Legal at Home, a Crime Abroad: Laws That Catch Travelers Off Guard (2026)

The fastest way to ruin a trip is to pack something that's perfectly legal where you live and a serious crime where you land. A prescription in your carry-on, a CBD gummy, a vape, the cash in your wallet — each has put ordinary travelers in handcuffs. Below are the rules that catch people off guard most often, every one with its official government source and the date LawLert verified it. When you're actually planning a trip, check the country page for where you're going.

Cannabis & CBD — legality at home means nothing abroad

A US state legalizing cannabis has no effect once you leave the country, and many places make no distinction between marijuana and CBD or between medical and recreational use. Several countries carry penalties up to life imprisonment or death. Even Canada — where cannabis is legal domestically — treats carrying it across the border as a criminal offense.

• Bangladesh Possessing or importing drugs is illegal in Bangladesh — even medical marijuana with a US prescription. Penalty: Drug offenses can carry long jail sentences, heavy fines, or even death. § US State Dept — Bangladesh
• China Cannabis is completely illegal in mainland China and enforcement is zero tolerance - bringing any amount into the country counts as smuggling and is a criminal offence no matter how small the quantity, and airports scan all baggage, including that of transiting passengers, specifically for cannabis. Using it or holding a personal amount is punished as an administrative offence of 10 to 15 days police detention and a fine of up to 3,000 yuan, a foreigner can additionally be ordered to leave the country or be deported, and compulsory isolated drug rehabilitation of up to three years is possible. Both the UK and US governments warn that police can drug-test foreigners at random, including on arrival and in bar raids using hair and urine samples, and that a positive test can be acted on even if you consumed the cannabis legally in another country before flying. Penalty: Using cannabis or possessing a small quantity: 10 to 15 days administrative detention and a fine of up to 3,000 yuan, or up to 5 days detention or a fine of up to 1,000 yuan in lighter cases (Public Security Administration Punishments Law art. 84, in force 1 January 2026); a foreigner may additionally be ordered to leave the country or be deported (art. 10). Compulsory isolated drug rehabilitation runs two years and may be extended by up to one further year (Narcotics Control Law arts. 38 and 47). Smuggling, trafficking, transporting or manufacturing drugs is criminal regardless of quantity: up to 3 years at the lowest tier, 7 years or more at the middle tier, and 15 years, life imprisonment or the death penalty with confiscation of property at the top tier (Criminal Law art. 347). Illegal possession becomes criminal at 1 kg of cannabis oil, 2 kg of resin, or 30 kg of leaf or cannabis cigarettes, carrying up to 3 years, or 3 to 7 years in serious cases (art. 348). § National People's Congress of the PRC - Public Security Administration Punishments Law
• Cuba Cannabis is illegal in Cuba — possessing any amount is a criminal offense, not a ticket. Cuba's Penal Code (Ley 151/2022, art. 236(b)) punishes simple possession of cannabis or its derivatives without authorization with 6 months to 2 years in prison, a fine, or both. Bringing drugs into the country, cultivating cannabis, or possessing it with intent to traffic carries 4 to 10 years (art. 235.1), and aggravated international trafficking can carry 10 to 30 years, life imprisonment, or the death penalty (art. 235.2). Both the UK and US governments warn that Cuban courts impose severe penalties for drug offenses — pack your own luggage and never carry items for anyone else. Penalty: Simple possession of cannabis or its derivatives without authorization: 6 months to 2 years' imprisonment or a fine of 200–500 cuotas, or both (Penal Code, art. 236(b)). Trafficking-class conduct — including introducing drugs into national territory, cultivating cannabis, or knowingly possessing cannabis seeds or plant parts: 4 to 10 years (art. 235.1). Aggravated cases, including international drug trafficking, entry by vessel or aircraft in international transport, relatively large quantities, or organized crime: 10 to 30 years, life imprisonment, or death, plus asset confiscation where applicable (arts. 235.2, 235.5). § Gaceta Oficial de la República de Cuba — Ley 151/2022 (Código Penal), arts. 235–236
• Egypt Cannabis is illegal in Egypt, and enforcement is severe. The UK government warns that possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs — even small amounts — can lead to life imprisonment or the death penalty. The US government reports that American travelers have been arrested and convicted for entering Egypt with medical marijuana or CBD products, even with a prescription. Do not bring cannabis in any form, including medical or CBD products, into Egypt. Penalty: According to the UK government, possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs in Egypt can, even for small amounts, lead to life imprisonment or the death penalty, and a life sentence on drug charges normally means the rest of one's life in prison with no chance of parole or a pardon. The US government likewise warns that drug offenses carry severe penalties, including life in prison or the death penalty, and reports US citizens arrested and convicted for bringing in medical marijuana or CBD products despite holding prescriptions. § UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office — Egypt travel advice (Illegal drugs penalties)
