Millions of people will be heading abroad for the summer holidays
When packing clothes for a holiday, you may not think about what you’re throwing in your suitcase. However, there are certain types of clothing that can land you in a lot of trouble in some countries.
There are countries that ban camouflage patterns and clothing, making wearing it illegal. Camouflage print is a pattern designed to mimic natural environments, traditionally used by military forces to conceal personnel and equipment. Camouflage consists of things such as leaves, branches, or brown and green paint.
Most of the Caribbean island nations have restricted its use. Antigua and Barbuda and Barbados. Also, the Hispania islands of Dominica and Jamaica have banned the print outside the military.
The islands of Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Trinidad, and Tobago have made it illegal to wear camouflage. The Bahamas have outlawed camouflage to prevent public confusion of civilians with the military.
According to the World Population Review website, there are quite a few countries who have outright banned and regulated this certain color pattern as it needed to differentiate citizens from other people in the area. The website added: “The unofficial wearing of camouflage by groups with ill intent has led to growing restrictions on its use.”
Currently, 18 countries regulate camouflage patterns and clothing, making wearing it illegal. In the Middle East, Azerbaijan and Saudi Arabia have specifically banned the wearing of camouflage for those not in uniform.
In 2019, the Omani government outlawed wearing camouflage or combat clothing. It declared jail time and a large fine for wearing military-style clothing or accessories, including shirts, pants, hats, and scarves.
In Africa, camouflage print and clothing are banned by the nations of Nigeria, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe for non-military purposes. In Ghana, combat-style clothing is looked upon as as an insult, disrespecting traditional values and the government.
In the South Pacific, the Republic of the Philippines government limits camouflage use to military uniforms and personnel.
For the UK, the Ministry of Defence responded to a Freedom of Information request (FOI) in 2017 from a member of the public who raised concerns about breaking rules for wearing a military type uniform, MoD published this online.
The response from MoD was: “There is no general offence of impersonating a member of the Armed Forces, and many actors do so in theatre and films.
“It is similarly not wrong for a civilian to wear uniform or former military clothing for their own preference or entertainment, as long as they are not claiming to be a member of the Armed Forces or hold a rank they are not entitled to.
“It is however an offence under the Official Secrets Acts to wear Service uniform for the purpose of gaining admission to a prohibited place or for a purpose prejudicial to the safety or interests of the State within the meaning of the Acts.
“The unauthorised wearing of Service uniform in this way or the wearing of uniform in a manner that is likely to bring contempt on to it, are criminal offences which may be punished by a fine or imprisonment.”
American TV personality Samantha Brown is known for her work in travel. Her Travel Channel shows include Girl Meets Hawaii, Great Vacation Homes, Great Hotels, Passport to Europe, Passport to Latin America, Great Weekends and Green Getaways.
In an Instagram post uploaded by her in 2023, she said: “It’s considered impersonating the military. While shooting my travel shows in a lot of the Caribbean Islands we were told as a crew never to wear or have anything with camouflage.”
In the video, she added: “Did you know it’s illegal to wear camouflage in some countries? You can’t wear it, can’t even have it on a bag or it will be confiscated.”
Countries that citizens cannot wear camouflage clothing in:
Antigua and BarbudaBahamasBarbadosDominicaGhanaGrenadaJamaicaNigeriaOmanPhilippinesSaint LuciaSaint Vincent and the GrenadinesSaudi ArabiaSouth AfricaTrinidad and TobagoUgandaZambiaZimbabwe
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