(NewsNation) — The U.S. is urging travelers to carefully check the laws and regulations of countries they are visiting after an American tourist was arrested in Turks and Caicos when ammunition was found in his luggage, the latest in several similar cases in the country.
Ryan Watson, a 40-year-old father from Oklahoma now faces a sentence of up to 12 years in prison for what he says was a “very honest mistake.”
There are now at least four American tourists facing the possibility of lengthy prison sentences for similar charges, including 72-year-old Michael Lee Evans, who was arrested in December and pled guilty to possession of seven rounds of ammo.
But it is not just ammunition that can get you arrested abroad. NewsNation travel editor says many countries also have strict laws about traveling with prescription medications and other drugs.
“Once you leave the United States, your constitutional rights expire with your with when you get to that destination, and you don’t necessarily have those protections,” Greenberg said on “NewsNation Live.”
U.S. Customs and Border Protection recommends checking for the following things in your luggage before traveling to another country.
Firearms and ammunition
It is important to check the latest laws of the country you are visiting to make sure you are not violating local laws.
According to Greenberg, all the Commonwealth countries, including Canada, Australia, Barbados and the Bahamas have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to guns and ammunition.
In cases where countries allow tourists to bring in firearms, it is possible to obtain a special permit allowing you to travel and re-enter the U.S. with your firearm.
“Generally, a BIS license is required to temporarily export a firearm. Travelers may be able to utilize the 15 CFR 740.14 Baggage (BAG) license exception, which provides special provisions for exporting firearms and ammunition,” the CBP website states.
However, CBP notes that this permit is only for reentry into the U.S., and it is the responsibility of the traveler to comply with the import laws of the country they are visiting.
Drugs and medicines
Like with firearms, it is important to check the latest regulations for prescription medication in the country you are traveling to, especially since these laws change regularly.
In certain countries, being caught with common drugs such as oxy, cannabis, Adderall, Xanax, Ritalin, or even allergy medicine like Sudafed could lead to one to 10 years in prison and/or fines up to $20,000.
In France, which is expected to see an influx of visitors this year for the summer Olympics, certain narcotics and houseplants could lead to one year in prison and a fine of 3,700 euros.
Additionally, while marijuana is legal in several states in the U.S., many countries around the world have very strict laws against marijuana possession and use.
Greenberg says if you are traveling with any prescription medication, you need to do two things: Get a letter from your doctor explaining why you are taking that medication and ensure that the prescription lists both the brand name and the generic name of the drug.
While prescription medications are more likely to get tourists into trouble if they are not traveling with the proper documentation, even some over-the-counter medications are not allowed in some countries.
A survey conducted by SingleCare, a prescription savings service, found over 30% of Americans surveyed who are planning to travel this summer admitted to hiding their prescribed medications in their luggage, unaware that certain countries impose on drugs that could result in criminal charges and potential jail time.
Other restricted items
While lists of restricted and prohibited items vary by country, most have some limitations on biological materials, raw and prepared food products, fruit and vegetables, plants and wildlife.
To check what is restricted from entering the U.S., check the CBP website’s detailed list, and to check your destination country’s restricted or prohibited items, check the U.S. Department of State’s website.