New research has uncovered the destinations where British nationals face the highest likelihood of arrest while travelling overseas, with concerning figures revealing more than 37,000 incidents recorded over an eight-year period.
Alarming Statistics on British Arrests Abroad
According to comprehensive analysis conducted by MoneySuperMarket using Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office data, a staggering 37,680 British citizens found themselves arrested in foreign countries between 2016 and 2024. The most recent figures show a worrying upward trend, with 4,643 Brits detained abroad during 2024 alone – representing the highest annual total since before the pandemic and marking a significant 10 percent increase from the previous year.
Top Destinations for British Arrests
The study reveals a clear hierarchy of countries where British travellers encounter the most legal difficulties:
- Spain leads the list with 8,998 British arrests between 2016 and 2024, making it the destination where Brits face the highest arrest risk
- United States follows with 5,775 arrests during the same period
- United Arab Emirates ranks third with 2,236 arrests
- Thailand and France complete the top five destinations
The research indicates that certain popular holiday destinations consistently demonstrate increasing numbers of British arrests, with Spain, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates showing particular patterns of concern.
Nature of Offences Committed
Analysis of the arrest data reveals interesting patterns about the types of offences leading to British nationals' detention abroad. Just over five percent of cases involved drug smuggling activities, while three percent related to sexual offences. The overwhelming majority – approximately 92 percent – were classified as general offences or remained unspecified in the data.
Expert Warnings for British Travellers
Kara Gammell, travel insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, emphasised the importance of understanding local regulations before travelling. "While most travellers understand the basics of staying safe abroad, local laws and customs can differ significantly from the UK," she explained.
Gammell highlighted a crucial gap in typical travel insurance coverage: "Travel insurance is vital for protecting you if things go wrong on holiday, whether it's covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage or flight disruptions. What it won't cover, however, is arrests or legal trouble abroad. That's why it's so important to research local laws and customs before you travel. Being prepared is the best way to stay safe."
Unfamiliar Laws Catching Travellers Unaware
The research underscores how everyday behaviours considered normal in the United Kingdom can lead to serious legal consequences in other countries. While serious offences understandably make headlines, many holidaymakers encounter difficulties due to lesser-known regulations abroad. Simple actions like wearing camouflage clothing – perfectly legal in Britain – can result in substantial fines or other penalties in certain destinations.
Specific examples highlighted in the research include:
- Spain: In Madrid, consuming alcohol in public streets, plazas, and parks is generally prohibited. The legislation aims to maintain public space safety and reduce anti-social behaviour, with serious violations attracting fines up to €3,000 (approximately £2,600)
- United States: Florida operates a medical cannabis programme for qualifying patients, but recreational use remains illegal. Possession of 20 grams or less constitutes a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year's imprisonment and a $1,000 fine (around £720). Possessing larger quantities becomes a felony with penalties reaching five years in prison and fines up to $5,000 (approximately £3,600)
- United Arab Emirates: Dubai prohibits public drinking or visible intoxication outside licensed venues. Certain skincare products or e-cigarette refills containing CBD oil could lead to serious legal consequences. Additionally, prescription medications including codeine and antidepressants may require prior approval for importation, while same-sex relationships remain criminalised under local legislation
Complete Ranking of Destinations
The comprehensive study analysed data from numerous countries, producing a complete ranking of destinations where British nationals have faced arrest between 2016 and 2024:
- Spain
- United States
- United Arab Emirates
- Thailand
- France
- Australia
- Greece
- Germany
- Turkey
- Cyprus
- Hong Kong SAR
- Netherlands
- Japan
- China
- Poland
- Sweden
- Mexico
- Canada
- Egypt
- Norway
- Qatar
Travel experts strongly recommend that British holidaymakers conduct thorough research into destination-specific laws and cultural norms before embarking on international trips, particularly to countries appearing high on this concerning list.
