traditions. Only royal family members can enter its inner halls.

Ise Grand Shrine, Japan

Photo Credit: Flickr

Once a quarantine hospital and later a rehab centre, this abandoned New York island is now a bird sanctuary and is permanently closed to visitors.

North Brother Island, USA

Photo Credit: X/@__theSeyram

Home to thousands of deadly snakes, this island is so dangerous that the Brazilian government bans visitors to protect both people and the ecosystem.

Snake Island, Brazil

Photo Credit: X/@Miss__Emerald

Area 51, a secret US military base, is off-limits and linked to alien conspiracy theories.

Area 51, USA

Photo Credit: Flickr

Bizarre phobias you've never heard of

Photo Credit: Pexels