Understanding Local Laws and Customs Before You Travel
Laws and social norms that differ most across Asia: drugs, photography, dress at religious sites, public behaviour, respect for monarchy and religion, and carrying ID.
Short answer
Legal and cultural norms vary widely across Asian countries, and a minor social misstep in one place can be a serious legal matter in another. Pay particular attention to drug laws (very severe in several countries), photography restrictions, dress codes at religious sites, rules about criticising monarchies or religion, and whether you must carry ID.
Key points
- Drug penalties in several Asian countries are among the strictest in the world.
- Don't photograph military or government sites, or people without permission.
- Cover shoulders and knees and remove shoes at many religious sites.
- Some countries have strict laws protecting monarchy or religion.
Legal and cultural norms vary significantly across Asian countries. What's a minor social misstep in one destination can be a serious legal matter in another. General awareness of these differences — and a quick check for your destination — matters more than memorising any universal rule.
Drugs and substances
Several Asian countries have some of the strictest drug laws in the world, including very long prison sentences and, in some cases, the death penalty for trafficking. Possession of small amounts can lead to arrest, and some countries can test visitors. Cannabis is prohibited in most of Asia, even if legal at home. Also check medicine rules: medications and restricted items.
Photography
- Don't photograph military installations, border areas, police or some government buildings.
- Ask before photographing people, especially in religious settings and rural communities.
- Drones often require permits.
Religious sites
| Norm | Where it's common |
|---|---|
| Cover shoulders and knees | Temples, mosques and shrines across the region |
| Remove shoes | Temples in South-East and South Asia, mosques, many homes |
| Women cover hair | Many mosques |
| Don't point feet at images or people | Buddhist countries |
| Walk clockwise around stupas | Buddhist sites |
Respect for monarchy, state and religion
Several countries have laws protecting the monarchy, national symbols or religion, and penalties can be severe. Avoid jokes or critical comments in public and online, and treat currency and flags bearing royal images or national symbols respectfully.
Public behaviour
Norms on public displays of affection, alcohol, dress and noise differ widely. Public drinking may be restricted, and some areas have conservative dress expectations. Littering, jaywalking and smoking in non-designated areas are fined in some cities.
The bottom line
Because specifics vary so much and can carry serious consequences, do a short country-specific check before you travel — through your destination's official tourism board or your government's travel advice. Then read staying informed and safe.
Questions readers ask
Do I need to carry my passport at all times?
Some countries require visitors to carry ID. Where that's the case, carrying a copy may or may not be accepted. Check your destination's rules.
Are there rules about what I post online?
In some countries, posts criticising the government, monarchy or religion can have legal consequences, including for visitors.