Authored by Dan Hunter
To much of the developed world, especially in recent years, travel tattoos are seen as beautiful/trendy additions to one’s personality, with many tattoos succeeding in telling interesting stories about a person’s past.
But in some countries, tattoos are still seen as extremely taboo. Exposed tattoos in such countries can commonly result in arrests, and where a traveler is concerned, sometimes deportation.
So the following is a list of countries where you should be extra careful about flaunting your ink – otherwise you may end up in more trouble than previously thought!
Many countries in this list might not have an outright ban on tattoos, and in these cases we have explained exactly what you can get into trouble for (ie Nazi symbols will land you in hot water in Germany).
Pro tip: If you’re truly worried about your tattoos in the country you’re visiting, consider booking a vacation home instead of a hotel, where you’ll have more privacy. Check out Plumguide.com for finding one.
Illegal Ink – 11 Countries Where Showing Your Tattoos Could Get You Kicked Out!
Germany, France & Slovakia
Each of these three countries practice specific laws that prohibit the display of any tattoos symbolizing or otherwise glorying Nazi culture. Exposing any such tattoo can lead to arrest and potential deportation.
The attitude towards tattoos in Germany, France, and Slovakia in general is totally accepting, but if you have anything that symbolizes or even looks like it supports the previous Nazi regime, you’re going to find yourself in a lot of trouble.
Sri Lanka & Thailand
Sri Lanka has seen many arrests within the last decade due to travelers and expats exposing or showing their Buddha/Buddhist tattoos in public.
Sri Lanka as a country has extremely strong Buddhist beliefs, and as such, the government is very sensitive about their religion being defaced in any way – especially when an ‘outsider’ is seen displaying a tattoo that marks something so symbolic within the country.
Like Sri Lanka, Thailand is also cracking down on tourists who expose religious-themed tattoos. The Thai government states that they believe religious tattoos to be culturally inappropriate and that they erode the respect of the native religions.
Non religious tattoos in these countries are typically fine, and as both countries have established themselves as leading tourist destinations, locals are typically pretty accepting of foreigners who have tattoos.
Japan
Japan is surprisingly strict when it comes to tattoos, especially considering that it is often seen by many as one of the original birthplaces for the art form.
In recent history, tattoos have carried negative connotations throughout much of the country, and officials are strongly opposed to any exposed ink that can be perceived as being shocking or offensive. This is especially if it relates at all to any organized crime gangs within the country.
Many public areas within Japan ban entry if you have visible tattoos. Popular places that regularly ban tattoos include bath houses, gyms and resorts. A recent government survey discovered that 56% of hotels and inns actively ban tattooed visitors from their public bathing areas.
North Korea
Although some tattoos are allowed within the country, they’re subject to very strict regulations. All tattoos exposed within North Korea must show praise towards the Kim (leaders) family or otherwise have some kind of approved political purpose attributed to them.
If you’re found to have tattoos unrelated to these specifications then you could potentially be deported or even sentenced to hard labor in prison.
Vietnam
Tattoos once had a stigma in Vietnamese culture; they were viewed as being associated with criminal and illegal activity, and operating or owning any kind of shop/studio within the country was banned.
But influenced by international trends, the Vietnamese people have become more receptive to the concept and the tattoo industry is growing fast.
If you’re traveling outside the main cities, and find yourself receiving negative attention for your tattoos, this could be a result of old mindsets and attitudes. Which still exist among older generations and more traditional communities. So have something on hand to cover up with if you have exposed tattoos.
If you’re travelling with a brand new tattoo, and the healing process becomes problematic, try and reach a specialized tattoo studio in one of the main cities. But always prioritize looking looking after your tattoo to prevent any potential infections.
Iran
Getting tattooed or showing tattoos in public has become a touchy subject in this country in recent years.
Government officials and country leaders have publicly stated that they believe the practice of tattooing is associated with devil-worshipping, and that being tattooed is seen as a sign of Westernisation, which is strongly opposed.
If going to Iran, be extremely careful about exposing any kind of ink – especially anything based around religion.
