Export bans
Tourists often pick up all sorts of interesting objects on land, on the shore and in the sea that you want to bring as a keepsake – but you can’t! Yes, and having bought some interesting little thing in the store, sometimes it’s worthwhile to find out in more detail how easily and without hindrance it can be taken out of the country. This article contains the most popular tourist “souvenirs”, the export of which should be especially vigilant.
Australia
Australia has fairly strict prohibitions and restrictions regarding the export of plants, including seeds, as well as corals, shells of mollusks, animal skins and shells, and goods made from materials obtained from reptiles and whales. Contact the Australian Environment Service for permission.
Sand is not allowed from the white sandy beach of Hyams, located in the state of New South Wales.
A special permit is necessary when exporting objects of cultural and historical heritage, which may include works of art, stamps, coins, archaeological finds, including those found at the bottom of the sea, and minerals.
Bahamas
It is forbidden to export sand of soft pink color from Pink Sands beach, located on Harbor island.
Brazil
Exporting from Brazil art, antiques and historical values, plants and animals, including their stuffed animals, as well as claws, feathers and shells, is prohibited.
Vietnam
Vietnamese customs regulations prohibit the export of antiques, stuffed turtles, corals and rare plants.
When exporting more than 300 grams of gold, including jewelry, but not more than 5 sets per person, you must have a check, as well as a special permission from the State Bank.
Dominican Republic
Some species of orchids, the core of a palm tree, as well as historical artifacts, including those found during scuba diving at the bottom of the sea, are prohibited from being exported from the Dominican Republic.
The maximum number of cigars that can be taken by one person is 50 pieces.
In order to take out antiques, icons and sculptures that are over 100 years old, you need to get permission from the Department of Archeology.
Export of the national currency (peso) from the Dominican Republic is prohibited.
Egypt
From Egypt it is forbidden to export antiques, corals, stuffed crocodiles, ivory products, sea shells, hedgehogs and other marine flora and fauna, collected independently on the shore or in the sea. The ban also applies to shells and parts of coral reefs picked up on the shore. If you purchased any souvenir suitable for the above definitions, then during the customs inspection it is necessary to show a receipt from the store, as well as supporting documents and a certificate.
If corals or other artifacts prohibited from export are found in the baggage and there are no receipts and accompanying documents, a fine is imposed on the tourist, as well as a ban on re-entry into the country. In some situations (when exporting goods), a tourist may face up to two years in prison.
Export of local currency is allowed up to 5 thousand Egyptian pounds.
Israel
Handmade antique items made before the 18th century can be exported from Israel only with the written permission of the director of the Office of Antiquities, the organization responsible for archaeological excavations and the preservation of historical sites in the country.
India
In India, it is forbidden to export skins of tigers and other wild animals, leather goods of rare reptiles and ivory, as well as living plants.
The export of items of historical or cultural value and made more than a hundred years ago is prohibited. Violation of the ban entails not only a large fine, but also an arrest.
Export from India of the national currency (rupee) is prohibited.
Jordan
Exporting natural corals from Jordan; ivory and stuffed animals are prohibited.
Spain
Spanish customs regulations are quite loyal to Russian tourists. The export of objects and things of historical or artistic value from Spain without special permission is prohibited.
Italy
For the export of souvenirs that fall under the category of antiques, works of art that have historical and artistic value and whose age exceeds 50 years, a special permit of the Italian Ministry of Culture is required. A permit is also required for antique furniture older than 100 years.
The transit of historical values and documents without accompanying and permitting documents or a sales receipt and special permission of the Ministry of Culture of the country is prohibited.
When exporting art objects whose age does not exceed 50 years, it is necessary to provide two photographs and the author’s testimony that his creation is not protected by the state as a national treasure.
