What do chewing gum, wearing camouflage, and travelling as an unmarried couple have in common? They’re illegal in some countries! Yes, that’s right. Chewing gum is illegal in Singapore; wearing camouflage is banned in some Caribbean and African countries; and travelling as an unmarried couple could come with consequences in some Middle Eastern countries.
Escaping the ordinary is a major reason we love to travel. And while sampling the local cuisine and experiencing new cultures is part of the fun, all of us as travellers need to know that it’s not just the fun things that differ.
But with some planning and preparation, we can enjoy what destinations have to offer with peace of mind. Avoid legal trouble abroad with the following tips – read on!
Taking an international road trip? Keep it legal and avoid unnecessary hassle or fines. Check out, Driving Abroad: What Travellers Should Know.
1. Know your responsibilities and the Government of Canada’s role
Feeding the pigeons in Italy, flying a kite in Argentina, or building a sandcastle in Spain, might seem like great activities to enjoy on your vacay. And what about hiking naked in Switzerland?
Think again! Laws vary from country to country. And while some may seem unlikely to Canadians, respecting the laws of the country you’re in is necessary, or you could face fines or even jail time.
According to the Government of Canada, if you’re arrested or detained abroad, legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from those in Canada. You’re subject to their criminal justice system, and the Canadian government can’t intervene in legal proceedings unless local authorities request it. But this rarely happens.
In a foreign country, an innocent mistake or small blunder could turn into legal trouble abroad. That’s why it’s important to be informed before you go!
2. Check your destination’s advisory status often
Pleading ignorance of a country’s laws is not an excuse for illegal (or bad) behaviour. What’s the most effective way to avoid breaking the law while in a foreign country? Learn about your destination’s culture and laws before you travel.
Always check out the Government of Canada’s travel advice and advisories page. It’s the official resource for travel information, advice, and advisories. And it will help you make informed decisions, so you can travel safely and confidently outside Canada.
As safety and security conditions can change quickly, you should check your destination’s advisory status before booking your trip, throughout the last few weeks before your scheduled departure, and daily in the week before your departure.
You can even avoid the hassle of checking by signing up for daily travel advisory updates. Plus, travel advisories can impact travel insurance coverage too—another reason to be vigilant.
While you’re finding out more about advisories, why not brush up on your international etiquette, too. Check out 9 Rules for Etiquette Around the World.
3. Review your travel insurance policy’s legal services
Whether you’re travelling internationally or just to the US, you’ll want to consider Emergency Medical Insurance to ensure you’re taken care of in an accident or medical emergency situation.
A comprehensive travel insurance policy should also feature services that will provide legal help. Before you head out on your next trip, check with your insurance provider, or review your policy to see what’s available to you.
While we can’t speak for other insurance companies, TuGo offers “international assistance services” including legal referral services for our customers if they do end up in a legal bind.
Note: Claims for injuries resulting from illegal activities aren’t covered. But legal referral services are still available.
The benefits of TuGo’s legal referral assistance service
Wherever you travel, it’s comforting to know TuGo will help you find appropriate legal representation if needed. The following two examples demonstrate the value of this important service.
Illegal antiquities in Turkey
After buying a mask worth less than $7 Canadian dollars at a local market in Turkey, Margot* was arrested while boarding her cruise ship. She had unknowingly purchased an antiquity, which is illegal in Turkey.
With a different legal system and a language barrier, Margot could have been in big trouble. But thanks to the legal referral service, she was able to get local legal counsel and quickly resolve the matter.
State driving laws in the US
Mike and Jade* were given a speeding ticket while driving through Oregon on their way to Arizona. Little did they know that state law required them to appear in court, even just to pay for a minor speeding ticket.
With the referral service’s assistance, not only did the couple receive advice on the legal issue, but their representative also worked with the court to pay the fine without them needing to go to court.
Before you travel, make sure you’re investing time in understanding the laws and customs of your destination country. And if you’re unsure of how your policy protects you while away, be sure to talk to your travel insurance provider. You never know when you might find yourself in a compromising situation and need assistance in a foreign country.
Questions? Leave your comments below.
Safe travels,
Melissa
*Traveller details have been changed to protect privacy.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in July 2013, and has been updated for freshness and/or accuracy.
