Questions tagged [legal]
Questions regarding permitted or forbidden activities in various places, including unforeseen technicalities.
324
questions
26
votes
4
answers
6k
views
Are there any trains where roof riding is legally possible?
I just read an article about the Indonesian railways, where they put low hanging concrete balls above railroad tracks to deter train rooftop riders.
Roof riding is common on certain trains in ...
20
votes
4
answers
53k
views
Carrying a handgun in other countries with a US concealed carry permit
I was wondering if you have a concealed carry license (U.S.), would that license apply in other countries? Or would you be breaking the other countries' laws? I also know some countries have very ...
20
votes
1
answer
6k
views
Is it really permitted for travellers to work while visiting Georgia on a tourist visa?
Last night at a party with lots of expats and Georgians the topic came up that foreigners don't need any special visa or work permit to work in Georgia while they are visiting the country as tourists.
...
19
votes
3
answers
57k
views
Can I take a sex-toy on plane through UAE?
I will be traveling from Australia to Austria, transferring in Abu Dhabi. Is it alright for me to bring a vibrator in the check-in luggage, or are there laws against that?
It is approximately 17cm ...
15
votes
4
answers
5k
views
Can I bring a shoebox PC in my carry-on bag?
It's a shoebox PC that I custom built and I'd like to keep it in carry-on.
It has wires hanging out and the top is removable so they can see it's actually a computer not something like a bomb. And I'...
13
votes
1
answer
3k
views
What are the restrictions imposed by the Sharia law in Aceh, Sumatra?
It seems that Sharia law is now applied in the northern tip of Sumatra (Indonesia). That is, in the province of Aceh. The province of Aceh on Google Map.
Does anybody have experience traveling/living ...
12
votes
1
answer
4k
views
I secured a visa for the US. What happens once I arrive at a US port-of-entry seeking admission into the country?
I have secured a visa for the US, be it an ESTA or another visa requiring me to go for an interview. My understanding is that obtaining a visa for the US does not guarantee me entry into the country. ...
10
votes
1
answer
4k
views
Have I invalidated my own ESTA and if I fly to Mexico does that mean I will not be allowed back into the States?
The ESTA that I entered the States on back in October was due to expire on January 8th. As I wished to stay a little longer (an extra couple of weeks) I searched the internet to see how this was ...
10
votes
2
answers
5k
views
Making pen and ink corrections on a UK visa form?
After printing out a UK visa form, can you cross out planned arrival date with a pen and write a new one?
9
votes
1
answer
2k
views
I have been issued an overlapping Schengen Visa, would there be an issue?
I have an existing used Schengen visa from the 21-July-2015 to 20-July-2016 issued by Belgium. I recently applied for a Schengen visa from Germany & was issued a visa from the 19-July-2016 to 18-...
4
votes
2
answers
30k
views
UK Passport validity dates format
The date in my UK passport isn't in the usual format (day, month, year) it shows as-
Date off issue
20 DEC /DEC 10
Date of expiration
20 DEC /DEC 20
bit confusing but I'm guessing it means it ...
2
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Can I live in the UK for a long time through repeat visits?
I had recently entered the UK without a visa to be with my partner, from 21 July 2016 until 16 December 2016. I hope to return on the 9th of January. We don't meet the income requirement for a Spouse ...
141
votes
3
answers
28k
views
Canadian citizen, on US no-fly list. What can I do in order to be allowed on flights which go through US airspace?
My father and I, both Canadian citizens, were denied to board a direct Turkish Airlines flight from Istanbul to Toronto non-stop without any prior warning or information. Literally, at the gate, we ...
52
votes
2
answers
101k
views
Is weed still legal for tourists in Amsterdam?
I have heard it's not legal starting from 2013. I also heard they postponed applying this?
So what's the deal? Allowed or not?
50
votes
1
answer
12k
views
Why are balloons prohibited at Amsterdam Schiphol?
At Amsterdam Schiphol Airport there are prominent No Balloons signs on each entrance to train platforms.
What is the story or rationale behind that ban?
47
votes
6
answers
112k
views
What happens if you cannot pay for a hotel?
What happens if you cannot pay for your hotel stay because you accidentally run out of money (can happen) or your credit card was blocked (much more likely)? I assume you cannot arrange the money on ...
45
votes
7
answers
45k
views
Can I fly with white powder in a transparent bag?
Instead of plain old coffee, I sometimes like to get my daily caffeine ration from other drinks, e.g. fruit juice. For this purpose I have bought some pure caffeine, which takes the form of white ...
