All five military branches restrict tattoo content. You're going to have to remove any tattoos based on drugs, sex, violence, or gang affiliation. Similarly, your ink cannot discriminate against sex, religion, or race.
Army Tattoo Policy
It prohibits any tattoos on the head, face, neck, wrists, hands, or above the t-shirt collar. Essentially, any visible body tattoos are prohibited. The only exception is one ring tattoo per hand where a regular ring would lie.
The ADF has a strict policy regarding personal appearance. The acceptability of tattoos and body piercings will be assessed on a case by case basis by Defence Force Recruiting. If you are considering getting either please contact us for guidance as this may affect your application.
(a) Though no restriction on size or type of tattoo has been specified, tattoos are only permitted on body parts as mentioned above. (b) Only small innocuous tattoos, that are not prejudicial to good order and military discipline, are permitted e.g. religious symbols or names of near and dear ones etc.
Laser tattoo removal is your best option for getting rid of unwanted ink that violates the military standard. While the military will not pay for your removal, many laser clinics offer military discounts.
Additionally, tattoos below the knee and elbow, no matter the size and quantity, are perfectly fine. This means full sleeves are allowed. Hand and ring tattoos are permitted as well.
In Japan tattoos have long been stigmatized for their association with organized crime gangs, the Yakuza, who pledge their allegiance with full-body markings. Consequently, anyone with ink – regardless of their profession – cannot usually use public swimming pools, hot springs, beaches and even some gyms.
Tattoos: legal issues
In Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and Queensland, it's a criminal offence for a tattooist to do tattoos for someone under 18 years. In the Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales, teenagers under 18 years need to get their parents' permission for tattoos.
China bans tattoos for minors, forbidding anyone from offering the service to teens. The State Council directive also bars advertisements and online or broadcast content that depicts tattoos. A Chinese player sports tattoos during the men's basketball match at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, July 25, 2021.
However, the Central Intelligence Agency's (CIA) website states, “tattoos will not disqualify you from gaining employment at the CIA, and all professionally-qualified persons are encouraged to apply.”
The Army will continue to prohibit tattoos on a Soldier's face and the body art will continue to be allowed on a Soldier's arms and legs as long as they do not become visible above a Soldier's collar. Soldiers may not cover up tattoos with bandages or wrappings to comply with the regulation.
Any tattoo that is visible from under your clothing will most likely need to be removed before joining the military. These include the hands, wrists, neck, upper chest and other locations.
The Coast Guard is the only service branch that permits one other hand tattoo. This second kind is allowed between the wrist and first knuckle, as long as it's not bigger than 1 inch in diameter. These few restrictions mean that almost anything goes in the military in 2021-2022 with regards to tattoos.
Excluding limited exemptions for religious accommodation, the United States Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps have policies that prohibit beards on the basis of hygiene and the necessity of a good seal for chemical weapon protective masks.
Actually, tattoos are fine in Japan. They're not illegal in any way. You may even see some people walking around with fashion tattoos, especially in Tokyo. Although some people in Japan have tattoos, they are usually hidden underneath clothing.
Most hospitals and clinics do have policies in place about tattoos, and those policies vary greatly from facility to facility. Most say they are okay, although some say they should be covered at all times.
Kellie: Yeah, they are allowed. Now I would suggest that if you're looking to get a tattoo, be very judicious in where you place it, just because the image of the Academy in the FBI is extremely important. So just be judicious in your placement of your tattoo.
There still isn't a solid tattoo discrimination law in California. The same goes for California piercing laws. However, business owners and employers are encouraged to consider tattooed applicants as some jobs don't really need such rigorous rules.
There is no requirement to cover a tattoo unless it is offensive or inappropriate.
You can wear jewelry and keep on your facial piercings as long as they do not hide your face. Permanent tattoos are acceptable for passport purposes as well.