While travelling is a great stress-buster, you should be very careful about choosing the destinations that you want to visit. Especially when considering islands that are illegal to visit. With their tranquillity and natural extravagance, the islands are preferred by people who love to enjoy a quiet and romantic vacation with their loved ones.
However, did you know there are certain islands in the world that you cannot visit because it is too dangerous? You aren’t allowed to enter into these. If you want to come back safe & sound from your trip, you should never plan to visit these islands:
1. Gruinard Island: The Anthrax Island That’s Illegal to Visit
Located in the Scottish Highlands, the Gruinard Islands is completely deserted today as it is considered for humans; during the Second World War, the Scottish Government used this island as the testing ground for experimenting with its dangerous anthrax bombs. The entire landscape of the island got contaminated with toxic anthrax because of these tests.
It was almost 1990 when the Government declared that the island was safe for humans again. Formaldehyde was used for flushing out all the effects of anthrax, and the island was claimed to be free of any toxic elements. However, people aren’t ready to believe this fact even today. That’s why you will never spot any human movement on this island. Although it may seem serene from the outside, Gruinard Island in Scotland remains one of the islands that are illegal to visit due to its potential health risks. Keep this out of your travel plan, ever!
2. North Sentinel Island: The Forbidden Island in the Andaman
North Sentinel Island is a part of the Andaman Islands in the Bay of Bengal. As the name suggests, this island is the abode of the Sentinelese tribe, a group that guards its privacy the most. This island is considered one of the last-standing homes of this tribe, which makes these people extra-protective and possessive about their homeland. Humans aren’t allowed to enter this island at any cost. There have been multiple incidents where humans tried to enter the island discreetly.
Unfortunately, they couldn’t escape the eyes of the tribal people, and they were killed instantly. On this island, the tribal people lead a very mysterious lifestyle. They know nothing about modern civilization and aren’t open to communication. They want to live in privacy without being disturbed by unnecessary trespassers. The Indian Government respects their privacy to date and requests everyone not to interfere or enter North Sentinel Island, ever.
3. Macquarie Island: An Ecological Treasure Among Islands That Are Illegal to Visit
Located in a remote location, off the coast of New Zealand and almost half the way to Antarctica, the Macquarie Island in Tasmania is protected. The Government of Tasmania ensures that this place is well-protected against damage from external people. This is why this island has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The Government also ensures that only 40 people can stay and live on these islands at any given time to ensure the island’s privacy and beauty.
What’s so special about this island that it needs protection from humankind? You may never come back alive when you come to this island because this place is replete with dangerous creatures such as sharks, giant crocodiles, and very poisonous spiders. Do you ever think you can co-exist with these creatures giving you company during your vacation?
4. Snake Island: The Dangerously Isolated Island That’s Off-Limits
Located in Brazil, this island is where only qualified researchers are allowed entry. Even these researchers should show the proper documents that would convince the authorities to allow them access to this dangerous island. Why is it dangerous? The name of the island is a giveaway, though! Originally known as the Ilha da Queimada Grande, this island came to be known as the Snake Island because of the large number of snakes found here.
Visitors are not allowed to enter this island because this is the abode of a rare type of snake, the Golden Lancehead. This species is considered critically endangered; therefore, this is the only place in the world where you can find them. They made this place their home many years ago when the sea levels rose tremendously, cutting off this island from the rest of the world. This place’s unique climate and habitat are ideal for the golden lanceheads.
Their venom is way more potent than those of the other snakes. The scarier fact than this is that you will find one golden lancehead for every square on the island. Since these deadly snakes are arboreal, they are mostly found on the trees, hunting birds. Due to this island’s many venomous snakes, visitors are banned from entering, except in a few rare cases (for research purposes).
5. Izu Islands: Toxic Volcanic Islands That Are Illegal to Visit
You can enter the Izu Islands in Japan only with a gas mask. That’s how dangerously contaminated this place is! Located towards the south of Tokyo, the Izu Islands have a lot of sulphur-emitting volcanoes, which are very toxic for you. The Miyake-Jima, in particular, is the most dangerous island in the Izu group because it contains an active volcano that regularly spews a large amount of toxic sulphur.
You could hear the news about the volcanoes erupting frequently on these islands, resulting in the place being evacuated entirely in 2000. By 2005, the Government had reduced the toxic emission of the volcanoes to a considerable extent. Humans were allowed back inside these islands only if they wore a gas mask! In short, you are not permitted inside the islands if you don’t have a gas mask.
Predicting when a volcano will erupt and release toxic sulfur on these islands is impossible. That’s why a gas mask is essential as an emergency precaution. No one wants to be in a situation where they can’t breathe easily.
Conclusion
It’s important to note that several islands worldwide are off-limits to tourists for various reasons, such as environmental concerns, political instability, or uncontacted populations. Some of these, known as islands that are illegal to visit, are so remote and isolated that they have remained untouched by modern civilization and are considered among the last unspoiled places on Earth.
However, it’s crucial to respect the laws and regulations surrounding these islands, as they are put in place to protect both the islands and their inhabitants. Visiting these islands without proper authorization puts you at risk of legal consequences and endangers the delicate ecosystems and cultures that thrive on these islands.
In short, while exploring the mysteries of these forbidden islands may be tempting, it’s crucial to prioritize safety and respect for the laws in place. Doing so can help preserve our world’s unique and valuable parts for future generations.
FAQ
Gruinard Island, located in the Scottish Highlands, is considered dangerous due to its history as a testing ground for anthrax bombs during World War II. Though the island was declared safe for human habitation in 1990, many still believe it is contaminated with toxic elements.
North Sentinel Island is home to the Sentinelese tribe, which highly values privacy. Attempts to intrude on their land have often resulted in fatalities. The Indian Government, respecting their privacy, has made it illegal to visit this island.
Macquarie Island, located between New Zealand and Antarctica, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s strictly regulated to protect the local environment, limiting the number of people staying on the island. It is also known for its dangerous fauna, including sharks, giant crocodiles, and poisonous spiders.
Snake Island, or Ilha da Queimada Grande, is home to the critically endangered Golden Lancehead snakes. Due to the danger, they pose and the importance of their conservation, only qualified researchers with proper documentation are permitted to visit the island.
The Izu Islands are known for their sulfur-emitting volcanoes, especially on the island of Miyake-Jima. The toxic sulfur levels are so high that visitors must wear gas masks.
Due to the associated risks and regulations, it is advised not to plan visits to these islands. While adventure is a crucial aspect of travel, personal safety should always be a priority.
Read more about islands to travel to:
- List Of The Most Quiet Islands In Thailand
- The Most Popular Islands In Greece
- Best Islands For You To Visit On Your Next Vacation
Written By Boyan Minchev