43
votes
4
answers
26k
views
As a tourist, can I try firearms in California?
I will be traveling to the United States soon (with an ESTA application). I come from an European country where firearms are forbidden. (For regular citizens.) I would really like to try it when I'll ...
31
votes
6
answers
54k
views
Is wild camping possible in Germany? Where?
Is it possible to do wild camping in Germany? Are there specific zones for that?
If yes, can someone recommend a few, preferably with nice trails to walk.
The idea is to go into nature.
27
votes
9
answers
293k
views
What kind of ID does the US accept when visiting bars or drinking age events?
For tourists visiting the states, what kind of ID do you need to carry with you to visit bars or drinking age events? I understand the passport is the main piece of ID but do they accept any other ...
25
votes
7
answers
17k
views
Travelling as an unmarried Western couple in Indonesia
Basically this question but then for Indonesia.
In the coming year I (male) plan to travel through Indonesia (Java and Sumatra) with my girlfriend. We will probably travel several weeks, aim to stay ...
24
votes
8
answers
4k
views
Can you get married while traveling?
As a traveler getting married while traveling must be the ultimate experience. Can you actually legally get married while traveling?
24
votes
3
answers
4k
views
Do I need to provide PIN or password for my digital accessories, when entering Canada?
I recently glanced over a TV show called "Border Patrol Canada". One Canadian citizen was searched for whatever reason when he tried to re-enter Canada. The authorities wanted to know his laptop ...
23
votes
4
answers
13k
views
Can you use a camera during take off and landing?
Based on this question I wondered how the rules are about using a camera during take off and landing, and whether they differ for different kinds of cameras. And by whom the rules are made and ...
22
votes
1
answer
14k
views
Are airlines in the EU obligated to provide water for passengers?
I was flying with Ryanair last month and wanted to take some vitamin pills while on board. I went down to the end of the plane and asked for a glass of water, but the stewardess refused. Since the ...
21
votes
2
answers
10k
views
Are laws about sex outside marriage less rigorously enforced in Dubai for people on layovers?
Last night, I saw on the news that Qantas was switching its main hub from Singapore to Dubai. (Qantas has since switched back to Singapore)
Smart Traveller notes about the United Arab Emirates:
...
19
votes
1
answer
1k
views
How can one get a permit to drive the Chinese section of Karakoram Highway with a foreign truck?
To get from Kyrgyzstan to Pakistan, one needs to drive through an 575 km section inside China, the one from "Irkeshtam Port, 309 Provincial Road, Ulugqat, Kizilsu, Xinjiang, China" to "Kunjirap Daban, ...
19
votes
3
answers
9k
views
Can I wear all types of military surplus clothing in Germany?
I have a lot of clothing from military surplus, mostly trousers, because they are solid and cheap, and they dry fast.
But I've heard that at least some kinds of military surplus clothing are illegal ...
19
votes
1
answer
9k
views
How does "Fuel Dumping" work?
Recently, I saw a lot of blog post, forum posts etc on Fuel Dumping. For me it seemed like you can book a flight with high fuel charges, and then add another unrelated leg to the flight that you not ...
15
votes
2
answers
98k
views
Is it legal to look for work in the US while on a B1/B2 (Business Visitor) visa?
I have got 10-year multiple entry US VISA on my Indian passport. I got it to attend a technical conference.
I was curious to know if I give job interview during this visit?
I may not have time in ...
15
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Which Schengen countries have bilateral agreements which ignore the standard 90/180 rule?
The Schengen rules have certain exemptions for citizens of countries which concluded bilateral visa-free agreements before the Schengen area took effect. For example, a relevant quote from the Czech ...
13
votes
1
answer
5k
views
Do layovers count in the 90-in-180 Schengen rule?
Suppose someone on the 90 of 180 rule leaves Schengen on the 90th day.
Then less than 90 days later, they have a flight with one or more layovers in a Schengen country.
Does it get counted if it's ...
12
votes
3
answers
12k
views
Are "violation points" applied to EU licences outside of their home country?
Assuming I have a Czech license and break a minor law in Germany which incurs me a certain number of "violation points" (e.g. speeding), would those points be eventually transferred to my Czech ...
12
votes
3
answers
32k
views
Is it allowed to bring sex toys on a flight to Singapore?
I'll be taking a flight from Tokyo to Singapore. If I take a "pocket pussy" (artificial vagina) as carry on, will it be confiscated? Also will it be removed from my bag? I'm traveling with my family ...
