Travelers heading abroad this summer may want to pay closer attention to what they pack, as wearing one particular pattern in a number of countries could land them in legal trouble.
Clothing choices are easy to overlook when you’re trying to sort flights, passports, visas and baggage allowances before a trip. But according to travel expert and Stasher CEO Jacob Wedderburn-Day, what you wear can matter just as much as the rest of your travel planning.
He warned that camouflage is one of the biggest things holidaymakers should think twice about taking with them.
“It may feel like a harmless fashion choice at home, but in some destinations it is treated as military or security clothing,” the expert explained.
“In several popular holiday spots, particularly across parts of the Caribbean, civilians are not allowed to wear camouflage.”
His advice is simple: avoid packing it if possible.
Jacob continued: “The safest option is to leave it at home entirely.
“That includes obvious items like jackets and trousers, but also caps, backpacks, swimwear, children’s clothing and fashion prints in non-traditional colours that could still be recognized as camouflage.”
For anyone unsure about local rules, he said it is worth checking official government guidance before departure, especially the section covering local laws and customs.
“This is where you tend to find the less obvious rules around clothing, medication, restricted items and public behavior,” the travel expert added.
He also stressed that travelers going on cruises or visiting multiple countries should be especially cautious, since rules can change from one destination to the next.
Jacob continued: “It is also worth being extra careful on cruises or multi-country trips. Something that is fine to wear in one destination could cause problems at the next.
“If you realize you have packed camouflage for a destination where it is banned, do not wear it through the airport, take it ashore or assume it will be ignored. Keep it packed away and ask your airline, cruise operator or accommodation provider for guidance.”
The consequences can be more serious than many people expect. Wedderburn-Day said the goal is to avoid “confiscation, fines or an awkward conversation with local authorities”.
In Oman, strict dress rules can apply in public spaces, and travelers are warned to dress conservatively. In some countries, camouflage restrictions are enforced more directly, with penalties that can include fines or imprisonment depending on the local law and how it is applied.
In Ghana, camouflage colors are considered offensive to both traditional values and the government, and those found guilty could face as much as 12 months in prison.
Restrictions are especially common across the Caribbean, with countries including Dominica and Jamaica banning camouflage for anyone outside the military. Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Grenada and several other destinations in the region also have restrictions on civilian camouflage clothing and accessories.
According to recent travel guidance and country-rule roundups, the number of countries that restrict civilian camouflage is now generally cited as closer to 18 than 21, and the details vary from place to place.
For travelers, the main takeaway remains the same: if in doubt, leave camouflage at home and check the latest local rules before you fly.