Travelers Must Know These 'Prohibited Orders'

Prior to visiting these countries, travelers should equip themselves with certain knowledge to avoid unjust penalties. Russia's Sputnik page has outlined some peculiar prohibitions in various countries. Some laws may appear outdated, no longer enforced by the people in reality, but they are indeed... peculiar.

Traveling 'Prohibited Orders' You Should Be Aware Of

1. Ban on Electronic Games in Greece

Since 2002, the authorities in Athens have prohibited residents from playing electronic games. The regulations in the ban are quite vague as initially the authorities only intended to ban electronic gaming devices.

In 2003, under pressure from the European Union (EU), the authorities were compelled to amend some provisions. However, electronic gaming is still prohibited in internet cafes.

2. Prohibition on 'Western-style' Haircuts in Iran

In 2010, the Tehran authorities issued a ban on certain hairstyles popular in the West such as ponytails or long hair. Officials even published a newspaper with illustrations of permitted hairstyles.

In 2015, Iran continued to prohibit men fromhaving “bizarre” or effeminate hairstyles.

3. Ban on 'Valentine's Day' in Saudi Arabia

According to local newspapers in Saudi Arabia, Valentine's Day “encourages immoral relationships between unmarried men and women”. Therefore, on this day, people are not allowed to celebrate and the sale of red items such as roses, cards, chocolate boxes is also prohibited.

This ban has led to the thriving of black markets to meet customer demands.

4. Ban on Wearing Yellow Clothes in Malaysia

In 2011, the Malaysian government banned wearing yellow clothes. Even the smallest items like yellow shoelaces are prohibited.

If caught violating, individuals could be fined up to 1,000 euros for the offense of “threatening security”.

5. Tomato Sauce Ban in France

Since 2011, tomato sauce has been banned from use in school cafeterias because it's believed to spoil the taste of French cuisine and contains too much sugar.

6. Prohibition on Haggis Consumption in the US

Haggis is a traditional Scottish dish made from the sheep's offal including heart, liver, and lungs.

However, in the US, sheep's lungs are a banned food item, hence Haggis has also been prohibited from appearing on menus for the past 40 years.

7. Mobile Phone Ban in Cuba

During the time of former President Fidel Castro, only high-ranking officials in the government and foreign companies were allowed to have mobile phones.

In March 2008, President Raul Castro decided to lift this ban, ending the underground trade of mobile phones in black markets.

8. Chewing Gum Ban in Singapore

Since 1992, the Singaporean government has banned the sale and chewing of chewing gum due to its unsanitary littering and adverse environmental impact.

Thanks to the Free Trade Agreement between the US and Singapore, since 2004 this law has been slightly relaxed. Therefore, individuals chewing gum for therapeutic reasons will not be penalized.

9. Ban on 'Reincarnation Impersonation' in China

In 2007, the Beijing authorities issued a ban on the practice of 'reincarnation impersonation' without government permission. This regulation was introduced to prevent the exploitation of fake incarnations of 'living Buddhas' by people from Tibet for profit.

10. Ban on Puzzle Assembly in Romania

In the 1980s, the Bucharest authorities banned people from playing puzzle assembly games citing them as 'overly intellectual'. However, this ban has now been lifted.

​9. Jasmine Ban in Tunisia

The Tunisian government banned the cultivation of jasmine following the Jasmine Revolution in 2010. During the revolution, people took to the streets protesting against corruption, unemployment, and rising food prices.

The peak of the unrest led to the overthrow of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, who fled the country after 23 years in power.​

10. Ban on the Concept of 'Time Travel' in China

In 2011, the Beijing authorities prohibited content related to the concept of time travel to “respect history” after numerous television programs excessively exploited this theme.

11. Ban on Baby Walker in Canada

Kể từ năm 2004, những bà mẹ Canada không được phép sử dụng các xe tập đi cho con mình. Theo chính phủ, loại xe này làm chậm quá trình phát triển thể chất của trẻ. Canada cũng là quốc gia đầu tiên đưa ra lệnh cấm này.

Bên cạnh đó, Liên minh châu Âu về An toàn trẻ em cũng khuyên các bậc cha mẹ không nên sử dụng xe tập đi cho trẻ.

12. McDonald's Fast Food Ban in Bolivia

While the Bolivian government did not formally issue any laws banning the opening of McDonald's restaurants, from 2002 to 2015, tourists could not find any outlets of this brand there.

Previously, Bolivia had McDonald's outlets, but due to the lack of popularity of fast food among the population, the government ordered the closure of the entire chain of stores.

13. Mannequin Headscarf Ban in Iran

In 2009, the Iranian government prohibited displaying mannequins in stores without wearing a hijab headscarf. Additionally, mannequins must be dressed modestly, with no revealing curves. Selling women's underwear by men is also banned.

14. Plastic Bag Ban in Bangladesh

In 2002, Bangladesh became the first country in the world to ban the use of plastic bags to avoid environmental pollution. However, just a year later, businesses started distributing plastic bags despite the imposed penalties.

15. Corporal Punishment Ban in Sweden

In 1979, Sweden was the first country to enforce a ban on corporal punishment, but it was not very successful. Instead of yielding positive results, this law led to consequences such as children criticizing their parents or children leaving home just because of a slap.

However, many other countries like Finland, Norway, and Austria still opted to implement this law to safeguard children.

​ 16. Women Driving Ban in Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, theoretically, women are not prohibited from driving. However, the government also does not issue them driver's licenses. If they drive without a license, they will be fined.

In April 2016, Reuters quoted Deputy Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman Al Saud as saying that 'society is still not convinced about women driving' and that this could even lead to many 'negative consequences'.

17. Naming Restrictions in Denmark

In Denmark, parents must choose names for their children from a list of over 24,000 available names. If they wish to use a name not on the list, they must submit an application for permission.

According to Tuoi Tre News

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References: Travel Guide by Mytour