We are very pleased to relaunch our 'Country of the Month' series, in partnership with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. We focus on a different country each month, with articles written by our Student Brand Ambassadors (SBAs), to highlight lesser-known laws and customs around the world that could get you into trouble and provide advice on staying safe whilst travelling abroad.

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August 2025 - Thailand 

Even if it’s one of the most popular countries for a holiday, in the last few months alone the number of British people arrested in Thailand has increased considerably. This is partly due to changing laws around cannabis.

While low-strength cannabis (under 0.2% THC) is legal for private use in Thailand, carrying it out of the country is illegal and has led to arrests not only in Thailand but also during airport transits elsewhere. Criminal gangs are known to pressure people into carrying drugs. Always pack your own luggage and do not carry anything through customs for someone else.

There have been arrests of British nationals caught transiting through airports in other countries. Many international airports have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items, which are often used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.  

Thailand has strict laws against drug use, possession and trafficking. Possessing small quantities of illegal substances can lead to heavy fines or imprisonment. Possessing  Class A drugs can lead to the death penalty.

Legal proceedings in Thailand can be long and costly, and prison conditions are extremely poor, with limited access to clean water, food, and healthcare.

If you are caught carrying cannabis in other countries, you can be given a long prison sentence or even the death penalty in some cases

Beyond drug-related concerns, tourists should also be aware of regional instability in the southern provinces; there are regular terrorist attacks in the 4 provinces in the southern tip of Thailand by the border with Malaysia: Pattani Province, Yala Province, Narathiwat Province and southern Songkhla Province. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel to these provinces.

The political situation can be unpredictable and has led to periods of civil and political unrest. Avoid protests, political gatherings, demonstrations and marches.

Do not hand your passport over as a guarantee, for example to motorcycle or jet-ski rental businesses. Companies may hold on to passports against claimed damage.

There are important legal and cultural differences to be aware of when travelling in Thailand. Criticising the Thai monarchy is illegal and can carries a long prison sentence. Posting images of people drinking alcohol or wearing clothing considered inappropriate can be illegal. Police may ask to check your passport at any time, and if you do not have it with you, you could be asked to produce it within 24 hours at a police station. 

It’s illegal to smoke in public with a fine of up to 5,000 Thai baht. E-cigarettes are illegal – you could be fined or imprisoned for carrying or using them.

To read the full Thailand travel advice from the FCDO, click here. 

Read: Dodging drug scams and staying safe in Thailand 

Read: Why drug related arrests in Thailand are on the rise

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July 2025 - Spain

Spain remains one of the most popular holiday destinations for British travellers and is also the country with the third-largest British prison population. It is important to be aware of the risks that your visit might involve, and this guide will help you stay #TravelAware and avoid trouble this summer.

As a member of the Schengen area, Spain allows UK visitors to enter without a visa for short stays - up to 90 days within any 180-day period. However, this rule applies to travel across the entire Schengen zone, so if you're visiting multiple countries, ensure your total stay stays within this limit. At Spanish border control, you may be asked to provide a return or onward travel ticket, proof of travel insurance, evidence of sufficient funds for your stay and a confirmation of your accommodation booking.

The Schengen Area is a zone comprising 29 European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders, allowing for free movement of people. The Schengen Area is significant as it represents the largest free travel area in the world, facilitating easier travel for residents and tourists alike. From October 2025, new Schengen entry requirements will come into effect. Please ensure you're up to date with the latest travel rules before departure.

You must provide photo ID if asked by a police officer. If your passport is lost or stolen, you’ll need to apply for a new one or request an emergency travel document. A police report alone is not enough to leave the country.