• Indonesia Marijuana, cannabis, hash, edibles and products containing CBD or THC are illegal in Indonesia, even with a medical prescription. Penalty: Possession can lead to arrest, imprisonment, fines, deportation, or the death penalty. § US State Dept
• Laos Cannabis is illegal in Laos. The US State Department states that cannabis and cannabis-related products are illegal there and that possession or consumption is punishable by law, and the UK Foreign Office says the Lao authorities have a zero-tolerance policy to drug offences, with possession of even very small quantities carrying arrest, detention and a long jail sentence on conviction. Despite the country's relaxed reputation, the State Department warns that foods and drinks labelled happy or special, particularly pizzas and shakes, are illegal to consume, and the Foreign Office warns that police often raid venues popular with foreigners and may require a urine or blood test - you will be arrested if it is positive, so carrying nothing is not protection. Penalty: The UK Foreign Office states that possessing drugs in Laos, even in very small quantities, carries severe penalties including arrest and detention, a long jail sentence if charged and convicted, and a possible death penalty for drug trafficking. It adds that airport scanners screen transiting passengers' baggage for cannabis, that British nationals have been caught carrying cannabis in transit, and that you may be given a urine or blood test at a raided venue and will be arrested if it is positive. Laos's Penal Code 2017 sets prison terms and kip fines for marijuana possession under its narcotics chapter, but only an unofficial draft English translation of that Code is publicly available, so no specific figures are published here. Expect detention before any court date: the Foreign Office notes it can take many months for a case to come to trial. § UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office - Laos travel advice, Safety and security (a foreign government stating Lao law and enforcement practice)
• Malaysia Cannabis, marijuana, and CBD products — including those prescribed as medication in the US — are strictly prohibited; Malaysia does not allow importing CBD or THC products. Penalty: Bringing drugs into Malaysia — including marijuana, cannabis, or CBD products — can bring the death penalty, long prison sentences, or fines of roughly $1,000–$5,000. § US State Dept — Malaysia
• Maldives Cannabis is illegal in the Maldives, and a small amount is not treated leniently. Using cannabis carries three years in prison, and because the law presumes that a person who is not drug-dependent holds even 5 grams or less for trade, a visitor caught with a small amount faces a trading charge carrying 15 years rather than a simple possession charge. Rehabilitation instead of prison is decided by the Drug Court after you are arrested and charged, so it is not something a traveller can rely on. Penalty: Under the Drugs Act (Law No. 17/2011): using cannabis is punishable by 3 years' imprisonment (s.113); trading in cannabis by 15 years plus a fine of MVR 25,000 to MVR 500,000 (s.108); peddling cannabis by 5 to 10 years plus a fine of MVR 15,000 to MVR 250,000 (s.107); and trafficking cannabis by life imprisonment, which the Act defines as 25 years, plus a fine of MVR 100,000 to MVR 10,000,000 (s.106). As amended by Law No. 28/2025, importing or exporting drugs carries 20 years plus a fine of MVR 75,000 to MVR 7,500,000, and the death penalty may be imposed where a person brings more than 350 grams of cannabis into the country at the time of entry. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office states that the Maldivian authorities have a zero-tolerance policy and that possessing drugs even in very small quantities can lead to arrest and detention, long prison sentences, and corporal punishment in some cases. § Drug Court of the Maldives — Drugs Act (Law No. 17/2011), as amended by Law No. 28/2025
• Oman Cannabis is illegal in Oman in every form, and there is no small-amount exception — holding or using even a tiny quantity for personal use is a crime carrying one to three years in prison plus a fine, and Omani law draws no line between "soft" and "hard" drugs. The UK government warns that people have faced severe penalties over residual amounts. Do not assume CBD is a loophole: Omani law exempts only cannabis seeds treated so they cannot sprout, so CBD oils, gummies and hemp extracts are not carved out — and vapes of any kind are separately illegal to bring in or use. Penalty: Under the Law on Combating Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Royal Decree 17/99, consolidated text published by Oman's Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs): possession, acquisition or cultivation of cannabis for personal use, and use itself, are punishable by one to three years' imprisonment and a fine of 500 to 3,000 Omani rials (Article 47); where the purpose is neither trafficking nor personal use, three to seven years and a fine of 1,000 to 5,000 rials. The court may instead order committal to a treatment facility for a person proven to be addicted, a discretion exercised after conviction. Possession, purchase, sale or transport with intent to traffic carries not less than ten years and a fine of 3,000 to 15,000 rials, rising to life imprisonment in aggravated cases. Import, export, production or manufacture for trafficking carries the death penalty or life imprisonment plus a fine of 25,000 to 50,000 rials. Refusing to give a sample for drug testing carries six months to three years and a fine of 100 to 1,000 rials. The law also lists deportation of a foreign national, with a bar on return, among court-ordered measures. