Whether you’re a seasoned traveller who breezes through airports and collects regular passport stamps or you’re navigating your first trip, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of a trip and miss some of the finer details that can derail your trip.
Here are obvious but often overlooked regulations that deserve a spot on every traveller’s checklist.
Passport validity: The six-month rule
Most travellers know their passport needs to be valid for their trip, but few realise that “valid” means something different to immigration officials. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond the date you plan to leave their country, not just the date you arrive or return home. Plus, they may require a certain number of free pages in your passport.
✦ TIP: Check passport validity before booking anything. Set a calendar reminder at least eight months before expiry to apply for renewals.
Visa-free doesn’t mean “no rules”
Just because you don’t need a visa for your destination doesn’t mean you can enter a country without meeting specific requirements. Many visa-free destinations still require proof of onward travel, like a return ticket, evidence of sufficient funds for your stay, and proof that you plan to leave. And even if you can provide this, it is ultimately up to the discretion of the immigration officer to allow entry into the country.
✦ TIP: Ensure you have all the required support documents for your destination country to smooth the entry process.
Stopovers don’t stop the visa requirement
Many travellers assume that if they’re just passing through an airport, they don’t need a visa. This assumption has derailed many a trip. Some countries allow visa-free transit only if you meet specific conditions, like not leaving the airport, or if your transit time is under 24 or 72 hours. Others, like the UK and Canada, require a transit visa even if you never leave the airport.
✦ TIP: Always double-check airport-specific rules, not just country-level policies.
Your prescription medication could get you arrested
Your perfectly legal prescription at home could be considered a controlled substance elsewhere. Medications containing codeine, common in some cough syrups and painkillers, are illegal in countries like Japan, Greece, and the UAE. Always carry a letter from your doctor explaining your prescription and keep medications in their original labelled containers. And when in doubt, don’t.
✦ TIP: If you don’t want to spend half of your trip behind bars, make 100% sure that your medication complies with your destination requirements. Some countries require advance permission to bring in even legitimately prescribed medication.
Duty-free limits aren’t unlimited
Every country has set limits on duty-free goods. Exceed them, and you’re technically required to declare the items and pay customs duties. Common limits include one to two litres of alcohol, 200 cigarettes, and relatively modest allowances for perfume and gifts. If you exceed these limits, you may be liable for a fine, or the goods can be confiscated.
✦ TIP: To avoid proving ownership of goods when you return to South Africa, departing travellers can complete a traveller declaration form to save potential hassles when returning home.
When that photo can land you in hot water
In our social media-obsessed world, we tend to photograph everything. But many locations prohibit photography. These typically include military installations, government buildings, and border posts.
Beyond this, taking photos of people without permission can be deeply offensive. In some countries, like South Korea, photographing people in public without their consent is actually considered a criminal offense.
✦ TIP: Do your research and respect local customs and rules.
Local laws that don’t exist back home
Some laws seem crazy to outsiders but are seriously enforced locally. For example, Singapore is extremely strict on littering and can enforce hefty fines depending on the offense. Public displays of affection can be illegal in conservative countries, especially in the conservative Middle East. Other examples include no jaywalking (strictly enforced in some Asian cities) and restrictions on consuming alcohol in public spaces.
✦ TIP: Do your research and respect local customs and rules.
Travel Insurance: No longer a nice-to-have
While travel insurance is optional for many destinations, a vast number of countries now require proof of coverage for visa applications or entry. In some instances, you can get standard cover via your medical aid, or if you pay for your ticket with a credit card. If you choose this route, make sure you validate the policy before departure and get a copy of the cover.
It’s wise to compare this cover to comprehensive travel insurance. Medical evacuations can cost over $100,000.
✦ TIP: Top of complimentary cover with medical cover for complete peace of mind.
The last word
Responsible travel means respecting the rules of the destinations we are privileged to visit. Overlooking these can lead to embarrassment at the least, or deportation, fines, or even imprisonment at worst.
It’s worth taking the time to research your destination thoroughly and speaking to an experienced travel consultant who can guide you through the red tape.