Islands Where Humans Are Forbidden

1. Gas Mask Island, Japan - enter if you dare...

Image Source/ India TodayBetter known as Miyake-Jima, one of Japan's Izu Islands just south of Tokyo. This island is home to a volcano that can spew sulphur and is alarmingly active. In 2000, a series of eruptions on the island led to residents being evacuated. It took five years for the gas levels to reduce enough for residents to return, but only if they carried a gas mask at all times. To this day, this is still a strict requirement for all residents and anyone who dares to visit.

2. North  Island - the most forbidden place in India!

Image Source/ My Best PlaceNorth Sentinel Island, located in the Indian Ocean, had a travel ban placed upon it in 2006 that prohibited any travel within 3 miles of the island. This was apparently to protect the island natives, however, in 2018, a man was killed by the Sentinelese people. This man arrived secretly on the island and was caught preaching Christianity to the locals. Maybe that travel ban was to protect outsiders after all...

3. Ilha da Queimada Grande, Brazil - one of the most dangerous places on Earth

Image Source/ YouTubeAlso known as Snake Island! Because the whole island is covered in snakes. It is home to the critically endangered species of snake, golden lanceheads. There are around 4000 of them on the island and rumour says it's five times more poisonous than mainland snakes and their venom can melt away human skin!

4. Island of The Dolls, Mexico - everyone will be watching you

Image Source/ WikipediaIsla de las Muñecas is a real life horror story. Once owned by Don Julián Santana Barrera, who was unfortunate enough to find the body of a girl who had drowned. He then hung a doll, which was thought to be hers, from a tree as a sign of respect. Barrera later died in a spookily-similar drowning incident, and since then visitors from around the world have continued to visit and hang dolls here themselves, making it quite a creepy setting.

5. Poveglia Island, Italy - a small island with a dark history

Image Source/ Visit VeneziaPoveglia Island in Italy was used as a plague quarantine island and after that, as a mental hospital. More than 1 hundred thousand people are thought to have died of the plague on this island! There are also rumours that many mental patients were tortured and then killed here... Visits to the island are now completely prohibited and the island is completely uninhabited.

6. Albatross Island, Australia - home of the largest flying bird

Image Source/ YouTubeAlmost 40% of the population of Albatross' live on this island in Australia! Their home and breeding ground is also inhabited by penguins, Australian fur seals, Tasmanian skinks and many others. Albatross Island is off limit to visitors in order to protect the animals and their home.

7. Morgan Island, USA - deadly contact with monkeys

Image Source/ Smithsonian MagazineMorgan Island is home to thousands of Rhesus monkeys. The monkeys are known to be infected with the Herpes B virus and were rehomed on this island from Puerto Rico after it was found that they were spreading the virus to humans! This uninhabited island in South Carolina is completely off limit to visitors for their own safety.

8. North Brother Island, USA - where Typhoid Mary made her name

Image Source/ OrangeSmileNorth Brother Island is located in New York City and is currently uninhabited. The reason for its abandonment, is that this is the island where Typhoid Mary was sent to quarantine... After this, it was used as a rehabilitation centre for drug addicts and more recently a bird sanctuary. But it will always have it's dark past...

9. Farallon Islands, USA - a bird watcher's dream

Image Source/ The New York TimesThe Farallon Islands are located around 30 miles from California and are home to the largest seabird nesting colony south of Alaska. There is a HUGE number of different species of birds that inhabit these islands. In order to protect the wildlife, the islands are off limit to visitors. They also have very dangerous, rocky shorelines which would be a hazard to any visitors.

10. McDonald’s Island, Australia - where humans cannot survive

Image Source/ CSIROscopeMcDonald's Island belongs to Australia and is known as one of the most remote places on the planet. It's inhospitable to human life, hence why visitors are prohibited, but it is home to a large variety of animals. Penguins, birds and seals all find this island a perfect place to call home.

11. Gruinard Island, Scotland - enter at your own risk!

Image Source/ BBCScotland is not really the place you would expect to find an island used for government experiments, but here we are. During World War 2, Gruinard Island was used for experiments with anthrax bombs. This led to the island being thoroughly decontaminated with formaldehyde but it was finally declared safe in 1990. However, not everyone seems convinced of this and the island still remains forgotten and uninhabited.

12. Ramree Island, Myanmar - ruled by crocodiles

Image Source/ Culture TripBurma's Ramree Island was the setting for a tragic event in 1945. Japanese soldiers retreated there only to find themselves attacked and killed by the resident saltwater crocodiles. This is still known in history as the greatest disaster suffered by humans at the hands of animals. The island never has lived down this reputation...

