9 Places Where Tourists Get Fined for Dress Code Mistakes – Idyllic Pursuit

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you … you’re just helping re-supply our family’s travel fund.

Many travelers focus on safety, scams, and budgets, yet one of the most common reasons tourists lose money abroad is surprisingly simple: clothing. Around the world, local governments enforce dress codes tied to religion, tradition, or public order, and these rules often carry real financial penalties. What seems normal or harmless to visitors can be viewed as disrespectful or disruptive locally. Fines, denied entry, and police warnings are more common than people expect. Below are nine places where tourists regularly get fined for dress-code mistakes, explained clearly with exact expectations, penalty ranges, and real-world context to help travelers avoid costly missteps.

1. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai blends luxury and modern life with conservative public standards. Tourists are required to dress modestly in malls, metro stations, government buildings, and public streets. Shoulders and knees should be covered, and sheer or skin-tight clothing is discouraged. Swimwear is allowed strictly at beaches and hotel pools. Wearing bikinis or going shirtless in public areas can prompt complaints and police action. Fines generally range between $135 and $270, depending on severity. In peak summer months, authorities issue thousands of warnings annually, particularly in tourist-heavy districts where visitors underestimate local expectations.

2. Vatican City, Italy

Despite being surrounded by fashion-forward Rome, Vatican City enforces a strict dress code rooted in religious respect. Visitors entering St. Peter’s Basilica or the Vatican Museums must cover shoulders, knees, and midriffs. Shorts above the knee, sleeveless tops, and short skirts are prohibited for all genders. While police fines are uncommon, tourists are frequently denied entry, losing prepaid tickets worth $20–$35. On busy days, up to 20% of visitors are turned away temporarily. Many end up renting cover-up garments nearby for $5–$10, turning clothing mistakes into unexpected expenses.

3. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona has taken a firm stance against tourists wandering the city in beachwear. Walking through streets, restaurants, or shops while shirtless or wearing bikinis is illegal outside designated beach zones. The rule exists to protect residents from disruptive mass-tourism behavior. First-time offenders face fines starting at $130, while repeat violations can reach $330. In recent years, authorities have issued over 4,000 citations annually, mainly around Las Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter. Many tourists are surprised, assuming beach cities tolerate casual attire everywhere.

4. Hvar, Croatia

Hvar is famous for nightlife, but its historic center follows strict decency laws. Walking through town in bikinis, speedos, or without a shirt is prohibited away from beaches. Fines range from $500 to $650, making Hvar one of Europe’s most expensive places for dress-code violations. Police patrol actively during summer, issuing hundreds of citations each season. The rules were introduced after complaints from residents and religious institutions. Despite its party reputation, the town expects respectful dress during daytime hours, especially near churches and public squares.

5. Thailand (Buddhist Temples)

Thailand’s temples are active religious spaces, not tourist attractions, and strict dress rules apply nationwide. Visitors must cover shoulders, chests, and knees, avoiding tight or transparent clothing. Violations usually result in denied entry, but some major sites impose fines of $15–$30. At Bangkok’s Grand Palace alone, thousands of tourists are turned away weekly, losing tickets priced around $15. Clothing rentals cost an additional $5–$8. Authorities emphasize that modest dress is a sign of respect for Buddhism, not a formality meant to inconvenience travelers.

6. Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has eased dress rules for tourists, but modesty laws remain enforceable. Clothing must be loose, opaque, and cover shoulders and knees. Crop tops, short shorts, and torn garments exposing skin can lead to penalties. While women are no longer required to wear abayas, violations of public decency laws can result in fines between $130 and $270. In 2022, thousands of warnings were issued digitally through government systems. Enforcement is stricter in cities like Riyadh, while coastal tourist areas tend to be slightly more relaxed.

7. Turkey (Mosques & Religious Sites)

Turkey’s major mosques require modest attire for entry. Women must cover hair, shoulders, and legs, while men must avoid shorts above the knee. Scarves are mandatory in prayer areas. Failure to comply often results in denied access, but repeat or disrespectful behavior can bring fines between $25 and $75. Istanbul authorities report frequent violations at Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, especially during summer. While some mosques offer free scarves, limited supply often forces visitors to buy coverings nearby for $5–$10.

8. Egypt

Egypt encourages conservative dress, especially at mosques, churches, and archaeological sites. Sleeveless tops, short skirts, and revealing clothing commonly attract warnings from tourist police. At religious sites like Al-Azhar Mosque, refusal to comply can lead to fines ranging from $20 to $50 or immediate denial of entry. In 2023, authorities recorded thousands of dress-related incidents involving tourists. Modest clothing also reduces unwanted attention, making compliance both a legal and practical choice, particularly in cities like Cairo and Luxor.

9. Albufeira, Portugal

Albufeira has introduced some of Europe’s strictest public dress regulations to curb party tourism. Walking through streets in bikinis, swim briefs, or shirtless away from beaches is banned. Fines start at $300 and can climb to $1,500 for repeat or severe violations. The policy followed a 40% rise in alcohol-related disturbances during peak season. Police patrol nightlife areas heavily, especially after dark. Many visitors are caught off guard, assuming resort towns allow casual attire everywhere, which is no longer the case here.

Other Blog Posts You Might Enjoy