• Be aware of street crime, particularly in tourist areas. Thieves often use distraction techniques and work in teams. Keep a close eye on your passport, money, and valuables. 
• The Spanish Police and Civil Guard offer an app called ALERT COPS, which allows discreet and direct contact with law enforcement if you witness or experience a crime. More information is available on their website.
• Be cautious of ‘highway pirates’ targeting foreign-registered and rental cars, especially those towing caravans. They may try to flag you down, claiming you’ve damaged their vehicle or that there’s something wrong with yours. If you stop, do so in a well-lit public area, such as a service station, and be wary of strangers offering help.
• Watch out for scams involving fake police officers. Thieves may pose as plainclothes officers and ask to inspect your wallet or ID. Real officers will always identify themselves and will never ask to see your wallet or purse.

It’s illegal to drink alcohol in the street in some areas of Spain. You can get an on-the-spot fine. There are strict controls on drinking and sexual activity in public places, including on beaches. Illegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties. You should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through airports. Possession of even a small quantity of drugs can lead to arrest and detention.

Airports in Spain have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.

In some parts of Spain it’s illegal to be in the street wearing only a bikini or swimming shorts. Being bare-chested is also illegal in some areas in Spain. You could be fined if you’re caught wearing swimwear on the seafront promenade or adjacent streets.

Spain has strict drink-driving laws. Police regularly carry out roadside checks for alcohol and drugs. Penalties include fines, loss of licence and a prison sentence.

To read the full Spanish travel advice from the FCDO, click here.

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June 2025 - Cambodia

According to the FCDO's travel advice for Cambodia, the legal process there is unpredictable, lacks transparency and is open to interference from political and business interests; the investigation and trial process falls far below the standard of the UK; and pre-trial detention can also last many months and be very expensive. Conditions in Cambodian prisons are extremely poor and overcrowded and medical facilities in prisons are also very poor. The UK has no prisoner transfer agreement with Cambodia so if you’re found guilty you can expect to serve your full prison term in Cambodia.

Possession, trafficking and manufacture of any illegal drugs are serious offences in Cambodia - including includes cannabis. Cambodia has a zero-tolerance policy to drug offences. Possessing drugs, even in very small quantities, can carry severe penalties, including: arrest and detention, and a long jail sentence (including a life sentence with no reduction for good behaviour) if charged and convicted. British nationals have been caught carrying cannabis while transiting through Cambodia and criminal gangs in the UK and elsewhere have been known to coerce people into carrying drugs across borders ,so do not allow yourself to be persuaded.

There is an official code of conduct for visitors at Angkor Wat and other religious sites and you may be refused admission if you wear skirts or shorts above the knee. You should also never take photographs on or near military bases and ask permission before taking pictures of people, especially monks and other religious figures. 

In terms of entry requirements, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you arrive in Cambodia and undamaged and complete – entry is normally refused if you have a damaged passport or pages missing. You must also have a via to enter Cambodia as a visitor. Tourist visas are valid for 30 days from the date of entry into Cambodia. Make sure your passport is stamped on arrival and keep the departure form. If you lose your departure form, you’ll need to contact immigration officials before you leave the country to make alternative arrangements. You can be fined, detained and deported if you overstay your visa. There is no limit to this fine. If you overstay more than 30 days, you will need to leave Cambodia and pay the fine. 

For full travel advice from the FCDO, click here.

Read: How to keep calm and calamity free in Cambodia.

Read: Captive in Cambodia: Life Inside Prey Sar Prison.

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May 2025 - Poland

Poland follows Schengen Area roles for entry and passport requirements. Russian military strikes have taken place in Ukraine within 20km of the Polish border so access to the border is restricted, as is some parts of the border with Belarus. 

If you are a British-Polish dual national, you must enter and exit Poland using a Polish passport or Polish national identity card. There are regular cases of Polish border guards allowing dual nationals to enter on their British passport, but refusing exit on the British passport. Children born to Polish or British-Polish dual national parents in the UK are automatically granted Polish citizenship, regardless of the child’s place of birth. Dual Polish-British nationals will be treated as a Polish national if arrested or detained by the Polish authorities.

