The world is full of incredible destinations, but some are so dangerous or sacred that they’re completely closed to visitors. These five forbidden places, from snake-filled islands to hidden archives, have wild reasons why you can’t set foot there. Whether it’s to protect lives or preserve secrets, these spots are locked down, making them all the more intriguing.
North Sentinel Island, part of the Andaman Islands in the Indian Ocean, is a no-go zone. Home to an isolated tribe of up to 500 people, the Sentinelese reject all contact with outsiders, sometimes violently. In 2018, they killed American missionary John Allen Chau when he tried to visit. To protect both the tribe and potential visitors, the island is strictly off-limits (2024 Maxar Technologies/Gett Images).
The Vatican Apostolic Archive, once known as the Vatican Secret Archive, safeguards centuries of private papal documents. Established in the 17th century, it was completely closed until 1881, when Pope Leo XIII allowed select Catholic scholars inside. Even now, only a few can enter, keeping this treasure trove of history hidden from the world (Stefano Bianchetti/Corbis via Getty Images).
Norway’s Svalbard Global Seed Vault, nicknamed the Doomsday Vault, holds over 1.3 million seeds to ensure food security in case of global disasters. Buried deep in a mountain, it’s built to survive earthquakes and nuclear attacks. To keep the seeds safe from contamination, no visitors are allowed inside this critical reserve (LISE ASERUD/NTB Scanpix/AFP via Getty Images).
Ilha da Queimada Grande, or Snake Island, off Brazil’s coast, is crawling with deadly golden lancehead vipers, whose venom can kill in under an hour. Separated from the mainland 11,000 years ago, the island’s snakes evolved to be highly dangerous. A story claims a lighthouse keeper’s family was killed by them in the 1920s. Brazil bans all visitors, except researchers with a doctor (9 News).
The Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion in Aksum, Ethiopia, is said to house a replica of the biblical Ark of the Covenant. Only a designated guardian can enter the chapel where it’s kept, making it off-limits to everyone else. This sacred site, steeped in mystery, keeps curious travelers at bay (Getty Stock Image/Rudolf Ernst).