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office states that penalties are severe even for residual amounts and that in some cases offenders could receive the death penalty. § Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs, Sultanate of Oman — Royal Decree No. 17/99 issuing the Law on Combating Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (consolidated text, as amended by Royal Decree No. 24/2023), Article 47 and Schedules V–VI
• Qatar Cannabis is illegal in Qatar, and consuming it is an offence in its own right - not just having it. Article 37 of Law No. 9 of 1987 punishes possessing, buying, receiving, transporting or growing cannabis for personal use, or consuming it, with six months to three years in prison plus a fine of QR 10,000 to QR 20,000. Refusing to give a sample for analysis is treated by the law itself as evidence that you consumed. Cannabis and cannabis resin are on the Ministry of Public Health's list of substances banned from entering Qatar, and cannabis, hashish and hemp seeds are on the customs prohibited-goods list. Penalty: Possession, purchase, transport or cultivation for personal use, or consumption (art. 37): six months to three years' imprisonment plus a fine of QR 10,000 to QR 20,000. Possession for a purpose other than trafficking or personal use (art. 41): 3 to 7 years plus QR 100,000 to QR 200,000. Possession, purchase or sale with intent to traffic (art. 35): 10 to 20 years plus QR 200,000 to QR 400,000. Importing, manufacturing or cultivating with intent to traffic, or trafficking (art. 34): death or life imprisonment plus QR 300,000 to QR 500,000 - that is the trafficking provision and it does not attach to possession or use for personal consumption. Under the Penal Code a court may order a convicted foreigner deported after serving sentence, or deported instead of being sentenced in a misdemeanour case. § Al Meezan - Qatar Legal Portal (Ministry of Justice): Law No. 9 of 1987 on Narcotic Drugs and Dangerous Psychotropic Substances, art. 37, Arabic text as amended (in force 08/01/2020)
• Saudi Arabia Marijuana, cannabis, and CBD products are illegal in Saudi Arabia even if prescribed abroad or ordered online by mail; buying or selling drugs can carry the death penalty. Penalty: Death penalty for trafficking; long jail, heavy fines, and public floggings for possession. § U.S. Department of State — Saudi Arabia
• Singapore Cannabis is illegal in Singapore and the penalties are among the harshest in the world. Cannabis, hemp, CBD and cannabis edibles are all Class A controlled drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act — even trace amounts count. Consumption alone carries a minimum of 1 year in prison, and trafficking more than 500 g can carry the death penalty. Penalty: Consumption: minimum 1 year, up to 10 years imprisonment, with a fine up to S$20,000. Trafficking over 500 g: liable for the death penalty (Misuse of Drugs Act). § Singapore Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB)
• South Korea Cannabis is illegal in South Korea in every recreational form, and there is no minimum amount that is overlooked. Possessing, carrying, storing or using any quantity carries up to 5 years' imprisonment or a fine of up to 50 million won. Bringing it into the country is punished far more harshly than possessing it: importing cannabis, or merely possessing it with intent to import, carries life imprisonment or a minimum of 5 years. The only lawful route is a narrow medical scheme for specific cannabis medicines already approved by an overseas regulator, which needs advance written approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, and the US Embassy warns that even a US prescription can still lead to arrest or deportation. Penalty: Possessing, carrying, storing or using cannabis: up to 5 years' imprisonment or a fine of up to 50 million won (Narcotics Control Act art. 61(1)6). Smoking or eating cannabis carries the same range (art. 61(1)4). Habitual offences are aggravated by up to one half, and attempts are punishable (art. 61(2), (3)). Importing or exporting cannabis, including carrying it in through the airport, or possessing it for that purpose is far graver: life imprisonment or at least 5 years (art. 58(1)5), rising to death, life, or at least 10 years where the act is for profit or habitual (art. 58(2)). The Korean government states that its own nationals are prosecuted under this Act for cannabis used abroad, even in countries where it is legal; that personal-jurisdiction rule reaches Korean nationals, not foreign visitors. The UK Foreign Office adds that British nationals have been detained solely on the basis of drug tests. § Korean Law Information Center (Ministry of Government Legislation) - Narcotics Control Act, arts. 4, 58, 61