You must carry your ID with you; a printed copy of the photo page of your passport will be acceptable. 

Most visitors do not experience any difficulties. Serious crime against foreigners is rare, but crimes do occur and in some cases attacks have been racially motivated. Same-sex sexual activity is legal, but Polish law does not recognise same-sex marriages and civil partnerships. Small towns and rural areas can be less tolerant towards LGBT+ travellers. There are LGBT+friendly restaurants, clubs and bars in many towns and cities including Warsaw, Krakow, Wroclaw, Poznan, Gdansk and Sopot.

It is illegal to drink alcohol in public places. The police can arrest you and you could get a fine. If you are drunk in a public place, the police can take you to a clinic to be medically assessed. You must stay there until you are sober, including overnight, and pay for your stay.

Police can fine you if you are jaywalking (ignoring pedestrian crossings or signals) and walkers and cyclists must wear a reflective item at night in non built-up areas. The authorities may hold you responsible if you are involved in an accident and not wearing a reflective item. If police stop you without a reflective item, you could get a fine of 100 Polish zloty (around £20).

You should avoid taking photographs of military or other security installations and any buildings or items of national infrastructure where there are signs prohibiting photography. This includes some border areas. 

If using public transport, you must validate your public transport ticket at the start of the journey. You will get a fine if inspectors find you travelling on an invalid or unvalidated ticket. Unofficial taxi drivers often overcharge and there are reports of some passengers being attacked, including sexual assaults, in unofficial taxis and cars booked using ride share apps. Do not use unofficial taxis. Official taxis will: have the name and telephone number of the taxi company on the door and top of the taxi, show a rate card on the window of the vehicle. Taxis with a crest but no company name are not official.

To read the full Polish travel advice from the FCDO, click here.

Read: 'A winter break in Warsaw', written by one of our student brand ambassadors. 

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April 2025 - Brazil

There are certain areas of Brazil to which the FCDO advises against all but essential travel. To learn more about these areas, visit: Brazil travel advice - GOV.UK 

To enter Brazil, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and your passport must be stamped by border control, otherwise you may be fined when you leave. You should always carry a copy of your ID with you. You can visit Brazil for up to 90 days without a visa, but if you overstay your visa, you’ll face a daily fine. For British-Brazilian dual nationals, Brazilian immigration authorities often require you to travel on Brazilian (rather than British) passports, and British-Brazilian dual nationals under the age of 18 who are travelling without both parents or legal guardians need authorisation from both parents or legal guardians to travel in Brazil or leave the country. Learn more: Entry requirements - Brazil travel advice - GOV.UK 

Favelas are urban neighbourhoods of high-density informal housing. They exist in all major Brazilian cities and can border areas used by tourists and visitors. The security situation in many favelas is unpredictable and can be dangerous. Tourists have been shot after accidentally entering favelas. The FCDO advises you to avoid these areas and, if using GPS navigation, make sure the suggested route does not take you into a favela.

Drug trafficking is widespread in Brazil. It is illegal and the penalties are severe. British nationals have been targeted through email scams where fraudsters offer a financial reward for travelling to Brazil, where they are then asked to carry items out of Brazil, including to the UK. These items are often illegal drugs. Anyone caught will face detention for drug trafficking, regardless of the circumstances. All electronic cigarettes and vaping devices are illegal in Brazil, including refills, parts and accessories. 

Same-sex marriage is legal and LGBT+ couples have equal rights in law. However, Brazilian society is quite conservative, particularly outside the larger towns and cities. There are reports of discrimination, violence and harassment against the LGBT+ community. Urban areas are usually more accepting. São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and other cities hold Pride events, which attract large numbers. These events are usually very peaceful.

To learn more about safety and security risks, and Brazilian local laws and customs, visit: Safety and security - Brazil travel advice - GOV.UK 

Read: The Brazil I Know

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March 2025 - Hungary

Hungary follows Schengen area rules.

