Beware of coming back disappointed—12 laws you might unknowingly break while traveling abroad

▲ Feeding pigeons—a habit many people take for granted—is actually illegal in Venice. (Photo / CFP / AP)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

The UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has released a list of 12 common laws travelers might inadvertently violate in different countries—offenses that could lead to detention or fines, even though they may be perfectly legal back home. With many British tourists falling foul of such regulations in recent years, the FCO issued a warning on the 28th: “Don’t get caught again!”

In the statement, the FCO noted that activities many consider harmless—like feeding pigeons, snacking by historic landmarks, or carrying essential medications while traveling—can actually be against the law in certain countries. “Every year, numerous British travelers are shocked—or even arrested on the spot—after unknowingly breaking local rules they assumed were harmless.”

Charles Hay, Director of Consular Services, said, “People must understand that even if something is perfectly normal at home, cultural differences between countries can make the same actions unacceptable elsewhere.”

Here are the 12 commonly overlooked laws highlighted by the FCO:

1. Netherlands– Do not carry or use drugs. Although the Netherlands has more lenient policies on soft drugs, possessing or purchasing them in designated areas can still lead to imprisonment.
2. Venice– Feeding pigeons will result in a fine.
3. Japan– Bringing nasal spray inhalers containing “pseudoephedrine” into the country will incur a fine.
4. Barcelona– Wearing bikinis, swim trunks, or going topless outside of beaches is prohibited.
5. Singapore– Chewing gum on public transport is considered a serious offense.
6. Thailand– Bringing in more than 200 cigarettes can lead to detention and hefty fines.
7. Italy (Florence)– Sitting on church steps, public building stairs, or plazas, or eating and drinking there, is forbidden.
8. Saudi Arabia– Taking photos of palaces, military bases, or government buildings can result in imprisonment.
9. Barbados (located in Latin America)– Anyone (including children) is prohibited from wearing camouflage clothing; violators will be fined.
10. Nigeria– Carrying bottled mineral water upon entry may lead to confiscation and a fine.
11. Fiji– Sunbathing topless is illegal.
12. Maldives－In the Maldives, visitors are prohibited from discussing religions other than Islam.
Not just British citizens, but travelers from any country not listed above should still prepare in advance before traveling abroad to avoid having their trip spoiled.

Source:UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

▲The Maldives boasts stunning scenery and is a popular holiday destination, but it is very strict toward non-Muslims. (Photo / from Baidu Baike)