11 Surprising International Laws You Need to Know Before You Travel So You Don’t End Up with a Hefty Fine—Or Even Jail Time!
Imagine you’re on vacation in Bali. You wake up refreshed, have some breakfast and decide to walk down the main road into a nearby village. On your way, you run into a local law enforcement officer. He tells you that you shouldn’t be out and about on that particular day and detains you.
That’s what happened to Karl Adolf Amrhein, a 57-year-old American tourist, when he took a walk on Bali’s annual Day of Silence—known locally as Nyepi—on March 19. Each year, the country essentially shuts down for 24 hours. People stay indoors all day and don’t use electricity. Schools, businesses and the airport are closed. And the Day of Silence rules apply to everyone in Bali, regardless of their nationality.
Incidents like these are why it’s so important to learn about local laws and customs before traveling to another country. “Planning ahead and researching before a trip translates into avoiding fines, confiscations or disruptions during a visit,” says Alessia Maria Vitale, who works in international travel marketing and partnerships for The Tour Guy, where she helps travelers understand destination-specific regulations.
To help you stay on the right side of the law, we’ve rounded up regulations that may take you by surprise (or worse, land you in jail), as well as talked to Vitale and four other legal and travel experts to help cut through the red tape. Read on to learn what you should be aware of before traveling abroad.
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What laws should you know before you travel?
Though some of these regulations may seem obscure, they’re on the books for a reason. “These regulations are actively enforced,” says Seann Malloy, founder and managing partner at Malloy Law Offices. “I have seen travelers fined or detained for what they perceived to be harmless behavior.”
Here are 11 things you should definitely not get caught doing on your next overseas vacation.
Sitting on famous steps
Where it’s illegal: Italy
The Spanish Steps are one of the most famous attractions in all of Rome. And while visiting them is fine, sitting on them is not. Fed up with tourists parking themselves on the 135 steps for extended periods of time (to eat, chat, take pictures or whatever else) and preventing others from accessing the site, city authorities in Rome decided to ban sitting on the Spanish Steps in 2019.
If you’re caught lounging on the steps—which were built in 1726—police will likely blow a whistle at you and ask you to move on. If you don’t, you could face a fine of €160 to €400 ($185 to $460).
Chewing gum on public transportation
Where it’s illegal: Singapore
Be careful where you pop a piece of gum in Singapore: It’s illegal to chew gum on Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), the country’s public transportation. The law was passed after vandals stuck chewing gum on the door sensors of multiple MRT trains, preventing them from functioning properly. The resulting disruptions prompted the authorities to take action, according to an official government website.
And it’s best not to bring gum from home either: You’ll have to declare it at customs when you enter the country. That’s because the import of gum carries a hefty fine and a possible jail term under the Regulation of Imports and Exports (Chewing Gum) Regulations. Gums with therapeutic value, like nicotine gum and oral dental gum, are exempt from the rule.
Taking certain prescription and over-the-counter medications
Where it’s illegal: Japan
In Japan, some common over-the-counter medications, including those containing pseudoephedrine (like Sudafed, Tylenol Cold, Nyquil and Vicks inhalers), as well as other decongestants and allergy and pain medications, are banned under the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law. Similarly, several prescription drugs used to treat depression and ADHD, including amphetamines (like Adderall) and methamphetamines, are prohibited in Japan.
According to the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Japan, it doesn’t matter if you have a valid U.S. prescription for a medicine or drug: If it’s illegal in Japan and you bring it to the country, you risk arrest and detention by the Japanese authorities. Don’t try to buy them in the country, either. Some prescription drugs, like Prozac and Viagra, are sold on the black market in Japan, but if you buy them illegally, you could be arrested and imprisoned.
Bringing sand or shells from the beach
Where it’s illegal: France
Those who are lucky enough to find themselves vacationing on a French beach may be tempted to bring home souvenirs of seashells or sand to remember their trip. But doing so is actually illegal in France.
The government of France, on its official website, explains that under the Environment Code, the removal of seashells and sand is considered an “attack on the public maritime domain” that weakens the country’s coastlines. The one exception to this rule is “wind sand,” which is sand that the wind has moved off the beach and onto the pavement or sidewalks.
