"Seizure or Fine Imposed"... Overseas Travel Precautions by Country Revealed

Triple, Introduction of Prohibited Items and Related Laws in Major Countries

Japan, Strict Inspection of Geum Products
China, Possibility of Criminal Charges for Possession of Cold Medicine
Compliance Required for Smartphone Use and Food Regulations

With the golden holiday period lasting from 6 to up to 12 days including Chuseok, more than one million people are expected to travel abroad. If travelers, excited for their trip, fail to properly understand local regulations and have their brought-in items confiscated or fined, it can ruin their mood. To prevent this, it will be helpful to check prohibited items by country and important legal notices for each overseas destination in advance.

At the arrival hall of Terminal 2, Incheon International Airport, employees from the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency and Incheon Main Customs are inspecting travelers' belongings. / Yeongjongdo - Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

According to Triple, a hyper-personalized travel platform operated by Interpark Triple on the 29th, amid the yen depreciation (decline in the value of the Japanese yen), Japan, a popular destination for domestic travelers, has recently strengthened measures against smuggling of precious metals by strictly inspecting gold products at customs upon entry. Regardless of purity, weight, or whether the gold is worn, if gold is brought in or carried, the traveler must fill out the "Declaration Form for Carried and Shipped Goods" with information about the item. If the gold product has a purity of 90% or higher or weighs more than 1 kg, an additional "Declaration Form for Carrying Payment Instruments, etc." must be submitted.

When traveling to China, where group tours have resumed, special attention should be paid to bringing cold medicine. Recently, there have been cases where travelers carrying cold medicine purchased in Korea were criminally charged upon entering China. The problem arose because the cold medicine contained ingredients classified as narcotics in China.

China has designated ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, methyl ephedrine, and similar ingredients found in cold medicine as prohibited items because they can be processed to manufacture psychotropic drugs. Ephedrine is used for respiratory diseases such as bronchitis and is included in general cold medicines. Pseudoephedrine is used for nasal colds, and methyl ephedrine helps relieve phlegm. Triple advises, "Even small amounts of cold medicine or carrying a prescription can lead to criminal charges. Check the ingredients carefully, and if you must bring them, prior declaration procedures are necessary."

In Honolulu, Hawaii, a law has been in effect since 2018 banning the use of smartphones while crossing crosswalks to ensure pedestrian safety. Violators face fines ranging from $15 to $35 for the first offense, with increased fines for subsequent offenses. The ban applies not only to smartphones but also to tablets and digital cameras.

Indonesia does not recognize international driving permits. Therefore, it is officially illegal for foreign tourists to rent and drive motorcycles in major tourist areas such as Bali.

Gimpo Airport Domestic Security Checkpoint
[Photo by Korea Airports Corporation]

In Dubrovnik, Croatia, the use of wheeled luggage is prohibited when passing through the old town area paved with stones and pebbles. This rule was established due to the noise caused by friction between the luggage wheels and the stones. Violators face a fine of 230 euros (approximately 320,000 KRW). Starting this November, all visitors to the city will be required to leave their wheeled luggage in designated areas to travel within the city.

Some countries have strict regulations regarding food items. For example, Singapore bans the import and sale of regular chewing gum, except for medical gum, to maintain the cleanliness of the city. Violators may face fines up to 10,000 Singapore dollars (approximately 9.7 million KRW) or imprisonment for up to one year.

Additionally, in Southeast Asia countries such as Vietnam, Singapore, and Malaysia, durian, known as the "king of fruits," is restricted in some public facilities, hotels, and public transportation due to its strong odor. Violators may be fined or lose their hotel deposits, so travelers should be cautious.