Turkey
Although tattoos are not currently illegal within the country, Turkey’s top officials have become increasingly hostile towards body art in recent times.
Earlier this year for example, the top religious body in Turkey issued a request for all Muslims with tattoos within the country to either repent or have the tattoo surgically removed.
Summary
Although tattoos can be seen as extremely positive means of self-expression in many areas of the world – you must remember that other countries dissimilar to the ones you know best may not see them this way.
Always be wary when travelling to new countries when carrying tattoos, and always do a little bit of research on how your ink may be perceived within any new country that you’re thinking about entering.
Your Feedback
Have feedback or updates re the information in this post? Leave me a comment to let me know! I would love to hear about your experiences, and will happily make edits to reflect the most up to date information.
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- The following is a list of countries where you should be extra careful about flaunting your ink.
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- The following is a list of countries where you should be extra careful about flaunting your ink.
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70 Comments
I never knew this- that’s so crazy. I’ve been to many of these countries but I suppose the laws are more aimed at locals than tourists. Very good to know.
to right my bro
Of these I was aware only of the situation in Japan which I’ve chatted love visited a few times. Because of that yakuza association, tattoos have a very negative connotation. That said most Japanese do appreciate that this is not the case for foreigners and their tattoos. I think it’s really just the shared bathing where it’s an issue for visitors. I’ve seen people suggest that those with tattoos they can’t cover easily should luck places that offer family baths which can be booked privately. Lucky for me I’m too scared of needles to have had a tattoo!
Wow! I am amazed to see some countries on this list. Muslim nations are understandable, even a military regime like North Korea but hearing that countries like Japan and some other Asian countries are also not happy with tattoos!!
Good info to know for future travels.
Do not presume that North Korea is tolerant of visitors’ tattoos, they are not even tolerant of visitors. NK visitors are at the whim of their ruler, he can kick someone out or detain them for any reason he dreams up.
The Iran one is bollocks. Tattoos are frowned upon but not viewed as “devil-worshiping” at all. The only “forbidden” (= you might get refused service in a restaurant but aren’t going to jail either) tattoos are names of prophets or their families and verses of the Qur’an or hadith.
Knowledge about tattoos does not equal knowledge about the world.
I’d be wary of the North Korea “info” as well: this paragraph smells the same as the crappy “Only certain haircuts are allowed in North Korea or else you go to prison!” story the media ran a few years back. We know very, very, very little about North Korea; almost all information about it is shared by people who have an issue with it — defectors, enemies etc.
Very interesting and informative.
Oh wow I didn’t know this. I am headed to Vietnam soon ,so this comes at a good time. I need to ensure I carry clothes that cover my ink – I def dont wanna stand out in any way. I hope bigger cities are more accepting/open about tattoos though with the country attracting so many tourists.
I would advise you to uncover your tatoo in big cities in Vietnam. Yes, local people might think you are not a peaceful person, but the thief and back snathcers will stay away from you. (they might thnk you are even a more fierce gangster). Is that a good point?
Most of these countries are fine with tattoos excluding Iran and North Korea I’m covered in tattoos and have never had a problem.
I knew about Sri lanka and Germany but others are news to me. I strongly believe we must respect each country’s faiths and beliefs!
Specifically in Germany it is the Nazi ones though. My husband is German and he and I are fully sleeved with space or animal themes. No issues accept from older generation. Even then they just gave us strange looks. Many of the younger generation don’t care or have tattoos.
I’m a world traveler and only places I did not show were in Muslim countries. Vietnam was no issue at all.
I got really shocked to see Slovakia on top of the list! But it is true that any symbols propagating nazist ideology, even symbolically, are forbidden and for a good reason as we have a terrible history during the WWII and even currently there are groups supporting this kind of ideology. Howwever, a normal tattoo is no problem, many of my friends are inked and except for older people, nobody bats an eye.
Great article!
Interesting article..I just got a Sak Yant tattoo in Thailand by a monk and had NO idea! it could be a problem in the future traveling.
