Gallery: Photos of the World's Scariest Border Fences
Kai Wiedenhoefer 0049-171-524482201wall-us
Construction of the border fence between the U.S. and Mexico. Naco, Mexico and Douglas, Arizona. April 2008. *Photo: Kai Wiendenhöfer*
Kai Wiedenhoefer 0049-171-524482202wall-spain
A fence and watch booth in the Spanish enclave of Melilla separates it from Morocco. The fence was erected over the last decade to prevent immigration from Africa to the European Union. The enclave has still a big presence of Spanish soldiers here seen coordinating their training with the Guardia Civil, which is in charge of guarding the border. Melilla, Spain. March 2009. *Photo: Kai Wiendenhöfer*
Kai Wiedenhoefer 0049-171-524482203wall-NK
South and North Korean military police officers stand next to the barrack where the armistice between North and South Korea was signed in 1953. The curb marks the demarcation line between the two countries. To the left stands an American soldier. Panmunjom, Demilitarized Zone, Korea. September 2009. *Photo: Kai Wiendenhöfer*
Sneak a look at the stats for 100 coins04wall-israel
A Palestinian in Nazlat Isa in the Northern Westbank. Here the ceasefire line from the war in 1948 runs straight through the Palestinian town of Baqa al-Rarbiya (Baqa West), which belongs to Israel, and Nazlat Isa, which belongs to Baqa al-Scharqiya (Baqa East). In 2004, the Israeli government built a wall through the city separating the community and their families. Before 2000, the town was a busy place for trade between the Palestinians in the Westbank and Israel. For the building of the wall, 105 shops and seven houses were destroyed. Occupied Palestinian Territories, April 2004. *Photo: Kai Wiendenhöfer*
Kai Wiedenhoefer 0049-171-524482205wall-iraq
An Iraqi soldier controlling a pedestrian exit/entrance to the neighbourhood of Bayya in Baghdad. The quarter is completely surrounded by walls and can only be entered by checkpoints. Iraq, January 2012. *Photo: Kai Wiendenhöfer*
Kai Wiedenhoefer 0049-171-524482206wall-cyprus
A blocked street in the center of the Nicosia, seen from the Greek - Zypriot side. The sign says, "Stop you are entering the Turkish occupied zone." Cyprus, February 2012. *Photo: Kai Wiendenhöfer*
Kai Wiedenhoefer 0049-171-524482207wall-belfast
A section of the Peace Lines of West Belfast in Waterville Street, which was reinforced with concrete and extended with a fence on top in 2008. Children cut a small hole in the fence to get access to the lawn. Belfast, Northern Ireland, September 2008. *Photo: Kai Wiendenhöfer*
Kai Wiedenhoefer 0049-171-524482208wall-us2
U.S. Border Patrol officers negotiate with activists who had put up a protest camp on both sides of the Mexican-U.S. border. The officers wanted to make sure nobody entered the U.S. from the Mexican side during the protest. Calexico, California, USA. November 2007. *Photo: Kai Wiendenhöfer*
Breathe Easy Thanks to the Best Air Purifier for Every Home
Protect your home against dust, pets, allergens, and more with the best air purifiers, tested firsthand.
Molly Higgins
The Best Automatic Litter Boxes Tested by Our Spoiled Cats
With these high-tech automatic litter boxes, gone are the days of scooping and smells. Welcome to the future.
Molly Higgins
The Best Meal Kits of 2026, Tested by a Former Restaurant Critic
Here are the best delivery services and meal kits in 2026, including Martha Stewart’s meal service, a GLP-1–supportive plan, and a budget-friendly option.
Matthew Korfhage
The Best Mattresses You Can Buy Online in 2026
WIRED has tested 100-plus bed-in-a-box mattresses for a week each. Our top pick, the Helix Midnight Luxe hybrid, is the best bed you can buy online.
Julia Forbes
The Best Qi2 and MagSafe Wireless Chargers for Your Phone
Top up your Qi2 Android phone or MagSafe iPhone with a magnetic wireless charging stand, pad, car charger, or power bank.
Simon Hill
The 10 Best WIRED-Tested Pet Cameras
Whether you’re near or far, keep an eye on your fur baby with our favorite pet cameras.
Molly Higgins
23 Gift Ideas for the Cook in Your Life
From the best air fryer to frying pans to knife sharpeners anyone can use, these ideas will keep the curious home chef in your life tinkering away.
Matthew Korfhage
Stop Playing Monopoly and Scrabble. These Board Games Will Elevate Your Family Game Night
From monsters to kittens to strategy games, these sets will liven things up on nights when everyone is tired of screens.
Simon Hill
The Best Pet Hair Vacuums We Tried at Home
Cordless, handheld, robot, and traditional—we tested them all to find the vacuum that’s fantastic for fur.
Molly Higgins
The Best iPad to Buy (and a Few to Avoid)
Apple just raised its prices. Here’s an updated breakdown of the brand’s tablets to find the best one for your needs.
Luke Larsen
The Best Portable Power Stations for Blackouts, Camping, or Van Life
Whether you’re going off-grid or safeguarding against blackouts, these beefy, WIRED-tested batteries can keep the lights on.
Simon Hill
The Best Electrolyte Powders for Workouts or Nights Out
Get those lost minerals back with the help of our top electrolyte powders, tablets, drops, and chews for athletes, partiers, and everyone in between.
Louryn Strampe