13. Réunion Island, France - home of JAWS

Image Source/ Men's JournalDon't let the name fool you, this island is not where you want to go for your high school reunion. The shark population on this island has been increasing for years. There has been so many shark attacks that in 2013, all open water swimming and surfing has been banned.

14. Runit Island, Enewetak Atoll - where someone tried to bury their mistake

Image Source/ Los Angeles TimesEnewetak Atoll, found between Australia and Hawaii, lies Runit Island. Runit Island is home to 'The Dome' which is apparently a concrete vault the size of an Australian football stadium. This vault contains toxic waste, as as result of atomic testing in the area. In recent years, this waste has started to leak out and is devastatingly ruining this island. Someone really messed up on this one...

15. Diego Garcia, British Indian Ocean Territory - military clearance required

Image Source/ WikipediaVisitors are not allowed within a three mile radius of the island in the Indian Ocean. Back in 1973, the British military evicted all 3000 residents off of the island and it sounds like they did it forcefully. Now, the US army use it as their overseas military base and the island is completely off limits to everyone but high ranking officials.

16. Navassa Island, Caribbean - disputed territory

Image Source/ FamilypediaNavassa Island, located in the Caribbean, is disputed territory between Haiti and the United States. The United States has declared the island and the waters surrounding it as Navassa Island Wildife Refuge. This means that visitors are prohibited on the island and within 12 nautical miles around it.

17. Barren Island, India - home to India's only active volcano!

Image Source/ Incredible IndiaA very fitting name for an island that no one is allowed to visit! Barren Island is home to the only active volcano in South Asia. It's located in one of the most beautiful travel destinations in India, the Andaman Islands, but you can only see the island from a boat or ferry and from a distance, in order to keep everyone safe. Manta Rays and amazing coral reefs are thought to present in the water around this island, as no tourists means the water is absolutely pristine!

18. Robins Island, USA - a new definition of holiday home

Image Source/ New York PostWall Street financier, Louis Bacon (yes, really), owns this private island in the USA. It has been privately owned for many years now and has never been open to the public. No owner has ever developed it commercially, but has taken steps to maintain the natural habitat by planting oak trees and helping preserve the local species of bird.

19. The Nicobar Islands, India - visitors are not welcome

Image Source/ WikipediaThe Nicobar Islands are home to several indigenous tribes, the main one being the Shompen tribe. These islands are not open to tourism in order to protect these tribes. This has resulted in the islands being pristine and not commercialised. Only some researchers have been allowed access to the island with special permissions.

20. Heard Island, Australia - it's very quiet here

Image Source/ CSIROscopeLocated in the Indian Ocean, Heard Island is another one of the most remote places in the world. This island, with McDonald's Island, form the IUCN's Strict Nature Reserve. The habitat is heavily protected and only with special permission from the Australian Antarctic Division can researchers visit the island.

21. Saba Island, Carribbean - Hurricane Central

Image Source/ Artful LivingSaba Island is a remote, picturesque island in the Caribbean Sea. It has a small population of around 2000 people and sounds like a dreamy place to live. That is, apart from the volcano which is set to erupt again and also due to its hurricane record. In the last 100 years, this tiny island has been hit by more hurricanes than any other island in the world.

22. Palmyra Atoll - something terrible took place in this beautiful place

Image Source/ Palmyra Atoll Research ConsortiumThis island was the site of a US airstrip back in the day, but has long since been forgotten about. It was also the location of a terrible crime in 1974. A double murder took place on this island and then became inspiration for 'And the Sea Will Tell' which is both a novel and a TV series.

23. Antipodes Islands, New Zealand - weather dangerous enough to wreck ships

Image Source/ BritannicaFor once, it is not the wildlife that keeps visitors away from this island, it's the weather. These volcanic islands are know for wild climates, with chilling temperatures and viscous winds, no one wants to live here. There is also reports of shipwrecks on the island which is not surprising when you hear about the dangerous weather.

24. Bikini Atoll - where the food will kill you

Image Source/ Bikini, AtollHow dreamy does this sound!? Perfect holiday destination. Well, you couldn't be more wrong. Bikini Atoll, part of the Marshall Islands, was subjected to heavy nuclear weapons testing between 1942 and 1958. Unfortunately, the island has never recovered. All the plants and fruits on this island are still contamination and cannot be eaten, meaning it's not a very viable place to live.

