One must always be aware of their surroundings and the things that occur while out of the country. When traveling abroad, you should always consider social, cultural, and legal norms to avoid being in a bad situation in a foreign country. Many things in other countries can be called illegal or “not the norm.” Here, you’ll find 18 things you might do daily but could land you in jail abroad.
PDA (Public Displays of Affection)
Many countries have restrictions on PDAs, which could result in legal consequences, but more so in conservative societies because public displays of affection are not appreciated in those countries.
Photography
Taking photos of certain government buildings, military installations, and other sensitive areas may lead to suspicion and arrest by authorities in some countries.
Use of Alcohol
Laws about the use of alcohol are very different in many countries. Public intoxication is illegal in many countries, such as Russia and Turkey. On account of this, tourists have been subjected to fines, police harassment, and humiliation for being drunk in public.
Disrespecting National Symbols
Disrespecting national flags, emblems, or symbols of authority (for example, currency), including by affixing the flag upside down, can be considered a severe offense in some countries. Displays of disrespect can include defacing postage stamps of sovereigns, defiling currency, or knowingly reproducing counterfeit currency. Displaying disrespect for national leadership, especially the President, Prime Minister, or monarch, and especially by burning or defiling their image, is considered disrespectful in most countries.
Public Protests
Public protests, demonstrations, and other forms of political action may be illegal in most locations. In most countries, you may be arrested, deported, or subject to possible court action.
Using Electronic Devices
Unauthorized electronic devices such as drones and GPS devices may be restricted in some areas or airspace and pose a risk of equipment confiscation and potential legal action.
Disrespecting Religious Customs
When in religious sites, make sure your body is adequately covered, and sometimes men and women are separated. When in Asian countries, you must take off your shoes, and you should never keep your shoes on when you enter any religious site. Speak quietly; do not talk loud. Do not interfere with religious ceremonies taking place. Do not touch religious artifacts or paintings if you are not allowed to. Only take pictures if you are allowed to.
Vandalism or Graffiti
In many countries, it is against the law to vandalize or graffiti public property, monuments, or cultural sites. You can be arrested, fined, put on probation, or even imprisoned if caught and found guilty.
Involvement in Cybercrime
Involvement in cybercrime, such as identity theft, hacking, and online scamming, is prohibited in most countries and often has criminal sanctions and extradition to the state to be charged.
Crossing Borders with Restricted Items
It is illegal to bring restricted items into your destination country, including weapons, firearms, ammunition, and certain illegal items. These specific types of food, plants, and products come from protected or endangered animals. If caught bringing these items, you can be arrested and prosecuted for smuggling or illegal trafficking.
Insulting Officers and Other Official People
In some countries, insults and criticism of law enforcement officers, government officials, or even the royal family can be deemed a severe offense. They may lead to arrest and prosecution for offenses against public order or national security.
Unlicensed Business Activities
Some countries may have laws against conducting business activities without a proper license. These laws may also extend to street trading or selling things without permits. Penalties can include fines, confiscating your goods, or being sent to jail!
Distributing Religious Materials
Distributing religious materials, such as Bibles or spiritual literature, is illegal in some countries. In addition, the LPD could arrest you for violating U.S. obscenity laws if you distribute overly explicit adult material in New Caledonia.
Violating Immigration Laws
Violating immigration laws, such as overstaying a visa, having entered the country illegally, or working without proper authorization, can result in being arrested, deported, and barred from reentering the country.
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