Holiday season is just around the corner with many heading overseas to soak up some sunshine and enjoy a well deserved rest.
However, if you are travelling this summer it is important to be in the know of local laws in the country you are visiting. Popular spots such as Spain, Green, Portugal, France and Turkey will soon be flooded with tourists, but there are certain rules and you must abide to to save getting in trouble.
For example, you could be fined for wearing swimwear once you've left the beach in some parts of Spain Manchester Evening News. There are also certain rules when it comes to drinking as well as taking home souvenirs that you ought to be aware off before jetting off.
To make sure you are in the know, here is a round up of what you need to know based on guidance from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
You can check you destination for any rules and regular on the FCDO website before heading off.
Spain
It may be tempting to wander back to your hotel just in your swimwear after spending some time at the beach, doing so could leave you with a hefty fine.
According to the FCDO: “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 are heading to the Balearic Islands, there are certain restrictions on the sale of alcohol in some areas. For example, parts of Majorca and Ibiza - such as Magaluf and Playa de Palma in Majorca and San Antonio - there are prohibitions on happy hours, open bars and the organising of pub-crawls and party boat trips.
The rules also mean that alcohol cannot be sold by "off-licences" between 9.30pm and 8am.
Greece
If you are looking to party in Greece, it is important to be aware that Greek police will not tolerate “rowdy or indecent behaviour”. The rules are particularly strict for those who are drunk, with some fancy dress costumes also likely to land you in a spot of bother.
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. Some fancy dress costumes may be regarded as offensive and therefore against decency laws. Your travel insurance may not cover you after drinking.”
You should also carry a copy of your passport or another form of photographic ID, showing your British nationality, at all times.
France
France is pretty relaxed in general when it comes to specific laws and customs. However, there is on important law to note.
It is illegal to wear head coverings that conceal your face in public places across France - including balaclavas, full veils or any other garment or mask. If you fail to comply you could be fined €150.
Portugal
It is important to carry some form of ID in Portugal in case asked by police or judicial authorities. In most cases a photocopy of you passport will suffice.
There are also strict rules when it comes to gambling in Portugal, with it only legal in establishments properly licensed by the government.
Gambling elsewhere can lead to organisers, participants and anyone within the unlicensed premises being arrested and charged with a criminal offence and fined or imprisoned.
Turkey
It is a legal requirement to carry some form of photo ID with you at all times when visiting turkey. In busy areas Turkish authorities may stop you as they conduct ID checks.
It is also offence to insult a Turkish national of the national flag, deface national currency. Doing this could see you face imprisonment..
You should also be careful if browsing markets in Turkey and buying souvenirs as it is illegal to explore some historical items potentially found at local markets.
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