Vacationers on cruise ships might find themselves in hot water if they’re found wearing a specific type of attire while on holiday.
When setting off on a journey, ensuring that everything goes smoothly and free of stress is the ultimate goal. After all, that’s why we take vacations.
It’s unlikely that ending up in jail due to wearing inappropriate clothing is part of your travel plans.
Whether at sea or on land, on a clothing-optional cruise or a traditional one, there are always specific rules and regulations to observe.
This particular regulation is especially relevant for those traveling to the Caribbean, with passengers of Carnival and Royal Caribbean Cruises needing to be particularly vigilant.
Additionally, this rule is significant for travelers visiting the Philippines, parts of Africa, and South America.
What is the crucial fashion guideline that could potentially derail your ideal getaway?
It turns out that wearing camouflage print, a common pattern in the US and elsewhere, is the issue.
If you’re caught wearing it in certain countries, you might face hefty fines or even imprisonment.
In several Caribbean nations, wearing camouflage could be interpreted as trying to impersonate a military officer, which is a serious offense, especially in a foreign land.
The enforcement of this law varies depending on your location, your attire, and even the discretion of the judge handling the case.
For instance, in Grenada, only military personnel are permitted to wear camouflage.
Tourists donning camo might be stopped by authorities, have their clothing confiscated, or incur fines up to 10,000 East Caribbean dollars, approximately $3,700, as noted by the BBC.
In Barbados, similar legislation exists where any camouflage attire is exclusively for the Barbados Defence Force.
Visitors sporting camo could be stopped, compelled to change, and have their items taken away.
The law can impose penalties up to 2,000 Bajan dollars, around $993, and a year in jail, though typically tourists receive warnings or have their items confiscated.
Last year, there were calls from judges and officials to abolish this law, according to Barbados Today.
Other countries with similar regulations include Antigua & Barbuda, the Bahamas, Dominica, Jamaica, and Saint Vincent & the Grenadines.
In Saint Lucia, bright camo might be acceptable, but it’s advisable to avoid realistic green and brown schemes. Better safe than sorry!
Similar rules are in effect in Saint Kitts & Nevis, Trinidad & Tobago, and Guyana in South America.
In Africa, travelers to Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, or Madagascar would be wise to leave the camo at home.
Those planning to visit Saudi Arabia, Oman, the Philippines, and Azerbaijan should also take the same precautions.
Now you know!