Top 10 Regular Things You Can Be Jailed For in Foreign Countries

Travelling overseas is a nice experience for many people. But you have to know about the local laws of the country that you are visiting. This is because, on some occasions, things that you might consider fine to do in your home country can get you jailed in the country that you are visiting. There are some local laws that can get you in trouble with the police in foreign countries, so you should always be willing to learn about them. Check these examples of regular things that can get you jailed in foreign countries.

1. Not Carrying an ID Card in Japan

If you’re ever in Japan, you might be surprised when the police escort you into detention just because you don’t have any ID card on you while out. In Japan, all tourists and foreigners are required by law to carry their valid ID card wherever they go. If you happen to meet the police while you are out and you also happen to have forgotten to take some ID with you (passport, etc.), then you have to get ready to be questioned for hours by the police. You should also bear in mind that this act can simply get you in jail for a year. The same happened to a Taiwanese couple who said that they were mistreated by the Japanese police just because they forgot to carry their ID cards when they went out for lunch. The police even collected their DNA samples and fingerprints just to make sure that they are not a threat for the country.

2. Killing a Cow in India

In India, killing a cow or eating beef is considered taboo because cows are holy animals according to the Hindu religion. India's 1.2 billion population is Hindu by majority. That's why the government of India created a law that prohibits anyone from killing a cow or selling beef. Anyone found guilty will be fined and possibly be thrown in jail for some time. Moreover, some Indian people that are highly fanatical can often get violent when they find someone killing a cow. Of course, in the West and in most other places, the act of killing a cow for food doesn't have any legal repercussion. But, in India, 21 men once killed two people for slaughtering a cow. Before that, someone was killed in India because he was eating beef. Though these killers were arrested, it shows us that the regular act of killing or eating a cow might be dangerous for you to do in India.

3. Carrying or Using Plastic Bags in Rwanda

Perhaps it would be an everyday occurrence for you to receive plastic bags at the supermarket or at any local store that you've been visiting. But, in Rwanda, you would be surprised to learn that the country bans plastic bags. It means that, if you insist on using one, you might get yourself arrested by the police. It has become a law of the Rwandan government that the use of plastic bags is not allowed within the country. As a result, people are selling cloth bags in their stead. Rwanda has been known as the first country in the world that bans the use of plastic bags. As a result of this, you will see no plastic litter in the streets of Rwanda and, environmentally-speaking, this ban is a good and wise one. So, if you travel to Rwanda, don't forget to leave all of your plastic bags home or on the plane.

4. Eating in Public in the United Arab Emirates (During Ramadan)

In your home country, you may be allowed to eat freely in public whenever you want, as long as you don't purposely litter the place with your trash. But you can't do that in the UAE (United Arab Emirates) quite as liberally. Eating in public is forbidden by law in the UAE during the month of Ramadan. During this month, Muslims take up a one-month fasting period, during which eating in public is considered disrespectful to the majority of people who follow this religious ritual. It is punishable by fine and up to one month of imprisonment. So, if you travel to the UAE during the month of Ramadan, be fully aware that you must not eat in public during the daytime. You can do so at night however. This way, you will only be given one warning before the police arrests you.

5. Bringing or Drinking Alcohol in the Maldives

When you travel to the Maldives, you are not allowed to bring any alcoholic beverages into the country. If such drinks are found on you upon arriving in the Maldives, your goods will be confiscated temporarily and then returned back to you upon your departure. In the Maldives, the government is strict in not allowing anyone to bring any alcoholic beverages or drinking them. The only places that these drinks are allowed in are hotels and resort areas. Other than that, alcoholic beverages are totally forbidden. If you are found to have these drinks in your possession, you can easily go to jail. So, even if you think that these drinks are OK in your home country, you have to be aware that there are some places in the world that will get you arrested for bringing or drinking any alcoholic beverages.

6. Pokémon in Saudi Arabia

Pokémon has been released all over the world as video games, TV shows, card games and many more. It has been one of the most popular children’s franchises around the world, and you can see why the popularity of Pokémon can be quite intimidating sometimes. In Saudi Arabia, anything related to Pokémon is banned by the Saudi government. They said that these children's games are possessing the minds of children and are full of hidden conspiracies related to the Jews. A fatwa was issued saying that the government is banning Pokémon all over the country. So be careful when you travel to Saudi Arabia. If you or your child happens to be a Pokémon fan, remember not to bring anything Pokémon-related into the country. It could get you into trouble with the authorities.

7. Bringing Mineral Water in Nigeria

It might sound ridiculous to learn that Nigeria doesn't allow anyone to bring mineral water into the country. This act is punishable by law if you ever get caught. Whereas you might think that mineral water is available anywhere else in the world, the same isn’t true for Nigeria. Nigeria also prohibits you from bringing eggs, soft drinks and beer into the country. So, if you are planning to visit Nigeria, be sure not to bring any mineral water with you. Otherwise, the police can arrest you for a little while.

8. Chewing Gum in Singapore (in Public Transit Areas)

You probably think that there is nothing wrong with chewing gum. You do it all the time, and it has become a kind of a habit for you, which is quite difficult to stop. But not in Singapore. In Singapore, chewing gum is prohibited, especially when you do it in the Mass Rapid Transit system. If the authorities find you doing that, you can get into jail for up to 2 years. Of course, first offenders will usually be forgiven by the authorities, but not repeat offenders. However, this ban is not without a good reason. After the ban was effective in the country, Singapore became way cleaner than before. No more gums are found within the public transport systems, the streets, the pavements and so on. So it's for the sake of keeping the environment clean from litter.

9. Feeding Pigeons and Sitting on Steps or Courtyards in Italy

Perhaps, out of a good heart, you see a lot of pigeons in front of you and you want to feed them. That's a good thing to do, but not in Italy. In Italy, especially Venice, it is illegal to feed pigeons. If you are caught doing that, it can get you arrested. Remember that, although this act might be a good thing to do, you should always take note of the local laws before you go ahead with anything. When you are in Italy, just watch the pigeons if you love them. Don't attempt to feed them, because it might get you into trouble later. Additionally, when you are in Italy, don't sit on the steps and courtyards, because it is also a legal offense.

10. Having Spiked Hair in Iran

In your country, you might think that it is a part of your freedom of self-expression to have any hairstyle that you want. You want to have a ponytail? That's great. You want to have spiked hair? Sure, why not. But don't do this in Iran. This country has banned spiked hair because they believe this hairstyle to be linked to the devil. So, if your hair is spiky, be sure to change it to "normal" before you pack your bags and go to Iran. Moreover, the Iranian government also issued a hairstyle guide for men, telling you what's acceptable and what's not. Just be sure to follow the government-approved hairstyles while you plan to visit or stay in Iran. Otherwise, the authorities might have a reason to arrest you.