The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued a stark warning to British travellers after new data revealed that more than 37,000 UK nationals have been arrested overseas since 2016.
A Sharp Rise in Overseas Arrests
The concerning figures show that last year alone, 4,643 Britons were detained abroad. This marks a significant increase of 10 per cent compared to the previous year. While a small percentage of these arrests were for serious crimes like drug smuggling (just over five per cent) and sexual offences (three per cent), the overwhelming majority – a staggering 92 per cent – were classified as general or unknown offences.
This trend underscores a critical gap in traveller preparedness. "While most travellers understand the basics of staying safe abroad, local laws and customs can differ significantly from the UK," explained Kara Gammell, a travel insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket. She emphasised that while insurance is vital for medical or logistical problems, it offers no protection against arrests or legal difficulties encountered in a foreign country.
Everyday Actions That Can Land You in Trouble
Many of the incidents leading to arrest involve seemingly innocuous actions that are perfectly legal at home but prohibited elsewhere. To combat this, MoneySuperMarket has created a guide highlighting key legal differences in popular winter sun destinations.
Some of the most surprising laws British tourists need to be aware of include:
- Barbados: Wearing camouflage clothing is illegal for anyone who is not a member of the Defence Force, including children.
- Singapore: Chewing gum is banned, and importing it can lead to severe penalties.
- Thailand: Insulting or criticising the monarchy, even via online posts, is a criminal offence punishable by 3 to 15 years in prison.
- Canary Islands: Removing natural materials like sand, stones, or shells from beaches or parks can result in fines or confiscation.
A Wider Warning for Travellers
The travel alert coincides with a separate warning from tattoo professionals about the risks of getting inked abroad. They report a winter spike in Britons returning from destinations like Bali, Thailand, Turkey, and Mexico with botched tattoos, infections, and painful scarring.
Unlike in the UK, many tourist hotspots lack formal licensing, strict hygiene rules, and equipment checks, leading to unregulated studios and the use of cheap, counterfeit inks.
The core message from experts is unequivocal: preparation is paramount. "That's why it's so important to research local laws and customs before you travel," stressed Gammell. "Being prepared is the best way to stay safe." Before jetting off, a quick check of the FCDO's travel advice for your destination could prevent a holiday from turning into a legal nightmare.
