EVERY year millions of Brits jet off abroad to soak up the sun and see the sights all while wearing their best dress, but these very normal holiday activities could get you into some serious trouble.
Most holidaymakers don’t set out to commit a crime, but there are five unusual foreign laws that you could be breaking without even knowing about them.
GettyVery normal holiday activities could get you into some serious trouble[/caption]
From wearing high heels to feeding the birds – there are a whole host of laws that could land you in jail if you break them.
Germany
While it can be very tempting to nip across the road if you’ve waited too long for the traffic lights to turn green, this is known as jaywalking in Germany.
It was introduced to keep people safe on the roads, but those who try to dart across face being fined between €5 (£4.30) to €10 (£8.60).
Italy
Holidaymakers flocking to Venice will know that the city’s squares are often overrun with pigeons, so much so that Venetian lawmakers made it illegal to feed the birds.
Anyone caught feeding leftover sandwich crumbs, seeds or other scraps of food could be fined up to €700 (£622).
While some fines are smaller at €70 (£62), this could still significantly dent the holiday budget.
Greece
If you’ve already packed your suitcase with stilettos, you may want to rethink your choices of footwear.
In 2009, authorities in Greece made it illegal to wear high heels at both the Parthenon and the Acropolis.
This was after officials became concerned that the monuments were becoming scratched or damaged.
Just remember that heels aren’t completely outlawed in Greece – it’s only these historical sites.
Barbados
Camouflage clothing became outlawed in Barbados because the government didn’t want the public to be confused with military personnel or the police.
In total 10 other countries including Jamaica, Grenada, Antigua, Dominica and Trinidad and Tobago have stopped ordinary civilians from wearing camouflage for various reasons.
In some of these countries, these garments are associated with rebels or terrorist organisations.
The penalties vary in each country, but in Grenada you could be sent to jail while in other places you’ll just be asked to get rid of the offending item.
Sri Lanka
When you’re next in Sri Lanka avoid taking selfies with a Buddha statue because this act has been outlawed.
Tourists have been jailed on several occasions for posing and even kissing a statue of Buddha, while another woman was arrested for displaying a Buddha tattoo.
This is because many people in Sri Lanka believe that Buddha is the 9th avatar of the god Vishnu and crimes regarding his image are taken seriously.
Just remember you can take pictures of the statue of Buddha as long as you’re facing the statue – just no selfies.
Meanwhile you’ll also need to be careful of where you sit down in Rome.
GettyFrom wearing high heels to feeding the birds – there are a whole host of laws that could land you in jail if you break them[/caption]