Brits have been warned against doing one seemingly harmless thing on holiday that could land them with a £5,800 fine. Travel experts at Wild Packs American Summer Camp have shared the essential rules UK tourists must follow in popular holiday destinations.
A Giambrone Law survey found that 95% of British travellers don’t research the laws of the country they’re visiting. An estimated 6,000 Brits are arrested or detained each year abroad, with drunkness and disorderly behaviour accounting for most crimes.
Tourists should avoid engaging with pests in Singapore, where feeding pigeons can carry a £5,767 fine under the Animals and Birds (Pigeons) Rules. Rock pigeons are an invasive species in Singapore, according to the Ministry of National Development, and feeding them “only encourages them to stay and breed”. The MND’s concerns centre around the spread of disease and the attraction of other pests like rats and cockroaches.
Jamie Fraser, travel expert at Wild Packs American Summer Camp, detailed what to do if you get fined while on holiday. First, he said, is not to ignore it: “Even if the fine seems small, ignoring it can quickly escalate into larger penalties, involvement from debt collection agencies, or complications when you next visit that country.”
He also urged holidaymakers to verify that the fine was genuine: “Check that the fine has been issued by an official authority, like the police, transport operators, or local council. Always ask for written documentation with the name of the issuing body.”
Then, find out the reason for the fine: “Take time to confirm that the behaviour in question is an offence where you are. Rules abroad can be far stricter than in the UK on things like jaywalking, littering, or drinking in public.”
If the fine is valid, be sure to pay as soon as possible: “Fines are often reduced if settled quickly. Most authorities accept card or online payments. Only hand over cash if this is clearly the official method. Always request a receipt or written confirmation, which will protect you if there are disputes later.”
If you want to challenge it, see if there’s an appeals process: “Some cities allow visitors to contest fines online or by post. However, weigh up whether appealing is worth the time and cost compared with simply paying.”
If you’re still unsure about what to do or how to proceed, speak to an official: “The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot overturn fines abroad but can direct you to local legal advice. Some travel insurance policies also include legal helplines you can use for support.”