Yesterday afternoon, we chatted with friends Linda and Ken. It was Linda’s birthday, and we hadn’t communicated for a few months after having houseguests for almost two months, out of three, here in the bush. For our remaining nearly two months in Marloth Park, until we depart for Spain on September 14.
As we discussed our mutual travel plans for September and October, we discovered that the four of us will be in Barcelona at the same time in October, when they’ll have a port of call during their upcoming cruise, and while we are waiting to board our first of four cruises at the end of October, sailing from Barcelona. How ironic.
In the last almost 13 years of world travel, we met up with Linda and Ken, by coincidence, in the following locations:
- 2017: Sydney, Australia
- 2019: Wales, UK
- 2025: Barcelona, Spain
We were thrilled to know that we’ll be seeing these dear friends, if only for a part of the day, once again in yet another location in the world.
Continuing on with today’s topic:
When traveling abroad, understanding local dress codes is more than just a matter of fashion—it reflects cultural sensitivity, religious customs, and, in some cases, legal requirements. While many destinations are relaxed about attire, others have specific guidelines that tourists should follow to avoid offense or even fines. Here’s an 800-word guide on dress code requirements for tourists in various countries across different regions of the world.
Middle East and North Africa (MENA)
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are more liberal than other Gulf nations, but modest clothing is still expected in public places. Men should avoid walking shirtless outside of the beach or pool area, while women should cover their shoulders and knees. At religious sites like mosques, women are required to wear headscarves and clothing that is long, loose-fitting. Tight, revealing clothing is discouraged.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has strict dress codes rooted in Islamic law. Women are required to wear an abaya (a long, black cloak) in public and are often expected to cover their hair with a scarf; however, rules have relaxed slightly for tourists since 2019. Men should avoid shorts and sleeveless shirts in public spaces. At religious sites, full compliance with traditional attire is required.
Morocco
In cities like Marrakech and Casablanca, dress is more relaxed, but tourists should still dress modestly. Women should cover their shoulders and avoid short skirts or shorts. Men should wear shirts in public and refrain from wearing tank tops. In rural or conservative areas, more modest attire is essential.
Asia
India
India is diverse, but modesty is generally expected across the country. Women travelers should avoid tight-fitting or revealing clothing, particularly in temples or rural areas. A long skirt or loose trousers paired with a modest top is ideal. Men should wear long pants and avoid sleeveless shirts in conservative areas. Religious sites require heads, shoulders, and legs to be covered for all genders.
Thailand
In urban areas and beaches, clothing is pretty casual, but modest dress is essential when visiting temples and royal palaces. Both men and women must cover their shoulders and knees; wearing long pants or skirts is mandatory. Swimwear should never be worn away from the pool or beach.
Japan
Japan doesn’t have strict dress codes, but neat, conservative attire is appreciated, especially in temples and shrines. Revealing clothing may attract stares in rural areas. Tattoos, which are often associated with the Yakuza, should be covered in hot springs (onsens) and pools.
Europe
France and Italy
Western Europe tends to be fashion-forward, but generally liberal about dress codes. However, in churches and religious sites, tourists are expected to dress modestly; bare shoulders and short skirts are not allowed. In Italy, some cathedrals may deny entry to visitors who do not meet these standards. In beach towns, walking around in swimwear away from the beach is frowned upon.
Turkey
Though technically a secular country, Turkey has a mix of modern and traditional values. In Istanbul and coastal cities, attire is contemporary and relaxed. However, when visiting mosques, women are required to cover their hair, shoulders, and legs; men should refrain from wearing shorts. Scarves and long skirts are often provided at larger mosques.
Africa (Sub-Saharan)
Kenya and Tanzania
In cities and tourist areas, Western-style dress is prevalent, but modest attire is still appreciated. Women should avoid wearing mini-skirts and crop tops, especially in rural or Muslim-dominant regions such as Zanzibar or Mombasa. When on safari, neutral-colored, comfortable clothing is ideal. Men should avoid shorts in formal or rural settings.
South Africa
Dress codes are generally relaxed in most of South Africa, particularly in urban areas such as Cape Town and Johannesburg. However, when visiting townships, churches, or rural communities, dressing modestly is a sign of respect.
The Americas
United States and Canada
Dress is generally informal, with wide personal freedom. However, in religious settings or formal occasions, modest attire is often expected. In beach towns, swimwear should be reserved for the beach or pool area. Some upscale restaurants and clubs have a dress code that ranges from bright and casual to formal.
Mexico
In major cities and beach resorts, casual clothing is fine. However, when visiting churches or traditional towns, both men and women should dress modestly—no short shorts, tank tops, or crop tops are allowed. For women, a light shawl or scarf is handy for church visits.
Brazil
Known for its beach culture, Brazil is quite relaxed about attire in coastal cities. However, when away from the beach, it’s considered inappropriate to wear just swimwear in public spaces. In churches or government buildings, more conservative attire is expected.
Oceania
Australia and New Zealand
These countries are laid-back and casual, with no strict dress codes. However, beachwear should be confined to the beach, and shoes are expected in stores and restaurants. In Aboriginal communities, modest clothing may be appreciated as a sign of respect.
Fiji and Samoa
In many South Pacific islands, modest dress is required when away from tourist resorts. Women should wear skirts or dresses that cover the knees and shoulders when visiting villages or churches. Men should avoid going shirtless unless on the beach. Sarongs (also known as sulus) are often worn as a sign of cultural respect.
General Tips for Dressing Abroad
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Research Religious Sites – Always carry a scarf or shawl for unexpected visits to religious buildings.
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Watch What Locals Wear – Observing how locals dress is the easiest way to avoid standing out or offending.
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Avoid National Symbols – In some countries, wearing clothing with national flags or sacred symbols is considered disrespectful.
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Layer Smartly – Pack versatile pieces, such as cardigans, shawls, or loose-fitting trousers, that allow for quick adjustments.
Respecting local dress codes isn’t just about fitting in—it’s about acknowledging and honoring the cultures you’re visiting. In some places, inappropriate dress can result in being denied entry to landmarks, attract unwanted attention, or even provoke legal consequences. By packing thoughtfully and dressing modestly when appropriate, tourists can demonstrate cultural awareness and enhance their travel experiences.
This afternoon at 3:00 pm, we have a planned WhatsApp call with Christine, one of our readers from Canada, to answer questions they have about traveling to Africa. We are always happy to assist any of our world-traveling readers. Using WhatsApp, the calls are clear and free.
This evening, around 4:30, we’re heading back to Ngwenya for river watching, sundowners, and their buffet dinner with Louise and Danie. It’s always a delight to get together with the two of them.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, July 17, 2015:
