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

🆘 Your rights, in practice

• You have the right to contact your consulate. Ask immediately, and repeat the request until it happens.
• A consulate cannot get you out, but it can find a lawyer, notify your family and monitor conditions.
• Never sign a statement you cannot read. Demand an interpreter, in writing if possible.
• Pre-trial detention can last months in many countries, including for minor charges.

📋 Prepare before you go

• Save your consulate's number in your phone and on paper, separately from the phone.
• Leave a copy of your passport with someone at home.
• Travel insurance with legal assistance costs little and covers lawyer fees.

Which countries are strict on jail risk?

88 countries rate jail risk as banned or a serious risk for travellers: Algeria, Angola, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Chad, China, Colombia, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, DR Congo, Ecuador, Egypt, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, India, Indonesia (Bali), Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Laos, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mexico, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Republic of Congo, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, UAE (Dubai), Uganda, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Which countries set limits on jail risk?

39 countries allow it under conditions (age, place, quantity, permit): Albania, Argentina, Armenia, Bahrain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Bulgaria, Cape Verde, Chile, Costa Rica, Czechia, Fiji, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Italy, Jordan, Macao, Mauritius, Mongolia, Montenegro, Namibia….

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

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