Prohibitions for tourists in countries of various countries of Europe and Asia and the consequences of their violation

Tourist bans in different countries of Europe and Asia and the consequences when they are violated

In every country, there are laws and rules of conduct, which were formed due to cultural traditions, historical patterns, or incidents. Their violation by tourists entails consequences from fines to imprisonment, so you need to arm yourself with knowledge in this area to avoid getting into unpleasant situations.

Rome

Bathing in fountains will entail a fine of 450 €, but it is enough to dip your feet or even bathe your pet to become the object of police attention. Standing on the ledges or eating near fountains is also not recommended, as well as taking food near other attractions. Quenching thirst drinking fountains with your lips, walking around naked, changing clothes in public, riding bicycles, feeding birds, having picnics, and making noise during siesta or at night is prohibited and can incur a fine of approx. 450 €. Those who want to leave a memory in the form of a «love castle» on one of the bikes in Rome will also be punished. The laws strictly limit advertising and sale of tickets for passage without queuing to the attractions of Rome.

Venice

The strict ban on swimming in its canals threatens with a fine of 500 €. Slightly less fine of 400 € for leaving garbage in unauthorized places or leaving graffiti on the sights. Biking on a pedestrian area or picnic will cost 100 € in fines. Fines of 50 to 200 € await those who feed pigeons in Piazza San Marco. It is also forbidden to sit or lie on the steps of historic monuments.

Florence

The purchase of souvenirs in one of the many shops may be fined from 25 to 200 €.

Sardinia

An attempt to carry sand from the beach will lead to a fine of 1000 €.

Also smoking in public places is forbidden and you may be fined up to 275 € and penalized up to 200 € for leaving a space on the beach with your personal belongings.

Spain pays close attention to tourists who have distinguished themselves by «feats» under the degree. Thus, the Spanish resort of Benidorm may impose a ban on the entry of this category of persons. Huge fines threaten those who take mud baths on Costa Blanca. On Mallorca it is forbidden to use the beach shower, not on purpose, otherwise, you can lose a fine of 750 €. In Magaluf, it is forbidden to build sandcastles, as they interfere with the work of lifeguards. This can result in a fine of 100 €.

Let’s take a look a few other countries below:

• In Croatia, in the historical places of Dubrovnik and Split, it is not recommended to walk with a naked torso or in a bathing suit, otherwise, a fine of 65 € will be imposed.
• In Belgium, it is not recommended to leave things in public places. Otherwise, if the owner is identified, the latter will have to pay 100 €. Playing snowballs in winter is also forbidden, the fine for violation will be the same. By the way, it is forbidden to photograph the statue of the Peeing Boy.
• In the Netherlands, particularly in Amsterdam, there is an official ban on guided tours in the Red Light District. It is also forbidden to take pictures there.
• In Greece for smoking in public places, there is a fine, the amount depends on recidivism of the same offense before and it can be up to 10000 €.
• In Germany, it is forbidden to stop on highways and drive on foot. It threatens with a penalty of up to 100 €.
• In France and England, it is not recommended to kiss on railway stations. There are no fines for this but you can still receive a general censure.
• Asian countries with their strict religious dogmas and peculiar mentality also abound in various prohibitions.
• Singapore cruelly punishes careless tourists who throw garbage in public places. Even spitting on the sidewalk or eating breakfast on a park bench can result in monetary penalties of up to 1,000＄. Smoking in public places will cost 150 ＄ and e-cigarettes 2,000 ＄. Bringing chewing gum into the country will incur a fine of 500 ＄ while consuming it in public places will incur a fine twice as high. Vandalism, which includes not only writing on the walls but also sticking posters, is punishable by a fine of 1,465 ＄. Being drunk in public places is punishable by a fine of ＄735. Animals may not be transported on public transport, except guide dogs. Otherwise, you will be fined 370 ＄. It is also forbidden to feed birds and flush water in public toilets.
• The UAE, as a Muslim country, punishes very severely for drinking alcohol and smoking in public places. Consequences in the form of a huge fine, deportation, lashing, or imprisonment will not make anyone happy. Photography and videotaping must also be approached with caution because it is forbidden to take pictures of women without consent, a strict ban applies to the palaces of the sheiks. During the holy holiday of Ramadan, it is forbidden to drink and eat in public, otherwise, you can be fined 275 ＄.

• In the Philippines it is forbidden to spread rumors, otherwise, there is a fine of 3.5 € and community service.
• In India, there is a ban on drinking alcohol in tourist areas, especially in Goa. You can not swim in the sacred lakes of India naked, and in general when visiting temples and other sacred places to avoid wearing vulgar clothes. Touching women without their consent in public in India is not recommended. Leaving the country, it is forbidden to take out Indian rupees and antiquities.
• In Thailand, it is forbidden to smoke in public places, including the country’s airports. It is forbidden to ride without a shirt on a motorcycle and a car, otherwise, a few tens of dollars can be imposed. It is also forbidden to take out of their gold jewelry and precious stones without a receipt and the appropriate certificate, as well as large statues of Buddha. In addition, in Thailand is not recommended to take pictures of government facilities and police stations.
• Departing from Vietnam, it is worth paying attention to the list of prohibited items for export. These include tinctures of plant roots or wildlife.
• From Turkey, it is not recommended to make jewelry without a receipt and certificate if its value exceeds 15,000 ＄.
• From Japan, you can not take out combat katana swords, if they do not belong to the souvenir products.

Conclusions

In general, it is advisable in public places in Asian countries to adhere to modest behavior without excessive disrespect for society and people in particular. For example, in Indonesia kissing in a public place can get 10 years in prison and a huge fine.

Women should not appear in public in tight or too open clothing, including a swimsuit. Anything that could be considered disrespectful should be avoided when touring religious shrines.

In many Southeast Asian countries, you cannot touch another person’s head, because Buddhist beliefs say the soul resides there and this action can offend the believer. It is also not customary to say hello using a handshake. In general, it is worth avoiding various touches, especially with regard to women and clerics.

Before going to any country, we recommend getting acquainted with all the restrictions and prohibitions related to the stay in it. The laws are constantly changing, and it is advisable to be aware of the latest changes. In any case, so that your holiday is not marred by unforeseen expenses in the form of fines or other sanctions, you should respect and accept the laws of the state you are visiting, cherish the property, culture, and feelings of the local population, be sensitive to local law enforcers and authorities.