Croatia Joins with Indonesia, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Vatican City, Thailand, Spain, Greece and Turkiye Introducing New Six Hundred Euros Hefty Fine for Wearing Inappropriate Attires at Public Places - Travel And Tour World (2025)

Thursday, April 17, 2025

Croatia has officially joined a growing list of countries including Indonesia, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Vatican City, Thailand, Spain, Greece, and Turkiye in introducing strict penalties for tourists who wear inappropriate attire in public spaces. The picturesque Adriatic destination, particularly the island of Hvar, has introduced fines as high as €600 for visitors caught walking around town in bikinis, speedos, or shirtless, away from beaches or pool areas. This move aligns Croatia with an emerging global trend: using legislation and financial penalties to reinforce cultural norms and preserve public decency amid the surging tides of international tourism.

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The global tourism industry is facing a reckoning, as nations with deep-rooted traditions seek to balance hospitality with cultural integrity. In destinations where religion, tradition, or local decorum guide social behavior, the influx of casual, often oblivious tourists has led to increasing friction. Croatia’s recent policy shift underscores its intent to reassert control over its identity as a sophisticated Mediterranean destination, rather than a beach party free-for-all.

In the post-pandemic travel boom, tourists have returned in droves, often unaware—or uninterested—in local expectations. While tourism boards globally continue to promote “authentic experiences,” the reality on the ground has led to cultural clashes. The fines being enforced in Croatia and its counterparts signal a new chapter in tourism governance. Authorities are now backing courtesy with consequences, as seen in similar fines issued across conservative countries and even parts of secular Europe.

The decision in Hvar is especially significant because it highlights how even non-religious destinations are embracing dress codes to manage overtourism. In a town known for its luxury yachts and vibrant nightlife, the fines are not just about modesty but about managing the tone of tourism. Town officials argue that such enforcement protects the aesthetic and social fabric of the destination, ensuring that residents and families are not alienated by what they consider indecent exposure in sacred or historical areas.

The move has sparked debate across the travel industry. Critics argue that punitive fines may deter visitors or foster a sense of hostility. Yet proponents insist that a respectful tourism model—one that includes appropriate attire—is essential to long-term sustainability. For travel advisors, tour operators, and digital platforms, these developments stress the need to educate travelers proactively about local laws and customs before they land.

Croatia’s alignment with nations like Indonesia and the UAE signals a wider cultural pivot in the global tourism economy. In an era where destinations are reclaiming agency, respecting dress codes is no longer optional—it’s becoming a new norm with tangible consequences.

In an era where global travel is both more accessible and more scrutinized, Hvar, Croatia is sending a clear message: cultural respect is no longer optional—it’s enforceable. British tourists visiting the stunning Adriatic island are now under strict guidance to adhere to local dress codes or face fines as high as €600. The policy, recently reinforced by municipal authorities, aims to preserve the island’s cultural character and uphold standards of decorum, particularly in the historic town center and around sacred or traditional landmarks.

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Hvar has long been known for its vibrant nightlife, scenic coastline, and party atmosphere. But recent concerns over visitor behavior—especially among younger travelers drawn to its sun-drenched clubs and beaches—have prompted officials to implement tangible consequences for attire deemed inappropriate in public settings. Tourists caught wearing only bikinis, speedos, or walking shirtless through the town’s central squares can now receive on-the-spot fines ranging from €500 to €600 (£428–£513).

The policy underscores an evolving tourism model in Europe where cities and heritage destinations push back against what they perceive as disrespectful or disruptive visitor behavior. In Hvar’s case, the tipping point appears to be a rise in complaints from residents and cultural institutions, who say the influx of tourists—especially in peak summer months—has strained local norms and diminished the sense of place that once defined the island.

Geo-Targeted Enforcement Reflects Broader European Trends

This move by Hvar isn’t happening in isolation. Across Europe, destinations from Barcelona to Dubrovnik are implementing similar behavior regulations to manage tourism’s cultural footprint. The Croatian Ministry of Tourism and Sport has expressed support for local governments taking initiative to uphold dignity and heritage, noting that sustainable tourism isn’t just about environmental conservation—it’s about preserving identity.

