Playing bingo, snacking while sitting on a monument or feeding pigeons may seem innocent enough to many British citizens, but these are just some of the reasons why many people have found themselves faced with hefty fines or in some cases arrested or detained abroad.
Every year Brits are caught out by local laws and customs, which are commonplace in the UK, some of which carry serious consequences. These situations can easily be avoided by researching travel destinations in advance and by taking note of updates and warnings issued by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO).
A recent report released by the FCO identified that more than a quarter (27%) of cases requiring consular assistance by the FCO were for arrests or detentions, with a particular increase in the number of cases in Italy, the United Arab Emirates and the Netherlands. In addition to the more unusual laws and customs, alcohol, drug and cigarette laws all vary from country to country so it is vital that British citizens familiarise themselves with these before they travel to ensure they have a safe and enjoyable holiday.
Some of the more unusual laws and customs to watch out for include:
| COUNTY | LAW | PENALTY/CONSEQUNCES |
| Netherlands | Don’t carry or use drugs. While the Netherlands has a reputation for being tolerant on the use of so-called ‘soft drugs’ this exists only for designated areas. Possession of prohibited substances or buying them can carry a prison sentence | Arrest, detention |
| Venice | Feeding the pigeons is against the law | Fines |
| Japan | It is illegal to take some commonly available nasal sprays containing pseudoephedrine into Japan | Fines |
| Barcelona | It is against the law to wear a bikini, swimming trunks or to go bare-chested away from the beach front area in Barcelona | Fines |
| Singapore | Chewing gum on the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system in Singapore is strictly prohibited | Fines |
| Thailand | It is illegal to import more than 200 cigarettes into Thailand | Large fines and confiscation |
| Italy (Florence) |
It is an offence to sit on steps and courtyards or to eat and drink in the immediate vicinity of churches and public buildings in Florence | Large fines |
| Saudi Arabia | In Saudi Arabia photographing government buildings, military installations and palaces is prohibited | Arrest and detention |
| Barbados | It is an offence for anyone, including children, to dress in camouflage clothing | Fines |
| Nigeria | It is illegal to take mineral water into Nigeria | Fines, confiscation |
| Fiji | Sunbathing topless is prohibited | Fines |
| Maldives | Public observance of religions other than Islam is prohibited for non-Maldivians and visitors | Arrest, detention |
Charles Hay, Director of Consular Services said:
“Every year British nationals find themselves on the wrong side of the law unexpectedly, resulting in fines or in some cases arrests or even jail sentences. It is important to remember that laws and customs can vary greatly from country to country and what may be perfectly legal in the UK could be subject to a fine or even a jail sentence in another.
Consular staff often find that travellers are unaware that local laws apply to them and many British nationals think of their British passport as a ‘get out of jail free’ card. While consular staff will always try to assist British nationals who find themselves in difficulty abroad, we can’t interfere in another country’s legal processes.
We want Brits to have a great time when they travel abroad so it is also a good idea to research the country they are visiting before they travel. Country specific laws and customs can be found at our travel advice page.”
© Foreign & Commonwealth Office