Me too but it’s fine I’ve got one on my hand and have never had a problem in Thailand
This is useful information. Of course as travelers we need to be sensitive to the culture and traditions of the countries we visit and respect their laws and traditions.
I never really thought about it before, though I did know that you can’t have tattoos if you visit an onsen in Japan. It’s very important that we try to respect the laws of the places that we visit. If they prohibit tattoos, we should try our best to cover them up!
I have to say, I’ve spent a month or two in several of these countries and had almost none of the issues described. In Japan there are plenty of public onsen you can go to with tattoos, and most accomodation with a public bath you’ll be the only one in there so nobody will notice. I definitely had no issues in Vietnam or Malaysia, we were welcomed into people’s homes, dinners etc, I can only assume people weren’t horribly offended. My tattoos aren’t religious (or Nazi!) so I can’t comment on that. But frankly, most westerners will stand out as differrent in Asia anyway, so unless your tattoos are potentilly offensive in their design I really wouldn’t worry too much. And I definitely wouldn’t wear a massive poncho in 35 defree heat, which you’ll encounter in plenty of these places. Wear a light cotton shirt if you must.
I am in Vietnam and see that we Vietnamese has a different feeling about tatoo. For us a person with tatoo is a fierce person. More tatoo in body will lead a person to the rank of gangster. Many offices do not recruit a person with tattoo. So, we also have many services like clear tattoo without scar.
Wow, Japan is surprising! I’ve never even thought about this. I need to tell a few friends, ha. Thanks for sharing :)
Wow, this seems really surprising. We haven’t had ourselves inked so can’t comment but hadn’t heard of it being a problem. Always good to know!
I have lived in Japan off and on for about 3 years and I definitely feel the negative vibe around tattoos occaisonally, even as a foreigner. During my first visit I studied Japanese at a language school and decided to get a part-time job to even out my income a bit. My first interview was for a cleaning company (nothing glamorous, obviously, but considering my limited Japanese at the time, I was happy anyway) and I was hired on the spot. Mind you, I showed up completely covered so none of my ink was showing. However, I wasn’t paying attention to the uniform I’d be wearing at work so I showed up the first day relatively unprepared for the fact that my work-uniform would have short sleeves. Only one of my tattoos (a small one on my wrist) was visible and I tried my best to hide it, but of course they spotted it anyway. Still, they didn’t say anything to me the first 2 days, so I thought it was okay anyway.. Until day 3 when my manager came into the lunch-room during my break, apologizing profusely and giving me some excuse about how they’re not allowed to hire foreigners all of a sudden. Considering how they knew I was a foreigner several days before my interview, I knew that that wasn’t really the case and that my tattoo was what had ultimately given me the boot – a Japanese friend agreed with me.. Kinda sucked because I really loved the people I worked with there, but at the same time I knew about the taboo before I even arrived in japan the first time so it didn’t necessarily surprise me.
As a rule, I always try to cover up whenever I am in Japan. While most people I’ve met there seems to be totally fine with tattoos, or even curious about them, I feel like it’s just easier to cover them and “act normal”. As a foreigner, you stand out like a sore thumb anyway.
I love the country, but I really wish they would put that taboo to rest.. If nothing else, then for the fact that Japanese tattoo art is so famous world wide that I think they should actually be a really proud of it. It’s such a shame that they’re not..
Iran doesn’t surprise me – my dad was born there. However, Japan and Thailand do! Really interesting read, thanks for sharing :)
Meg, the more we travel the more we learn! In Thailand is offensive to have tattoos or wear t-shirts with Buddha’s head. It is actually written in many places that Buddha’s head on any prints or accessories is a crime.
Ok fair enough…than we flew to Nepal and Buddha’s head is everywhere, in every souvenir shop hahaha
We are heading to Sri Lanka next, after India, looking forward to see what is happening there. :)
I have 2 small tattoos, and unless I am wearing a bikini, people can never see them. Rule number one for any traveler: on the first day observe how the locals dress up. That always works for me!
