If you’re planning to travel abroad and you have tattoos, it’s important to know which countries may reject your visa application. Many countries have their own policies on tattoos, and some have been known to turn away applicants with visible tattoos. In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide on which countries deny visas to applicants with tattoos and what you should do if you’re planning a trip to one of these nations.

Countries That Deny Visas to Applicants with Tattoos

1. Japan

Japan has strict rules regarding tattoos, stemming from their association with organized crime. In Japan, tattoos are often associated with the Yakuza, a notorious Japanese organized crime syndicate. As a result, many public facilities, such as swimming pools, gyms, and hot springs, may prohibit people with tattoos from entering. If you’re planning a trip to Japan, it’s important to be aware that the country may deny your visa if you have visible tattoos.

2. South Korea

South Korea also has strict rules regarding tattoos. While not as strict as Japan, South Korea still associates tattoos with gangs and crime. As a result, tattoos are often associated with a negative image in South Korean society. Some public facilities, such as swimming pools and hot springs, may prohibit people with visible tattoos from entering. If you’re planning a trip to South Korea, you should be aware that the country may deny your visa if you have visible tattoos.

3. United Arab Emirates (UAE)

While not explicitly banned, tattoos are frowned upon by the UAE government and society as a whole. In general, tattoos are seen as contrary to the UAE’s conservative Islamic culture. If you have a visible tattoo while applying for a visa to the UAE, your application may be denied. Even if you don’t have visible tattoos, officials at the airport may ask to inspect your body for tattoos before granting you entry.

4. Iran

Iran has historically been very strict about tattoos, although the enforcement of the ban seems to have decreased in recent years. In Iran, tattoos are often associated with homosexuality and regarded as sinful. If you have a visible tattoo, it’s recommended that you cover it up as much as possible when applying for a visa or traveling through Iran.

5. Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, tattoos are generally forbidden and considered to be in violation of the country’s strict interpretation of Islamic law. The country may deny your visa if you have visible tattoos, although enforcement of the ban can vary from case to case.

What Should You Do if You Have Visible Tattoos?

If you’re planning a trip to one of the countries mentioned above and you have visible tattoos, it’s important to take steps to cover them up as much as possible. Wear long-sleeved shirts or pants, or use a specialized cover-up product to hide your tattoos. You should also be aware that some countries may ask you to remove your clothing and inspect your body for tattoos before granting you entry. If you’re concerned about your tattoos, you may want to consider covering them up as much as possible or avoiding travel to countries with strict rules on tattoos.

Key Takeaways

• Japan, South Korea, UAE, Iran, and Saudi Arabia may deny visas to applicants with visible tattoos.
• Tattoos are often associated with criminal activity in Japan and South Korea, while they are seen as contrary to conservative Islamic culture in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
• If you have visible tattoos, it’s important to take steps to cover them up when applying for a visa or traveling through these countries.
• Some countries may ask you to remove your clothing and inspect your body for tattoos before granting you entry.

Conclusion

If you have tattoos and are planning to travel abroad, it’s important to research the policies of the country you plan to visit. Many countries have strict rules regarding tattoos, and some may outright deny visas to applicants with visible tattoos. By being aware of these policies and taking steps to cover up your tattoos, you can ensure a smoother trip and avoid any potential issues at the border.

FAQ

Q: Can I still travel to these countries if I have tattoos?A: Yes, but it’s recommended that you take steps to cover up your tattoos as much as possible.

Q: Can I remove my tattoos to avoid issues with visa applications?A: While there is no guarantee that removing your tattoos will improve your chances of getting a visa, it may be an option worth considering if you plan to travel to a country with strict rules on tattoos.

Q: Are there any other countries with strict rules on tattoos?A: Yes, some other countries, such as Morocco and Malaysia, also have strict rules regarding tattoos. It’s recommended that you research the policies of the country you plan to visit before applying for a visa.