While the authorities may tolerate shell and sand collecting when it’s done in small quantities, those who break the law could be fined up to €1,500 ($1,730).
Taking insulting photos of Buddha
Where it’s illegal: Sri Lanka
In Sri Lanka, it’s illegal to take photos of Buddha statues that are deemed insulting. For instance, the United Kingdom’s Foreign Office travel advice page on Sri Lanka instructs visitors not to “pose for photographs standing in front of a statue of Buddha.” Yes, this means no selfies.
But that’s not the only type of Buddha photo considered illegal, as three French tourists found out the hard way in 2012. Two women and one man were arrested for taking photos posing with Buddha statues (and pretending to kiss one of them). They were given suspended jail terms and a fine.
Wearing swimwear off the beach
Where it’s illegal: Spain
Barcelona has been a popular tourist destination for decades, combining charming historic districts, sunny beaches and a thriving nightlife. But that variety can be a problem. By 2011, the residents and city council of Barcelona were fed up with tourists going to the beach and then spending the rest of the day and night walking around the city in their swimwear, so they made it illegal—except on the city’s three miles of beaches.
Those who violate this swimwear ban will first receive a warning from local police and be asked to put on some clothing. Your second offense, however, could mean a fine of €120 to €500 ($140 to $580).
Taking certain souvenirs in or out of the country
Where it’s illegal: Thailand
Check your luggage carefully if you’re headed to Thailand. And if you’re already there, be careful what you bring home. According to Airports of Thailand, a state-owned company that manages six primary international airports, there are some souvenirs that travelers can neither bring in nor take out of the country without written permission from the relevant government authority.
These items include Buddha images, religious artifacts and antiques—especially items larger than five inches tall or considered ancient. This means no Buddha posters or antique wood carvings or jewelry should be leaving Thailand in your suitcase. If Thai airport authorities were to find them, they could be confiscated.
Feeding pigeons
Where it’s illegal: Austria
Back in 2014, Vienna had a pigeon problem. Because they were being fed by the public, pigeons were breeding at higher rates than usual and becoming a nuisance in the city. That’s when city authorities announced that anyone caught feeding pigeons would be fined €36 ($42).
“Feeding the pigeons is misunderstood animal welfare,” city councilor Ulrike Sima told Austrian broadcaster ORF. “Food crumbs and other human food harm the animals. They get sick and suffer.”
Not to mention, “human food, such as bread or rolls, is unsuitable for pigeons,” Christian Fellner, a pigeon expert from the animal welfare ombudsman of Vienna, told Kurier. Garbage in the city also causes problems beyond the pigeon population. “In addition, rats are attracted by too much food litter,” Feller said.
Using satellite phones and GPS devices
Where it’s illegal: India
Thinking about bringing a satellite phone or GPS device on your trip to India? Well, you’d better think again, because both are illegal. The Telecommunication Act of 2023 made carrying satellite phones and other satellite-enabled navigational devices punishable by up to three years in jail, a fine of up to INR 20 million (around $233,000), or both. This ban does not include regular cell phones.
It may seem tempting to try to get around this one, but this law gets enforced: “American Citizen Services at the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India has encountered multiple cases involving U.S. citizens traveling to or within India with satellite phones or GPS devices that have resulted in detention and significant fines upon entry, exit or during their visit,” U.S. Mission India said in a statement.
Wearing camo
Where it’s illegal: Jamaica
Packing for a trip to Jamaica? You’d better leave any camouflage clothing, accessories or other camo-print items at home. Not only is wearing the military-inspired pattern illegal in Jamaica, but it’s also against the law in other parts of the Caribbean, including Antigua, the Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
“It’s often because the government wants only members of the military to wear those colors,” Royal Caribbean International, which brings travelers to Jamaica regularly, says on its website. If you get caught wearing camo, you’ll be forced to hand it over to the authorities.
Engaging in public displays of affection
Where it’s illegal: United Arab Emirates
If you’re in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), you should think twice before being affectionate toward your partner in a public place. That’s because Article 411 of the country’s penal code broadly criminalizes “indecent acts,” as well as saying or doing “anything that is against public morals.”