10
votes
4
answers
25k
views
What are the rules for taking electronics and other expensive gifts from the USA to the EU?
I am an American with residence in Belgium. I came here to the USA for the holidays and brought my old, iPhone, iPad and my MacBook. Now, here, I want to buy a new iPad and also a surface pad, among ...
9
votes
1
answer
7k
views
Entering the Schengen area 12 days before my visa expires
I have a Vietnamese passport. I'm planning to visit Vietnam on July 7th and be back in the Czech Republic (in Schengen area) on August 29th. My visa is a multiple-entry, long-term, D type visa (for ...
8
votes
3
answers
6k
views
Is it safe to knowingly buy an oversized (67-inch) suitcase? Are size limits enforced?
This question is regarding check-in, not carry-on, baggage.
I'm considering buying a very spacious suitcase measuring 31 x 21 x 15 inches, for a total of 67 inches. This is greater than the 62-inch ...
5
votes
2
answers
3k
views
Are there any "Fantasy Passports" that are recognised by other countries?
I've read about the Conch Republic passports, and Hutt River, and am wondering - these so-called fantasy passports - are any of them actually recognised anywhere else in the world?
@mindcorrosive ...
4
votes
3
answers
413
views
Obligatory identification while applying for a visa
Some countries got obligatory identification, where you can even receive a fine if you can't show a valid ID, see for example http://amsterdam.usconsulate.gov/mobile//id/mandatory-identification-...
87
votes
11
answers
21k
views
When flying on a very tight schedule, are you obligated to run to make it to the next gate on a connection?
In reference to this question, let's say you've bought a single ticket with a 45-minute layover. Your plane arrives on time but the next gate is so far away you have to run to make it. Assuming you ...
69
votes
7
answers
36k
views
What to do if drugs / a bomb are planted in your travel bag?
So the scene: You're flying from Bogota, Colombia to New York, USA. You arrive, pick up your bag from the carousel, and figure you'll stuff your netbook you used on the flight into your bag now ...
55
votes
4
answers
17k
views
Can I travel with cremated remains (father's ashes) from USA to India?
Recently our beloved father passed away in the USA. We have already performed his cremation, and now we are planning to take the cremated remains to India. We don't know anything regarding the ...
50
votes
4
answers
7k
views
What citizenship/place of birth would a child born on an airplane have?
Yesterday, a friend of mine who works as a purser (chief flight attendant) helped a lady with delivering her baby during a flight to Manila, Philippines while over the ocean :)
I know that pregnant ...
49
votes
6
answers
28k
views
Is it prohibited to lie down (and fall asleep) on a commercial flight?
When there is enough space to do that.
I have traveled with EasyJet and I was lucky enough to have three seats to myself!
I didn't have the courage to try lying down and see if I would get told ...
47
votes
7
answers
17k
views
In US rental car terms and conditions, what exactly is a "regularly maintained road?"
Many rental car companies have terms and conditions such as Hertz:
Generally, Hertz vehicles, including 4-wheel drives, are to be operated only on regularly maintained roads. Off-road use is a ...
41
votes
3
answers
71k
views
What does this road sign mean? (Germany; red circle and X on a blue background, with a right-pointing arrow.)
Okay, I don't know why I'm having such difficulty finding an answer online. I found an example of the sign on Google Images but the hosting site is down and there is no cache, and searches using "blue ...
38
votes
6
answers
11k
views
If I leave the US through an airport, do I have to return through the same airport?
My wife and I are flying to Iceland and we are trying to book tickets but I wasn't sure about the flights.
So I am just asking to clarify. If I leave the US through an airport, do I have to return to ...
37
votes
4
answers
34k
views
Your address at destination: What if you don't know any address?
Often, when entering a country, you must fill a form that asks, in particular, where you will stay.
What if you don't know yet?
Even worse, what if you don't have your guidebook in hand luggage, and ...
35
votes
3
answers
9k
views
What do I need to legally and unproblematically take someone else's child on a trip to West Virginia?
Are there any requirements for an adult to take a five year old child on a day trip from Virginia to West Virginia with parental permission? I know that there are no checkpoints to pass when crossing ...
29
votes
4
answers
80k
views
How many smartphones can I take on an airplane?
I'm a software developer and I need multiple different mobile devices for testing and debugging purposes. I also work on-the-go sometimes, so this is important. Furthermore, not everything can be ...