Brits going abroad are being warned of the unusual laws and regulations in foreign countries that could see them fined or, worse, arrested.
While it’s easy to book a holiday to a new place, checking the laws there might not cross your mind until it’s too late.
Confused.com has revealed that a surprising number of Brits are unknowingly breaking the law while on holiday, including for activities you might think are harmless, like feeding pigeons in Paris.
Every year, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office provides consular assistance to more than 5,000 British nationals detained or arrested overseas, and new research shows that nearly a quarter (24%) believe they've broken a law or cultural rule without even realising it at the time.
Those who are caught out are being fined an average of £162.84.
Brits could be fined more than £300 for feeding pigeons in Paris
Sharing some of the unexpected laws and customs abroad, Confused.com said people can be fined for feeding pigeons in Paris as it’s prohibited.
Doing so can result in a fine up to €450 (around £385).
If you’re going to France, you’ll also need to be aware of the no headphone rule.
Wearing headphones while cycling or driving is not allowed in the European country, with fines starting from €135 (around £115).
Confused.com said the consequences can be more serious than many holidaymakers expect.
In the United Arab Emirates, public displays of affection (for example, kissing in public) can result in fines, typically AED 1,000–3,000 (£210–£630) or imprisonment, depending on the severity and location.
While feeding or interacting with alligators in Florida can result in fines up to $500 (£370) and possible jail time.
More than two-thirds (67%) said being arrested abroad would be their biggest concern if they accidentally broke a local law or custom, while 42% feared receiving a fine.
A further 34% said they would be worried about offending the local culture.
How to find out the local laws for your holidays abroad
To help holidaymakers avoid breaking laws while abroad, the comparison website has launched its own unusual laws abroad checker.
It allows you to search for your destination country and shows you any lesser-known laws, customs, and regulations so you know what to expect before you go.
Tom Vaughan, travel insurance expert at Confused.com, said: "Many people assume that if something is acceptable in the UK, it's likely to be acceptable abroad too.
"But our findings show that's not always the case.
"Every year, thousands of British nationals require consular assistance after being arrested or detained overseas, often for breaking laws or cultural rules they may not have been aware of."
He added: "Many of the rules catching people out aren't necessarily what you'd expect.
"Something as simple as taking a photograph, wearing the wrong clothing at a religious site, carrying medication without the correct paperwork, or drinking alcohol in the wrong place can result in fines or even more serious consequences in some destinations.
"It’s important to be aware that if you receive a fine for breaking a rule abroad, it isn't something you can claim on your travel insurance.
"In more serious cases, if you're detained and required to stay longer in the country, your insurance won't cover those additional costs either."
EU Entry Exit System - what UK travellers need to know
Passport validity warning issued to holidaymakers
It comes as Brits have been warned about their passports and expiry dates.
Compare the Market has issued a warning to holidaymakers to check their passports before travelling abroad, following analysis of HM Passport Office data.
The analysis was completed in June 2026 and shows that 705,904 British passports have less than three months remaining before they expire.
These passports are still valid, but some destinations ask visitors to adhere to additional validity requirements, so it’s crucial you know the rules before going away.
Countries in the EU’s Schengen Area require UK travellers to have a passport that is valid for at least three months after their planned departure from the Schengen Area.
This includes popular holiday destinations such as:
- France
- Greece
- Italy
- Portugal
- Spain
Tim Knighton, travel insurance expert at Compare the Market, said: "Many travellers assume if they have a valid passport they can travel overseas without any issues, but that’s not always the case.
"Some countries, including many popular European destinations, require several months’ validity extending beyond the length of a trip, so it’s important to check the entry requirements for each destination before travelling.
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"With more than 700,000 UK passports now having less than three months’ validity remaining, it’s worth travellers taking a few minutes to check theirs before heading abroad.
"Renewing a passport early could help avoid unnecessary stress and reduce the risk of holiday plans being disrupted.
"Travellers should do their best to keep their passport safe while away, as data shows more than 422,000 passports were reported lost or stolen last year and replacing one overseas can often be both stressful and expensive.
"While some travel insurance policies will cover lost and stolen passports, there are specific conditions and policies vary so it’s always worth comparing different deals and checking details of your cover to ensure you get the right level of protection for your circumstances."
Are you going on holiday abroad this summer? Tell us where you’re off to in the comments below.
