Behavior: the rules for travellers in 148 countries (2026 list)

🚫 What offends, and what is punished

• Insulting the head of state, the royal family or the flag is a criminal offence in a number of countries.
• Losing your temper in public — shouting, aggressive gestures — is treated far more seriously in Asia than in Europe.
• Rude gestures that are trivial at home can be a public order offence elsewhere.
• Filming or criticising officials on social media has led to arrests of tourists.

🧭 Getting it right

• Learn the greeting and the thank-you in the local language. It changes every interaction.
• Check the tipping norm: mandatory in some countries, insulting in others.
• Use your right hand for giving and receiving in much of Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

Which countries are strict on behavior?

19 countries rate behavior as banned or a serious risk for travellers: Brunei, Burundi, Chad, Eritrea, Hong Kong, Kuwait, Libya, Mauritania, Myanmar, Niger, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, UAE (Dubai).

Which countries set limits on behavior?

42 countries allow it under conditions (age, place, quantity, permit): Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Cameroon, China, Croatia, Djibouti, DR Congo, Egypt, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gambia, Guatemala, Guinea, India, Indonesia (Bali), Israel, Japan, Jordan….

How do I check the rules for my destination before I fly?

Open LawsTravels: pick your destination, the topic “Behavior” shows the level, the thresholds and the penalties, offline. 3 topics are free on every country.