Tourists can be targets for petty crime. Bag-snatching and pickpocketing are common, especially in Budapest and other cities. Some bars, clubs and restaurants might charge high amounts for food and drink and tourists have been taken to cashpoints with demands for the money to pay the bill. Always ask to see the menu and price list before ordering food and check your bill carefully before paying. Be wary of establishments where menus do not properly display prices. Some taxi drivers are part of these fraud, as they may receive a commission to recommend certain bars, clubs and restaurants to passengers. If a taxi driver offers to take you to a bar or club, or you are approached on the street with an invitation, be cautious. Use taxis from a reputable local company and report any incidents to the police.

You must show ID if the police ask for it, and a copy is not acceptable, so carry your passport with you.

Hungarian laws on the possession and use of drugs are very strict and carry serious penalties and prison sentences. If you are going to a summer music festival in Hungary, see FCDO’s travel checklist for festivals in Europe.

Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Hungary. Same-sex couples can enter into civil partnerships, but same-sex marriages are not legally recognised. Budapest is generally tolerant and open. Recent Pride events have passed without incident, but historically there have been counter-events which have led to verbal, and sometimes physical, confrontation. Outside of Budapest, showing affection in public may receive unwanted attention.

On the Metro, you must validate your ticket at the entrance to the station. On buses, trams or trolley buses, you must validate your ticket immediately after boarding. You could get a fine if you do not follow the rules of the transport ticket system.

Hungary has a no-alcohol driving policy. It is illegal to drink any alcohol and then drive in Hungary. You must use dipped headlights on roads outside towns even in daytime. If you want to use major highways in Hungary, you must buy a motorway e-vignette in advance of your journey. The vignette is a form of electronic toll. If you use the roads without buying an e-vignette, you will get a fine.

Blog: Hungry for Hungary

FCDO travel advice page

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February 2025 - Iceland

Iceland follows Shengen area rules. Crime levels are low but petty theft and antisocial behaviour can occur, particularly around bars in downtown Reykjavík. Take sensible precautions and keep your belongings safe. 

You do not have to carry your passport with you, but it is sensible to have some form of ID, such as a photocard driving licence. You could also carry a copy of your passport’s photo page as ID. Keep your passport somewhere safe.

It is illegal to smoke or use e-cigarettes in restaurants, bars, public transport and public buildings, and you could get a fine. It is also illegal to possess even small amounts of drugs, including marijuana and khat. Anyone caught could get a heavy fine and a prison sentence.

Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Iceland and same-sex relationships are recognised in law.

It is illegal to import whale products from Iceland into the UK. You could get a fine of up to £5,000 or a prison sentence.

If you are planning to drive in Iceland, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the RAC’s Iceland guide. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of or risk a sizeable fine up to £500. Follow speed limits, keep dipped headlights on year-round, and have suitable tyres, including tyres for winter weather when needed. Drink driving limits are also lower than the UK. Riding a scooter after consuming alcohol is prohibited by law in Iceland. The same law as driving a car under the influence applies and will resort in a fine and or charges.

Visit the FCDO's website for full Icelandic travel advice, including entry requirements and safety and security. 

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January 2025 - France

France follows Shengen area rules; you must be able to prove your identity by providing documents when asked or within 4 hours at a police station. Accepted IDs include passport, photocard driving licence, or other documentation provided by a government body.

Covering your face in public places in France is illegal. This includes balaclavas, full veils or any other garment or mask that is used to hide the face. You could get a fine of up to 150 euros if you do not comply. Forcing someone to hide their face is also a crime and is punishable by a year’s imprisonment and a fine of up to 30,000 euros. If the person forced to hide their face is under 18 years old, the sentence is doubled. This law also applies to tourists.

Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP. Police can give you on-the-spot fines for driving offences, including speeding. France also has strict drink-driving laws and the legal alcohol limit is a third lower than the limit for England and Wales. Police regularly carry out roadside checks for alcohol and drugs. Penalties include fines, loss of licence and prison.