25. Bouvet Island, Norway - no one can hear you scream from here

Image Source/ Oceanwide ExpeditionsBouvet Island has been called, 'the loneliest place on Earth', not only because it's uninhabited, but because it is located more than 1400 miles from the nearest people. Situated between Antarctica and South Africa, it is covered by insurmountable glaciers of ice, leaving it pretty unaccessible and dangerous.

26. Surtsey Island - the newest island on record

Image Source/ BritannicaSurtsey Island in Iceland is believed to be one of the newest islands caused by a volcanic eruption. It was declared a World Heritage Site in 2008 due to its scientific value. No visitors are allowed on the island to protect the island's environment and minimise human interference, as it is thought this could destroy the island.

27. Tristan da Cunha, South Africa - if you ever need any peace and quiet...

Image Source/ National GeographicAs we have now learnt, Mother Nature can be just as dangerous as leaking toxic waste or large populations of sharks. This British owned group of islands is thought to be the most remote, uninhabited island chain anywhere on the planet. This is where the people closest to Bouvet Island live, and as we said, they're still around 1400 miles away.

28. Macquarie Island, Tasmania - no humans, only penguins

Image Source/ BritannicaA slightly nicer species populate this island... Penguins! It's protected by the Tasmanian government in order to keep them safe, so you can't go and visit. In fact, it's a World Heritage Site. It isn't very accessible either, located off the coast of New Zealand and halfway to Antarctica.

29. Hashima Island, Japan - a forgotten capital

Image Source/ WikipediaThis island was once used for undersea coal mining, but now it has been completely deserted and abandoned. Once petroleum started to take over, the 'coal capital of Japan' was forgotten. To this day, it has never been repurposed and is now recognised for its spooky ruins.

30. Bear Island - too dangerous for anyone

Image Source/ GRID-ArendalSvalbard, located in the Arctic, is another island that is inhospitable and is also known as Bjornoya, which translates loosely into Bear Island. Funnily enough, no bears actually live there. It is completely barren, with steep cliffs that no species wants to tackle. There is also a submarine that wrecked there which is threatening radiation exposure. Fun!

31. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, Pacific Ocean - It's Exactly What It Sounds Like

Image Source / YouTubeThe aptly named Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a location of a rather large amount of marine debris - 'garbage' - in the North Pacific. This marine garbage is all the stuff that ends up in the ocean, or sea, and collects for one big pile of trash-nope.

32. St. Kilda, U.K - Good Luck Trying To Get There

Image Source / WikivoyageWith places that humans are forbidden to visit come a lot of inaccessible places - humans aren't allowed because they simply can't get there. St. Kilda is possibly the most inaccessible place in the British Isles, which is just off the coast of Scotland. People used to live there until life became impossible due to lack of food supply and disease.

33. Bishop Rock, Isles Of Scilly - Face Stormy Weather

Image Source / Visit Isles of ScillyBishop Rock gives St. Kilda a run for its money when it comes to being in a remote location. Also located in the British Isles, this one is a tiny island with one building on it: a lighthouse. The lighthouse (and island itself) is constantly hit by violent stormy weather.

34. Rockall, Ireland - It's A Volcano

Image Source / BBCI mean, that's all you need to know. It's a volcano. Don't go there. It's a landmass in the ocean that includes the tip of a volcano peeking several meters above the sea level. Not only that, but the water around the volcano is wild with absolutely huge waves you wouldn't wanna mess with.

35. Lascaux Caves, France - They're Full Of Dangerous Mold

Image Source / The GuardianIf you want a place that's going to be riddled with fungi and black mold that's dangerous for your health, these caves in France are the place to go. They aren't just moldy caves, though - they're actually home to historical cave paintings, which include bison and cats. There are also four bull murals around 17 feet long!

36. Area 51, United States - No Aliens Here, Promise

Image Source / BBCIt goes without saying that you've no hope of gaining access to Area 51 if you're looking for aliens. The forbidden (and hidden) military base in Nevada has always been shrouded in secrecy. Even attempting to access this place would be very very dangerous - ground mines being the least of your worries.

37. Bohemian Grove, United States - It's An Exclusive Boys' Club

Image Source / Hauser & WirthIf you haven't heard of the Bohemian Grove before, just know that you'll never, ever be able to get a look in. It's a very exclusive club, you have to be a member - and it's impossible to become a member anyway for most average humans. You have to be part of the elite, you see. It's based in a campground amongst the redwoods in the US.

38. Ise Grand Shrine, Japan - Forbidden Temple

Image Source / WikipediaThe Ise Grand Shrine in Japan is one of many important shrines in Japan, but it's one that is rebuilt every 20 years at great expense to symbolise death and being reborn. There's absolutely no chance you'll be let anywhere near it unless you're part of the Japanese imperial family.