Have you had any issues before?
the more we venture to every part of the more we learn! In Thailand is hostile to have tattoos or wear shirts with Buddha’s head. It is really composed in many spots that Buddha’s head on any prints or embellishments is a wrongdoing.
Hi,
I’m from Austria and here it’s forbidden to show Nazi-themed tattoos in public (as in Germany).
Apart from that, showing tattoos is totally normal and accepted in Austria, at least in your leisure time. :)
Would it be problem.. If I have a tattoo of Karma… Is it offensive in any country….. Pls reply
Awesome Environment Awesome people GREAT GREAT ARTISTS
I hope the USA is next
Hi everyone,
I am Turkish nation and lived many years in different city such Ankara (capital) – Istanbul – Izmir – Antalya and in this country people use to go without any restriction to public area with tattoos such as gym centers – hotels – pools – beaches. Please feel free to visit – do not hesitate :)
what about exceptions ?
If the tattoo is small like 2 to 3 inches, will these countries allow?
Because I am not aware of this and had tattoos on my hand few days back, which is clearly visible, it is hardly 3 inches.
Just 3 letters of my wife.
This post is outdated; not only have I gotten multiple tattoos in Vietnam in the last five years (most recently November 2017), but there are many award winning tattoo shops there and I have had people on the street express admiration for my tattoos.
My pleasure, Meg!
Happy to help!
Eric
I recently travelled through japan in the warmer months.
I have some forearm tattoos which are hard to cover in the hot weather.
Tried to be respectful as possible, covering up most of the time, though noticed a strong reaction from a lot of people whenever they spotted them.
Mainly in businesses and from older people.
Went to 3 gyms wearing a long sleeve shirt before 1 let me in. They all asked if I had tattoos and the size of them.
I really like Japan though it is a very traditional culture, which can be good and not so good.
I have a question. I have a crucifix with rosary tattoo in my arm and a dream catcher in my legs.. is it forbidden in Thailand and Korea?
I have a Ganesh tattoo on the back of my leg, would that be an issue in Sri Lanka or Vietnam?.
I have a tatoo of my girlfriend name on my chest.is that be a problem? In such countries like dubai,malasyia,sharja and such arab countries
From my experience, in Malaysia, will not put you in any trouble. Dubai is also a very developed country with many Europeans (who have tattoos) are traveling to. My advice is to always ask a local who have _lived_ in the country and has inside insight.
This blog is a reminder to all us. We must be careful at all times to avoid conflict.
Denmark. Ever since 1966, Danes have been forbidden from getting their face, head, neck.
Many of the information on this topic is outdated. I have lived in both Iran and Malaysia for many years. My uni lecturer at University was covered in tattoos from head to toe. Seeing people in the street with tattoos is very common as well. In Iran as well many have tattoos and has become a norm.
I’m Malaysian and have never heard of tattoos being banned in the country. Only when we enter government buildings, we should cover up (in general, more for decency rather than because of the tattoos). In fact, the aborigines here are known for their traditional tattooing techniques.
You really should update your post and remove Malaysia from it.
And thanks for the feedback.
But I want to know about south korea.
In south korea foreigner worker like eps examer people who have tattoo they are allowed or not.
Your information about Iran is totally incorrect.
Well, I was not aware of these facts, truly. As far as my observation or knowledge, I am shocked to see the name of Thailand and Malaysia because people are highly excited about body arts in those countries. If such a situation continues to prevail, it will be quite troublesome to travel to foreign countries with tattoos that are banned in that country. I feel that getting tattoos should never seek any validation from society and nor from any religion. It should be barred from any such restrictions; after all, it’s a form of art and art should not be suppressed.
So Is it illegal to have Buddha head tattoos or not ?? If this is the case I won’t be able to revisit Thailand, and I feel the tattooist should advise you and should not be allowed to tattoo these tattoos,
Ya, in Thailand I’ve never heard of any legal issues regarding tattoos.
Thais can be very conservative about imagery of the Buddha, and sak yant tattoos are meant to be respected, but I’ve never heard of anything worse than someone casting a negative opinion. I imagine you’d have to have a grotesquely offensive religious tattoo to get in trouble in this country.