Vehicles driven in certain mountain regions during the winter period (1 November to 31 March) must be fitted with winter tyres or chains and you could receive a fine if you do not comply. Visit the French public services website for more information (in English) about what type of vehicle this applies to, what type of tyre or chain should be fitted, where in France these rules apply.

There have been attempts by people to enter private vehicles with a view to entering the UK illegally. They may target vehicles like camper vans while stationary or in slow-moving traffic. Sometimes people might try to slow down traffic on roads to ports, including by placing obstacles on the Calais Port road. Keep car doors locked, keep moving where it’s safe to do so, and do not leave your vehicle unattended. If it is not safe to proceed, stop and call 112.

For full travel advice from the FCDO, click here.

Read the blog post 'Our Trip to Longuenesse' written by two of our casework team back in 2018 when they visited the French prison.

You can also read 'France: five of the country's laws'.

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December 2024 - Cyprus

With a minimum of around 4 million tourist arrivals per year, Cypris is the 40th most popular destination in the world, with UK tourists making up the biggest percentage of this number.

Cyprus is not part of the Schengen area, so remember that visits to Cyprus do not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit in the Schengen area, and visits to other EU or Schengen countries do not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit in Cyprus. The Republic of Cyprus is a full EU member, but the country is divided by the ‘Green Line’. The British government does not recognise the self-declared ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’. If you enter the Republic of Cyprus through the north (such as through Ercan Airport), authorities will consider you to have entered illegally. You could be fined for illegal entry; refused entry to or exit from the Republic of Cyprus; prevented from crossing back into the north of Cyprus.

Cyprus has a strictly enforced zero-tolerance policy towards illegal drugs, which includes laughing gas. If you are caught with drugs, you could get a fine or a prison sentence.

Same-sex sexual activity is legal in the Republic of Cyprus and civil partnerships are recognised. However, they may not be as widely accepted as in the UK. Same-sex sexual activity is also legal in the north of Cyprus, but not widely accepted. 

If you are of Cypriot descent, even if you do not have a nationality card, authorities may consider you eligible for military service. If this happens, you could have difficulties when exiting Cyprus, and you might have to prove that you live outside Cyprus.

Under international law, the British High Commission cannot intervene with Cypriot authorities on behalf of those considered to be dual Cypriot-British nationals. If you might be eligible for any local obligations or duties that apply to dual nationals, such as military service, contact the Cypriot authorities or a local lawyer before you travel.

You should also avoid taking photographs near sensitive areas, such as military buildings. If you do, the authorities could arrest you.

Read the FCDO's full travel advice for Cyrus.

Read the blog 'How not to be a tourist behind bars in Cyprus'.

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November 2024 - Ireland

Ireland may be the UK's closest neighbours, but you should still check local laws and customs and stay up to date on travel advice if you're planning a trip there. If you are a British citizen, you don't need a passport to enter Ireland, but some travel companies might require identification and immigration officers may ask for proof of British nationality, so it's a good idea to carry your passport with you. British citizens also don't need a via or residency permit to live, work, or study in Ireland. Although Ireland is in the EU, it is not part of the Schengen area, and Schengen rules do not apply.

Possession of even small quantities of drugs can lead to criminal prosecution and the possibility of a custodial sentence. Do not offer to carry any items for anyone else when entering or leaving Ireland. 

You can use a UK prescription to get medicines, including special food required for medical reasons, from pharmacies in Ireland. You will have to pay in full for any prescription medicine and remember that the legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

British people who live in the UK can access state healthcare when visiting Ireland. See guidance for visitors on healthcare in Ireland. The FCDO has a list of medical providers in Ireland.

For more advice on travelling to Ireland, visit the FCDO's website.

