Travel is an exciting and enriching experience, exploring different cultures, tastes and traditions.

But when you bring back travel mementos for home or a gift, or eat out, are you aware of what is or isn’t illegal souvenirs? Your destination rules could be quite different to home, it can be challenging to know, and the onus is on the buyer to know what you are purchasing!

Even if staying in the most sustainable of accommodations, or touring with the most socially and environmentally-conscious of travel companies who wouldn’t promote such souvenirs, local tourism markets, stalls and street food that many of us love may offer such goods under our noses without us even realising.

So how do we ensure we’re not consuming or buying souvenirs that are illegal or have restrictions placed on them, that might even be acceptable elsewhere? There may also be laws, rules, cultural customs and moral etiquette to navigate.

To have a responsible and legal travel experience, it's important to make it a priority to research and familiarise yourself with the laws and regulations of your destination country before you go.

You can consult the relevant government agencies, embassy, or consulate for accurate information and guidance, and check with your travel company and local providers for issues like these:

endangered: In places like chumbe island, coral is highly protected

1. Endangered Species and Wildlife Products

Many countries have strict regulations regarding the trade of products derived from endangered species, such as ivory, coral, certain animal skins and feathers. It is illegal to purchase, possess, or transport these items across international borders. Such practices contribute to the illegal wildlife trade and pose a threat to the survival of these species. (Read more about specific animal product souvenirs)

You must apply for a permit or certificate to import, export or re-export any living or dead animal (or any of its parts) or plant that is listed by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). There are criminal offences associated with moving or trading CITES-controlled specimens if you do not have a valid permit or certificate: unlimited fines and up to 7 years in prison. You can search Species+ for CITES listings.

2. Protected Plants and Plant Products

Some countries have regulations on the export or import of certain plants and plant products. This includes items like certain types of wood, seeds, plants, or plant-based medicines.

For example, Rosewood: More than 350 species are protected and international sales require permits. Often used to make guitars, flutes and clarinets, illegal trade in Africa and Asia is threatening its existence, and accounts for more than a third of seized wildlife products.

It's essential to research and understand the specific rules and restrictions in place before attempting to bring such items home, it could be all too easy to buy a souvenir carved from an illegal wood.

Plants & plant product souvenirs may be illega — export of plants & plant products may be illegal

3. Cultural Artefacts and Antiquities

Purchasing looted or illegally obtained artefacts contributes to the destruction of cultural heritage sites and the loss of historical knowledge.

So certain countries have laws protecting their cultural heritage, including artefacts, archaeological finds, and antiques. It is illegal to buy, sell, or export such items without proper permits or documentation.

4. Protected Cultural Expressions

Cultural expressions may include indigenous art, traditional clothing, or sacred objects, which may have specific rules surrounding their sale, purchase, or export.

Again, these regulations aim to protect cultural heritage and ensure that these items are not exploited or misused.

Nikoi Island Indonesia: OrangLaut Swarovski Crystal fishing net Singapore museum

5. Controlled Substances

The possession, purchase, or transportation of illegal drugs or controlled substances is strictly prohibited in most countries. Penalties for drug offenses can be severe, including long prison sentences or even the death penalty. It's crucial to respect local laws and avoid any involvement with illegal substances during your travels.

But be aware that sometimes it may be challenging to know!

For example, coca tea: Mate de coca is made using the raw or dried leaves of the coca plant, native to South America and commonly consumed in the Andes, where it’s used in traditional medicine. The leaves of the coca plant contain alkaloids that—when extracted chemically—are the source for cocaine base. The amount of coca alkaloid in the raw leaves is small, however, the consumption of one cup of coca tea can cause a positive result on a drug test for cocaine. Where consumption is perfectly legal in Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, and Ecuador, it is illegal in the United States unless it is decocainized.

6. Counterfeit Goods

Purchasing counterfeit products, such as fake designer goods or pirated media, is illegal in many countries. Apart from being unethical, it supports illegal activities so can lead to penalties, including fines and confiscation of the goods.

7. Water

In an increasing number of destinations, as the climate heats up, water risk is growing: the possibility of experiencing a water-related challenge, be it scarcity, stress, flooding, drought or cleanliness.

Many of us are used to strategies to limit demand at home, like restrictions on irrigation of lawns, car washing, filling swimming pools, or hosing down pavement areas, but these also apply in tourism destinations of course.

And it’s well researched and documented that tourists on average consume a lot more water per person than local residents – as much as two to three times.

As such, careful water management is already in place in destinations, for example with our partners in Nepal, South Africa and Indonesia, such as through water reuse like rain water harvesting, grey-water recycling and desalination

While we don’t know yet of any tourism-specific limitations imposed, do be water-wise for your destination: be aware of its importance, local management issues, and take pro-active measures to use water sparingly for your own consumption.

**What Should You Bring Home from Trips?**

Plastics: No, we don’t mean that you buy in your host destination. We mean that you pack to take with you in the first place. Many places are putting plastic bans (bags, cutlery, plates, straws…) in place and don’t have the recycling services you have at home, so be prepared to travel back home with your refuse, where you can properly dispose of it in a more sustainable and responsible way if need be.