Holidaymakers could face prison for having adult item in bag

Daily Record

22-04-2025

Experts at The Handy have warned against taking adult toys to a number of destinations
Travel experts are cautioning holidaymakers about the perils of bringing adult toys to certain destinations, warning that such actions could result in hefty penalties or even jail time. Experts at The Handy have compiled a list of places where such items could get tourists into trouble, including specific areas of the United States and tourist hotspots like Thailand.
Speaking on the matter, JP Wilhelmsen, Founder and CEO at the company behind The Handy, advised: "When away from home, whether for work or pleasure, your toy can feel like an essential item to pack, with many relying on them for relaxation, stress relief, and self-care. However, it's important to be mindful of where you're travelling."
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He went on to add: "Sex toys are considered illegal or heavily restricted in some countries, and packing one without checking the local laws could lead to embarrassment, confiscation, and even fines. Always research your destination ahead of time, and if you're unsure, leave them at home in your bedside drawer."
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The UAE is known for its luxurious experiences, but travellers should leave their adult toys at home. Under Article 356 of the Penal Code, the possession, import, or sale of sex toys is strictly prohibited.
Customs officers regularly confiscate such items, and in more serious cases, travellers may face fines of up to 5,000 dirhams (£1,064) or even prosecution.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia enforces one of the strictest stances globally when it comes to adult toys. All forms of pornography, including sex-related devices, are banned. Customs guidelines prohibit "obscene" items, and violations can result in confiscation.
Travellers should be extremely cautious and avoid packing anything that could be misinterpreted.
Malaysia
Under Section 292 of Malaysia's Penal Code, the possession, distribution, or sale of items deemed "obscene", including adult toys, is a criminal offence. Those who risk it could face up to three years in jail, a fine, or both.
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While enforcement may vary, there's a significant risk for travellers who arrive with personal pleasure products.
India
India's laws on adult toys fall into a legal grey zone. While there's no outright ban, the sale and import of adult toys can be prosecuted under obscenity laws, particularly Section 292 of the Indian Penal Code. Customs officials have been known to confiscate products, and businesses selling adult products often operate discreetly.
Therefore, travellers are advised to leave their toys at home before travelling.
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Thailand
Thailand may be famous for its nightlife, but sex toys are illegal. Their sale, import, and possession are banned under obscenity laws, and violators risk having their items confiscated or facing fines of up to £1,400.
Tourists may assume the country's party scene extends to all aspects of sexual freedom, but local laws take a much more conservative stance when it comes to toys.
Maldives
While the Maldives markets itself as a honeymoon hotspot, visitors should be aware that bringing personal pleasure products could cause serious trouble. The import and possession of adult toys are strictly prohibited under the country's regulations on 'obscene materials'.
Sex toys are routinely confiscated by customs, so it's best to leave the toys at home.
USA
While the USA may seem sexually liberated, not every state is. Alabama remains infamous for its long-standing restriction on the sale of sex toys under the Anti-Obscenity Enforcement Act. The law has faced multiple legal challenges, but it technically still stands to this day.
Mississippi and Georgia have also had past attempts to regulate or restrict adult toys under obscenity rules, so travellers may want to be cautious if travelling to these Southern states.