Air passengers are strongly advised to double check their luggage before flying overseas this winter as some unexpected items may be banned in the destination country. So, among the “forbidden” were harmless, at first glance, chewing gum and flip flops.
The overseas property experts at YourOverseasHome.com have uncovered the strangest and most amazing items that are banned when traveling to certain countries around the world. For example, in Singapore, the import and sale of chewing gum has been prohibited by law since 1992. The law was enacted in an attempt to keep the country clean. And since November 2014, Thailand has banned the import, export, sale and possession of vaping products.
“Staying on the right side of these laws is extremely important not only to keep the peace, but to not do so, you can get a heavy fine, deportation or even jail time in some cases,” the service expert said, answering a question about expediency of acquaintance with the culture, customs and laws of another country.
Here is a list of prohibited goods for transportation to other countries.
Flip flops
< p>According to the publication, flip flops are banned on the island of Capri, in Italy, because these shoes are classified as “excessively noisy” and the locals value “peace and quiet.” However, tourists may wear noisy shoes in the rest of Italy. Alison Cooper of travel company Kiwi.com added: “It is illegal to wear noisy shoes, including flip flops, in a popular holiday destination. The locals value peace and quiet, and tourists are prosecuted by law for not following this rule.”
Chewing gum
Although it is not illegal to chew gum in Singapore, it import and sale is prohibited by law. However, some exceptions include gum and nicotine gum purchased from a doctor or licensed pharmacist.
Haggis is the national dish of Scotland
Since 1971, the import of real haggis into the United States has been prohibited due to a ban on products containing lamb lungs.
Help: Haggis is a national Scottish dish of lamb giblets (heart, liver and lungs), chopped with onions, oatmeal, lard, spices and salt and boiled in lamb rennet. In Russian cuisine, there is a dish that is similar in ingredients and cooking method – this is an ancient and forgotten nanny dish.
A 1971 USDA regulation stated: “The lungs of livestock shall not be preserved for human consumption.”
Baby walkers
Baby walkers and child seats on wheels have been banned in Canada since 2004 under the Canadian Consumer Product Safety Act. This is because the country considers it unsafe for children to operate them.
Jasmine flowers
Those passengers traveling to China should be careful with this plant, since the sale of jasmine flowers in various markets has been banned since 2011. Both the flower and the plant cannot be sold, bought, worn or discussed in China since anonymous calls for a Chinese “jasmine revolution” began circulating online, referring to a popular uprising in Tunisia.
Chocolate eggs with a surprise
Kinder Surprise eggs are banned in the US. Their importation and, therefore, their transportation in an aircraft is illegal. The taboo is related to a law set by the Food and Drug Administration that dictates that any food with a “built-in non-food item” is banned in the country. The reason is unhygienic and the risk of intestinal diseases.
Drugs Sudafed and Vicks
In Japan, due to a strict drug law against stimulants, any preparation containing pseudoephedrine, an adrenomimetic, vasoconstrictor, bronchodilator, anticongestant drug, is prohibited. For example, Sudafed and Vicks inhalers have this active ingredient. Medicines containing codeine are also banned in the country, and travelers can be detained and deported if they are found to be carrying these goods.
Yellow clothing
The Malaysian government has banned yellow clothing after thousands of protesters in yellow T-shirts filled the streets of Kuala Lumpur demanding the resignation of the prime minister. Tourists should be extremely careful, as anyone wearing yellow can be arrested: the police will mistake a walking tourist for a protester.
Camouflage print
In the Caribbean basin, including countries such as Barbados, Aruba and Grenada, as well as the Bahamas, Jamaica, etc., the law prohibits the wearing of camouflage clothing by non-military personnel, including tourists. Having it in travel luggage or as a design on bags or backpacks is also subject to the ban.
Vapes and e-cigarettes
In Thailand, travelers cannot import , exporting, selling or owning vaping products since November 2014, so travelers should leave them at home before heading into the country if they don't want to feel the brunt of the Thai police's persecution.
For those For those who care about a healthy lifestyle, we recommend reading: “The doctor said why a person needs more routine during the cold period.”