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At a time when the idea of leisurely travel has been reshaped owing to an ongoing epidemic, it’s never been more critical to learn about the laws in nations all around the world. And with each country producing its own set of laws, it may be difficult to individually discern which actions are legal and which are not. But this guide will provide tips on how you can stay safe while you’re abroad.
1) Know Where Not To Go
Many countries have strict restrictions for entrance and are classified as no-gos for foreign visits. This is especially true with a contagious virus currently in circulation around the globe, which can prove to be a detriment to a locality once exposed.
But besides that, many countries experience political unrest which can prove to be risky for common civilians to enter. The best course of action is to turn away and avoid going to these countries altogether, as doing so can be life-endangering for you and your companions.
2) Research the Local Laws
If you want to avoid any surprising two-week-long mandatory quarantine periods, you should be on top of your research as soon as possible.
There are certain places such as Taiwan where such a requirement is necessary and enacted.
On the flip side, there’s also a list of countries like Greece, Germany, and Thailand where Australians can freely travel without being quarantined as long as they have their vaccination card.
Aside from the pandemic, there are many ways that the local legislation can affect you during your travels. Instead of scouring the web to search for resources, seek professional legal advisors to provide you with expert advice on the matter.
3) Currency Laws
Some countries require you to declare how much you plan on bringing in or taking out of the country.
According to the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC), Australian law requires you to declare how much money you’re bringing if it exceeds A$10,000 or more. You should also declare forms of non-cash money to the Australian Border Force when prompted.
This figure changes in other countries. In places like the United States or the Philippines, you should declare your money once it exceeds $10,000. For Japan, you must declare once your funds reach one million yen. As long as you know and abide by your destination’s currency requirements, you won’t be in any trouble and can freely go in and leave the country.
4) Laws Prior to Entry
In many circumstances, a foreign visitor is required to obtain a visa or a travel authorization permit to enter a given nation. Some exceptions may apply under certain circumstances, but this depends on your nationality and the laws of the place you wish to visit.
According to the Hensley Travel Index, Australians have ranked the 9th strongest visa in the world and tied with Canada. This allows them Visa-free access to 183 countries. While you can enjoy unbridled travel to premier destinations around Europe and North America, countries found within Central Asia and Africa have Visa requirements you’ll still have to comply with to be able to visit those locations.
5) Age Laws
Determine the age when you can legally drink, drive, or smoke in your host country to avoid any trouble with the law.
Because of Australia’s drinking laws, it is illegal for anyone under 18 years old to consume alcohol within licensed venues. If caught doing so by authorities, you can be fined.
However, other countries may have different age mandates. In Japan, it’s illegal for those under the age of 20 to drink alcohol, and in South Africa, minors can’t buy or possess alcohol until they reach their 18th birthday.
You should also be mindful of smoking laws. In Canada and Australia, you must be at least 18 years old to legally purchase cigarettes from a store. In the United States, you can purchase tobacco goods at 21 years of age.
6) When In Doubt, Trust Your Intuition
Use your common sense and stay out of trouble in unfamiliar locations. If something doesn’t feel right, then ask for help from the authorities or other people around you. For example, charges of various types of assault can be fairly common as explained by LY Lawyers – if you find yourself needing help, seek legal counsel right away.
When dealing with law enforcement officers in another country, it’s important to always be respectful of their authority even if they refuse to help you. Politely explain what is happening and ask if they can point you in the direction of someone who may be able to give assistance.
It’s harder to get out of something that happens outside your home country because you’ll have little to no idea how the laws work in the area you’re visiting. But it’s also important to remember that these laws are set in place to protect you and the community.
If you need help working through legal issues, consider contacting a law firm that can provide guidance throughout your case.