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October 2024 - Turkey

If you are visiting Turkey, your passport must be valid for at least 150 days from the date you arrive, and have a full blank page for entry and exit stamps. If entering Turkey through a land border, you should make sure your passport has a dated entry stamp before you leave the border crossing. Some items are restricted, with precise limits on the volume of goods you can take into Turkey. These include: tobacco, cigarettes, and alcohol (including wines and spirits); cosmetics; high-value electricals; and some foodstuffs, including tea, coffee, meat, and dairy products. There are also some restrictions on the amount of money you can take out of the country - check here on the gov.uk website for advice.

In terms of legal and cultural differences, it is illegal not to carry some form of photographic ID in Turkey and in some busy areas, especially Istanbul, the authorities may stop people for ID checks. You should dress modestly if you’re visiting a mosque or a religious shrine to avoid causing offence. Smoking is illegal on public transport and in all indoor workplaces and public places, and is restricted in some outdoor areas where cultural, artistic, sports or entertainment activities are held. Turkey has strict laws against the use, possession and trafficking of illegal drugs. You may receive a fine or prison sentence of 4 to 24 years. Buying or exporting antiquities is illegal. You could be fined and receive a prison sentence of 5 to 12 years. Some historical items found at local markets and in antique shops can be sold within Turkey but are illegal to export. Confirm the status of antique items before you buy them. Do not take photographs of or near military or official installations and ask for permission before photographing people. It is also illegal to insult the Turkish nation, state or the national flag, or to deface Turkish currency. These laws can also apply to comments or images online wherever they were uploaded. Offences under these laws carry a penalty in Turkey of a prison sentence of between 6 months and 3 years. Bear in mind that, while same-sex sexual activity is legal in Turkey, many parts of Turkey are socially conservative and showing affection in public could receive unwelcome attention.

For full FCDO guidance on travelling to Turkey, click here.

Sophie was imprisoned in Turkey; read her story here.

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September 2024 - Sweden

Just under 3 million people visited Sweden in 2021 - travellers will find beautiful countryside, bustling cities, and great skiing, as well as lots of family-friendly activities. There are still laws and customs that you should be aware of before and during your trip.

There is zero tolerance towards drugs; there are heavy punishments for importing illegal drugs and even petty drug use will lead to a penalty. Paying for sex is illegal, as is physical punishment of children. When it comes to consuming alcohol in Sweden, the age restrictions can vary; to purchase alcohol form the Systembolaget (state-run monopoly for retail alcohol sales, with strict rules and operating hours) you must be 20 years old, but you can purchase alcohol in bars and restaurants from the age of 18.

You will need a UK driving licence to drive in Sweden, and hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience and a minimum age. During winter, snow and ice on the roads cause accidents daily. From 1 December to 31 March, and any other times designated by the police, all vehicles must have winter tyres. 

It is also worth bearing in mind that parts of Sweden are in the Arctic Circle, including some very remote areas of land, so emergency medical assistance and search and rescue are limited in these areas.

Click here to read a 'Sweden Survival Guide' and make sure to check the official advice from the FCDO before you travel. 

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August 2024 - Mexico

There are several destinations within Mexico that the FCDO recommends all but essential travel - you can find more details here. You don't need a visa to enter as a tourist, but if you enter by land you will need to fill in an immigration form. It is important to note that tourists cannot do any kind of voluntary activities, including human rights work. You will also need a visa for some adventure and ecotourism activities like caving and potholing. Political demonstrations are common in Mexico city and they can be tense and violent. It is illegal for foreign nationals to participate in political activities in Mexico, and you could be detained and deported if you do so. It is also illegal to bring e-cigarettes, vaping devices and solutions into Mexico or to buy and sell them. If you vape or smoke in public place, you can get a fine of up to £150. Penalties for drug offenses are severe and carry sentence of up to 25 years. Same sex relations in Mexico are generally tolerated, rather than accepted.

For other lesser known laws - like removing your feet off the pedals of your bike, drinking 72 hours prior to an election, or transporting pork scratchings across the US border - click here!

