Imagine standing at the edge of a breathtaking, untouched place, the urge to step forward pulling at your soul, but you can’t. No matter how adventurous, wealthy, or powerful you are, some places on Earth are forever off-limits.
From islands crawling with deadly snakes to ancient tombs rumored to hold rivers of mercury, these locations remain locked away by mystery, danger, and secrecy.
But why? What makes them so forbidden?
Who decides that no one can enter?
And has anyone ever managed to sneak inside?
In this post, we’re exploring 10 of the most forbidden places in the world, places so secretive, sacred, or hazardous that you will never get the chance to visit.
Ready to explore? Let’s uncover their mysteries.
Forbidden Places in the World – Overview
| Name of the Article | Forbidden Places in the World |
| Type of Article | Forbidden Places |
| Why Read This? | Explore the world’s most mysterious and inaccessible locations |
| Access Restrictions | Strict government bans, extreme danger, or environmental protection |
| Best For | Travel enthusiasts, mystery lovers, history buffs |
Forbidden Places in the World You Can NEVER Visit
1. North Sentinel Island, India
Location: Andaman Islands, India
Forbidden for: Forever
Located in the Andaman Islands, North Sentinel Island is home to the Sentinelese, an indigenous tribe that has lived in complete isolation for thousands of years. The Indian government has strictly prohibited any contact with the tribe to protect their way of life and prevent disease transmission.
- In 2018, an American missionary attempted to visit but was killed by the tribe.
- The Indian Navy patrols the waters to prevent unauthorized landings.
- No photography, tourism, or research is allowed.
Why Is It Forbidden?
- The Sentinelese violently reject all outside contact.
- Their isolation makes them vulnerable to diseases from outsiders.
- The Indian Navy patrols the waters to prevent trespassing.
What Makes It Fascinating?
- The Sentinelese way of life remains a complete mystery.
- The island is an untouched paradise, never influenced by modern civilization.
Can You Visit?
No. Any attempt to visit could result in severe consequences—for both you and the tribe.
2. Area 51, USA
Location: Nevada, USA
Forbidden for: Decades
One of the most famous forbidden places in the world, Area 51 is a highly classified U.S. Air Force base in Nevada. Known for conspiracy theories about UFOs and extraterrestrials, the base is completely off-limits to civilians.
- Security signs warn that trespassing is punishable by deadly force.
- The area is monitored by motion sensors, surveillance cameras, and armed guards.
- Despite attempts to uncover its secrets, its activities remain classified.
Why Is It Forbidden?
- It is a top-secret military base with restricted airspace.
- Trespassing is illegal and punishable by deadly force.
What Makes It Fascinating?
- Area 51 is the epicenter of UFO theories.
- Its secrecy fuels endless myths and legends.
Can You Visit?
No. The closest you can get is Rachel, Nevada, a town known for its UFO tourism.
3. The Vatican Secret Archives, Vatican City
Location: Vetican City
Forbidden for: Centuries
Beneath the Vatican lies the Secret Archives, a vast collection of historical documents dating back centuries. These records include ancient texts, religious manuscripts, and even letters from Michelangelo and Henry VIII.
- Access is limited to select scholars with special permission.
- The documents are not available for public viewing.
- Many theories suggest the archives hold suppressed religious secrets.
Why Is It Forbidden?
- Only select scholars are granted access.
- Many believe the archives contain suppressed religious secrets.
What Makes It Fascinating?
- The archives contain over 50 miles of shelving filled with historical records.
- Some believe they hold evidence of lost religious knowledge.
Can You Visit?
No. The archives are closed to the public, but the Vatican Museums offer other historical exhibits.
4. The Tomb of Qin Shi Huang, China
Location: Xi’an, China
Forbidden for: Over 2,000 years
The burial site of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, is one of the world’s greatest archaeological mysteries. Though the Terracotta Army was uncovered, his actual tomb remains sealed.
Why Is It Forbidden?
