Traveling Abroad: Be Cautious of Dress Code Penalties in Sacred Places

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Traveling abroad: Dressing Provocatively in Sacred Places - Beware of Penalties

In numerous countries, places of reverence such as temples, churches, or religious landmarks stipulate that visitors must dress modestly; violating this rule may result in legal penalties.

Traveling abroad: Dressing Provocatively in Sacred Places - Beware of Penalties

Key Regulations to Know

The Shwedagon Pagoda, boasting a history of 2,500 years in Yangon, Myanmar, stands as a destination that international travelers cannot afford to miss when visiting this land of golden pagodas.

The official website of this historic site features a dedicated section outlining dress code guidelines, emphasizing that visitors should dress appropriately and modestly.

Visitors to the temple are advised to wear long pants or, at the very least, knee-length pants or skirts, long-sleeved shirts down to the wrists, and go barefoot when exploring the temple.

Similarly, the renowned Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Singapore's Chinatown requires visitors to dress modestly if they wish to enter the temple.

According to the regulations, visitors must wear modest attire covering the back and shoulders and should not wear shorts or short skirts when entering the temple.

In addition, the temple also provides robes and shawls for visitors to borrow in case they are inappropriately dressed, with ready soap and towels for washing hands and feet before entering.

According to the Bangkok Attractions travel website, some temples in the capital of Thailand also prohibit shorts or short skirts above the knees, tight-fitting pants, ripped jeans, sleeveless shirts, and more.

Some travel tips also highlight things travelers should be mindful of to adapt to local customs when visiting Asian countries, especially when exploring religious sites.

Churches, sanctuaries, temples... all have strict dress codes

For those planning to visit Israel, USA Today advises against wearing shorts and short-sleeved shirts when visiting any religious site, whether it belongs to Catholicism, Judaism, or Islam.

At Jewish places of worship, men are required to have a scarf or hat to cover their heads.

For women, long dresses, high-necked, and long-sleeved shirts are the ideal clothing choices when wanting to visit Jewish and Catholic sanctuaries.

In Islamic countries, dress codes are usually very strict. The UK Foreign Office even provides some recommendations for its citizens to adhere to local regulations when visiting these countries, especially during the Ramadan month from June to July.

For example, when visiting Iran, women should adhere to regulations such as wearing a headscarf, long pants or skirts, and a long coat. When visiting religious shrines, women may be required to wrap an additional piece of fabric covering the entire body, leaving only the face exposed, before entering the inner courtyard.

Moreover, many monasteries and Catholic churches in Western countries also enforce strict dress codes for visiting guests.

In recent years, the Cambodian government has become stricter regarding dress regulations when visiting the sacred Angkor Wat temple in Siem Reap. Violations are now legally dealt with.

In January 2015, The Telegraph reported that a Chinese model angered the people of Cambodia by taking photos without wearing a shirt, and two American sisters were also arrested for taking revealing photos at the temple a month later.

Furthermore, three French male tourists were arrested for taking nude photos at Banteay Kdei temple.

The electronic information portal of the Cambodian Embassy in the UK provides detailed information on regulations that tourists should be aware of when visiting religious sites in Cambodia.

“Visitors should dress modestly at all religious sites, no bare shoulders, no shorts, super short pants, or other inappropriate attire,” wrote www.cambodianembassy.org.uk.

At St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, hundreds are asked to turn away every day due to inappropriate attire, even after enduring hours of security checks under the scorching sun, according to Romecabs.

Meanwhile, the rule seems quite straightforward: dress modestly with knee-length and shoulder-covering clothing, and don't forget to wear shoes.

The dress code regulations are also posted on notice boards at the security gates.

By Ngoc Dong/Tuoi Tre

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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide

MytourFebruary 10, 2017

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common dress code requirements for visiting sacred places?

Many sacred places worldwide have specific dress codes to ensure visitors show respect. Common requirements include wearing long pants or knee-length skirts, long-sleeved shirts covering the shoulders, and avoiding tight or ripped clothing. In some locations, such as temples in Thailand and Cambodia, it’s essential to go barefoot, and visitors may need to borrow appropriate clothing if they arrive dressed inappropriately.

Why is it important to dress modestly when visiting religious sites?

Dressing modestly when visiting religious sites is crucial as it reflects respect for local customs and traditions. Many cultures view revealing clothing as disrespectful, especially in sacred environments. Violating dress codes can result in legal penalties or being denied entry, as seen in places like the Shwedagon Pagoda in Myanmar or St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican.

What specific dress codes should women follow when visiting Islamic countries?

In Islamic countries, women are generally required to dress conservatively. This often includes wearing a headscarf, long pants or skirts, and long-sleeved shirts. In some cases, additional clothing may be needed to cover the body completely before entering sacred sites. Adhering to these dress codes is essential to respect local customs and avoid legal repercussions.

Are there consequences for not following dress codes in sacred places?

Yes, there can be significant consequences for not adhering to dress codes in sacred places. Violations may result in being turned away, legal penalties, or even arrests, as seen in recent incidents at Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Visitors are advised to familiarize themselves with specific dress requirements to ensure respectful participation in these cultural and religious sites.

What should travelers know about dressing appropriately at religious sites?

Travelers should always check the specific dress code requirements for the religious sites they plan to visit. General guidelines include avoiding shorts, sleeveless shirts, and tight-fitting clothing. It’s advisable to wear modest attire that covers shoulders and knees. Many sites provide information on their websites or at entrances, helping visitors dress appropriately to avoid any issues.