The Foreign Office has revealed the local laws in holiday hotspots across the globe, as British holidaymakers are warned to follow the guidelines, or face retribution.
As the summer holidays roll around once again this year, many people across the UK will be planning trips abroad to bask in glorious weather.
Places like Spain, France, Greece and Turkey are all popular holiday destinations for Brits, with a high turnover of tourists visiting each country every year.
Manchester Evening News reports that some holidaymakers could be caught out by local laws in these areas that are different to regulations in the UK.
For example, wearing your swimwear anywhere other than designated areas in Spain could land you with a hefty fine.
With regulations on what souvenirs are allowed in luggage, to drinking restrictions, it is extremely important to be aware of laws and legislation in the country you are visiting.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) have published guidance for various countries, which has been used to create a list of important rules below.
Spain
While it may be tempting, with scorching weather and sandy feet, to keep your swimsuit on when returning from the beach – it is prohibited.
The FCDO says: « In some parts of Spain it’s against the law to be in the street wearing only a bikini or swimming shorts/trunks.
« Being bare-chested has also been banned in some areas of Spain. Some local councils will impose fines if you’re caught wearing swimwear on the seafront promenade or the adjacent streets. »
If you have taken a trip to the Balearic Islands, it is important to note that there are restrictions on the availability and sale of alcohol in areas like Majorca and Ibiza.
There are also prohibitions on happy hours, open bars and the organisation of party boat trips and pub crawls in various areas of the Islands. These locations include parts of Magaluf, San Antonio in Ibiza, and Playa de Palma in Majorca.
These regulations also prohibit « off-licence » sales between 9:30pm and 8am.
Greece
While Greece is a beautiful place to visit, and has a bustling social centre, the local police will not tolerate « rowdy or indecent behaviour » from party animals.
People are also advised to leave their fancy dress costumes at home, particularly if they’re planning to go out on the town to have a drink.
The FCDO says: « The police will make arrests and the courts are likely to impose heavy fines or prison sentences on people who behave indecently.
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« Some fancy dress costumes may be regarded as offensive and therefore against decency laws. Your travel insurance may not cover you after drinking. »
While visiting Greece, it is important to carry a copy of your passport or another photographic form of ID that shows your British nationality at all times.
France
France tends to be a more relaxed country in Europe when it comes to laws and regulations, but there is one piece of legislation to note.
It is prohibited to wear a head covering that conceals your face in public – and this also applies to tourists.
The rule, which includes full veils, balaclavas or any other masks, could land you with a fine of €150 (£128).
Portugal
It is the law to show some form of ID to any police or judicial authorities who request it in Portugal – with a photocopy of your passport the most common.
There are strict rules when it comes to gambling in the country, and is only legal in certain establishments that are licensed by the Portuguese Government.
If gambling does take place in an unlicensed area, then all participants, organisers and anybody hanging about may be arrested, charged with a criminal offence, and face a fine or even prison time.
Turkey
It is also the law to carry photographic ID at all times while in Turkey, and in populated tourist traps, police may stop random people to carry out ID checks.
It is also an offence to insult the Turkish nation or its national flag, or to deface their currency. Doing so could result in imprisonment if caught – and this includes comments made on social media.
People should also be aware of certain laws surrounding buying souvenirs from local markets in Turkey.
Source: Daily Record
