18 Places You Can’t Go Without Permission
There’s something fascinating about forbidden places. Maybe it’s our natural curiosity or the thrill of the unknown, but restricted areas have always captured our imagination.
From government facilities shrouded in secrecy to natural wonders protected for conservation, these locations exist just beyond our reach. The world is filled with places that require special clearance, invitation, or simply remain off-limits to the general public.
Here’s a list of 18 locations where you can’t just show up with a camera and expect to get inside.
Area 51
This Nevada military installation tops every list of forbidden places — and for good reason. The U.S. Air Force uses this classified facility for testing experimental aircraft and weapons systems, while the perimeter remains heavily guarded with trespassing signs that warn of deadly force.
Even the airspace above Area 51 is restricted, making it one of the most secure locations in America.
Vatican Secret Archives
Despite its name change to the Vatican Apostolic Archives in 2019, this collection remains largely inaccessible to outsiders. The archives contain centuries of papal correspondence, state papers, and historical documents — though only qualified scholars with specific research credentials can apply for access.
Even then, only certain materials are available for review.
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North Sentinel Island
The Sentinelese people have made it crystal clear they want nothing to do with the outside world. This island in the Bay of Bengal is home to one of the last uncontacted tribes on Earth, and the Indian government protects their isolation by law.
You can’t approach within three miles of the island legally — plus the tribe has violently rejected all contact attempts.
Fort Knox Bullion Depository
America’s gold reserves sit behind some of the most impressive security measures ever constructed. The facility features granite walls, electronic barriers, and armed guards around the clock — though even members of Congress rarely get inside.
The last official audit happened decades ago, adding to the mystery.
Club 33
Walt Disney’s private club at Disneyland operates on a membership system so exclusive that the waiting list stretches for years. Originally designed as Disney’s personal entertainment space for VIP guests and corporate sponsors, Club 33 maintains strict privacy policies — while membership fees run into the tens of thousands.
You’ll need a current member to sponsor your application.
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Poveglia Island
This small Italian island carries a dark history that keeps visitors away by law. Used as a plague quarantine station and later a mental hospital, Poveglia is considered one of the most haunted places on Earth.
The Italian government prohibits public access — though the island occasionally appears in private auctions that generate more curiosity than actual sales.
Room 39
North Korea’s mysterious government office generates foreign currency through various means, many of which violate international sanctions. Located in Pyongyang, Room 39 allegedly oversees everything from counterfeit money operations to drug trafficking — making it impossible for outsiders to verify what actually happens inside.
The secretive nature of this organization ensures complete isolation from foreign scrutiny.
Mezhgorye
This closed Russian city in the Ural Mountains houses what many believe to be a massive underground bunker complex. The facility allegedly serves as a nuclear command center — though Russian officials remain tight-lipped about its true purpose.
The entire area is restricted to military personnel and their families, with no civilian access permitted whatsoever.
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Surtsey Island
Iceland’s newest landmass emerged from volcanic activity in the 1960s and immediately became a living laboratory for scientists studying ecological development. Researchers must obtain special permits to visit — and they follow strict protocols to avoid contaminating this unique ecosystem.
The island provides invaluable data about how life colonizes new environments without human interference.
Bohemian Grove
This exclusive men’s club in California hosts an annual gathering of powerful politicians, business leaders, and celebrities each summer. The 2,700-acre compound features rustic cabins and amphitheaters where members participate in secretive ceremonies and networking events — though membership is by invitation only.
The club fiercely guards its privacy through legal agreements and security measures.
Pine Gap
Australia’s most classified military facility operates as a joint intelligence base with the United States. Located in the remote Northern Territory, Pine Gap monitors satellite communications and signals intelligence across the Asia-Pacific region.
The base employs hundreds of workers who must maintain the highest security clearances while signing comprehensive non-disclosure agreements.
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Dulce Base
Conspiracy theorists claim this underground facility in New Mexico houses everything from alien research to genetic experiments, though its existence remains unconfirmed. Whether real or imaginary, the alleged base has generated enough interest that the surrounding area attracts curious visitors despite having nothing visible to see.
The mystery itself has become an attraction.
Woomera Prohibited Area
This massive restricted zone in South Australia covers over 47,000 square miles of desert used for military testing and space launches. The Royal Australian Air Force controls access to protect both visitors and ongoing operations involving rockets, missiles, and aircraft trials.
Even commercial flights must obtain special clearance to cross the airspace.
Ni’ihau Island
Known as the ‘Forbidden Island,’ this privately owned Hawaiian island has remained largely isolated from modern development since the 1860s. The Robinson family purchased Ni’ihau and maintains it as a preserve for Native Hawaiian culture and the endangered Hawaiian monk seal.
Visitors can only arrive through expensive helicopter tours or by invitation from residents.
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Chapel of the Ark of the Covenant
Ethiopian Orthodox tradition claims this small chapel in Axum houses the original Ark of the Covenant from biblical times. Only one specially chosen guardian monk is allowed inside, yet he remains there for life once selected.
Pilgrims can approach the chapel grounds, but the interior stays completely off-limits to everyone except the designated keeper.
Heard Island
This remote Australian territory sits in the Southern Ocean between Africa and Antarctica, making it one of the most isolated places on Earth. Scientists visit occasionally to study the island’s unique ecosystem and active volcano, though all visits require extensive government approval.
The harsh weather and difficult logistics mean most applications get denied.
Diego Garcia
This British-controlled island in the Indian Ocean serves as a major U.S. military base supporting operations throughout the region. The original population was forcibly relocated in the 1970s to make way for the base, creating ongoing legal disputes.
Today, only military personnel and authorized contractors can access the island.
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Moscow Metro-2
Russia’s secret subway system allegedly runs parallel to the public Metro, connecting government buildings, military facilities, and bunkers throughout Moscow. While officials neither confirm nor deny its existence, enough evidence suggests these tunnels provide secure transportation for leadership during emergencies.
Urban explorers occasionally claim to find entrances, yet access remains impossible for civilians.
Beyond the Velvet Rope
These restricted locations remind us that some places exist beyond public reach, whether for security, conservation, or cultural preservation. Each forbidden zone tells a story about power, protection, or simply the human desire for privacy.
While we may never set foot in these places, their mystery continues to fuel our imagination and curiosity about what lies just beyond our grasp.
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