With the summer holidays fast approaching many Brits will have trips abroad planned in the coming weeks. Destinations in Spain, Greece, Portugal, France and Turkey are all popular with UK travellers and are used to dealing with a high volume of tourists.
But holidaymakers can be caught out by local laws and customs when abroad, especially in traditional holiday hotspots where its easy to get carried away. For example, in some parts of Spain you could be fined if you’re caught wearing just your swimwear once you’ve left the beach.
From rules on drinking to what souvenirs you can bring home, it’s important to be aware of certain laws and customs in place at your destination. We’ve rounded up the rules you need to need to know for popular destinations below based on guidance from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) . For more information on any laws and customs at your destination check the FCDO website.
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Spain
While it may be tempting to stroll back to your hotel in just your swimwear after a day at the beach, you could end up with a hefty fine. 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’re on holiday in the Balearic Islands, it’s worth noting that in designated areas in Majorca and Ibiza there are restrictions on the sale and availability of alcohol. In areas of Magaluf and Playa de Palma in Majorca and San Antonio in Ibiza there are prohibitions on happy hours, open bars and the organising of pub-crawls and party boat trips. The law also prohibits “off-licence” sales between 9:30pm and 8am.
Greece
If you’re heading to Greece to party, it’s important to be aware that Greek police won’t tolerate “rowdy or indecent behaviour”, particularly if those involved are drunk. It may be wise to leave some fancy dress costumes at home, too.
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.”
While in Greece you should also carry a copy of your passport or other photographic ID which shows your British nationality at all times.
France
While France is a lot more relaxed when it comes to specific laws and customs, one important law to make a note of is head coverings which conceal your face - and there is no exemption for tourists. It is illegal to conceal your face in public places in France, which includes balaclavas, full veils or any other garment or mask. If you fail to comply you could be fined €150.
Portugal
If asked by the police or judicial authorities, you must show some form of ID and in most cases a photocopy of your passport will suffice. There are strict rules when it comes to gambling in Portugal and it is only legal in establishments properly licensed by the government. If gambling takes place in unlicensed premises then organisers, participants and anyone on the premises may be arrested, charged with a criminal offence and fined or imprisoned.
Turkey
It’s a legal requirement to carry some form of photographic ID at all times while in Turkey and in busy areas the Turkish authorities may stop members of the public to conduct ID checks. It’s an offence to insult the Turkish nation or the national flag, or to deface national currency and you could face imprisonment if convicted of these offences - this includes comments made on social media.
Be careful if you’re been browsing markets in Turkey and buying souvenirs as its illegale to explore some historical items which can be found at local markets. You should confirm the legal requirements before purchasing or returning home with an antique or historical item.
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