Understanding the most costly travel mistakes is vital before your next trip: seemingly harmless actions, such as using e-cigarettes in Thailand or night swimming in Spain, can lead to severe penalties, reaching tens of thousands of US dollars, or even imprisonment for unsuspecting tourists.
Engaging in seemingly harmless activities, such as vaping in Thailand or night swimming in Spain, can lead to fines reaching tens of thousands of US dollars, or even imprisonment. Many travelers assume they are well-versed in the basic rules of international travel. However, enforcement data shows that millions of people unintentionally violate local regulations while vacationing, resulting in hefty fines or serious legal repercussions.
Beach Swimming Regulations in Spain
In the popular tourist town of Benidorm, Spain, swimming in the sea is prohibited between midnight and 7 a.m. to prevent accidents, with fines ranging from $850 to $1,400. Penalties are also enforced for sleeping or camping on the beach. These restrictions reflect Spain’s effort to maintain order at popular tourist destinations amidst rising visitor numbers.
The city of Seville has implemented measures targeting noisy behavior from bachelor and bachelorette parties to protect public order. The city now closely monitors party groups, applying penalties for disruptive activities that disturb residents or harm the cultural atmosphere. Many tourists only become aware of these rules upon receiving a fine.
Japan’s New Insurance Requirement
The Japanese government is preparing to mandate that all incoming tourists carry private travel insurance following a rising number of visitors seeking medical care and leaving without settling their bills. In September 2024 alone, over 11,000 tourists were treated at hospitals, and nearly 90 left without paying their invoices.
With a goal of reaching 60 million visitors annually by 2030, Japan is adjusting policies to keep the system sustainable. This insurance requirement represents a significant shift that many tourists may only discover when questioned at customs, potentially causing delays in entry or creating unwelcome situations.
Thailand’s Zero-Tolerance Vape Ban
Thailand imposes severe penalties, including potential jail time and heavy fines, for the possession of e-cigarettes. Over the past decade, countless tourists have faced on-the-spot fines or even been subjected to arrest and deportation. The country maintains one of the world’s strictest prohibitions against vaping, despite these products being legal in many other nations.
Violators can face steep financial consequences, including fines up to 500,000 baht (approximately $13,600 USD) and imprisonment ranging from 2 to 5 years for cases involving importing or distributing.
For tourists caught using vapes, even in private areas, penalties can include on-the-spot fines ranging from 10,000 to 30,000 baht (approximately $270 to $815 USD), confiscation of the device, and potentially deportation. Recent crackdowns, such as the directive issued by former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in early 2025, have led to hundreds of arrests, with over 690 people apprehended in a single week in March.
A unique feature of the law is that citizens can report the use of e-cigarettes and receive up to 60% of the fine imposed on the offender—for example, if someone is fined 5,000 baht, the informer can receive 3,000 baht. This reward system makes it nearly impossible for tourists to vape discreetly, even in seemingly private locations.
Similarly, Singapore has also enacted a comprehensive ban on the import, sale, and use of e-cigarettes. Tourists found in possession of these products face heavy penalties, including fines or jail time.
For simple possession, use, or purchase of a common vape, first-time offenders can be fined from SGD $500 (approximately $370 USD) for minors under 18, up to SGD $700 (approximately $520 USD) for adults, along with disciplinary measures. If the vape contains etomidate, the fine is higher, accompanied by up to six months of imprisonment and compulsory addiction treatment programs.
Environmental Protection Measures in Italy
The island of Sardinia enforces limits on the number of visitors allowed on its most famous beaches and applies fines of nearly $4,000 USD for sand theft, particularly at the famous pink shore of Spiaggia Rosa. The celebrated pink beach has been closed to visitors since the mid-1990s to prevent further sand loss, though many tourists still attempt to access it without realizing the ban.
The village of Portofino enforces penalties of approximately $300 USD for lingering at popular photo spots to alleviate street chaos. This rule targets two famous “red zones” that cause pedestrian traffic jams, enforced since the Easter weekend to enhance the tourist experience while preventing overcrowding. Social media has exacerbated the issue, as tourists seek the perfect photo opportunity without regard for local traffic flow.
Beach Noise Restrictions in Portugal
Portugal hopes to ensure tranquility on its beaches by implementing heavy fines for loud music. The National Maritime Authority has banned portable speakers, with fines ranging from approximately $200 to $39,000 USD for individuals and groups, aimed at providing a peaceful beach experience for all visitors. These rules were introduced as beach parties and large music systems increasingly disrupted other beachgoers.
Many tourists consider the beach a public space, not restricted by ordinary noise limitations. However, Portugal’s approach reflects European efforts to balance tourism revenue with residents’ quality of life.
New Zealand’s Electronic Approval System (NZeTA)
Since October 1, 2019, all visitors to New Zealand must hold a valid visa or an NZeTA (for passport holders from visa waiver countries and Australian Permanent Residents). The NZeTA approval can take up to 72 hours. Many tourists who are typically visa-exempt often fail to notice this rule.
The NZeTA requirement also applies to transit passengers, who must obtain approval even if they never leave the airport. Border authorities have intensified checks, and undeclared products can be confiscated upon discovery at customs. Therefore, items should be declared during the electronic application process.
(According to AOL)
