Can celebrities really manifest their dream roles through style choices?
Celebrities have the advantage of gaining access to exclusive locations and the opportunity to travel the world, unlike many of us. However, this also means that their behavior or political stance is subject to a higher level of scrutiny. As a result, certain countries have decided to ban these A-listers, despite their fame. Explore this gallery to discover which celebrities have faced bans from specific countries.
The A-lister was previously not allowed in China because of his movie 'Seven Years in Tibet' (1997). The film depicts the 14th Dalai Lama positively and shines a negative light on Communist military officers. However, Pitt returned to the country in 2016.
Just three weeks before a sold-out 2012 concert, Indonesian officials denied Gaga's permit to perform in the country. The Islamic Defenders Front called her a "destroyer of morals."
According to Time, Bieber allegedly assaulted a photographer in Argentina and disrespected the country's flag during a concert. He was denied entry when he tried to plan another tour there. He's also banned from China for being a "badly behaved entertainer."
The nature of the comedian's movies 'The Dictator' (2012) and 'Borat' (2006) got him banned from both Tajikistan and Kazakhstan. However, the ban was lifted in Kazakhstan thanks to the influx of tourism the movie brought the country.
Katy Perry was banned indefinitely from China, when authorities uncovered photos of her wearing a sunflower dress during a performance in Taiwan. Anti-China demonstrators had, in fact, adopted the sunflower as a sign of resistance. Chinese officials interpreted this as a not-so-subtle jab at the dispute with Taiwan.
In 1966, The Beatles were banned from the Philippines after declining a breakfast invitation from the country's First Lady.
The actor has been vocal about his support for Tibetan rights for decades. He has traveled to the region, and even met with the Dalai Lama. In 1993, he went off-script as an Oscar presenter to protest China’s presence in Tibet. As a result, the Chinese government imposed a travel ban on him.
In 2017, the model missed the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in Shanghai due to her visa being denied. It's believed it was due to a video in which she appears to narrow her eyes, attempting to imitate the Buddha-shaped cookie she was holding.
Another banned celebrity in China, the director's 1997 movie 'Kundun' angered Chinese officials for its portrayal of the Dalai Lama's early years.
The Icelandic singer was banned from entering China after chanting "Tibet" over and over at the end of a Shanghai concert in 2008.
In 2014, the rapper was dubbed "a threat to public order" and banned from entering New Zealand due to some of his lyrics. Not long after, Australia and the UK implemented similar bans.
In 2008, Stewart wasn't allowed to enter the UK because of her criminal convictions in the US.
Both the UK (2010) and Australia (2015) denied the singer a tour visa due to his conviction for his assault of then girlfriend Rihanna. The UK ban has since been lifted, and in 2023 he came back for a number of concerts.
Back in her 'Hannah Montana' days, Cyrus was banned from China for taking an offensive photo featuring her mocking Asian eyes. She's also banned from performing in the Dominican Republic as her acts "go against morals and customs" in the country.
Baldwin was banned from the Philippines for making a joke about "Filipino mail-order brides."
In 2010, Elton John was allegedly prevented from performing at a private party in Egypt for being gay.
In 2012, Tyson was forced to cancel a speaking tour in New Zealand after his visa was denied. The country regularly denies entry to those with "substantial criminal records," and his 1992 rape conviction didn't let him in.
In 2012, the rapper was banned from entering Norway for two years after being arrested for marijuana possession.
In 2010, the heiress was denied entry into Japan due to a recent minor drug-related offense. Hilton’s sentence included a year of probation, and Japan typically doesn't allow foreigners on probation to enter the country.
Akon is banned from Sri Lanka because his 'Sexy Chick' video features a raunchy pool party in front of a Buddha statue.
The singer faced a ban in Malaysia in 2013 after authorities claimed her show would hurt cultural and religious sensitivities.
The Chinese government banned Jay-Z from performing in the country because of his "vulgar" lyrics.
Queen B has been banned from Malaysia for promoting "Western sexy performances." In 2007, she even called off a concert over a dress code that required female performers to fully cover up from the shoulders to the knees, with no cleavage showing.
The actor has been denied entry in China since 1995, for his outspoken stance on Tibet's independence.
The star was banned from Russia for supporting LGBTQ rights. She was also barred from entering China over a picture she took with the Dalai Lama.
The whole band were banned from China for using an image of the Dalai Lama during a concert in Taiwan.
The actor was banned from Canada because of a past DUI conviction.
The rapper was banned from Canada because of his criminal record and alleged violence-promoting lyrics.
Back in 2008, the singer was denied a visa to enter the US because of a trial he was facing back home in the UK.
In 2008, Busta Rhymes was stopped from entering the UK because of his sentencing over four separate incidents involving assault and drunk driving in the US.
Sources: (Entertainment Weekly) (Harper's Bazaar)
See also: Celebrities who've done prison time
These celebrities have been banned from other countries
Some celebrities can't step foot in these countries!
CELEBRITY Controversy
Celebrities have the advantage of gaining access to exclusive locations and the opportunity to travel the world, unlike many of us. However, this also means that their behavior or political stance is subject to a higher level of scrutiny. As a result, certain countries have decided to ban these A-listers, despite their fame.
Explore this gallery to discover which celebrities have faced bans from specific countries.