Avoid These Customs Travel Restrictions Around the World

Traveling internationally is an exciting adventure, but it can quickly turn stressful if you run afoul of customs regulations. While most travelers are aware of common restrictions like bringing liquids in carry-on luggage, some countries have lesser-known rules that could catch you off guard. 

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Bringing along too many “portable computers” to Cancun could result in hefty fines or confiscation of your electronics. This means you can’t travel through Cancun International Airport with a laptop and a tablet unless you want to pay a fine. 

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To help others avoid these travel headaches, this guide will outline surprising customs laws around the world. (Psst! If you and your travel companions have eSIM cards, you’ll be able to double-check customs regulations from your destination before you fly.)

What is “Customs?”

For those who travel internationally, going through “customs and immigration” was likely not a big deal. But what, exactly, is “customs” and why do travelers go through it at the airport upon arriving in a foreign country? 

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According to Wikipedia, “‘Customs’ is an authority or agency in a country responsible for collecting tariffs and for controlling the flow of goods, including animals, transports, personal effects, and hazardous items, into and out of a country.” This authority helps uphold the customs and regulations laws in a country, specifically with regard to travelers when in airports or on borders. 

Be Aware of These Strict Customs Regulations

1. Australia: Quarantine Laws

Want to bring a piece of fruit in your carry-on as a snack? You’d better finish it before you land! Australia is notorious for its strict quarantine laws. Foods, plants, seeds, and animal products are heavily regulated. Even items like tea, spices, or wooden souvenirs can be confiscated. Non-declaration of such items can result in hefty fines.

2. New Zealand: Biosecurity Rules

New Zealand enforces stringent rules to prevent foreign pests. Importing food, plants, and animal products is closely monitored. Shoes and camping gear might be inspected for dirt and organic material.

3. United Arab Emirates (Dubai & Abu Dhabi Airports): Medicinal Restrictions

Common over-the-counter medications and prescriptions, especially those containing codeine or narcotics, are banned without prior approval. Carrying personal medication without a doctor’s prescription can land you in trouble. Make sure all of your medications are properly marked and bring along copies of any relevant paperwork. If you for some reason forget these documents, having a travel eSIM ensures you can contact your healthcare provider to obtain them before you travel. 

4. Singapore: Chewing Gum Ban

Want fresh breath? You’ll have to stick to mints in Singapore. Importing chewing gum into Singapore is illegal unless it’s for medicinal purposes. Being caught with large quantities can result in fines.

5. Japan: Medication Restrictions

Feeling a little under the weather and plan to bring along some cold medicine, just in case? Japan has strict regulations on medications containing stimulants such as pseudoephedrine found in cold medicines. Narcotics like codeine are also highly restricted.

6. Thailand: Vaping Ban & Cultural Artifact Restrictions

Though the use of electronic cigarettes (also known as “vaping”) is prevalent and legal in other countries, importing or using electronic cigarettes is illegal in Thailand and can lead to fines or jail time. Additionally, exporting religious artifacts or Buddha images larger than 12 inches requires special permission.

7. India: Gold Limits

Want to show off your bling? India has strict limits on gold imports. Women are allowed slightly more than men, but exceeding these limits leads to high customs duties.

8. South Africa: Cultural Artifacts

Exporting certain cultural artifacts or animal products like ivory without special permits is prohibited and can result in fines or imprisonment. Be mindful of this when shopping in local markets. 

9. Brazil: Electronics Limitations

Brazil limits the number of electronic devices you can bring into the country. Travelers may face issues with laptops, cameras, or cell phones if they exceed certain quantities. Do your research ahead of time to ensure that what you bring in you’ll also be able to bring out! You probably don’t have to worry about traveling with your personal smartphone, however (that has an eSIM app on it, right?)

10. China: Printed Materials & Cash Restrictions

Perhaps unsurprisingly, China has stringent rules on books, newspapers, or any materials deemed politically sensitive or offensive. This means bringing along the latest edition of the New York Times may land you in trouble. Additionally, declaring more than 20,000 RMB (or its foreign currency equivalent) is mandatory. That’s about $2,800 USD. 

11. Saudi Arabia: Religious Restrictions & Moral Contradictions

Bibles and non-Muslim religious materials are allowed for personal use but cannot be distributed. Also, certain media (movies, music, etc.) perceived as morally contradictory can be confiscated.

12. Qatar: Ban on Consumables

You won’t be bringing any bacon along on your trip to Qatar. Importing pork products and alcohol is strictly forbidden.

 13. Kenya: Plastic Ban

It may be time to repack your suitcase. Kenya has banned the use of single-use plastic bags, and possession upon entry can lead to significant fines or jail time. Look for sustainable alternatives for your travels. 

14. Norway: Alcohol Limits

Norway limits the amount of alcohol travelers can bring into the country. Exceeding the limit without declaring will result in heavy fines.

15. Cuba: Electronic Device Limits

Similar to Mexico, travelers bringing in more than two electronic devices may face scrutiny, taxes, or confiscation unless declared for personal use only. Consider what electronic devices you can leave at home during your trip to Cuba. You’ll want to keep your smartphone on you so you can access your virtual SIM card throughout your trip. 

16. Egypt: Ban on Drones

Overhead footage of the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx and the Nile sounds pretty cool, right? Think again. Bringing drones into Egypt is illegal without a special permit. Do your research to ensure this expensive piece of equipment isn’t confiscated upon arrival or departure! 

17. Morocco: Drone Restrictions

Similar to Egypt, drones are strictly controlled, and importing one without prior authorization can result in confiscation and fines. Overhead footage of your trip is awesome, but it’s probably not worth losing your drone for. 

Conclusion

Navigating international travel requires more than just a plane ticket and a passport. Understanding the intricate and sometimes surprising customs restrictions of your destination can save you from potential fines, confiscation of belongings, or worse. 

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Stay informed and travel smart! Always double-check the specific regulations of each country you plan to visit to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.

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