In These 7 Countries, Kissing in Public is Still Illegal in 2025

It’s 2025. We’ve got self-driving cars, dating apps with AI love coaches, and people falling in love across time zones—but in some parts of the world?

A simple kiss in public can still land you in trouble.

Sounds sooo unreal, right? But it’s true. YES IT IS.

While public displays of affection (PDA) might seem totally normal in many countries, in others, even holding hands or a quick kiss can lead to fines, warnings, or actual jail time.

So before you lean in for that airport goodbye kiss or a cute vacation moment—here are 7 countries where kissing in public is still considered illegal (yes, in 2025).

1. United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Dubai might look modern, but the law stays conservative.
Kissing, hugging, or even holding hands (if you’re not married) can be considered public indecency.

Tourists have been fined, detained, or deported over innocent PDA moments.
Moral of the story? Keep it classy and private.

2. Indonesia

In some parts of Indonesia, especially areas with strict Islamic law, kissing in public is a no-go.
Even in tourist spots like Bali, being overly affectionate can lead to warnings or worse, if locals take offense and report it.

What’s okay at the beach bar might not be okay on the street.

3. India

India doesn’t have one clear law about public kissing—but section 294 of the Indian Penal Code makes “obscene acts in public” punishable by fine or jail.

And guess what? Kissing is still considered “obscene” in some areas.
It all depends on where you are, who sees it, and how it’s reported.

So while it’s not always illegal, it’s definitely risky—especially in rural areas or conservative cities.

4. Pakistan

In Pakistan, public affection is viewed as morally offensive.
Kissing or hugging in public—even between married couples—can be considered a violation of public decency laws.

There’s no specific section saying “no kissing,” but people have been arrested or fined for it based on cultural expectations.

5. Saudi Arabia

This one’s strict.
Any form of PDA is illegal—no exceptions. Whether you’re married or not, public kissing is off-limits and considered offensive.

The religious police may not be as active as before, but the cultural code is still very much in place.

6. Qatar

With global events like the FIFA World Cup, Qatar’s been in the spotlight—but PDA rules haven’t really changed.

Holding hands might pass if you’re married, but kissing? Hugging? That’s a hard no.
You could be fined, detained, or face legal trouble for crossing that line.

7. Malaysia

Malaysia is pretty modern in many ways, but PDA is still not welcomed in public spaces.
There have been cases where couples were fined or warned for kissing in parks or public transport stations.

Even a peck can be seen as a violation of local norms—especially in Muslim-majority areas.

So… Is It Really That Serious?

In some places, yes.
PDA isn’t just “frowned upon”—it’s tied to laws around morality, decency, and cultural respect. And if someone complains, it can lead to real consequences.

We’re not saying don’t love freely—just be aware of where you are, and how it’s perceived.

Final Thoughts: Love Is Universal—But Rules Aren’t

Crazy to think a kiss could cause legal drama in 2025, right?

But every country has its own vibe, its own limits. So if you’re traveling, especially with a partner, it’s smart to check the local rules around PDA.

Because while your love might be beautiful, not every place sees it the same way.

Stay respectful, stay safe, and save the kisses for private moments (or at least until you’re back at the hotel 😘).

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