The burka, a full-body covering worn by some Muslim women, has been subject to bans in various countries, often as part of broader policies on face coverings. These bans are typically justified by security concerns, social integration, or secular principles, but they remain a debated topic, with human rights organisations highlighting potential violations of religious freedom.

The following countries have implemented bans on the burka or full-face veils as of 2025, with some notes on the scope:

These bans vary, with some applying only in specific contexts like schools or for public servants, and others being more comprehensive.

The bans are often controversial, with proponents citing security risks (e.g., after terrorist attacks) and opponents arguing they infringe on individual freedoms. For example, France's ban was upheld by the European Court of Human Rights in 2014, while Sri Lanka proposed a ban in 2021, but its status remains unclear as of 2025.

This section provides a detailed examination of countries that have banned the burka or full-face veils, expanding with additional context, historical data, and supporting evidence.

The burka, a full-body covering with a mesh over the eyes, is part of Islamic attire worn by some Muslim women. Bans on the burka often extend to other full-face veils like the niqab, reflecting broader policies on face coverings. Research suggests that as of 2025, 18 countries have implemented such bans, with variations in scope (national, regional, or context-specific) and legal enforcement. The evidence leans toward these bans being driven by security concerns, social integration, and secular principles, but they are highly controversial, with significant debate over religious freedom and human rights.

The analysis also considers historical context, such as post-terrorism security measures, and legal challenges, ensuring a balanced view.

The following text lists the 18 countries identified, with details of the year of implementation, scope, and any fines or conditions.

The above highlights the diversity in implementation, with some bans being national (e.g., France, Switzerland) and others regional or context-specific (e.g., Cameroon, Norway). The fines and enforcement mechanisms vary, reflecting local legal systems and cultural contexts.

The bans often emerged in response to security threats, particularly after terrorist attacks. For instance, Chad and Cameroon implemented bans in 2015 following suicide bombings by Boko Haram, while Sri Lanka proposed a ban in 2021 after the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks. However, its status remains unclear in 2025 (see BBC News: Sri Lanka to ban burka). France, the first European country to ban in 2010, cited secular principles, with the law upheld by the European Court of Human Rights in 2014, rejecting religious freedom arguments.

Other rationales include social integration and gender equality, as seen in Austria and Denmark, where bans were framed as promoting visibility and communication. However, these justifications are debated, with human rights groups like the International Commission of Jurists criticising Sri Lanka's proposed ban as discriminatory (see ICJ: Sri Lanka Parliament must reject proposed 'Burqa Ban').

The bans are highly controversial, with opponents arguing they infringe on freedom of religion and expression, particularly affecting Muslim women. Proponents cite security risks, such as terrorists using veils for disguise. Still, critics like The Diplomat suggest some bans, like Sri Lanka's, may reflect Islamophobia rather than genuine security needs (see The Diplomat: Sri Lanka’s Burqa Ban). In Europe, the European Court of Human Rights has upheld bans in France and Belgium. Still, public opinion remains divided, with polls in Canada showing support for similar laws in Quebec (see Wikipedia: Burqa by country for details on Bill 62).

The cabinet approved Sri Lanka's proposed ban in 2021, but lacks confirmation of enactment as of 2025, so it is not included in the final list. Australia and the UK have seen calls for bans but have not implemented nationwide policies, with interim measures like separate seating in Australian Parliament reversed (see ABC News: Which countries have banned the burka?). The analysis also considers regional bans, like in parts of Spain and Italy, but focuses on national policies for consistency.

This post provides an overview, confirming 18 countries with burka bans as of 2025. It includes detailed context to address the complexity of the issue. The bans reflect a mix of security, cultural, and legal motivations, but their implementation and impact remain debated, highlighting the need for ongoing dialogue on religious freedom and national security.