With Hvar being a cultural jewel and a UNESCO-associated town, local authorities believe stricter dress code enforcement helps protect both heritage and tourism infrastructure. The result is a dynamic balancing act between visitor satisfaction and community integrity.

British Tourists and Cultural Disconnect

British travelers are among the most frequent international visitors to Croatia, including Hvar. Their holiday preferences often emphasize relaxation, nightlife, and beach culture—elements which occasionally clash with the expectations of local residents and business owners. This cultural disconnect has contributed to a string of incidents where tourists have been asked to leave museums, churches, and even cafes due to inappropriate attire.

According to Croatian tourism officials, most violations are unintentional, born from a lack of awareness rather than malice. Yet the consequences remain. A €600 fine for wearing a bikini beyond the beach is both a fiscal and reputational warning. The fines, while strict, are intended more as deterrents than punitive income.

Travel Industry Response: A Shift in Responsibility

The implications of Hvar’s policy are beginning to shape travel industry practices. Tour operators, travel advisors, and booking platforms are increasingly being held responsible for pre-travel education. Etiquette briefings, dress code guidelines, and “cultural behavior reminders” are becoming standard content in trip confirmation emails and brochures.

Laura Busby, a travel expert and commercial director at Good Travel Management, emphasizes the need for proactive preparation. “To avoid fines or negative experiences while visiting Croatia, research any landmarks or local attractions and their dress codes before you visit,” she advises. Busby recommends travelers carry a scarf, shawl, or lightweight jacket—easy solutions that show respect and ensure compliance.

This proactive education marks a shift in how travel providers view their role in cultural sustainability. The burden of awareness is no longer just on the traveler—it’s on the ecosystem that enables and guides their journey.

Tourist Sentiment and Traveler Behavior

While the move has sparked debate on social media, most tourists interviewed on the ground appear understanding. Some even appreciate the emphasis on cultural boundaries, noting that such enforcement actually enhances the travel experience by immersing them more deeply into local values.

However, others argue that policies like Hvar’s run the risk of creating unwelcoming environments, especially for first-time visitors or those unaware of local customs. The challenge for Croatia—and similar destinations—is to walk the fine line between cultural preservation and tourist inclusivity.

Cultural Tourism as the Future

Cultural tourism is evolving. No longer confined to art museums and historic walking tours, it now includes behavioral expectations. Travelers are increasingly asked to mirror local customs—whether it’s by removing shoes before entering a temple in Asia or wearing appropriate attire in Mediterranean churches and town centers.

Hvar’s dress code enforcement is a signal to the global tourism community: respect isn’t just a moral courtesy—it’s a condition of entry. This shift mirrors the post-pandemic recalibration of travel, where quality, consciousness, and cultural alignment matter more than unchecked volume.

Countries Introduces Fines for Inappropriate Dresses

Around the world, countries with deep cultural traditions, religious values, or historic significance are increasingly implementing strict dress codes for tourists to preserve public decency and uphold local norms. These rules often vary between conservative religious expectations and regulations applied to protected or heritage sites. As global tourism rebounds and diversifies, more destinations are drawing clearer boundaries on acceptable attire—enforcing these through fines, refusals of entry, or social and legal penalties. Below is an expanded and updated guide to 13 countries known for enforcing dress codes for travelers.

1. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The UAE, especially in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, is a global hub for tourism, but it maintains conservative public dress expectations rooted in Islamic culture. Tourists must cover shoulders and knees in public areas such as shopping malls, mosques, and government offices. Swimwear is only appropriate at beaches or hotel pools. Fines can reach AED 2,000 (~USD 545), and in severe or repeated cases, jail time or deportation is possible. The rule applies to both men and women, although stricter standards are often expected of women.

2. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia enforces some of the strictest dress codes globally, particularly for women. The abaya—a long, flowing cloak—is traditionally required for women in public spaces. Men must also avoid shorts or tight clothing. Although the dress code has slightly relaxed in recent years under the Vision 2030 reforms, the expectation of modesty remains firm. Violations can result in detainment, public reprimands, or deportation, particularly when paired with other public behavior deemed disrespectful.

