An ordinary selfie on vacation can turn into a big problem
Experts from the British technology startup ParrotPrint named seven places around the world , where travelers will be severely punished if they are caught taking selfies – shots.
An ordinary selfie on vacation can turn into a big problem. For example, in Spain you will have to pay a fine of 3,000 euros for this. Interestingly, a number of the most popular tourist destinations in the world have banned selfies to… protect guests. New York and California, for example, have laws against taking selfies with tigers and bears due to fears that people could get dangerously close to these animals.
The Japanese railway network has banned the use of selfie sticks for safety reasons, as contact with wires overhead can cause electric shock.
The Tower of London and La Garoupe Beach in France are also popular with vacationers, but there are also strict selfie bans.
But there are, of course, other “forbidden” places, like the Tower of London. There, fines are justified by the security threat posed by photographic materials to the object itself. And Saudi Arabia has banned selfies during the pilgrimage to Mecca for religious purposes. The management of a popular beach in the south of France wanted vacationers to enjoy the process, and not get hung up on showing off on social networks by sharing selfies. Therefore, in the high season, selfies are illegal here.
1. New York, USA
Despite the fact that this is one of the most popular cities in the world, the state has banned taking selfies with “big cats” that live in zoos, participate in carnivals and circus performances. This ban was put in place to protect residents and tourists after “selfies with the tiger” were posted on social media.
2. Tower of London (England)
The royal family's precious jewelry is kept under heavy guard at the Jewelery House in the Tower of London, where more than 100 CCTV cameras and security guards are watching around the clock for people trying to sneak selfies. It is strictly forbidden to take pictures or videos with these royal jewels inside the Jewelery House as it is considered a safety hazard.
3. France
La Garoupe beach in southern France has banned selfies during high season in midsummer. This law was introduced to prevent people from showing off their vacation – the beach authorities want La Garoupe to become a place to enjoy in the moment, and not show off beautiful pictures on social networks.
4. Saudi Arabia
The government has imposed a ban on those making the pilgrimage to Mecca after selfies taken during the holy journey were seen as disrespectful to the faithful. Reports state that these selfies rob people of the calm necessary for such acts of worship.
5. Spain
Selfies are banned during the annual Pamplona Bull Run festival in Pamplona, Spain, to prevent visitors from putting their lives in danger during this traditional event. Those who attempt to take a selfie with the bulls can be fined substantial sums of up to 3,000 euros.
6. Japan
The West Japan Railway Company has banned selfies taken with a selfie stick. The company has issued a special warning to travelers that overhead wires can cause electric shock, even if the selfie stick does not touch the wires.
7. California, USA
Like New York City, this US state bans selfies in the Lake Tahoe area. This law was introduced amid concerns for the safety of visitors, given the large population of wild bears and fears that people are getting dangerously close to the animals.