British tourists face fine up to £2.6k if they take 'harmless' souvenir with them

With millions of people headed on vacation to make the most of the summer, there's one thing British tourists need to be extra cautious about while travelling this year. A simple handful of sand or an attractive shell might appear to be an innocent souvenir when you're visiting a beach - but in certain locations, it could result in legal and monetary repercussions.

Numerous tourists bring home natural mementoes from their trips - a pebble from a coastline, a small amount of sand, or a shell discovered along the water's edge. Yet depending on your destination, this innocent act could breach local environmental protection regulations and result in penalties, seizure of items, and in rare cases, prosecution.

Travel specialists Alpine Elements warn that many nations are intensifying enforcement against removing natural materials from coastlines and conservation zones. They warn: "Many travellers don't realise that sand, shells or stones are considered protected natural resources in certain locations. Removing them can be treated as an environmental offence - even if the amount seems small."

UK

Many people like to pick up a small seashell, a pebble, or some sand as a souvenir of their time spent on a beach, but the act isn't as innocent as one would hope.

Under the Coastal Protection Act 1949, it is actually illegal to take any type of natural materials from public beaches in the UK. Breaking this law could see the issuance of a hefty fine of up to £1,000 if you're caught.

Italy

Italy, especially the island of Sardinia, implements stringent environmental regulations to safeguard its coastlines. Holiday-makers have faced fines as high as €3,000 (£2,607) for trying to leave with beach sand stored in containers or bottles.

In recent years, officials have seized substantial quantities of sand - including more than 2kg collected from protected shores such as Chia and La Pelosa. Officials caution that even tiny amounts taken as keepsakes can harm local wildlife habitats.

Hawaii

In Hawaii, items on the island are considered sacred and removing them from their natural habitat is considered a strict no-no. It's illegal to take volcanic rocks, black sand or coral due to state law and national park rules in Hawaii, with the aim of preserving the islands' unique geological features. Visitors are urged to show respect for the land.

The belief in Pele's Curse is widespread among locals, a cultural myth suggesting that misfortune befalls those who remove items from the island. While not legally binding, it signifies Hawaiians' profound spiritual bond with their environment.

Countless tourists have allegedly returned pilfered natural treasures by post after encountering "bad luck".

Greece

In Greece, collecting shells might seem innocuous but can attract unwanted attention. Greek laws concerning the environment and archaeology forbid taking anything from specific coastal or underwater areas, particularly near protected or historical sites.

Tourists have found themselves in hot water at customs or had items seized if suspected of being sourced from restricted areas. Even accidental removal of such materials can result in trouble.

Alpine Elements warns: "Greece's beaches and marine life are part of its national heritage. What seems like a harmless souvenir may have legal or environmental implications."

France and Croatia

France and Croatia also enforce strict measures to safeguard their coastal ecosystems.

Across southern France, particularly in the Calanques National Park, and throughout Croatia's Dalmatian coastline, numerous beaches have been classified as protected areas. These locations prohibit the gathering of natural specimens to safeguard fragile ecosystems.

Whilst substantial penalties are uncommon, tourists are consistently warned via notices and awareness initiatives against removing pebbles, shells or sand. Transportation personnel may also request that travellers abandon such items.

Spain

The Balearic Islands prioritise environmental protection and throughout Mallorca, Ibiza and Formentera, local officials are actively combating coastal erosion and ecological degradation. Taking sand, stones or shells from shorelines or sand dunes is prohibited and could lead to official penalties.

Recent years have witnessed heightened educational drives, featuring prominent warning signs at coastal areas and transit points, alerting holidaymakers against transporting beach materials - even accidentally - in their baggage.

Maintaining safety and showing respect

Whilst regulations differ across nations and territories, tourists are urged to research local conservation rules before gathering any natural items from the places they're visiting.

Alpine Elements cautions: "Taking sand or shells may not seem like a big deal - but it adds up. Beyond the risk of fines, it contributes to long-term damage of fragile ecosystems. If you're unsure whether something is allowed, it's always safer - and more respectful - to leave it behind. A photo or memory is far better than a holiday ending with stress or confiscation."