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

💶 The fines tourists actually get

• Littering, spitting and cigarette butts — small acts, disproportionate fines in strict cities.
• Jaywalking is enforced with cameras in some countries and ignored in others.
• Eating or drinking on public transport is fined in a growing list of cities.
• Noise at night, especially in residential tourist areas, brings police and on-the-spot fines.

🧭 Paying, and not paying

• Always ask for a written receipt. An officer refusing to give one is a warning sign.
• Unpaid fines can follow you: some countries block re-entry or flag you at the border.
• Rental car fines are charged to your card months later, plus an administrative fee.

Which countries are strict on fines?

22 countries rate fines as banned or a serious risk for travellers: Burundi, Cambodia, Chad, DR Congo, Eritrea, Guinea, Kuwait, Laos, Libya, Mali, Myanmar, Niger, Qatar, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Switzerland, UAE (Dubai), Venezuela.

Which countries set limits on fines?

110 countries allow it under conditions (age, place, quantity, permit): Albania, Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Croatia, Cuba….

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

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