Local Laws

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: U.S. citizen travelers are subject to local laws. Persons violating local laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Travelers may be taken in for questioning if stopped by the police and unable to produce an acceptable form of identification. Keep the original documents in a secure location but carry a copy of the passport and visa at all times to prevent the originals from being taken by police or armed assailants. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol may lead to arrest. If you break local laws, your U.S. passport will not help you avoid arrest or prosecution. The U.S. government cannot get you out of jail.

Photography: It is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings and public monuments. All photography requires a government permit. Taking photos of military sites, official buildings, and airports is strictly prohibited, even with a permit. Such sites are not always clearly marked. Film and cameras may be confiscated, often by undercover police.

Satellite Phones: Satellite phones are illegal and no permits are available. Travelers using satellite phones risk seizure of phones and arrest.

 Regardless of local law, it is a crime prosecutable in the United States to:

• engage in sexual conduct with children and use or disseminate child pornography in a foreign country
• knowingly take a girl younger than 18 years old outside of the United States for the purpose of performing female genital mutilation/cutting (so-called FGM “vacation cutting”)
• buy pirated goods

While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested in that country, others may not.  In the event of an arrest or detention, ask the police and prison officials to notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as possible.

WOMEN TRAVELER INFORMATION: If you are a woman traveling abroad, please review our tips for Women Travelers.

LGBT RIGHTS: There are social and cultural strictures against homosexuality. The law prohibits, but does not define, “unnatural acts” and has not been used against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons. No other specific laws apply to LGBT persons. There are no known LGBT organizations in the country.

ACCESSIBILITY:  Persons with disabilities face limited access to transportation, communication accommodations, and public buildings. There are few sidewalks and no curb-cuts, and most buildings lack functioning elevators.