A lot of tourists do not suspect, that innocent-looking souvenirs, which they take home from the vacation, can be a reason for very unpleasant consequences. And it's not just about confiscation of an item or a fine –for attempting to export from the country of some objects one may face imprisonment. Let's see, which “souvenirs” may bring you troubles on your way home.
Turkey
Stones. Not so long ago, a Russian tourist landed behind bars after Antalya Airport employees found a stone in his baggage bought at a souvenir shop for $ 10. It appears that any similar “stone” or splinter, found accidentally, may turn up as an archaeological value. There are cases when one of the parents was arrested for ordinary coastal pebbles (until clarification the origin of the stones), which the child collected for school crafts.
Aged items. Of course, an ordinary tourist doesn't plan to take valuable antiques out of the country, however, customs officers may regard the “antique” souvenir as a similar attempt and arrest until the circumstances are clarified. For your information, in Turkey, antiques are items that are 100 years old or more.
Egypt
Corals and shells. Everything that grows in the waters of the Red sea, must stay in there. It doesn't matter, whether a piece of coral broke off by itself. Shells and everything that fills a reef are banned too for export.
Antiques. Any items older than 100 years are banned for export.
Photos of regime objects. Special services officers have a right to view photos and videos taken during the holidays. It is forbidden to shoot military installations and the surrounding areas, including the Suez Canal. There are also cases when tourists were arrested for shooting stations, bridges and power stations.
Thailand
Products made of ivory and tortoise shell. Most of these souvenirs are simply fined, but the risk is not worth it.
Corals. The ban applies to rough corals, when there is a suspicion that the tourist got it on his own.
The soil. You won't be able to bring from Thailand an exotic plant in a pot. For example, flowers and greens can be purchased in special bottles here, in which there is no ground or sand. Experienced tourists learned to shake off the soil from the roots of the plants so as not to violate customs regulations - otherwise, at best, the plant will simply be taken away.
Items with the image of the flag of Thailand and the symbols of religion. The Thai government is really strict in this matter. As for the Buddha images, in practice, tourists notice that at the customs they usually just take away Buddha statues, if there is more than one piece and they are bigger than average.
Suspicious pills. A really serious matter for customs officers. The transportation of even the smallest amount of substances that have a narcotic effect is punishable by prison, and the death penalty is threatened for drug trafficking.
Greece
Antiquities. Fragments of ruins and stones that may be related to excavations or monuments of antiquity (even those found on the road) are forbidden to be exported under any excuse. The same applies to "aged" amphorae, skulls, fragments of frescoes and similar "souvenirs".
UAE
Jewelry without a receipt. If you are planning to buy jewelry, please note that you may need to show a receipt on the customs.
Fake Money. Rules concerning fake money are very strict in this state. Even toy dollars may be considered as fake money here. In UAE you can end up in prison for such a silly joke.
China
Antique weapons. The ban is valid on toy copies and dummies as well. Usually, the found “souvenirs” can simply be confiscated or fined, although this is not the limit of severity of the Chinese police.
Purchases with unwrapped protection. After shopping in China, carefully check to see whether the forgetful seller has left unattended protection against theft. At customs, employees can identify such goods and arrest you until clarification of circumstances.
Important information. At the airports of China, police officers often arrange random drug tests among foreign tourists. It doesn't matter where, how, and under what circumstances narcotic substances were acquired (there is a death penalty for drug smuggling). If you are taking any potent medications as prescribed by a doctor, it may come in handy to have a prescription with you.
General rules:
- It is better to buy any "antique-looking" souvenir, which may seem suspicious at the customs, in the store and be sure to carry a receipt.
- If you want to buy an antique or a copy, find out about the possibility of obtaining an export permit. As a rule, in each country there are committees that issue special certificates for customs.
- Many eastern countries prohibit the export of local coins. Of course, the wallets of all travelers are not necessarily inspected, but if will be found, there may be problems.
- You should be very careful during staying in countries where there is a special regime of power, martial law, etc.. Do not take photos of meetings and strikes, do not discuss politics with the locals and do not criticize anyone. Unfortunately, there are cases when tourists were arrested for exactly these reasons when leaving the country.
Going on a trip, don't forget to buy something nice for you or your friends. Use Mydutyfree service to get a discount!