• Sri Lanka Cannabis is illegal in Sri Lanka, and there is no legal amount and no personal-use exception. Possessing, using, growing or bringing in any part of the cannabis plant is a crime — even less than 1 kilogram is punishable by one to two years in prison plus a fine, and cannabis was the single biggest category of drug arrests in 2024, with over 75,000 people arrested. CBD counts too: cannabis extracts and tinctures are listed as dangerous drugs and it is illegal to bring any cannabis preparation into the country, so leave CBD oil, vapes and gummies at home — airport scanners are used on transiting passengers as well as arrivals. Penalty: Under Part III of the Third Schedule to the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, as substituted by Act No. 41 of 2022, penalties for trafficking, possessing, importing or exporting cannabis are banded by quantity: less than 1 kilogram — a fine of not less than 20,000 rupees and not exceeding 50,000 rupees and imprisonment of not less than one year and not exceeding two years, or both; 1 kilogram to less than 5 kilograms — a fine of 50,000 to 100,000 rupees and two to five years; 5 kilograms to less than 100 kilograms — a fine of 100,000 to 200,000 rupees and five to ten years; 100 kilograms or above — a fine of 200,000 to 500,000 rupees and ten to fifteen years. Cannabis is not in the Ordinance's death-penalty tier, which applies to opium and to morphine, cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office warns that these penalties apply even when transiting through a Sri Lankan airport. § National Dangerous Drugs Control Board — Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance (Chapter 218), ss. 27–29; penalties per Third Schedule Part III as substituted by Act No. 41 of 2022
• United Arab Emirates Marijuana in any form is illegal even with a medical card, CBD products are prosecuted the same as marijuana, and even poppy seeds are banned. Penalty: Lengthy prison sentences of up to 15 years — trace amounts in the bloodstream count; bail is generally not granted, and convicted traffickers face the death penalty. § US State Dept — UAE
• Vietnam Cannabis is illegal in Vietnam in every form: it sits on the list of substances absolutely banned from medical and social use, and Vietnamese law recognises no legal hemp category, no THC limit and no CBD exception. What you face turns on the form and the weight. Cannabis resin or hashish is a criminal offence from just 1 gram, carrying 3 to 5 years in prison, while herbal cannabis becomes criminal at 1 kilogram. Below those weights a first offence is an administrative penalty - a fine of 2 to 5 million dong plus confiscation - but once you have been penalised, any quantity at all becomes a crime. Penalty: Possession below the criminal thresholds (Decree 282/2025, art. 30(2)): a fine of 2,000,000 to 5,000,000 dong plus confiscation of the substance. Use below the criminal threshold (art. 30(1)): a caution or 1,000,000 to 2,000,000 dong. Criminal possession (Penal Code art. 249(1)): 3 to 5 years' imprisonment - triggered at 1 gram for cannabis resin, at 1 kilogram for cannabis plant material, at 1 gram for other solid narcotics or 10 millilitres for liquids, or at any quantity where there is a prior administrative sanction or unexpunged conviction. The cannabis-plant ladder then runs 5 to 10 years at 10 kilograms, 10 to 15 years at 25 kilograms, and 15 to 20 years or life at 75 kilograms. Article 249 carries no death penalty; capital punishment in the drug chapter attaches to producing (art. 248) and trafficking (art. 251), not to possession. A court may order a convicted foreigner expelled as a principal or additional penalty (art. 37). § Government of Viet Nam - Penal Code consolidated text 135/VBHN-VPQH (2025), arts. 37, 249 and 256a, read with Decree 282/2025/ND-CP art. 30 and Decree 28/2026/ND-CP (List I narcotics)
• Cambodia Cambodia has a zero-tolerance drug policy; possession, trafficking, and manufacturing of any illegal drugs — including cannabis, methamphetamine, heroin, and MDMA — are serious offenses even in very small quantities. Penalty: Long jail sentences including life in prison, with no reduction for good behavior. § US State Dept — Cambodia
• Fiji Cannabis is illegal in Fiji, and possessing any amount is a criminal offence — including for tourists. Fiji's Illicit Drugs Control Act 2004 lists cannabis (plant, resin, fruit, seed and oil) as an illicit drug, and unlawful possession carries a statutory maximum of a fine of up to FJ$1,000,000, life imprisonment, or both; the Act itself has no lighter tier for small amounts. Courts sentence small cannabis cases far below that maximum, but people are still arrested and convicted over a few grams. The Act has no recreational or medical cannabis scheme — its only exemption covers lawfully prescribed medication, up to a one-month supply, for people under medical treatment. Penalty: Unlawful possession, cultivation, supply or use of an illicit drug: fine not exceeding FJ$1,000,000 or imprisonment for life, or both (Illicit Drugs Control Act 2004, s.5). Same maximum for unlawful import or export (s.4); attempts carry up to FJ$500,000 or 14 years (s.9). The Act sets no reduced penalty for small amounts. Sentencing bands come from case law, not the Act — Supreme Court cannabis tariff (Kaitani v State [2024] FJSC 50): up to 1 kg normally non-custodial; 1–5 kg: 1–4 years; 5–10 kg: 4–8 years; 150 kg and above: life imprisonment. The UK FCDO separately warns that possession of any amount of marijuana carries a 3-month prison sentence. § Fiji Ministry of Health & Medical Services — Illicit Drugs Control Act 2004 (Act No. 9 of 2004), s.5 and Schedule 1

