Even divine tools can't be used here — 5 museums and train platforms in Taiwan ban selfie sticks

▲ Selfie sticks are becoming more common, but many tourist attractions worldwide have recently started prohibiting their use. (Photo / Taken from Kogan)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Selfie sticks have become increasingly popular, allowing travelers to snap great photos without bothering others, making them a handy companion for outdoor trips. However, due to potential safety hazards, more and more famous attractions and theme parks around the world have started banning them. Some tourist spots in Taiwan have also begun implementing full or partial bans.

Selfie sticks do offer great convenience for travelers. Even when exploring abroad alone, you don’t need to worry about language barriers when taking photos — just pull out your selfie stick. However, their extendable poles can not only obstruct other people’s views but also pose safety risks if users are too focused on taking photos and neglect their surroundings. Inside museums, they could even endanger exhibited artworks. As a result, more and more attractions are banning their use.

Currently, the main places in Taiwan where selfie sticks are banned are five major museums:

▲ The National Palace Museum has now banned selfie sticks. (Photo / Reporter Zhou Chen-geng)

1. Taipei — National Palace Museum

2. Taipei Fine Arts Museum

3. Museum of Contemporary Art Taipei

4. Taichung — National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts

5. Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts

Additionally, although there is no official ban, the power equipment of Taiwan Railways and Taiwan High Speed Rail is located on the roofs of trains. Holding a selfie stick too high on the platform could cause high-voltage cables to discharge through the air, leading to electric shock risks. Therefore, the public is urged not to use selfie sticks on platforms.

▲ Although amusement parks have not yet banned them, selfie sticks are not allowed on thrilling rides. (Photo / Screenshot from Janfusun Fancyworld official website)

As for amusement parks, Taiwanese theme parks have not yet issued formal bans. However, the use of selfie sticks is prohibited on thrilling rides (such as roller coasters or rafting), as well as in haunted houses — this is to prevent startled visitors from accidentally hitting costumed staff with their sticks.

Regarding air travel, if you plan to bring a selfie stick abroad,according to regulations by the Civil Aeronautics Administration, pole tools over 25 centimeters are considered hazardous items. Therefore, even if selfie sticks may seem harmless, they are not allowed in carry-on bags or cabin luggage and must be checked in with other baggage.。