Forbidden Travel: The locations you can't visit
Here is what you need to know about the strange and mysterious places where entry is illegal.
Holidaymakers in South Africa feel it's high time they travel to some international locations - especially after the past few years of travel bans and expensive flights.
However, there are some place you can't actually visit - as much as you may want to.
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According to Espresso, abandoned islands, indigenous regions, dangerous areas, haunted buildings, and protected territories make up the planet’s many forbidden places.
Here are strange and mysterious places where entry is illegal:
1. Ilha da Queimada Grande, Brazil
Located about 100 kilometres from São Paulo, Ilha da Queimada Grande is home to thousands of venomous snakes.
Also known as 'Snake Island', visitors are prohibited from visiting by order of the Brazilian government.
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Residents include the golden lancehead viper, which can grow up to half a metre long and whose venom can dissolve flesh in just minutes.
2. Area 51, United States of America
Although in existence since 1955, Area 51 was only officially confirmed by the CIA in 2013.
Many rumours have speculated that the facility, which is primarily used to develop military aircraft, has also served as a base for spy operations and alien autopsies over the years.
Area 51 remains under close surveillance at all times, and the general public is prohibited from entering the area.
3. Poveglia, Italy
Not far from Venice, you’ll find the cursed island of Poveglia, where it is forbidden to set foot.
During a severe bout of bubonic plague in 1348, Poveglia became a quarantine area for the sick and dying.
Then, in the 1900s, the island was used as an asylum for patients with mental illness.
Now abandoned for nearly 50 years, Poveglia’s sinister history has earned it a reputation as haunted.
4. Tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, China
Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s tomb has sat under a pyramid for more than 2,000 years.
The Chinese government has forbidden an archaeological excavation for purposes of preservation.
While its famous terracotta army was discovered in 1974, excavating the tomb would entail its destruction, so access is prohibited.
5. Niihau, Hawaii, United States
Located northwest of Kauai, Niihau is known as Hawaii’s forbidden island.
Home to between 70 and 170 inhabitants, the island is off limits to the public in honour of a promise made to a former Hawaiian king to preserve the environment and protect the islanders from certain diseases.
The only way to gain access is to receive an extremely exclusive invitation from the Robinson family, but this is very rare.
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