TOURISTS could find themselves being kicked out of a country for making a simple mistake.
Yuri, from Russia, found this out the hard way after taking a semi-nude photo on a mountain, which he posted online.
2
According to CNN Travel, the image of Yuri, which was naked from the waist down, went viral online.
He’d taken a naked photo on Mount Agung, a volcano which is also the highest point on Bali.
While this may seem like a joke, the Hindu Balinese believe that it represents the god Shiva and is seen as disrespectful.
Tourists who want to hike or visit the mountain are required to obtain a permit.
Ni Luh Djelantik, a politician and businesswoman from Bali, has been mediating discussions between Yuri and local people with the Bali director general of immigration overseeing the case.
While Yuri is required to report to the Bali Immigration Office daily, no firm decision has been made regarding his deportation.
The photo has been removed by Yuri who has posted an apology video on Instragram in its place.
In the video he said: “There is no excuse for my actions, the only thing that led to what happened was my personal ignorance.”
“After studying the culture and religion of Bali, I realized my mistake aa Agung is a sacred symbol for the Balinese.
“Shiva destroys the universe in a continuous circle of rebirths.
“The locals revere the gods and believe that if you anger them, an eruption will occur, and this will lead to the destruction of the island.”
This isn’t the first time a tourist has gotten into trouble for unknowingly disrespecting local laws and customs.
Tourists in Sri Lanka have been jailed on several occasions for posing and even kissing a statue of Buddha.
Another woman was arrested for displaying a Buddha tattoo on her arm.
This is because many people in Sri Lanka believe that Buddha is the 9th avatar of the god Vishnu and crimes regarding his image are taken seriously.
While holidaymakers can take pictures of statues of Buddha, selfies including the statue aren’t allowed.
Meanwhile, treading on 20 baht banknote is definitely something to avoid in Thailand.
This is part of wider, and incredibly serious, laws in Thailand that criminalise any display of disrespect to the highly revered Thai royal family.
As the ruling monarch appears on Thai banknotes, it follows that stepping on that banknote would be considered hugely offensive — and criminal.
Thailand’s lese majeste laws, as they’re known, have tripped up many foreign travellers over the years.
Meanwhile, here are five unusual laws you won’t realise you’re breaking on holiday abroad – and you face fines and jail time.
You’ll also need to be careful of where you sit down in Rome.
2
