5 places in the world you can’t set foot in — and why

Did you know that there are places across the world that you can’t just visit like that. Not because they lacked appeal, but governments or authorities had to step in to actively prohibit public access. Now, there are various reasons for this. While some of these sites are protected for scientific reasons, others are for safety and national security. If you have become curious by now, here are five places that you legally cannot visit, and find out the reasons behind their strict bans.

Off the coast of São Paulo lies Ilha da Queimada Grande, better known as Snake Island, is one of those places where visitors are banned for reasons that are both ecological and practical. Once you learn the prime reasons, one might not even take the risk to visit it. Well, this place is home to the golden lancehead viper, which is a critically endangered species, and is found nowhere else on Earth. Also, its venom is exceptionally potent, and high density of this species of snakes in this island make accidental encounters highly likely.
Do note that Brazil’s Government forbids public entry to prevent injuries and to protect the fragile serpent population from disturbance. Only selected biologists working with federal environmental agencies occasionally receive permission, and even they must follow strict safety protocols.

Surtsey is a volcanic island that rose from the Atlantic Ocean between 1963 and 1967, and ever since its formation, it has been strictly off-limits to tourists. Only a select group of scientists is allowed to set foot on the island, while visitors can view it only from the air in small aircraft. This strict protection ensures the island’s ecosystem evolves naturally, without human interference.

In 2008, UNESCO designated Surtsey a World Heritage Site in recognition of its exceptional scientific importance. Simply put, tourism is completely prohibited, making Surtsey one of the most carefully regulated research environments on the planet.

The original Lascaux Cave in southwestern France contains some of humanity’s best-preserved Paleolithic artworks, dating back roughly 17,000 years. When the cave opened to the public in the mid-20th century, thousands of visitors brought in carbon dioxide, moisture, and bacteria, unintentionally triggering fungal infestations and severe deterioration of the ancient paintings. To halt the damage, French authorities closed the cave to all public access in 1963. Only a small number of scientists and conservators are permitted entry under controlled conditions. To share the cave’s heritage without risking further harm, France created meticulously accurate replicas, Lascaux II, III, and IV, which visitors can explore instead. The authentic cave remains strictly off-limits.

Area 51, located in Nevada’s desert, is one of the most secure and secretive military sites in the world. Operated by the US Air Force, the facility is used for testing experimental aircraft and classified defence technologies. The surrounding region is heavily patrolled, the perimeter is lined with sensors, and warning signs outline severe federal penalties for trespassing. Even the airspace above the base is restricted. Due to national security regulations, civilians are completely barred from entering, making Area 51 one of the most inaccessible locations on the planet.

Poveglia Island in the Venetian Lagoon is closed to the public.Historically used as a quarantine station during plague outbreaks and later as the site of a long-abandoned hospital, the island has been off-limits for decades due to safety concerns and structural instability. Italy prohibits visitors because many of the buildings are collapsing, and the island’s infrastructure is unsafe. Various proposals to redevelop Poveglia have surfaced over the years, but none have resulted in reopening it. Today, travellers cannot legally set foot on the island without special governmental permission, which is rarely granted.