Celebrity holidays

People holidaying in France might bring this keepsake home without thinking twice

It may seem like a harmless memento to slip into your suitcase before heading home, but one common holiday habit could end up proving very expensive. Beach holidays are hugely popular, and while many travellers like to collect natural souvenirs as keepsakes or gifts, doing so in France could land them with a fine of up to €1,500 – which is around £1,300.

The little-known rule applies to natural materials including sea shells, pebbles and sand collected from French beaches. While many holidaymakers think nothing of taking home a small reminder of their trip, doing so is prohibited under French environmental laws designed to protect the country’s coastline.

Authorities say taking such items from beaches contributes to coastal erosion and can damage fragile ecosystems. Shells provide shelter for small marine creatures, while pebbles and sand play an important role in maintaining the stability of beaches.

France is home to more than 5,500 kilometres of mainland coastline and thousands of beaches stretching from the English Channel and Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. According to Atout France, the country’s official tourism development agency, its coastline attracts millions of visitors every year, making conservation efforts increasingly important.

The restrictions form part of France’s Environmental Code (Code de l’environnement), which protects the country’s natural coastal heritage. Anyone caught removing these materials without authorisation can face fines of up to €1,500, depending on the circumstances.

Environmental experts say the impact of individual tourists taking just a handful of sand or shells can quickly add up when millions of people visit beaches each year. According to the European Environment Agency, coastal erosion is already affecting many parts of Europe’s shoreline because of a combination of natural processes and human activity.

France remains one of the world’s most popular holiday destinations, welcoming millions of international visitors every year. Many head to coastal hotspots along the French Riviera, Normandy and the Atlantic coast, where authorities encourage people to leave beaches exactly as they found them.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office advises travellers to familiarise themselves with local laws before visiting overseas destinations. Even seemingly harmless actions can carry penalties if they breach environmental regulations.

Holidaymakers planning a trip to France are therefore encouraged to resist the temptation to pocket shells, pebbles or sand as souvenirs. Taking photographs instead is a simple way to preserve memories without risking an expensive fine or harming the environment.

Expiry dates aren’t the only passport detail holidaymakers need to check before flying – another overlooked rule could derail your travel plans

Preparing for a trip abroad can be stressful enough. From making sure you’ve packed everything you need to checking airport liquid restrictions and ensuring your passport is still valid, there is plenty for holidaymakers to think about before they travel.

However, some holidaymakers could face an unwelcome surprise at check-in even if their document have months to years left before it expires.

This relates to the number of blank pages remaining in a passport. While many people focus on expiry dates, some countries require visitors to have one, two or even more completely blank pages available for entry stamps or visa stickers.

Travel experts warn that passengers who fail to meet these requirements could be denied boarding by airlines or refused entry on arrival.

Airlines are often responsible for ensuring passengers meet a destination’s entry requirements and can face penalties for transporting travellers who do not qualify for entry.

According to travel guidance published by Schengen, some destinations require at least two blank passport pages for visas and border stamps. The guidance warns that airlines may refuse boarding if passengers do not have sufficient space remaining in their passport.

The requirement can catch out frequent travellers whose passports are filled with entry and exit stamps from previous trips. Experts say many people mistakenly assume a passport is suitable for travel provided it remains in date.

For travel to the Schengen Area, for instance, passport rules already require Brits to ensure their passport was issued within the previous 10 years and remains valid for at least three months after their planned departure date. Some guidance also notes that travellers may need at least two blank pages available for visas and stamps where applicable.

A recent travel warning highlighted that a lack of blank pages can become a particular issue for frequent flyers and those taking multi-country trips. Countries may require empty pages for visa stickers, while immigration officials also need room for entry and exit stamps.

Travel experts recommend checking passport validity, issue dates and the number of remaining blank pages well in advance of departure. Unlike an expired passport, extra pages cannot simply be added to a modern British passport, meaning travellers who are running out of space may need to renew the document before travelling.

According to guidance cited by travel experts, some countries require between two and four blank pages depending on the destination and visa requirements. Travellers planning complex itineraries involving multiple countries are therefore advised to check entry rules carefully before travelling.