According to Human Rights Watch, that includes public displays of affection (PDA). Information from the UAE government clarifies that “holding hands is acceptable, but kissing and hugging in the public is not.” Engaging in PDA is punishable by jail time (the law doesn’t specify how long) and a minimum fine of $1,000 AED (roughly $270).
A British pair in Dubai found this out the hard way in 2010 when they were sentenced to a month in jail, then deported. The two friends—who were not romantically involved—claim that they kissed each other on the cheek as a greeting.
How can you avoid accidentally breaking the law while traveling?
Do your homework. “Laws in other countries tend to have cultural or historical significance that they will take seriously and enforce,” says Jason Margulies, a maritime lawyer with Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman who represents cruise passengers. By researching a country’s laws, you can avoid accidentally breaking them while traveling. Being a tourist is no defense, and the last thing you want is for your vacation to be ruined by having to pay a fine or even face jail time.
“Most of these cases don’t even start with obvious rule-breaking, but rather with someone who thought the posted sign didn’t apply to them, or that because other tourists were doing it, they could too,” Margulies says. “When local authorities decide to make an example, you will learn the hard way that foreign courts don’t care about social proof.”
Where can you find this information?
Rather than blogs or forums, Malloy recommends official government sources like the U.S. State Department’s country pages and the website of the destination country’s embassy or ministry. “The U.S. Department of State also publishes country-specific legal notices, including entry restrictions and highlights of that destination’s local law—often updated in real time,” he says. “Spending 20 minutes reading about local laws before departure might avoid fines, confiscation of your property or more serious legal exposure.”
Travelers should also review the official websites of major attractions before visiting. “These sources often outline visitor-specific rules such as dress codes, photography restrictions and preservation laws,” Vitale says.
But keep in mind that this information may not be equally accessible for all countries. “Laws in developing countries like Nepal are not always organized properly on websites, so it can be difficult for first-time visitors to find every legal detail,” says Sandip Kshetri, the operator of Trek Langtang, a trekking and tour company in Nepal. “To find these surprising laws, visitors should consult with local agencies.”
Any final tips to know before departing?
Another smart move before you travel abroad is to join the U.S. State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). It sends free alerts and updates, including potential changes in law enforcement, from local U.S. embassies near your destination, Margulies says.
And don’t forget to pay close attention to what you’re bringing with you. “Before packing bags—especially borrowed luggage—empty them out thoroughly and check under linings and in crevices to be certain there is no ‘hidden’ ammunition or medication that would be illegal in another country,” says Kirk Evans, an attorney and the president of U.S. LawShield.
Finally, what should you do if you break a law while traveling? “U.S. tourists who are arrested should contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate,” Evans says. “However, remember that the U.S. State Department cannot represent a U.S. citizen in court, pay legal fees or secure jail release.”
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Reader’s Digest has published hundreds of travel stories that help readers explore the world safely, easily and affordably. We regularly cover topics such as the best places to visit (and the best times to visit them), tips and tricks to zoom through airport security, flight-attendant secrets, hotel-room hacks and more. We’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing, and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
Sources:
- Alessia Maria Vitale, international travel marketing and partnerships for The Tour Guy; email interview, April 3, 2026
- Seann Malloy, founder and managing partner at Malloy Law Offices; email interview, April 3, 2026
- Sandip Kshetri, operator of Trek Langtang; email interview, April 3, 2026
- Kirk Evans, attorney and president of U.S. LawShield; email interview, April 6, 2026
- Jason Margulies, maritime lawyer with Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman; email interview, April 3, 2026
- USA Today: “Why an American tourist was detained for walking outside in Bali”
- Reuters: “Rome bans sitting on Spanish Steps, puzzling hot, tired tourists”
- National Library and Archives Board of Singapore: “Chewing gum is banned”
- USA Today: “Do not pack the camo! Here’s why you shouldn’t bring camouflage clothing on a cruise”
- Guardian: “Dubai jails British pair for kissing”
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