With UK holidaymakers flying abroad in record numbers, Andrew Noble, the Marketing Director of Amigo eSIM, shares with holidaymakers eight little-known international laws that could result in fines, arrests, or imprisonment.
1. Vaping at the beach or pool in Spain will cost you up to £1,730 in fines
Spain has recently strengthened its ban on smoking and vaping in outdoor public spaces. Officials have extended the smoking and vaping ban to include outdoor restaurants and bar terraces, public swimming pools, and concerts and festivals. Tourists who take local transportation, such as buses, should be aware that the ban applies to smoking or vaping near a bus shelter as well.
Fines range from £26 to £1,730 (€30 to €2,000) and are dependent on the local authority that is issuing the fine.
2. Chewing gum in Singapore could get you imprisoned for two years
Importing chewing gum into Singapore carries a penalty of up to S$10,000 (£5,800) and one year’s imprisonment for first-time offenders, or S$20,000 (£11,600) and two years for repeat violations. The 1992 ban remains strictly enforced, with customs regularly confiscating gum from unsuspecting tourists.
Realistically, you’re unlikely to get arrested for bringing a pack of gum for personal use, but selling, importing, or manufacturing gum is illegal. However, you can purchase gum from some pharmacies for medical reasons. These include chewing nicotine gum to break a smoking habit, or gum for dental reasons.
3. Bringing cold medicine into Japan will get you detained
Popular UK cold remedies including Sudafed, Actifed, and Vicks inhalers are completely banned in Japan due to stimulant ingredients. Tourists can face immediate detention and confiscation of their medication. It is important that British travellers declare all medications upon arrival.
Bringing mild, over-the-counter painkillers is usually acceptable. Just be sure to declare them at customs, and never carry more than is reasonable.
4. If you insult Thailand’s royal family, you could face 15 years in prison
Insulting the Thai monarchy, even on social media, carries sentences of between three and 15 years in prison per count. The law is strictly enforced and applies to locals and foreigners alike, including online comments made in or about Thailand.
An Australian writer was famously arrested at Bangkok airport for writing a book containing critical royal references. The law applies to all comments made in Thailand or about Thailand online.
5. TSA firearm penalties – £12,464 fine plus arrest
Bringing firearms to US airport checkpoints results in civil penalties up to $17,062 (£12,464), plus criminal charges and immediate arrest.
The TSA reports record violations in 2025, with many travellers claiming they “forgot” weapons were in their bags. While this is more common among American travellers, it serves as a warning to international travellers that US airport security laws are strictly enforced.
6. Driving in flip-flops in Greece can land you a £261 fine
Driving in flip-flops or sandals, or barefoot, in Greece incurs fines up to €300 (£261) plus a 30-day licence suspension. The law applies to hire cars and is actively enforced by Greek traffic police during tourist season, meaning that they are likely to be on the lookout for tourists.
Even if drivers are willing to risk a fine, having their licence revoked could seriously impact their travel plans.
7. The etiquette mistakes to avoid in Dubai
In Dubai, public displays of affection should be kept minimal. Holding hands is generally acceptable, but kissing, hugging, swearing, making rude gestures, or causing loud disturbances can lead to fines or legal trouble.
Dress codes are also stricter than many visitors expect. Clothing in public places like malls and streets should not be transparent or revealing, or display offensive slogans or images. Swimwear is only appropriate at beaches, pools, and water parks, and topless sunbathing is strictly forbidden.
8. £32,600 fine for messing with American flight crew
Interfering with flight crew members carries US federal penalties up to $43,658 (£32,600) per violation. The largest fine ever issued reached $81,950 (£61,200) for a passenger who assaulted cabin crew. The FAA maintains a zero-tolerance policy with no warnings issued. In 2025, the FAA issued $2.3 million in fines against unruly passengers, down from $3.2 million in 2024.
This may seem unreasonably high to some, but it’s important to realise that the cabin crew is there for your safety, comfort, and service. A safe and respectful environment for them ensures optimal safety for everyone else.
Travel safety recommendations:
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Research local laws before booking flights
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Check medication legality in destination countries
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When packing birthday or holiday gifts, leave them unwrapped so security can inspect them easily
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Pack appropriate clothing for cultural and legal requirements
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Review airline and TSA prohibited items lists
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Register with the UK Foreign Office’s travel notification service
Adding to the story, Andrew Noble, the Marketing Director of Amigo eSIM, says, “Some of these laws may not make sense to everyone, but it’s important to know that there is a reason for all of these. Part of visiting another country is following its laws and being as respectful of their customs as possible.
“Many British holidaymakers assume UK laws apply abroad, or that ‘tourist privilege’ will protect them. The reality is that foreign governments prosecute tourists without hesitation, and claiming ignorance provides no legal protection.
“Many people will have heard travel horror stories, such as the British man who was arrested in Dubai for having CBD vape oil in his possession, which is legal in the UK, but many of these other laws aren’t well known, or even something you might question. Like bringing gum with you, or pre-wrapping presents at home before travel to save stress and luggage weight. It’s important that even if you are going somewhere familiar, like a Brit travelling to the US, or an American travelling to the UK, that you check the official rules and regulations.”