We know there are certain things you shouldn’t take in your hand luggage when traveling, from liquids larger than 100ml to items that are potentially flammable or dangerous.

However, different parts of the world have different rules regarding what is allowed, and what is considered contraband varies greatly depending on where you’re going.

Carrying prohibited items may result in delays, fines or even lawsuits. Fines vary by country, but it’s best not to show up at the airport with anything you shouldn’t have, as it could ruin your trip or get you into a lot of trouble.

Adam Ewart from luggage delivery expert Send My Bag explains: “Many countries impose strict regulations on certain items to protect their industry, environment or safety.”

This is not just a matter of common sense: many of these rules come as a surprise to even the most experienced traveler.

Read on to find out what is prohibited and where. And if you’re planning on taking a stroll through any of these places anytime soon, take note…

Alcohol (Maldives)

The High Commissioner of the Maldives has confirmed that traveling with alcohol is prohibited and any attempt to bring it into the strictly Muslim country will result in confiscation at customs.

Although alcohol is available to foreign tourists at most resorts, it is prohibited on local islands. And it should be noted that this is just one of many prohibited items on the island: firearms, idols and pork products are also prohibited, although the latter, again, are available on the resort islands under a special license.

Electronic cigarettes (Thailand)

If you are planning a trip to Thailand, you should be aware that e-cigarettes, as well as related equipment such as e-liquids, are prohibited in Thailand.

The Thai Embassy website explains that the ban was introduced by the government in 2014 due to health concerns and amid concerns that e-cigarettes were influencing young people to smoke. Anyone who breaks this law in the country could face a fine or even jail time.

However, tourists should not assume that they are immune from this, as bringing e-cigarettes or related products into the country can also result in penalties ranging from confiscation of items and fines to – in the worst case scenario – imprisonment. So be sure to leave your vaping devices at home.

Drones (Morocco)

This may not affect as many people as the vaping or booze bans, but if you have any trips planned to Morocco, you should keep in mind that bringing a drone into the country is prohibited unless you have special permission to do so.

The ban came into force in 2015 due to security and privacy concerns. This means travelers found with drones could have them confiscated upon arrival, and in some cases could face fines or legal action.

If you do need to use it for professional purposes, you must obtain government approval before flying—and keep in mind that even if approved, its use will be limited near sensitive sites such as military zones and airports.

Walkie Talkies (India)

While walkie-talkies aren’t actually illegal in India, they are subject to some pretty tight restrictions. If you want to use it, you’ll need a license under the Wireless Telegraphy Act, and if you try to use it or bring it into the country without permission, you could face fines, confiscation of the device, or even jail time.

Although some license-free models operate on publicly available frequencies, they have very limited range and power. Be sure to read the rules before using a walkie-talkie to avoid legal problems and ensure clear communications. And if your little one wants to take one of these with him on holiday to India, ask him to choose a different toy to save on the hassle.

Poppy Seeds (Saudi Arabia)

Heading to Saudi Arabia? Be sure to finish your poppy seed bagel at the airport: Possessing poppy seeds in Saudi Arabia, even in small quantities, can lead to legal problems, including arrest, detention and hefty fines.

Authorities there take a strict stance on items considered contraband, and poppy seeds are banned due to their potential links to drugs.

Travelers should be aware that carrying poppy seeds, whether for culinary purposes or other purposes, may be considered a violation of the country’s strict drug laws, which in the worst case scenario will result in deportation or imprisonment.

Whistles (Guatemala)

The Central American state of Guatemala bans some obvious items like guns from entering the country, but you might be surprised to learn that whistles—especially ones that look like the ones police might use—should also be excluded from your packing list. .

Cause? Well, aside from the noise factor and use as a potential eardrum-busting weapon, it was also reported that too many locals were using them to impersonate police officers, so their use was promptly banned altogether.

Plastic bags (Rwanda)

Finally, if you’re heading to Rwanda with a plastic bag in your luggage – or you received one at the airport – be aware that bringing them into the country is strictly prohibited.

The country has banned non-biodegradable plastic bags since 2008 to combat environmental pollution. Visit Rwanda explains that luggage is checked upon arrival and any packages are confiscated.

While it may be a small inconvenience, the ban has had a very positive effect as it helps keep the country clean – with very little plastic waste.

Therefore, to avoid problems and do your part, it is worth switching to reusable or biodegradable bags.

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