3. Iran
Tourists visiting Iran are legally required to conform to the country’s Islamic dress code. Women must wear a headscarf (hijab) and loose-fitting clothing that covers the arms and legs. Men are also prohibited from wearing shorts or sleeveless shirts. Enforcement is often carried out by the morality police, and violations can lead to monetary fines, public warning, or even arrest, depending on the location and severity.

4. Qatar
Qatar’s dress code policies mirror those of its Gulf neighbors, focusing on public modesty. While Western-style swimwear is permitted on hotel beaches and pools, it is forbidden in public areas. Tourists should wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees in malls, public parks, and museums. Violations can result in being asked to leave an area, receiving warnings, or in some cases, official fines.

5. Morocco
Though relatively liberal compared to Gulf countries, Morocco expects modest attire, especially in rural villages and religious settings. Women are encouraged to cover their arms and legs, and both genders should avoid tight or revealing clothing. While fines are rare, visitors can be refused entry to sites like mosques or encounter social disapproval in traditional neighborhoods.

6. Vatican City (Italy)
Tourists visiting St. Peter’s Basilica or the Vatican Museums must adhere to a conservative dress code. Shorts, mini skirts, and sleeveless tops are prohibited. While there are no fines, access will be denied, and visitors dressed inappropriately may be turned away at the entrance. This policy aims to maintain the sanctity and reverence of Catholicism’s most sacred site.

7. Thailand
Temples and royal sites across Thailand enforce modest dress requirements. Both men and women must cover shoulders and knees; sheer or tight-fitting clothes are not permitted. Tourists violating dress codes at iconic sites like the Grand Palace or Wat Pho may be denied entry. Disrespecting sacred spaces can result in fines or legal trouble under Thailand’s strict lèse-majesté laws.

8. India
Temples, mosques, and spiritual retreats in India often have rigid dress codes. Shoes must be removed before entry, and modest attire is essential. Women should cover their legs and shoulders; men are expected to dress neatly. While enforcement typically comes in the form of entry denial or public admonishment, some religious communities have systems of fines or donations as soft penalties for disrespectful clothing.

9. Indonesia (especially Bali)
Indonesia, particularly on the island of Bali, has seen an uptick in tourist misbehavior in sacred sites, prompting stricter regulation. Visitors to temples are often required to wear a sarong and sash regardless of gender. Tourists wearing revealing clothing may be removed from temple grounds and fined, especially in more traditional regions like Ubud.

10. Croatia
Croatia has recently made headlines for joining this global trend. In Hvar and other Adriatic towns, tourists caught walking around in bikinis, speedos, or shirtless can now be fined up to €600. These rules aim to reduce disrespectful behavior in historic areas and balance party tourism with local culture and quality of life.

11. Spain (Barcelona & Mallorca)
In tourist-heavy cities like Barcelona and Mallorca, municipal governments have banned the wearing of swimwear on public streets and in city centers. Violators may face fines of €100–€300. The rules are part of broader efforts to combat unruly behavior and maintain decorum in densely visited urban areas.

12. Greece
In Greece, particularly at religious sites like the Meteora monasteries, strict dress codes are enforced. Visitors must wear long pants or skirts and avoid sleeveless clothing. Failure to comply results in denied entry. Some monasteries offer wraps or shawls to unprepared tourists, but disrespect can result in ejection.

13. Turkey
In Turkey, mosques are sacred spaces with enforced dress standards. Women must wear headscarves and long skirts or pants; men must avoid shorts. While tourists are usually given the opportunity to borrow coverings at mosque entrances, refusal to comply can lead to removal or social reprimand.

Final Thoughts: Respect as the New Passport

As tourism rebounds and travelers flock back to heritage destinations like Hvar, the need for respectful engagement grows. British tourists—and all global visitors—must now view etiquette not as a suggestion, but as an essential part of their itinerary.

Hvar’s bold move to fine visitors who disregard local dress codes is more than a tourism policy—it’s a cultural assertion. And it reflects a broader truth facing the global travel industry: the future of tourism depends not only on where we go, but how we behave once we arrive.

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