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July 2024 - Thailand

As of 2022, there were over 41,000 Brits living in Thailand, and approximately the same number travelling every year on holiday. As a popular destination, knowing the local laws and customs and keeping up to date with FCDO travel advice in therefore paramount.

British passport holders can enter Thailand for 30 days without a visa, and your passport must be valid for at least 6 months. If you stay beyond the period of your visa, you will be fined 500 Thai bath a day up to a maximum of 20,200. You could then be held in detention, deported at your own expense, and banned from entering Thailand for up to 10 years.

As of 2023, cannabis with less than 0.2% THC has been made legal in Thailand. However, Cannabis use in public places is illegal. The Ministry of Public Health has made it legal to grow, use, distribute and sell cannabis products, but this has not been enshrined in law so some restrictions may remain. Having cannabis in your suitcase if you travel onto another destination from Thailand could also lead to your arrest on arrival. Possessing Class A drugs can lead to the death penalty.

While cigarettes are common, you could be fined up to 5,000 Thai baht for smoking them in public. E-cigarettes are illegal and you could be fined or imprisoned for using them.

Criticising the Thai monarchy (lèse-majesté) is illegal. The law can be interpreted broadly and carries a long jail sentence. British and Thai journalists, human rights defenders, and members of the public have faced charges for raising concerns, making political comments, sharing articles online that could been seen as negative towards Thailand, or making accusations about individuals.

Similarly, Posting images on social media of people drinking alcohol or wearing clothing considered inappropriate can be illegal. Both the person who uploaded the images and the people in them could be fined or imprisoned.

The FCDO also recommends against all by essential travel to several areas of Thailand, particularly around the Malaysian border. To keep up to date with this, and search for more Thai travel advice, visit: Regional risks - Thailand travel advice - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

There are several blog posts and stories focused on Thailand available for you to read on our website:

• Justice for Prisoners in Thailand
• Surviving prison in Thailand
• Hell in a Thai jail
• One month in a Thai jail

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June 2024 - Croatia

With beautiful coastline and national parks, Croatia has become a popular destination for summer holidays. If you’re planning a trip this year, be sure to keep an eye on the FCDO's travel advice.

Remember: You must register your arrival in Croatia with the police within 48 hours. Your hotel will normally register you, but if your accommodation provider is unable to do this for you, you will need to fill in and print out a form and hand it in at the police station. Alternatively you should go to the nearest police station with the owner of the accommodation to register your address in Croatia. There have been instances where tourists have been overcharged at bars and clubs, sometimes by thousands of Euros, and threatened with violence if they will not pay. Pickpockets also operate in tourist areas, so avoid carrying large sums of cash, do not leave valuables unattended, and use hotel safes if possible. In some Croatian town centres, for example in popular coastal tourist destinations such as Split and Dubrovnik, you can get on-the-spot fines for behaviour seen as inappropriate, including: drinking alcohol or using drugs in public spaces (drugs are illegal); sleeping in public spaces; urinating or vomiting in public spaces; walking through towns shirtless or in swimwear; wearing clothing that promotes drug use; and climbing on monuments. You can also be fined up to 4000 euros for public order disturbances such as fighting, verbal abuse, and drunken behavior. Drug offences are punished with fines and jail sentences and it is illegal to drive with more than 0.05% of alcohol in your blood system. There are also heavy penalties for being caught drunk in charge of a boat and a zero tolerance approach. 

Croatia features in a couple of blog posts on our website if you fancy learning more about the country and its local laws and customs: click here and here to read more.

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May 2024 - Dominican Republic

Over 160,000 British nationals visited the Dominican Republic in 2019. Most visits are trouble-free, but you should still take care and be cautious, particularly if you are travelling close to the Haitian border, as there have been armed robberies in the Dominican Republic on roads close to the border with Haiti.

