15 Weird Travel Laws That Could Get You in Trouble Abroad

Traveling abroad can be exciting, but one thing can throw a wrench into your plans: local laws that make zero sense to outsiders. What seems normal at home could get you a fine or, worse, jail time. Some of these laws feel like they’re straight out of a comedy sketch, but they’re real, and they’ve caught more than a few travelers off guard.

Many of these laws were made to solve local issues, but they confused tourists instead. Knowing them before your trip could save you from awkward run-ins with the law or at least a very uncomfortable conversation.

Wearing Camouflage Clothing In The Caribbean

Several Caribbean nations, like Barbados and Jamaica, ban civilians from wearing camouflage, which is reserved only for the military. Even kids’ clothing with a camo pattern can cause problems at customs, so leave the army prints at home if you’re headed to the islands.

Using A VPN In The United Arab Emirates

Using a VPN might seem like a way to stream your favorite show or check a blocked website, but it’s heavily restricted in the UAE. Authorities take online activity seriously, and misusing a VPN can lead to steep fines or worse. If in doubt, don’t log in.

Chewing Gum In Singapore

Chewing gum in public might seem harmless, but in Singapore, it’s restricted. Selling or importing gum can result in a severe fine. This rule was started to keep the streets and public places clean. Even though some gums are allowed now for medical reasons, leaving your Wrigley’s at home is safer.

Wearing High Heels At Ancient Sites In Greece

In Greece, wearing high heels at archaeological sites is banned. The government implemented this rule to protect ancient ruins from damage. Heels can dig into and chip old stones, so stick to flats or sneakers if you’re visiting places like the Acropolis.

Feeding Pigeons In Venice

Venice has long struggled with pigeon overpopulation, especially around landmarks like St. Mark’s Square. Feeding them is now illegal and could cost you a fine. Tourists used to do it for photo ops, but the city banned it to protect buildings and public health.

Running Out Of Gas On The Autobahn

In Germany, you could be fined if you run out of fuel on the Autobahn. Stopping without an emergency is considered dangerous, and they see running out of gas as preventable. It’s best to top off your tank before hitting the high-speed highway.

Emoji Use in the UAE

In the United Arab Emirates, sending emojis that can be interpreted as threatening can result in legal action. An Irish tourist faced jail time after sending a ninja and blood drop emoji during a dispute. The UAE has strict cybercrime laws, and such actions are taken seriously.

Driving A Dirty Car In Russia

Driving a dirty car in Russia could lead to a fine, especially if your license plate is unreadable. It’s less about car cleanliness and more about visibility and respect for public order. Either way, a trip to a car wash might save you some cash.

Wearing A Bikini Outside The Beach In Barcelona

Barcelona doesn’t allow beachwear beyond the sand. If you walk through the streets in a swimsuit, expect a fine. This rule helps separate beach fun from everyday city life. Throw on a cover-up before heading for lunch or sightseeing.

Crossing The Street Wrong In Jaywalking-Free Countries

Countries like Germany and Japan treat jaywalking as a real offense. People follow traffic signals strictly, even if the road is clear. Ignoring them could earn you dirty looks or a fine. Locals expect visitors to follow the same road rules.

Spitting In Public In China

Spitting was common in China, but now it’s discouraged and sometimes punished with fines. The push for cleaner public spaces led to this shift. Tourists who forget can come across as disrespectful or unsanitary.

Dancing In Public In Sweden Without A Permit

In Sweden, public dancing without permission from the authorities is considered illegal. This rule applies to bars and restaurants, but travelers have been surprised by it before. If music starts playing, ensure you’re in a place that allows dancing before you bust a move.

Wearing A Mask In Public In Some U.S. States

While masks became common during the pandemic, anti-mask laws still exist in some U.S. states. These rules were originally meant to stop people from hiding their identities during crimes. They’re rarely enforced now but can resurface during protests or events.

Taking Photos Of Government Buildings In South Korea

Snapping pictures of government facilities in South Korea is illegal, as is photographing military areas and personnel. Tourists have been in trouble for innocent photos, so avoiding anything that looks official or uniform is safer.

Holding A Fish Illegally In The U.K.

In England and Wales, handling a salmon suspiciously is banned. Yes, that’s a real law. It’s part of a broader effort to combat poaching, and while it’s not likely to land you in jail, the rule still exists. Don’t ask locals where to buy a salmon at midnight; it won’t end well.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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