We travel to foreign countries and keep all the relevant items required for our trip. In this packing and planning hustle, we often forget items that are restricted in other countries. Recently, Actor Navya Nair was fined for carrying a jasmine gajra in Australia. At Melbourne Airport, the Australian customs slapped a fine of AUD 1.980 (Rs. 1.14 lakh). I was astonished to hear the news, and I guess we are on the same page.
The Indian travellers pack many such items, which are strictly prohibited in other countries. In this blog, we will be sharing the strangest restrictions on daily items in foreign countries.
Australia – Fresh Flowers, Fruits & Soil
Australia has strict rules and regulations for biodiversity and ecosystems. Travellers are not allowed to carry fresh flowers, fruits, or soil. The customs department checks if you have any seeds or whole foods like fruits that can be used for plantation. In Navya’s case, the flowers contain seeds through which you can grow more flowers that disrupt their ecosystem.
South Korea – Poppy Seeds
Every household in India has poppy seeds in its kitchen. It may sound peculiar to you, but in South Korea, poppy seeds are classified as narcotic. The bagel seasoning contains poppy seeds; thus, it was seized by customs from travellers. Being an Indian, whenever you plan a trip to South Korea, be cautious with your food items, and especially inform your mother.
Singapore – Chewing Gum
Have you ever thought a country bans Chewing Gum? In Singapore, selling and importing chewing gum is not allowed. In place of chewing gum, the country sells only medical gum like nicotine. If you are caught with a large amount of chewing gum, then you are in trouble. They may be overlooked if the quantity is less, but spitting gum in public can lead to a hefty fine.
Caribbean Island – Wearing Camouflage
Caribbean countries are very particular about clothing; thus, civilians are strictly restricted from wearing camouflage. Civilians found wearing military dress are slapped with fines or jail time. The rule is to avoid confusion and security concerns.
United States: Non-edible object in Food
Children love to play with non-edible toys in their food items. But childhood favourite dreams are crushed in the US. As per the rules in the United States, food products cannot contain non-edible objects. The set rules and regulations are to protect children from choking on hazardous items. Next time, if you plan a trip to the US with your children, don’t give them Kinder Joy.
Italy: Noisy Footwear
Once in our life, it happens that our shoes make noise, but have you ever dreamed that any country has banned noisy footwear? If not, then it’s time to enlighten yourself, as Capri in Italy has a rule for noisy footwear. Travellers are asked to avoid noisy shoes or flip flops, as the sound irritates locals, especially in narrow streets. It’s a local rule, and people of the island avoid using such footwear and expect the same from visitors. The ideal behind this law is to keep the island calm and peaceful,
New Zealand: Soil, Seeds, Pickles & Meat
New Zealand is concerned for the ecosystem, just as Australia is. The country has a strict law to protect its fragile ecosystem and protect locals from invasive diseases. The country banned homemade pickles, meat, seeds, and foreign soil. In 2002, cricketers Sourav Ganguly and Harbhajan Singh were fined $400 (Rs. 20,000) for violating the biosecurity law.
Southeast Asia: Ban Strong Smelling Food
The airlines flying to Southeast Asia banned strong-smelling and unwrapped food from cabin bags and suitcases. If your mom cooked delicious food or homemade pickles for you, be sure to seal them properly. If you don’t do it, be ready to leave it behind the gate.
Final Thoughts
How do you find reading this blog? I heard it for the first time and was astonished to hear about it. Did you feel the same? Ping your thoughts on these crazy rules and regulations.
Pack your bag and explore unexplored places with Hema………
Comments