Sri Lanka on the other hand I have heard of Buddhist tattoos being against the law.
Thank you so much for your work.It’s very helping to me.give me some advice.I will wait for your reply
It’s truly very difficult in this active life to listen news on TV,
so I simply use internet for that reason, and obtain the
latest information.
I never knew that so many nations are conservative about tattooing, which simply rejuvenates outer appearance, and helps people express their innermost emotions. However, I believe your information regarding Thailand is incorrect. The legal age for getting tattoo in this particular Southeast Asian country is fifteen years, and there are numerous studios, which invite people from all across globe to get inked.
What about USA??
nice post
For Malaysia only to the muslim. For non muslim, nobody give a damn about it.
I think Malaysia could market tattoo-free resorts and beaches. It really sucks that here in Moscow, so many of the prostitutes have these hideous stains on their bodies. Thanks for the suggestion!
hi ,
i need to know that tattooing in arab countrys is a problem ? will they reject our visa due to this tatoo ?
Hi this is great to know I’m a New Zealander with cultural tattoos on my arms would this be a problem if I travelled to Afghanistan and Malaysia…
Im going to be heading to ho chi Minh City this September, do you by chance have any advice for me I have three medium-sized tattoos across my shoulders none of them are colored in or offensive in any way but I am a smaller woman and I do have piercings which I will be trying to tone down for the trip but my boyfriend has explained to me that I need to be careful so I was wondering if anyone had any ideas
Thanks So much for sharing this info
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It is ridiculous though!! As in this modern era who doesn’t get tattooed a person must not be excluded frm the benifits of anything just because of a tattoo
Oh COME ON!!! I am Iranian and I live in Tehran, people are getting tattoos everyday and it’s fine! Just if you have a big black tattoo with some religious meaning, cover it with your clothes in the crowd or in front of the police! It’s ok with people! Considering the fact that women should wear hijab in this country and men also cant go out with shorts, not many tattooed areas are gonna be seen anyway! You’re gonna be Ok!
What about Hindu religious symbols like the swastika? Are swastika tattoos allowed?
Having tattoo on body is Not crime !! If Person having tattoo , then he might be art lover… Every country have their own culture And they proud their culture … If our tattoo meaning is against their culture then its inappropriate in my opinion …..
Yes, I heard I do not know why tattoos are not allowed in some countries. they have their reasons so we must follow the instructions. nice information
I do not know why tattoos are not allowed in some countries. can u share reasons why some countries are not allowed tattoos.it will help my business. thanks for the information.
Hey I think you should totally remove Turkey part of your article. Cause it is one thing but totally untrue!!! I am so surprisingly shocked how people can spread fake info and based on nothing. I as a Turkish women have many tattoos and have no problem anywhere so a traveler should have nothing as well. I advise people to get a new tattoo at their new trip glaciale price use it’s very effective and there are a bunch of great tattoo artists as well especially good on portraits and finely be work! Cheers
Yes I have to agree with you Zeynep; it gives the wrong impression of Turkiye. I have been living in Turkiye for 9 years and I have seen more people in my area with tattoos than back home in England. Beşiktaş has loads of tattoo studios. Tattoos are commonplace in Turkey. My 19 year old son came on holiday to Turkiye this July from England and had his first tattoo in Istanbul. :)
Thanks for this excellent article! Your research enhances cultural awareness for me.
This list is not correct. Tattoos are NOT illegal in Japan. They are, however, frowned upon in public spaces. Tattoos are illegal in China though, which I’m surprised is not on the list.
If you read the context of the article, she states that not all the places have a ban on tattoos but that there are restrictions to content in some and are still majorly taboo in others. I agree though that it’s surprising to not see China on the list where they have been known to hand out severe sentences to tattoo artists.
I wonder how Japan would feel about my Pokémon tattoo? Pokémon is extremely popular in Japan. I also have a tattoo on my shoulder from another Japanese game.