Travelers could face a hefty fine when they arrive on their holidays if they don't leave the flip flops and chewing gum at home.
While you may think your biggest chance of landing in hot water when on holiday is by breaching Magaluf's new anti-lout rules there are other, less obvious laws which could cause you some bother on holiday.
You'll want to double-check your luggage before jetting abroad in case you’ve accidentally packed an item that is blacklisted. While everyone knows not to slip a weapon or explosives into your luggage, some entrants on the banned list are less obvious.
For example in Singapore it has been against the law to import and sell chewing gum since 1992, when the legislation was passed in an attempt to help improve the cleanliness of the island. At first many locals were outraged, heading to neighbouring Malaysia to get their packets despite the government's promise to name and shame those caught.
Christopher Nye, senior content editor at overseas property experts YourOverseasHome, said: "Before travelling or moving to a new country, it’s always a good idea to get to grips with their culture and customs – and that includes any weird and wonderful laws that are enforced. Staying on the right side of these laws is imperative not only to keep the peace, but failure to do so could land you a hefty fine, deportation, or even imprisonment in some cases!"
Below we've listed some of the most unusual items which are banned in various countries.
Flip flops - Capri
You can wear flip flops around the majority of Italy, but you’re not allowed to take them to the island of Capri. Here, it’s illegal to wear 'excessively noisy' footwear - including flip flops - as locals value their 'peace and quiet', and the rhythmical thwack of rubber on stone is considered too annoying.
Baby walkers - Canada
Baby walkers have been banned in Canada since 2004. Why? It seems that babies are great at using them, just not always so good at steering them in a safe direction, which can cause the typically sanguine Canadians to become irate.
Chewing gum - Singapore
It’s not illegal to chew gum in Singapore, but it is against the law to import it and sell it, and has been since 1992. Exceptions exist for dental and nicotine gum, but you can only purchase these from a doctor or registered pharmacist. Definitely don't get caught chucking a bit on the ground, as leniency is unlikely to be applied.
Haggis - USA
It’s a bit of a shame for Burns fans, but in 1971 it became illegal to import authentic haggis into the US due to a ban on food containing sheep lung, which constitutes 10-15% of the traditional Scottish recipe. As per the U.S. Department of Agriculture's 1971 ruling, "Livestock lungs shall not be saved for use as human food". It may surprise some that a country that famously washes its chickens in chlorine draws the line at haggis.
Jasmine flowers - China
In May 2011, it was reported that Beijing police had banned the sale of jasmine flowers at various markets, which was causing wholesale prices to collapse. Both the flower and plant cannot be sold, purchased, worn, or talked about in China since anonymous calls for a Chinese “jasmine revolution” began circulating on the internet.
Kinder Eggs - USA
Kinder Surprise eggs are banned in the US, and it’s illegal to import them too. This is because of a law that dictates that any food with a 'non-nutritive object embedded' is not allowed - including toys inside confectionery items. Though you can’t get them in the States, you can still find them in neighbouring countries Canada and Mexico, if you are in real need of a chocolate egg treat.
Sudafed & Codeine - Japan
Due to Japan’s strict anti-stimulant drug laws, any narcotics containing pseudoephedrine - like Sudafed and Vicks inhalers - are banned. Medicines containing codeine are also banned in Japan, and foreign nationals have even been detained and deported for offences.
Yellow clothing - Malaysia
In 2016, the Malaysian government banned yellow clothing after thousands of protestors wearing yellow t-shirts flooded the streets of Kuala Lumpur and demanded the resignation of the Prime Minister. Since then, anyone wearing yellow can be arrested, under the assumption that they’re also protesting, rather than having just slipped something cheerful on.
Vapes and electronic cigarettes - Thailand
Vape fans should similarly leave their e-cigarettes in the UK, as Thailand has had a ban on the import, export, sale and possession of vaping products since November 2014. "The mods, juices and disposable vapes are categorically prohibited. There is no excuse. Even proving that you brought the vape for personal use isn't acceptable to authorities," the World Vapers Alliance has said, a lobbying body was alleged links to the tobacco industry.
Although importing vapes into Thailand is banned, in recent years the prohibition on sales in the country has been scrapped.
Camouflage print - the Caribbean
Some countries such as Barbados, Aruba and other Caribbean nations have laws prohibiting camouflage clothing from being worn by non-military personnel, including tourists. Having it in your luggage or as the pattern on bags or backpacks also falls within the ban’s limits.
https://www.mirror.co.uk/authors/milo-boyd/
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