There are severe penalties for drug offences and a number of British nationals are serving prison sentences in the Dominican Republic for attempting to traffic drugs, and possession of even small quantities of drugs can lead to a long prison sentence and a hefty fine. It is also worth being aware that cases can take several years to go through the judicial process, during which the accused person is likely to be held in detention, and all sentences are served in the Dominican Republic. Seizures at ports and airports around the Dominican Republic have increased. Pack your own luggage and do not carry anything through customs for anyone else. There have been a number of incidents in Santo Domingo where foreigners have been mugged at gunpoint or knifepoint during the daytime while walking in residential districts, and incidents of assault, rape and sexual aggression against foreigners have occurred, including at beach resorts. In some cases, hotel employees or fellow guests have been implicated. Be cautious when dealing with strangers or recent acquaintances, be wary of rides or other invitations, avoid walking alone at night and don’t leave drinks unattended.

Public displays of affection (such as hand-holding or kissing) between opposite or same-sex couples are uncommon. Although same-sex sexual relations are legal in the Dominican Republic, same-sex marriages are not legally recognised. Public displays of affection may attract unwanted and negative attention. Nearly all Dominican hotels welcome LGBT clients, although confirmation with booking agents is advised.

For full travel advice from the FCDO, visit their page on the Dominican Republic here.

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April 2024 - Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a popular travel destination, with beautiful beaches and national parks. British nationals do not need a via to enter and can stay for up to 180 days as a tourist. When leaving the country by air, you may need to pay a departure tax of 29 US dollars. Most airlines include this in ticket prices, but if you need to pay it, you can use cash or card. You must declare cash, travellers cheques or goods if the value is 10,000 US dollars or more. You will get a certified declaration to show you brought it in with you. If you do not, your money or goods could be seized when you leave. Muggings and theft are significant problems, particularly on the Atlantic coast - there have been incidents where thieves slash a tyre and then offer to help change it, while an accomplice steals from the car. Rapes and sexual assaults have increased, some of which appear targeted toward tourists. Avoid leaving drinks unattended in bars as there have been reports of ‘spiked’ drinks resulting in assault and theft. As a foreigner, you must carry ID such as a passport; the police will usually accept a photocopy, but make sure you have the original available somewhere safe in case they ask to see it. Do not get involved with drugs of any kind, as the Costa Rican authorities treat the possession of drugs and drug trafficking severely and the minimum sentence is 8 years imprisonment. 

For full travel advice from the FCDO, visit their page on Costa Rica here.

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March 2024 - USA

Over one million people visit the US from the UK every year. You will need either an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) visa waiver or a visa to enter or transit the USA as a visitor. Crime associated with illegal drugs is a major issue in Mexican states bordering Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas. Possession or trafficking of illegal drugs in the USA can carry a long prison sentence and fine. Check state laws to make sure you comply with the laws on possession and use of controlled substances. The US Department of Justice website provides a list of all controlled substances. Some foreign nationals have been victims of crime in the border regions, but there is no evidence to suggest they have been targeted because of their nationality. The national legal age for buying and drinking alcohol is 21 years and it is important to remember that some states have different laws, so if you are under 21, check the relevant state laws before drinking or buying alcohol. Please visit the FCDO's travel advice page for full info. 

You can find some strange and definitely lesser known laws - such as it being illegal to marry the same man more than three times in Kentucky, collect seaweed from public beaches in New Hampshire, or send an unsolicited pizza in Louisiana - here.

There are several blog posts and stories focused on the USA available for you to read on our website:

• Travelling and transiting to the United States
• Safe travel from state to state
• Five things you should know before you go to the USA
• We need alternatives: how long prison sentences damage the USA
• Life lessons from a U.S. prison
• Life with Asperger's Syndrome in a US prison
• COVID in a US Prison

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For more information and advice, read about Prisoners Abroad's work with the FCDO on their Travel Aware campaign.

Be sure to visit the FCDO website for travel advice before a trip abroad.