Prescription medications — your US prescription may not protect you

Some of the most common US prescriptions are banned outright elsewhere. Japan, for example, prohibits Adderall and other amphetamine stimulants — and even some cold medicines — regardless of a valid US prescription. Check before you fly, and carry documentation where it's allowed.

• Austria Austria bans importing any pharmaceuticals containing narcotic or psychotropic substances; many US-common medications are illegal even with a prescription, and non-EU residents may carry only personal-use quantities for their stay. § US State Dept — Austria
• Egypt Not all medications legal in the U.S. are allowed in Egypt; the Ministry of Health inspects medication on arrival, so carry it in original packaging with a doctor's letter stating it is for personal use, the dosage, and the condition. Penalty: Travelers have been arrested and convicted for bringing in banned medication (including medical marijuana and CBD) even with a prescription. § US State Dept — Egypt
• Indonesia Some prescription medications legal in the US, including those for ADHD, are illegal in Indonesia, and any drug may be treated as an illegal narcotic. Penalty: Detention or arrest; only hand-carry medication in original packaging with a copy of the prescription. § US State Dept
• Japan Adderall and other amphetamine stimulants cannot be brought into Japan — even with a prescription. Risk of arrest. Penalty: Arrest and detention by Japanese authorities. § U.S. Embassy Japan
• Japan Common cold and allergy medicines containing pseudoephedrine (Sudafed, Actifed, Vicks inhalers) or codeine are banned in Japan — a US prescription does not make them legal. Penalty: Arrest and detention by Japanese authorities. § U.S. Embassy Japan
• Mexico Some common US over-the-counter medicines are illegal to bring into Mexico — anything containing stimulants such as pseudoephedrine (Actifed, Sudafed, Vicks inhalers) or codeine is prohibited. Penalty: Prohibited medicines can be seized; carry a Spanish-translated prescription for controlled prescription drugs. § US Embassy Mexico
• Morocco Carry prescription medication in original packaging with your prescription, and verify with Moroccan authorities that the medication is legal in Morocco. Penalty: Medications mailed or couriered into Morocco are impounded by customs and not released. § US State Dept — Morocco
• Pakistan Carry prescription medication in original packaging with your prescription; many common US medications are unavailable in Pakistan, and pseudoephedrine is strictly controlled and may be confiscated at the border. Penalty: Pseudoephedrine may be confiscated at the border. § US State Dept — Pakistan
• Panama Medication containing pseudoephedrine is banned in Panama; check all medications before travel and carry a valid prescription for controlled medications. Penalty: Entry refusal or prosecution possible. § Australian DFAT Smartraveller — Panama
• Saudi Arabia Many common prescription medications require prior approval before you bring them into or out of Saudi Arabia — register listed drugs on the SFDA Controlled Drug System (CDS), which can take several weeks. Penalty: Unauthorized controlled medications may be confiscated and can lead to detention. § U.S. Department of State — Saudi Arabia
• South Korea Narcotics, amphetamines, and opioids need written pre-approval from Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (K-MFDS), and even poppy seeds — including bagel seasoning blends — are illegal to bring into South Korea. Penalty: Criminal charges for banned meds or poppy seeds § U.S. Department of State — South Korea
• Spain Spain does not permit the international shipment of medications; carry prescription medicine in its original packaging with your doctor's prescription, and check with the Spanish embassy that your medication is legal in Spain. Penalty: Spanish customs will reject and return mailed medication; the US Embassy cannot retrieve seized medication. § US State Dept

