If you’re planning a trip to any of these places, you better be prepared for the unusual dress codes the authorities expect people to follow in these places and spare yourself the fines and penalties. By Yagnoseni Das
There are several places where the law also governs what people in the region wear. Some of the reasons behind being religious, cultural or somewhat practical, travellers visiting these places, along with the locals, are expected to abide by the dress codes placed by the authorities. And as responsible tourists, it’s a mandate to practice these to protect the region’s cultural or religious sentiments.
Some of the strict dress codes one must keep in mind when visiting these places
Camouflage clothing is banned in Barbados
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Taking a trip to Barbados? Well, leave the camouflage clothes behind as Barbados and several other Caribbean countries, including Jamaica, Grenada, Dominica, St. Lucia and St. Vincent, have banned camouflage uniforms for civilians. The military personnel here have camouflage uniforms, so to avoid any confusion, the locals and visitors are prohibited from wearing any form of camouflage.
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Historic sites in Greece prohibits wearing heels in them
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A lot of historic sites and monuments in Greece do not allow visitors to wear high heels within the premises. The reason is the possibility of wear and tear of national treasures by the sharp soled shoes. So substitute those stunning pair of stilettos with something comfortable and chic that lets you explore the gorgeous site with ease.
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No form of face-covering headcover allowed in France
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France is the first country to impose a ban on full-face veils in public areas. The reason behind this law is to prevent any security risk or a social hindrance when it comes to facial recognition. The ban remains an issue of controversy, but as of now, helmets, balaclavas, burqas, niqabs, et cetera are not allowed in public spaces.
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Driving wearing sandals is prohibited in Spain
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While driving, wearing flimsy footwear is not a great idea anyway, Spain has made driving wearing sandals, flip flops, and other open-toe shoes a punishable offence. If found wearing any of these while driving, it will cost you a fine starting from EUR 100.
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Gender non-conforming clothes not allowed in Saudi Arabia
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The Saudi government is conservative and tends to give a lot of emphasis on public decency. In the UAE, ‘Cross dressing’ is considered a punishable crime. This law is taken so seriously that anyone wearing clothes out of their biologically assigned gender norms will be punished to 14 years in prison.
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Flip flops banned in Cinque Terre
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The bright and blue coastline of Cinque Terre might make one pack a pair or two of flip flops as ideal go-to footwear for a summer beach trip, but you’re in for a surprise. The Cinque Terre National Park authority has put out a strict warning for tourists climbing the cliffs on flimsy footwear. It is because of the increasing need for resuing of people on the mountainous walkways. The fine charged ranges from EUR 50 EUR 2,500.
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South Asian Buddhist Temples require you to cover your shoulders and knees
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Considered as sacred places of worship, a lot of South Asia’s Buddhist temples shun ‘indecent appearance’. Worshippers often feel disrespected when travellers wear too little clothing, do not remove their shoes, or have tattoos of Buddha.
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Swimwear and being shirtless is prohibited in Hvar
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Despite being one of the most sought after island destinations, travellers are not allowed to roam in the streets of Hvar, Croatia, in their swimwear or shirtless. ‘Save your money and enjoy Hvar’, the warning board reads. People found to be doing so can face fines up to 600 euros.
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