Nowadays, we are more than ever aware of the rules and regulations that monitor people’s behaviour and movements. Currently, lockdown regulations are important, but someday the country’s borders will be reopened, and the outside world will welcome you with open arms. However, those foreign arms have their own rules and regulations, and you must keep that in mind before packing your bags and throwing all caution to the winds.

Apart from the normal laws that apply everywhere, there are also some regulations peculiar to each country, and some may sound strange compared to those of South Africa. We recommend that you watch the website of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) before your departure as important legislation of different countries is updated on it daily.

Keep the following in mind before you have your passport stamped.

Liquor and drugs

In most countries, including South Africa, alcohol and drugs are a knotty problem. The chances of taking any kind of drug across a border are slim. The drinks served on aeroplanes are delicious but unfortunately you have to leave it there.

If you’re arrested for possession of marijuana in Mexico, you may be charged with drug trafficking and imprisoned even if you have a prescription for its medicinal use. And remember, Mexican prisons are some of the most dangerous places on earth. Other countries where possession may cause a nightmare are Cuba, Uganda, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore and Russia. Saudi Arabia probably has the most severe drug laws; there you might be sentenced to death if convicted.

Rather take the easiest way out and stay out of sight of law enforcement – there are lots of fun things to see and do in other countries.

Indecent behaviour

Your behaviour in public may get you in the soup in many countries. Make sure you always dress appropriately (especially in the Middle East), don’t use offensive language, and your actions don’t attract attention.

In Germany, you may be detained if you are intoxicated in public. This rule is interesting as it is not illegal to drink in public or walk around with liquor. Therefore, it is important to remember this law! Singapore tolerates no public disturbance or threat to people’s safety. If you smoke, fight, or chew chewing gum in public, you could face a stiff fine or even a jail sentence. In Thailand, driving a car without a shirt is illegal. Although Swedish parties encourage dancing, it is illegal to dance in a pub in Sweden unless that pub has a permit for dancing. Most countries can impose heavy penalties if you appear naked or half naked in public.

To make certain that you don’t draw the attention of the authorities, keep your clothes on, don’t use bad language, and leave your chewing gum at home.

Fauna and flora

Fauna and flora belong in nature. All authorities protect their country’s nature at all costs as it usually attracts tourists. You may, for example, not pick or break down vegetation in Malaysia, and the country’s animals are also protected. In Brazil, hunting of any kind has been strictly prohibited since the 1960s.

To find out in which countries you may admire the fauna and flora up close, you can visit the website of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). CITES protects the indigenous vegetation and wildlife of countries and prevents its purchase, sale and exchange.

Literature and visuals

Books are cultural artifacts and can get you into big trouble. Some countries prevent the possession and distribution of books, magazines, movies, music and other visual elements for a variety of reasons, for example, because it may cause violence, draw attention to the country’s history, or promote hate speech. In Germany, for example, it is illegal to distribute literature that praises fascism or the Nazi past. In Saudi Arabia, fashion magazines are forbidden, and in Uganda literature in which people kiss each other.

These kinds of laws mostly deal with a country’s past and conservatism. Do proper research on what is permissible before you pack your favourite reading material.

Littering

Littering is unacceptable in all countries, but it has been made official in only a few countries. In Thailand, you can be jailed if you litter. In Singapore, it is illegal to chew and spit out chewing gum. Most European countries don’t tolerate littering and take drastic action against those who do not comply.

With so many different countries and cultures, it is difficult to determine what you may and may not do. You may see something as innocent fun while for another it is obscene. So, research the country you want to travel or move to thoroughly and compare their laws with those of South Africa before you leave.