- The Chinese government refuses to excavate the tomb.
- Ancient records suggest it contains booby traps and rivers of mercury.
What Makes It Fascinating?
- The site is rumored to contain incredible treasures.
- The mystery surrounding it makes it one of the most intriguing forbidden places.
Can You Visit?
Partially. The Terracotta Army Museum is open to visitors, but the tomb itself remains sealed.
5. Snake Island, Brazil
Location: Off the coast of São Paulo, Brazil
Forbidden for: Decades
Ilha da Queimada Grande, or Snake Island, is home to thousands of golden lancehead vipers—one of the deadliest snakes in the world.
Why Is It Forbidden?
- The island has one of the highest snake populations in the world.
- The golden lancehead’s venom can melt human flesh.
What Makes It Fascinating?
- The island’s deadly reputation has inspired numerous myths.
- The venom of these snakes is being studied for potential medical benefits.
Can You Visit?
No. Only scientists with special permits are allowed.
6. Lascaux Caves, France
Location: Montignac, France
Forbidden for:Public access since 1963
These ancient caves contain prehistoric paintings dating back over 17,000 years.
Why Is It Forbidden?
- The delicate artwork is at risk of irreparable damage from exposure to light and air.
What Makes It Fascinating?
- The paintings provide a glimpse into early human life.
Can You Visit?
No. However, a replica cave is open to tourists.
7. Svalbard Global Seed Vault, Norway
Location: Spitsbergen, Norway
Forbidden for: Public access
This high-security vault stores millions of plant seeds to protect global agriculture.
Why Is It Forbidden?
- Only scientists and researchers have access.
What Makes It Fascinating?
- It acts as a backup plan for human survival in case of a global catastrophe.
Can You Visit?
No. It is strictly guarded and closed to the public.
8. Poveglia Island, Italy
Location: Near Venice, Italy
Forbidden for: Over 50 years
This island was used as a quarantine zone for plague victims and later as an insane asylum.
Why Is It Forbidden?
- The island is considered extremely haunted.
What Makes It Fascinating?
- It has a dark history of death and suffering.
Can You Visit?
No. The Italian government banned visitors.
9. Mezhgorye, Russia
Location: Republic of Bashkortostan, Russia
Forbidden for: Since the Cold War
Mezhgorye is a closed town believed to house a secret nuclear facility.
Why Is It Forbidden?
- It is heavily guarded by the Russian government.
What Makes It Fascinating?
- No one knows exactly what happens inside.
Can You Visit?
No. Foreigners and locals alike are prohibited.
10. Heard Island – A Land of Ice and Fire
Location: Australia
Forbidden for: Nearly impossible to reach
This remote, volcanic island in the Southern Ocean is covered in glaciers and active lava flows.
Why Is It Forbidden?
Brutal storms, freezing temperatures, and violent seas make it nearly impossible to reach.
Can You Visit?
Technically, yes—but the journey is so treacherous that almost no one dares to try.
FAQs About Forbidden Places
Why are some places in the world completely off-limits?
Many places are restricted due to government secrecy, dangerous conditions, environmental preservation, or to protect indigenous communities.
Has anyone ever sneaked into these forbidden places?
A few daring explorers and researchers have tried, but most have faced serious consequences, including arrests, illness, or even death.
Why are some places kept secret from the public?
Most forbidden places are restricted for safety, conservation, or national security reasons. Some hold historical significance, while others are simply too dangerous to visit.
Final Thoughts
Even in today’s world, where you can Google just about anything, some places remain shrouded in secrecy. From ancient tombs sealed for eternity to islands that have never seen an outsider, these locations prove that the world still holds mysteries waiting to be uncovered.
Maybe we’ll never know what lies inside Qin Shi Huang’s tomb, or if Area 51 really hides extraterrestrial secrets. But isn’t that part of the fun? The unknown keeps us curious, and curiosity is what makes travel so exciting in the first place.
Which of these places do you love the most? Tell us in the comments!
