Countries around the world have laws and restrictions that may seem baffling to outsiders. The unexpected bans below highlight the importance of researching local customs before traveling.
The last thing any traveler wants is to have an innocent mistake turn into a legal issue. So, before you pack your bags, check the rules—what’s normal at home might just be banned at your next destination.
Bubble Gum Bans
Singapore is a city known for its futuristic skyline, strict laws, and pristine streets. But one of its most famous bans? Chewing gum. Since 1992, importing, selling, and even chewing gum has been prohibited in an effort to keep public spaces clean. The ban was introduced after authorities grew frustrated with people sticking gum on public transport doors and other infrastructure, causing maintenance nightmares.
While medical gum, like nicotine gum, is allowed with a prescription, tourists caught bringing in packs of Wrigley’s for personal use can face hefty fines. Locals generally support the law, as it helps maintain Singapore’s reputation as one of the cleanest cities on Earth. But for travelers with a chewing gum habit, it’s best to leave it at home unless you want an unexpected run-in with customs officials.
High-Heeled Shoes
Walking through the ruins of Greece is like stepping back in time. From the Parthenon in Athens to the Temple of Apollo in Delphi, these ancient wonders have stood for thousands of years. But if you’re planning a visit, leave your high heels at home.
In an effort to protect fragile historical sites, Greece banned high-heeled shoes from being worn at certain locations. The reason? The thin, pointed heels exert excessive pressure on old stone surfaces, which can contribute to erosion over time. Officials want to ensure these treasures remain intact for future generations, so flat-soled shoes are the way to go.
It’s not the only restriction placed on tourists in Greece—bringing food and drinks into ancient sites is also forbidden. So, if you want to explore the ruins without trouble, trade in the stilettos for sneakers.
Blue Jeans
North Korea isn’t exactly an easy place for tourists to visit, but for those who do, there’s a surprising ban to be aware of—blue jeans. The North Korean government sees denim, particularly in classic blue, as a symbol of Western influence and capitalism. To maintain strict control over cultural expression, blue jeans are prohibited, though black denim is sometimes allowed.
Visitors on guided tours must adhere to strict dress codes, which often extend beyond jeans to include rules about hairstyles, t-shirts with logos, and even how photos can be taken. In a country where every aspect of life is regulated, clothing bans are just another way the government asserts control over its image and people.
Kinder Surprise Eggs
It’s hard to believe that the United States, known for its fast food and sugary treats, has a strict ban on one particular chocolate item—Kinder Surprise eggs. These popular chocolate eggs, which contain small plastic toys inside, are illegal in the U.S. due to a law that prohibits food products with embedded non-edible items.
The 1938 Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act made it illegal to sell any food with a “non-nutritive” component unless it was designed in a way that could not cause harm. The concern is that small children could accidentally swallow the toy inside the egg, leading to choking hazards. Travelers trying to bring them into the country have had the eggs confiscated by customs, sometimes with hefty fines attached.
Interestingly, Kinder later created a U.S.-legal version called Kinder Joy, where the toy is kept separate from the chocolate. But for those who prefer the classic version, you’ll have to enjoy it outside American borders.
Gaming Consoles
China has long been known for its heavy internet restrictions, but in 2000, it took things a step further by banning gaming consoles and restricting online gaming. While the console ban was lifted in 2015, the government still enforces strict time limits on online gaming for minors.
Tourists visiting China may not have to worry about these restrictions, but those planning to play games online may find themselves unable to access popular titles without a VPN. Games with “sensitive” themes, like depictions of ghosts, certain historical events, or excessive violence, are regularly banned outright.
The government justifies these measures as a way to prevent gaming addiction, but for travelers hoping to unwind with a bit of online gaming, it might be best to check local rules first.
Yellow Clothing
Wearing yellow might seem harmless, but in Malaysia, this color has been at the center of political controversy. In 2016, the Malaysian government banned yellow clothing after the Bersih movement, a political protest group calling for electoral reforms, used yellow shirts as a symbol of their cause.
Authorities cracked down on the color, making it illegal to wear yellow shirts with the Bersih logo and even confiscating yellow items in certain situations. While the ban was largely targeted at protesters, it serves as a reminder of how everyday fashion choices can become political statements in some parts of the world.
Tourists are unlikely to get into trouble for wearing yellow today, but during periods of political unrest, authorities may still frown upon large gatherings of people in the color.
Vicks VapoRub
Many travelers carry over-the-counter medications when they travel, assuming they’re safe to use anywhere. However, in Japan, several common medications, including Vicks VapoRub, Sudafed, and certain inhalers containing pseudoephedrine, are strictly banned.
Japan has some of the strictest drug importation laws in the world, and even medications that are available over the counter in the U.S. or Europe can be considered illegal. Tourists caught bringing these into the country could face confiscation, fines, or even deportation in extreme cases.
If you rely on medication while traveling, it’s always wise to check Japan’s strict pharmaceutical import rules before packing. Otherwise, that innocent tube of Vicks might cause more trouble than you’d expect.
Scrabble Allowed
Scrabble is one of the most well-loved word games in the world, but at one point, it was outright banned in Romania. During the dictatorship of Nicolae Ceaușescu, Scrabble was deemed “subversive” and a “capitalist evil” because it encouraged free thought and strategic thinking.
While the ban has long been lifted, it serves as a reminder that even something as innocent as a board game can be viewed as a threat in certain political climates. Today, Scrabble is played freely in Romania, but it remains an odd piece of history from a time when even letters on a board were considered dangerous.