Vaping — banned in more places than you'd think

Several countries ban the import, sale, or even possession of e-cigarettes and vape liquids entirely — tourists included. A device that's everyday-legal at home can be confiscated, fined, or worse at the border.

• Bangladesh Do not bring e-cigarettes or vaping devices into Bangladesh — the US embassy lists them alongside illegal drugs as items not to bring into the country. § US State Dept — Bangladesh
• Brazil Brazil's health agency ANVISA bans all e-cigarettes/vapes; any form of import is prohibited, including for personal use and in your carry-on luggage. Penalty: Devices seized at the border; health-law fines and penalties apply. § ANVISA (Brazil health agency)
• Germany German customs treats e-cigarette liquid as a "substitute for tobacco product". It is taxed like tobacco, it counts against your general goods allowance (300 euros by land, 430 euros by air or sea) rather than getting its own volume allowance, and the allowance only applies from age 17. Penalty: E-liquid above the general goods value allowance must be declared and import duties paid. Tobacco tax applies to these products in the same way as to finished tobacco products. § German Customs Administration (Zoll) - Travellers allowances
• Hong Kong Bringing any e-cigarette, vape or heated-tobacco product into Hong Kong is banned for arriving travellers - and since April 30, 2026, possessing e-cigarette capsules, liquids or heat sticks in public places is also an offence. Penalty: Public-place possession: HK$3,000 fixed penalty (larger quantities: fine up to HK$50,000 and 6 months imprisonment); importing is a criminal offence under Cap. 60. § Hong Kong SAR Government (Department of Health / TACO)
• India Bringing any e-cigarette or vape into India is illegal — the 2019 ban prohibits importing and storing all vaping devices, including nicotine-free ones, e-hookah and heat-not-burn products. Penalty: Import/sale: up to 1 year prison and/or a fine up to Rs 100,000 (repeat: up to 3 years + Rs 500,000); storage: up to 6 months and/or Rs 50,000. § India Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (PECA 2019)
• Japan Nicotine e-liquid is regulated as a medicine in Japan - you may bring in only a personal-use amount (up to about a two-month supply; one month for prescription-class drugs) without an import certificate, and importing it for sale requires a license. Penalty: Larger amounts need a Yakkan Shoumei import certificate. § Japan Customs (FAQ 1806)
• Maldives The Maldives has banned the import, sale, and use of vaping devices and all vaping solutions (effective 15 November 2024); e-cigarettes are confiscated at the border and travelers may not bring them in. Penalty: Confiscation; travelers may be fined or arrested. § US State Dept — Maldives
• Mexico It is illegal to bring e-cigarettes, vapes, or vaping liquids into Mexico — do not pack them even for personal use; violations bring entry delays, fines, or criminal charges. Penalty: Entry delays, fines, or criminal charges (US State Dept). § US State Dept — Mexico
• Oman It is illegal to import or use e-cigarettes or vape products in Oman. Penalty: Penalties apply under Omani law for import or use. § UK FCDO — Oman
• Qatar Vape products (e-cigarettes) are treated as illegal in Qatar alongside marijuana and CBD, so do not bring them into the country. Penalty: Use or possession can bring harsh consequences. § US State Dept
• Singapore E-cigarettes and vapes are banned — possessing, using, buying, or bringing them in is illegal. Penalty: Individuals fined up to S$10,000 under the Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act (in force 1 May 2026); etomidate 'Kpod'/specified-psychoactive-substance vapes up to S$20,000 and/or 10 years' jail. Foreigners caught vaping have devices seized and are issued a Notice of Composition; repeat offenders are barred from re-entry and etomidate offenders can be deported. § Singapore HSA
• Sri Lanka E-cigarettes and vaping devices are explicitly prohibited items that must not be brought into Sri Lanka. Penalty: Criminal penalties under prohibited-items law. § US State Dept — Sri Lanka

