Few travelers read another country's criminal code before takeoff. They should: clothes that hunters, hikers, and militarism fans wear without a second thought are strictly banned in about twenty states. A plain spotted T-shirt or a camo cap can bring not only a huge fine, but a trip straight to the local jail.
The law in these countries is written as harshly as possible: any clothing, footwear, caps, and even backpacks with army green or grey print are banned, no matter how fashionable or harmless they look.
Where camouflage counts as a crime
The geography of the ban is fairly wide, but enforcement is strictest in Caribbean resort regions and in a number of African and Middle Eastern countries.
Hard limits currently apply in 21 countries. The list includes popular destinations such as:
- Jamaica
- Barbados
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Saint Lucia
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Nigeria
- Ghana
- Oman
- Saudi Arabia
In the Maldives or Turkey, nobody may notice your army shorts. In Barbados, a patrol may approach you within minutes on the street.
Why local authorities fear military print
The reason for such harsh measures sits in history and security. Many of these states have seen military coups, internal armed conflicts, or long fights with rebels. Insurgents and gang members often wore camouflage stolen from depots or bought on the black market.
To keep local police and the regular army from confusing civilians with fighters, authorities simply monopolized the print. Only active service members on duty may wear it. If a civilian, local resident or visiting foreigner alike, puts on a "spotted" item, the law treats it as an attempt to pass for military personnel or a member of an armed group.
What an inattentive tourist risks
Excuses like "I did not know" or "this is just an expensive brand jacket" do not work with police in these countries. How harsh the penalty is depends on the state, but none of the options is pleasant.
- Confiscation on the spot. In the best case they make you remove the camouflage item in the street (or at airport screening) and take it permanently to the station. And you are lucky if you have something else to change into.
- A large fine. The offender gets a ticket for a round sum that can run to hundreds or even thousands of local dollars.
- Jail time. In countries such as Saint Lucia or Jamaica, willful violation or arguing with police can officially mean arrest for up to one year.
How to avoid trouble on the trip
There is only one rule, and it is simple: if your itinerary includes the Caribbean or African countries, leave any hint of army style at home. That covers not only field pants or jackets, but kids' clothes, beach bags, wallets, and phone cases with the same mottled pattern.
For vacation, choose classic solid clothes in neutral colors. That will spare you long sessions at a police station and save the trip from unplanned financial losses.
