Holidaymakers have been warned they could face fines and imprisonment for topless sunbathing in popular tourist destinations.
Travel experts at StressFreeCarRental.com have revealed the surprising places where local laws prohibit sunbathing in the nude.
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While most countries have rules about public nudity intended to offend, some destinations have strict rules and regulations which ban topless or nude sunbathing.
Jetsetters could get in trouble with the police for breaking public nudity laws in popular tourist spots.
In places where public nudity is illegal, sunbathing on beaches can result in fines or even imprisonment.
Sun seekers caught nude or topless sunbathing in Dubai and Tunisia are at risk of severe penalties because it is seen as culturally insensitive.
Nude sunbathing in public is also illegal in luxury getaways like Trinidad & Tobago and the Bahamas.
John Charnock, CEO of StressFreeCarRental.com said: “As the summer season ramps up, we are urging sun-seekers to research local laws and customs before topless sunbathing.
“Sunbathing in the nude can be seen as culturally unacceptable in some destinations, and the laws on nude sunbathing vary around the world and it is illegal in some surprising places.
“Many sun-starved tourists head on their holidays intending to get an even bronzed glow, but in some popular hotspots, the price of the perfect tan could be a hefty fine or in extreme cases, imprisonment.
“Dubai, Tunisia and the Caribbean beauty spot Trinidad & Tobago are all destinations with strict rules regarding nude sunbathing.
“To be safe, always do your research, follow good beach etiquette and try to stick to designated nudist beaches if you want to sunbathe in the buff when visiting somewhere new.”
Destinations where nude sunbathing is banned:
Dubai:
Dubai is a Muslim nation and regulations and standards for sunbathing are strict. It is illegal for women to sunbathe topless or to go nude, and it is also prohibited to wear a bikini outside of the beach area or on public roadways. These rules apply to both public and private beaches, and breaking them is punishable by six months in prison.
Tunisia:
In Tunisia, nudism is prohibited by law and unacceptable, and as a Muslim country, it is important to respect the culture. Public nudity, including on public beaches, is illegal and can result in fines or even imprisonment.
Malta:
Public nudity is illegal in Malta under Article 338(q) of the Criminal Code, making being nude and ‘indecently dressed’ in public illegal. People found breaking the laws could incur fines of up to 700 euros.
Trinidad & Tobago:
As a very religious Island, nudity and topless bathing are illegal in this Caribbean tropical paradise. Wearing nothing but a bathing suit anywhere other than a beach is an offence, and officers have the right to enforce the rules.
Egypt:
Public nudity is culturally insensitive due to the large Muslim population and is strictly prohibited. The laws are stringently enforced, and public nudity can result in legal consequences, including fines and potential imprisonment.
Morocco:
Topless and nude sunbathing is illegal in Morocco which is a Muslim-majority country and violating these laws can lead to severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
Bahamas:
In the Bahamas, public nudity is against the law which is enforced with legal consequences. The country is very conservative so public nudity is frowned upon in Bahamian society.
