Tattoo etiquette while traveling can be a minefield. Only some countries will welcome your intricate and crispy art on display. Whether you are someone who chases internationally famous gurus of tattoo art or maybe the ink is left over from your wild youth, there are countries that seriously frown upon the display of tattooed bodies.

Numerous countries, including France, Germany and Slovakia

There are laws in each of these countries prohibiting anything to do with Nazi culture and hate symbols that will have you put in jail or deported. Other tats present no problems, so long as they are not racist, political, or religious.

Japan

Historically tattoos were illegal until 1948, but there is still social unacceptability as tattoos are primarily associated with the Yakuza criminal element. Out of tourist hot spots some onsens will have signs banning tattoos, while others will provide a cover-up if your artistry is small enough to hide. Even some hotels and resorts ban inked guests from their swimming pools and gyms. However, attitudes are slowly changing.

Vietnam

As in Japan, tattoos are historically associated with gangs and criminals. Outside tourist areas, you may get some wary looks, especially from the older generations or if you find yourself in traditional villages. Cover up any tattoos that are religious, anti-political, or gang-related, as they are totally banned. Again, attitudes are slowly changing with a growing number of tattoo parlors in the big cities.

South Korea

Getting a tattoo in South Korea is sort-of illegal, as a doctor is the only person legally allowed to perform tattooing. Hence, tattoo artists spend years getting medical licenses, which translates to fewer tattoo artists in South Korea from whom to choose. Aside from a few disparaging looks, tattoos are becoming more socially acceptable. Originally, fishermen got tattoos of fish and nautical themes; it then became the method of branding criminals for their crimes or marking ownership of enslaved people by their masters. In the 20th Century, as in other Asian countries, tattoos became the symbol of criminal gang affiliation. You will find some public places, such as bathhouses and gyms, that ban the flaunting of tattoos.

North Korea

This is an ad hoc mention for North Korea, as any visible tattoos must praise the Kim family or have an ideological theme related to the teachings of the state. Despite no law against tattoos, any other tattoos on display may get you deported or imprisoned.

Tattoos and Traveling - The Wise Traveller - Tattoo artist

Turkey

Body art in Turkey has become a hot topic, with officials becoming hostile towards the practice for locals, even going so far as to request all Muslims with tattoos to have them surgically removed. Tats are not illegal in the country, but it may be an idea to cover them up if possible.

United Arab Emirates

Getting tattooed in the UAE is frowned upon as it's considered self-harming. Foreigners and tourists should cover their beautiful works of art if they are offensive. As a precautionary measure, it's recommended that any form of tattoo be covered in public.

Malaysia

In Malaysia, the forbidden tats worthy of punishment include religious quotes, God-like illustrations, or depictions of the prophet Muhammad.

Sri Lanka

This country, in recent years, will not look upon you kindly if you have a visible Buddha tattoo, to the point of arresting and deporting you. The government is super sensitive about its Buddhist beliefs and won't tolerate anyone defacing their beliefs.

Thailand

As with Sri Lanka, certain religious symbols are totally forbidden, even if you are a tourist. Thailand passed a law in 2011 prohibiting Buddha tattoos as culturally inappropriate and disrespectful.

Indonesia

Associated with prisoners, criminals, and prostitutes, flaunting certain tattoos in Indonesia in public settings may be frowned upon, so be prepared to cover them up.

When traveling with tattoos, it's important not to offend the local culture where you find yourself. Many countries today are more accepting of body ink than in previous years, but there are circumstances where flashing tattoos is taboo: it's a general rule to cover up when walking into any religious site or place of worship, with or without tattoos. Face and neck tattoos are a totally different story when traveling as they are considered to be gang or crime-related and can be intimidating to many folks. Prepare to be banned from entering many places and to be scrutinized closely by border control and local law enforcement.


Gail Palethorpe, a self proclaimed Australian gypsy, is a freelance writer, photographer and eternal traveller. Check out her website Gail Palethorpe Photography and her Shutterstock profile.