Sand, shells and stones are popular souvenirs that travellers like to bring back from their holiday. Here you can find out why this is often not a good idea. What you always can bring back are your experiences on the nationalcasino.com.
For many people, taking shells, sand and other natural products home with them from their holiday is part of travelling. However, this is not permitted in all countries. If you violate the applicable laws, you could face severe fines. On the one hand, this can happen if you are caught stealing certain items from nature while travelling. On the other hand, problems can also arise on arrival in Germany if prohibited items are discovered in your luggage by customs.
SHELLS
Collecting shells is a popular activity for children and adults on holiday. The shells often end up in their luggage and are used as decorative items at home. However, this seemingly harmless activity is not always legal.
In the following countries, for example, it is generally forbidden to take shells from the ecosystem:
- Egypt
- Dominican Republic
- Dubai
- Italy
- New Zealand
- Turkey
- In Mexico, Thailand and the USA, collecting mussels is prohibited if they are protected species.
In the following countries it is permitted to collect mussels as long as you do not take more than three giant clams and three fencerolls with you:
- Germany
- France
- Greece
- Croatia
- Portugal
- Spain
SAND
Taking sand home from holiday is forbidden in some countries. For many people, filling up some sand and taking some of their holiday home with them is a firm holiday ritual. In some countries, this is generally legal, for example on German beaches on the North Sea and Baltic Sea. Just make sure that you don’t take any sand from a nature reserve.
However, many places are struggling with shrinking amounts of sand. According to ÖkoTest, this is due to rising sea levels and the global production of glass and concrete. However, sand is an essential factor for ecosystems. In some countries, it is therefore generally forbidden to take sea sand with you. These include:
- Egypt
- Dubai
- Dominican Republic
- Italy
- Thailand
- Turkey
The rules are particularly strict in Sardinia: if you steal sand from the island, you can expect a fine of between 500 and 3000 euros, even for the smallest amounts.
STONES
In Turkey, you could even face a prison sentence if you steal stones from the country. Shapely or colourful stones are also a popular souvenir from holidays for many people. However, strict regulations also apply in some countries. In Turkey, for example, you should refrain from stealing stones. This is because every worked stone is considered a cultural and natural good.
The export of cultural and natural artefacts is generally prohibited under Turkish law and can even be punished with a prison sentence of up to ten years. The Federal Foreign Office therefore expressly recommends that you do not take any stones with you from Turkey. After all, it is impossible for most tourists to recognise whether it is a worked or unworked stone.
In Greece, you are also not allowed to steal stones from archaeological sites.
Outside of Europe, stealing stones is prohibited in the following countries
- Egypt
- Dubai
- Dominican Republic
- Thailand
- Turkey
Generally prohibited: Protected animals and plants
If it is a protected coral species, it is generally prohibited to bring it to Germany. All animals and plants listed in the Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora may not be imported into Germany. This currently includes around 32,800 plant and 5,950 animal species. Animals also include mussels, corals and starfish. If these are protected, you are generally not allowed to take them from the wild.
So find out in advance whether the shell, coral or plant in question is protected and also research the regulations that apply in your holiday destination.
