Selfies That Could Land You In Jail!

Tourists are being warned that they could get into serious trouble if caught snapping a picture of themselves at those international destinations where selfies are banned.

Photography experts have put together a list of seven locations across the globe where it is strictly forbidden for visitors to take selfies.

You could cop for a €3000 fine in Spain and New York and California both have legislation in place to stop selfies being taken with tigers and bears, the result of people getting dangerously close to these animals.

Japan’s railway network has also banned the use of selfie sticks for reasons of safety – an unexpected tangle with overhead wires could cause electrocution – while The Tower of London and Garoupe beach in France also have strict selfie bans.

Matt Dahan from www.ParrotPrint.com which has put the research together, said: “It’s now become second nature to take a selfie wherever we are to send on to our friends and family, share on social media, or just keep as a memory for ourselves.

“It’s difficult to imagine that some tourist hotspots around the world have actually banned anyone from taking a selfie.

“But, many destinations have now forbidden visitors from snapping a picture of themselves for safety reasons - such as getting too close to dangerous animals in America or fears of electrocution in Japan.

“Others have enforced the ban as pictures could be used as a security threat - like in the Tower of London; whilst Saudi Arabia has forbidden selfies during the pilgrimage to Mecca for religious purposes.

“A popular beach in southern France wants everyone to embrace their time abroad and not focus on bragging on social media by sharing selfies - that’s why during the busy season selfies are not allowed.

“We’ve named seven spots across the globe where taking a selfie is banned - and tourists should remain aware of certain photographic laws when holidaying.”

The seven destinations where selfies are illegal:

1.New York
Although it’s one of the biggest tourist hotspots in the world, the state has made it illegal to take a selfie with any of the big cats homed in its zoos, carnivals and circuses. This ban was introduced to protect residents and tourists after a social media trend saw a rise in ‘tiger selfies’.

2.Tower of London
The precious crown jewels are kept under high security at the Jewel House in the Tower of London, with over 100 CCTV cameras and guards round the clock watching out for people trying to sneak a selfie. Inside the Jewel House taking photos or videos with these royal gems is strictly forbidden as it’s seen as a security risk.

3.France
Garoupe beach in southern France banned holiday-makers from taking selfies during the busy season in the middle of summer. This law was introduced to stop people from bragging about their holiday - with the beach authorities wanting Garoupe to be a haven to enjoy in the moment, rather than showing off on social media.

4.Saudi Arabia
The government has introduced a ban for those on the pilgrimage to Mecca after selfies of the holy journey were deemed as being disrespectful. Reports state that taking such selfies detracts from the tranquillity of worship.

5.Spain
Selfies are banned during the annual Running of the Bulls event held in Pamplona, Spain to stop visitors putting their lives in danger. Those trying to take a selfie with the bulls could be subject to hefty fines of €3000.

6.Japan
Across the West Japan Railway Company, selfies taken with a selfie stick have been banned. The law was introduced after the company issued a warning to travellers that the overhead wiring may cause electrocution, even if the selfie stick doesn’t touch the wires.

7.California
Similar to New York, the state of California in America has banned selfies being taken in the Lake Tahoe region. This law was introduced amid fears of safety for visitors given the high percentage of wild bears in the area and worries that people were getting dangerously close to the animals.