39. Vatican Apostolic Archive, Vatican City - Religious Secrets

Image Source / Vatican TicketsIt's no surprise serious religious secrets are going to be guarded in Vatican City, of all places. The Vatican Apostolic Archive contains centuries of hush-hush, shrouded in mystery, and is only accessible by highly qualified scholars. Anyone else will never be able to even get close.

40. Tomb of Qin Shi Huang, China - A Guarded Tomb

Image Source / SmarthistoryThis tomb is actually very famous, but that doesn't mean people can easily go and visit it. The tomb of the Terra-Cotta Warriors in China is an underground site that is rumored to have booby traps guarding it, leading it to be sealed off and protected from human visitations.

41. Mezhgorye, Russia - Nuclear Missiles Enough To Deter You?

Image Source / WikipediaThis town in Russia is completely closed to the public. It's based in the Ural Mountains, close to the capital of the Republic of Bashkortostan, and it's rumoured to be the home of a nuclear missile site. It's also suspected that these missiles can be activated remotely, too... The scary thing is you wouldn't be able to gain access to prove the rumours true (like you'd even want to...).

42. The Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem - Strict Entry Policy

Image Source / Tourist IsraelThis is considered one of the holiest sites in the world. So, of course, it's forbidden for most people. If you're non-Muslim, then you're not allowed inside the walls. Located in Jerusalem, the site itself is holy, but its the Temple Mount located inside (the Dome of the Rock) which is even more exclusive.

43. Ni'ihau, United States - The Forbidden Island

Image Source / TripSavvyNi'ihau is actually officially known as 'The Forbidden Island', which should be enough to deter you. Based in Hawaii, the island is even forbidden from being properly seen, seeing as you can only hope to catch a glimpse of its silhouette during a certain time of day. The island is actually home to people who live there, but it's off limits to anyone else.

44. The Queen’s Bedroom, U.K. - The Monarch Needs Privacy, Too

Image Source / WikipediaNo it's not the entire United Kingdom island that's off limits, but specifically a bedroom in Buckingham Palace. While the palace itself is a permitted tourist attraction, one of the rooms has always been forbidden - the room which was Her Majesty The Queen's bedroom (forbidden to everyone except the guy who managed to break in that time, of course). RIP Queen Elizabeth.

45. Coca-Cola Recipe Vault, United States - Legendary And Mysterious Formula

Image Source / Documentary TubeOne of the biggest American secrets off limits to people is the mystery formula to Coca-Cola. The formula is actually locked in a vault - built for this very purpose - in Atlanta, USA. The formula is also kept instead a metal box, with the vault itself also protected by a barrier. So if you were wondering why coke tastes so good, you'll never know.

46. U.N. Buffer Zone, Cyprus - Frozen In Time

Image Source / PetaPixelA place called the 'Buffer Zone' in the capital of Nicosia was claimed by the U.N. after Cyprus was invaded by Turkish troops. This area is now a no-man's land where the Turkish are separated from the Greek, and it's a place frozen in time that no human can now hope to spend time in.

47. Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion, Ethiopia - Only One Person Allowed To Visit

Image Source / WikipediaThis sacred place is supposed to be the final resting place of the Ark of the Covenant. This is alleged to be a chest which contains the Ten Commandments. There is only one person allowed to visit (and view) the Ark of the Covenant, and that's a chosen monk. Any other human will never be able to visit this place.

48. Svalbard Global Seed Vault, Norway - Only Government Officials Can Enter

Image Source / WikipediaSpitsbergen is a remote island in Norway, and the seed storage facility located on the island - built into a mountainside - is out of bounds for anyone who isn't a government official. The place apparently keeps thousands of samples of different seeds, which are supposed to be a safety backup for food shortages.

49. Robins Island, United States - Controversial And Privately Owned

Image Source / New York PostOff the coast of New York lies this privately owned island which is completely off limits to anyone except its owner, Louis Bacon, and a whole lot of turtles. That's right, it's the home to one of the biggest populations of turtles in the US state, and is also shrouded in mystery.

50. Moscow Metro-2, Russia - Secret Underground Network

Image Source / Russia BeyondThe Moscow Metro-2 is a top secret metro system built by the KGB in preparation for nuclear disaster. It's supposed to be a replica of the Moscow metro system, except built around 600 feet underground. It connects important government buildings, too, like the Federal Security Service headquarters. So yeah, unless you're someone important... you won't ever be able to get onto it.