Knowledge of local culture key to ensure problem-free trip
29th June 2012
A report released by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) shows British arrests abroad have risen by 6% – highlighting the need for travellers to know more about the country they are visiting
On its official website the FCO is encouraging travellers about to embark on a trip to: “research the laws and local customs of the country they're visiting.”
A number of high-profile incidents, including the arrest of a couple in Dubai who were caught having sex on a beach, have highlighted that travellers should clue-up on the local customs of the country they are set to visit.
Dr Jane Wilson-Howarth has previously warned of the dangers of not knowing about local laws: “What’s perfectly legal in the UK can be forbidden elsewhere. In Dubai, for example, drugs in the bloodstream count as possession.
“Codeine can be bought over the counter in the UK as a component of pain-relieving remedies including Solpadol, but a British visitor was held in prison for seven weeks because a urine test showed she had codeine and temazepam in her system.”
She adds that women need to be more careful in strict Muslim countries such as Saudi Arabia: “In very strict Muslim states, mutaween (religious police) may confront women showing too much skin or even hair.”
British travellers also find they don't know enough about the FCO and what it can and cannot do to help them overseas: "We find that many people are shocked to discover that the FCO cannot get them out of jail. We always provide Consular support to British nationals in difficulty overseas. However, having a British passport does not make you immune to foreign laws and will not get you special treatment in prison," said Minister of State for Consular Affairs Jeremy Browne.
The FCO's report showed a shocking 6% rise in the number of British travellers arrested abroad. Between April 2011 and March 2012 there were 6,015 arrests, compared to 5,700 the previous year. The report also revealed that drug arrests have increased by 2%. A full British Behaviour Abroad report, detailing the on-goings of British travellers abroad, is set to be published in July.
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