No Vicks inhalers or camouflage clothing: Foreign Office warns millennials of the local laws that could land them in trouble

If you're going on holiday you might think a Vicks inhaler or a Buddha tattoo are harmless. 

But these could get you thrown out of some countries - or even put in jail. 

The Foreign and Commonwealth office has issued a warning to millennials amid a rising number of arrests abroad for drug offences and offending local customs. 

Young people are increasingly exploring exotic destinations - but going further afield is landing them in hot water with poorly-understood foreign laws and customs, the Government said. 

The FCO said that visits to far-flung countries had risen, with trips to Sri Lanka up more than a fifth and those to the UAE up 17 per cent between 2015 and 2016.

It dealt with more than 23,000 cases in 2016/17, a significant rise on the 17,000 which arose in 2014/15. 

Its data also shows that there was a rise in drug-related arrests, of 8.7 per cent, and an increase of 7.1 per cent in overall arrests and detentions between 2015/16 and the following year. 

Behaviour which is tolerated in the UK, such as smoking, drinking and swearing, can land travellers in trouble with the police abroad. 

In Ukraine, for example, smoking or drinking alcohol in public places, including parks and public transport, is officially banned.

In the United Arab Emirates swearing, both with words and with gestures, is seen as obscene and can land an offender in jail or see them deported from the country.

The Government also said celebrity trends could be inspiring the rising number of long-haul holidays, and it wants to encourage people to "avoid unnecessary trouble"  by respecting local laws and customs. 

Both the UAE and Sri Lanka are "popular celebrity destinations", it said. 

A survey done by the Government department showed that one-third of 18-24 year-olds were inspired in their choice of holiday by celebrities. 

However, just 38 per cent of them checked official travel advice before going away. 

American actor Johnny Depp was investigated by the Australian authorities after bringing his dogs Pistol and Boo into the country in 2015 alongside then-wife Amber Heard. 

The FCO's guidance warns that Australia has "strict quarantine rules to keep out pests and diseases that could affect plant, animal and human health. Breaches of quarantine regulations can result in large fines."

In Turkey, insulting the national flag or defacing or destroying currency could land travellers in prison for up to three years. 

Closer to home, raucous travellers to Greece should note that behaviour such as mooning can lead to arrest followed by a fine or prison sentence.

The FCO warned travellers that it could not investigate crimes, free British citizens imprisoned abroad, give out legal advice or translate documents. 

Julia Longbottom, FCO consular director, warned that "disrespecting local laws can have serious consequences".

She said: "We see many cases each year of people breaking local laws and customs.  It is important that our travellers understand that the UK Government can’t give legal advice or get them out of prison.

"Instead, we want to do all we can to help British people stay safe when they are travelling, and avoid ending up in these difficult situations."

The FCO's advice on rules abroad

Sri Lanka:  The mistreatment of Buddhist images and artefacts is a serious offence and tourists have been convicted for this. British nationals have been refused entry to Sri Lanka or faced deportation for having visible tattoos of Buddha. Don’t pose for photographs standing in front of a statue of Buddha.

Thailand: You can’t bring vaporisers, such as e-cigarettes, e-baraku or refills into Thailand. These items are likely to be confiscated and you could be fined or sent to prison for up to 10 years if convicted.

Japan: The use or possession of some medicines like Vicks Inhalers or painkillers containing Codeine is banned in Japan and can result in detention and deportation.

Caribbean: Many Caribbean countries, such as Barbados, St. Vincent, and St. Lucia ban the wearing of camouflage clothing, including by children.