40 Rules You Didn’t Know ‘Survivor’ Contestants Have to Follow

Each contestant is allowed to arrive at the camp site with one handheld item—and nothing more. This is what's referred to on the show as a "Luxury Item."

The production team goes through each contestant's luggage before they arrive, mainly to make sure that they're not sneaking in prohibited supplies, but also to make sure that they aren't all wearing the same color T-shirt and that their wardrobe will capture well on camera.

There's a reason you don't see contestants rocking t-shirts for their favorite sports teams or brands, the show has a strict rule against shirts or caps with corporate logos on them.

Even though contestants are usually isolated in the wilderness in foreign countries, per their contract they still have to obey all laws set forth by both the local and the United States government.

Upon arrival, the show splits the contestants into tribes. They then compete against the opposing tribe for elimination immunity and rewards before it becomes an individual competition. Although usually there are only two tribes, the show's producers can technically split the contestants into as many tribes as they want.

Per the rules of the competition, cast members are not allowed to visit the opposing tribe's camp or communicate with them in any way. Doing so is grounds for elimination.

The contestants don't actually have miles to roam, even though it may seem that way. There are a number of "areas designated off-limits" by the producers, including a base camp with living arrangements for the crew.

Okay, this one should go without saying, but when you push people to the brink of survival, it's always best to clarify. Any cast member who deliberately injures another cast member will be eliminated and could face criminal charges, if relevant.

Contestants cannot take anyone else's private property. On the show a contestant's private property includes their personal luxury item, any clothing they may have at their camp, and anything given to them specifically by the producers.

Ah, a loophole. Although stealing is prohibited on the show, one thing contestants can do is search through one another's things. Think your tribe mate might have a hidden immunity idol tucked away? There's nothing in the rules that says you can't take a quick look, as long as you don't take anything.

In terms of safety, it's not surprising that contestants are required to follow any and all instructions from the production crew.

Due to safety concerns, the cast members are never alone in the wilderness. The show also specifically mentions in their contract that the "contestants will have no expectations of privacy."

Yes, the show is allowed to legally record the contestants both nude, and partially nude, while they are on the show. Zero privacy, means, well, zero privacy.

Survivor has been allowed to film in countless breathtaking landscapes, partly because they take care of it. The show has strict rules against disturbing the environment, whether that means removing rocks, shells, or leaving litter behind.

Obviously, cutting down trees would be disturbing the environment and would go against the aforementioned rule. So contestants are only allowed to build their camps by foraging or using items given to them by the producers.

While competing in the show, the contestants are only given a supply of small sacks of food, like rice and beans. If that isn't enough, they can supplement their food supply by foraging in the wilderness.

As contestants forage across the landscape for fruits, plants, and wildlife to consume, the producers are there to double check that everything is safe to consume.

Again, this one should go without saying, but endangered species are not on the Survivor menu. In the case that any endangered species inhabit the area, producers will let the contests know that they are not to be hunted.