. The Riskiest Laws For Travellers Revealed
Most travellers know that homosexuality is illegal across most of the Middle East.
But did you know that dancing or even having Christmas decorations is banned in Saudi Arabia?
As this new infographic reveals, it’s surprisingly easy to overstep the line in some parts of the world – and to make a holiday memorable for all the wrong reasons.
Other prohibited behaviours in Saudi Arabia include the consumption of alcohol, taking photos of women and dancing or playing music in public. What will be public, however, is your potential flogging as punishment for breaking the law.
Additionally, women entering a public domain must be accompanied by a man, and must seek permission from him before leaving.
In the UAE, alcohol is permitted in certain situations but public drunkenness will not to be tolerated, nor will any sort of obscene hand gestures.
The infographic, put together by law firm Cooney and Conway, also reveals that it’s illegal to photograph the military, police and any railways or airports in Cuba, or for men or women to cross-dress.
In Thailand, it’s illegal to criticize the monarchy – carrying a jail sentence of up to 15 years – and to drive a car shirtless.
Over in Singapore, one of the most rules-heavy countries in the world, it’s illegal to litter or smoke in public places – and homosexuality is defined by law as an ‘outrage on decency’.
Singapore does, however, boast the cleanest streets and among the lowest crime rates worldwide.