Stuffing suitcases and crossing borders makes travelers enthusiastic, but innocent holiday plans can sometimes result in legal entanglements. From harmless selfies to careless gestures, tourists tend to get on the wrong side of local laws without even knowing it.
Let’s have a glance at some of the locations where travelers tend to run into legal problems and how to ensure that your vacation is memories of thrilling escapades rather than courtroom testimony.
Singapore
Singapore’s pristine streets come at a price – enforcement of the cleanliness laws is strict and takes many tourists by surprise. The import and sale of chewing gum are strictly regulated, and littering is liable to heavy penalties and even community service.
Officials in the nation are particularly firm regarding vandalism, with punishments that include caning, even against tourists. Take care of yourself by studying the local regulations and leaving the chewing gum at home.
Venice
The canals of love will cause you to pull over and grab a sandwich, but eating in St. Mark’s Square and other older portions of town will earn you a hefty fine. Swimming in the canals, feeding the pigeons, or picnicking on church steps will land you in hot water with the authorities.
The city does actively enforce these regulations in order to safeguard its cultural heritage and maintain order among the sheer numbers of tourists.
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Dubai
Most visitors find themselves in trouble here by misinterpreting local dress codes and customs. Public affection, such as holding hands, can lead to legal trouble. Taking pictures without permission, particularly of government buildings or individuals, usually results in arrests.
The city’s strict alcohol policy also ensnares most visitors who consume alcohol outside licensed establishments or are found drunk in public.
Thailand
Respect for images of the Buddha or Thai monarch is a must, or else tourists risk getting into serious legal trouble. Most visitors do not know that keeping a foot on Thai money so it will not blow away is against the law as well – it is disrespectful to the image of the king.
The country’s strict drug laws have no tolerance for tourist ignorance, imposing severe penalties for even small amounts.
Maldives
These island paradises are governed by strict Islamic law, much to the surprise of most beach-loving travelers. Importing religious materials other than the Quran, public display of skimpy swimsuits outside of resort grounds, or carrying alcohol can lead to arrests.
Public display of non-Muslim religious activities is also legally restricted.
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Japan
The country’s strict laws on prescription drugs ensnare many tourists with everyday drugs. The mere possession of some antihistamines or pain relievers can lead to arrest.
Taking off shoes when entering houses and some eateries isn’t just a sign of good etiquette – failure to do so can get one ejected or even fined at some traditional establishments.
Amsterdam
Infamous for its tolerance, the city has very strict laws on photographing within the Red Light District. Photography of employees or houses is fined, and cameras are confiscated.
Cycling under the influence is also prohibited and strictly enforced, surprising many visitors who see cycles as a decent alternative to motorized transport.
Greece
The majority of tourists are prosecuted for removing artifacts or pieces of ancient ruins, even rocks. The preservation laws of the country’s antiquities have harsh penalties.
Wading naked on non-permitted beaches or flying a drone over historic sites without a permit also leads to typical tourist arrests.
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China
Access to social media and some online activities can create legal problems. Most tourists are unaware that accessing VPNs is prohibited, and sharing some political content can lead to severe punishment.
Taking photographs of military bases or government offices, even unintentionally, can result in questioning or detention.
Mexico
Tourists typically find themselves in trouble snapping photos of government buildings or military installations without realizing it’s illegal. Participating in political action, even a demonstration, can result in summary deportation.
The country also strictly enforces laws against the removal of ancient relics or certain species of plants and seashells.
Russia
Taking pictures near military bases or government offices typically leads to tourist arrests. A few tourists become embroiled in legal difficulties because they make political statements on social media while visiting the country.
Religious practices outside official places of worship can also lead to legal difficulties.
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Indonesia
Visitors in Bali and other locations tend to find themselves in legal trouble because they have not been respectful of religious sites or have not adhered to local customs while attending ceremonies.
Taking pictures in temples without permission or improperly dressing when visiting religious sites can lead to a fine. Tough drug laws have seen tourists facing serious legal consequences.
Egypt
The majority of tourists are arrested for flying drones above pyramids or archaeological sites without authorization. Photographing bridges, canals, or government buildings is prohibited.
Removing small stones or artifacts from archaeological sites results in severe punishment and imprisonment.
Morocco
Public affection can get one into legal trouble, catching many Western visitors off guard. Photographing government buildings or military bases, even by mistake in the background of selfies, can lead to questioning by the police.
Some visitors get into trouble for consuming alcohol in public areas outside of licensed establishments.
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South Korea
The country’s strict drug policies extend to some prescription medicines allowed elsewhere. Taking photographs of military installations or some government offices is sufficient to result in detention.
Some visitors get involved in legal issues for making certain political statements or gestures regarding North Korea.
Brazil
Most tourists get into trouble for taking pictures of airports or military bases without realizing it’s prohibited. Lack of identification can result in short-term detention.
Some tourists are in legal jeopardy for collecting natural specimens from protected areas, even seashells from beaches.
Germany
Its privacy legislation catches off-guard tourists who erect unauthorized images of people on social media. Protection of some political gestures or words about historical happenings draws legal fines.
Fines are waiting in store for some visitors for jaywalking in streets even if no cars are spotted.
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Australia
Strict biosecurity measures raise legal problems for visitors importing food, plant life, or animal products without declaring them. Others are fined for approaching wild animals too close or feeding domestic wildlife.
Drones flying around sensitive areas or crowded places without permits incur substantial fines.
France
Taking a photo of the Eiffel Tower at night without a commercial permit will draw legal attention through copyright law. Street performers and artists have strict laws, and tourists participating without a permit will be penalized.
Some travelers get into trouble for photographing individuals without their consent, especially in private life.
India
Most tourists have problems with the law when taking pictures of government buildings or military installations. Having satellite phones or certain communications equipment without licenses lands one in jail.
Some individuals get into trouble for not being respectful of religion or wearing inappropriate attire at sacred sites.
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Travel Smart, Stay Legal
Law that looks odd or overbearing to travelers typically reflects existing culture and tradition. What to one country may seem innocuous sightseeing is a serious crime in another. Familiarity with and respecting differences keeps the stamp collection within the passport building up without a single stamp forged in an illegitimate way.
Local customs and laws determine the nature of each destination and what makes our world so fascinating to visit. Spending a bit of time getting to know these laws in advance doesn’t just get you out of trouble – it is respect for the destinations and cultures we visit and makes us all better global citizens.
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