Cash you have to declare

Most countries require you to declare cash and monetary instruments at or above a threshold — frequently around US$10,000, but it varies — on both entry and exit. Failing to declare can mean fines or seizure even when the money is entirely legitimate.

• Argentina Travelers 16+ may bring up to USD 10,000 (or equivalent) undeclared and under-16 up to USD 5,000; above that must be declared. Exchange money only at banks, hotels, or legitimate offices with your passport. § US State Dept — Argentina
• Australia Australia enforces strict biosecurity controls on importing agricultural goods, including plants, food and wood products, plus quarantine standards for animals and pets. Penalty: Undeclared biosecurity-risk items can be seized and carry penalties. § US State Dept — Australia
• Austria Declare funds over EUR 10,000 (or equivalent, all forms) when traveling between Austria and a non-EU country; no declaration needed between EU countries. Penalty: Failure to declare brings fines. § Australian DFAT Smartraveller — Austria
• Bahamas Declare currency or negotiable instruments of USD 10,000 or more on both entry and exit; it is also illegal to leave The Bahamas with more than BSD 200 in local currency. § US State Dept — Bahamas
• Bangladesh You must declare US$5,000 or more when entering Bangladesh; on exit you must declare US$7,000 or more in foreign currency and 5,000 or more Bangladeshi taka. § US State Dept — Bangladesh
• Belgium Traveling between Belgium and a non-EU country with EUR 10,000 or more (any form) must be declared; no declaration is needed between EU countries. Penalty: Fine if not declared or if incorrect information is given. § US State Dept — Belgium
• Bolivia The US State Department lists Bolivia's currency restrictions as USD 50,000 entering and USD 20,000 leaving; confirm current declaration requirements with Bolivian customs before you travel. Penalty: Exporting protected species/products without a permit violates Bolivian and US law. § US State Dept — Bolivia
• Bolivia Many Bolivian souvenirs made from wild plants or animals - leather, crafts, even live animals - come from protected species whose export is illegal and can be seized, and bringing them into the U.S. also breaks U.S. law. Penalty: Goods seized; possible U.S. prosecution. § U.S. Department of State
• Bulgaria Declare EUR 10,000 or more (cash, traveller's cheques, gold) when entering or leaving the EU via Bulgaria. Travelling to or from another EU country you must still declare it if a customs officer asks. Undeclared cash can be detained and fined. Penalty: Customs may detain the cash and impose a penalty under national law. § Bulgarian Customs Agency — carrying of cash
• Cambodia Import and export of Cambodian riel is prohibited; declare foreign currency over US$10,000 on entry — on exit you may take out foreign currency only up to the amount you declared on arrival. § US State Dept — Cambodia
• Canada You must declare CAN$10,000 or more in cash or monetary instruments when entering or leaving Canada. Penalty: Undeclared currency at or above the threshold can be seized. § US State Dept
• Chile You must declare cash or bearer instruments over USD 10,000 (or equivalent) when entering or leaving Chile. Penalty: Failing to declare is treated as the crime of smuggling (contrabando) — Customs retains the entire amount on detection. § UAF — Gobierno de Chile

Before you go: check the country, then turn on alerts

LawLert keeps a dated, officially-sourced summary for 80+ countries — medications, cannabis, vaping, customs, driving and more — so you can look up your destination in seconds. Pick the categories you care about and LawLert alerts you if a rule you rely on changes. Get the free app.

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