Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 08:30 - 19:00 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
Or call 0345 90 80 161
30 August 2013 11:05
Wearing a bikini away from Barcelona's beach area can bring a fine for unwary holidaymakers
Holidaying Britons face a host of unknown ways in which they can get on the wrong side of the law when abroad - with many mistakenly see their passport as a "get out of jail free" card.
This warning comes from the Foreign Office (FO) which has listed a range of blunders travellers can make in the wrong place; whether chewing gum on Singapore's Mass Rapid Transit trains; feeding pigeons in Venice or donning military-style camouflage clothes in Barbados.
Other errors would be wearing a bikini, which can get you fined in Barcelona if you wear it away from the beach front - along with wearing just swimming trunks and going bare-chested - and eating near churches in Florence, Italy.
In Japan, some nasal sprays containing pseudoephedrine, which are commonly available here, must not be taken into the country.
It is even illegal to take mineral water into Nigeria.
Topless sunbathing is banned in Fiji and public observance of religions except for Islam is prohibited in Maldives for non-Maldivians and visitors.
With so much to look out for, it makes sense to put your mind at rest when heading away for a break by taking out travel insurance. FO consular services director Charles Hay said consular staff cannot interfere in another country's legal processes and travellers are often unaware that local laws apply to them as well as residents of the country concerned.
Mr Hay urged British travellers to research their destination beforehand, and pointed to www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice for laws and customs information for different countries.
An FO report said more than a quarter (27%) of cases of consular help being required by Britons were over arrests or detentions.
UK nationals end up going against the law unexpectedly each year, with fines, arrests and jail terms resulting, said Mr Hay. He added that the Foreign Office wants Britons to enjoy themselves while abroad but they have to realise laws differ from country to country.
"What may be perfectly legal in the UK could be subject to a fine or even a jail sentence in another," he added.
07 June 2019
Get hitched without a hitch! Here are our top tips on how to choose your perfect wedding location abroad, covering everything from food to legalities.
[more...]
03 June 2019
Want to get into surfing but not sure where to go? Here's where you should be heading to get the best beginner waves around the world.
Heading to the showpiece event of women's football in France this summer? Here's everything you need to know about England's venues for France 2019.
Get more out of your smartphone when you go travelling by downloading these travel apps and make your trip easier at the touch of a button.
24 May 2019
Heading to the football in Baku but don't know what else to do? Explore the hip and trendy crossroad of Europe and the Middle East and experience the fast-growing phenomenon, Azerbaijan.
Two of London's top football teams head east in search of silverware on May 29. If you're heading to Baku for the final, here's our guide on what you need to know before you go...
17 May 2019
There's more to Monaco than the Grand Prix. Discover the magic of the Mediterranean principality with our guide to what you must see in Monaco.
15 May 2019
Are you heading to one of Europe's best music festivals this summer? Then make sure you read our top ten tips before you leave...
What makes the Monaco Grand Prix so special? From a royal guestlist to a challenging circuit, we take a look at why the Monte Carlo Formula 1 race is so prestigious...
Get inspired for a summer of music, travel and adventure with our guide to some of the best music festivals around Europe.
07 May 2019
Thinking of visiting Spain? There are some excellent reasons to explore the country this spring and summer, from football finals to eating snails - so don't miss out!
Want to learn a new language without the hassle of going to classes? Check out our guide to the best free apps on the market and get yourself holiday-ready in no time.