Travellers with common item in their luggage could get 'criminal penalty'

Holiday-makers have been urged to read up on the local laws for their destination as carrying a common item could land you a fine or another criminal penalty.

People who use nicotine pouches should be careful if they are visiting France or certain other EU countries soon, as the country has banned the product, even for personal use.

Nicotine pouch producer KLAR has warned that with the number of pouch users in the UK at more than 590,000 and growing, families could be caught out.

Germany and the Netherlands has also banned nicotine pouches entirely. Local laws can change fast, so it's important to read up on official local government advice and any appropriate consulate websites before you go.

The group warned that if you are caught with the pouches, you risk "fines, confiscation, or even criminal penalties". For those who are travelling with nicotine pouches, KLAR chief risk reduction officer Tomas Hammargren shared some tips.

He said to keep your pouches in their original packaging, to make it easier for customers officers to see what you are carrying, making the process quicker.

Another tip is to think about the type of product you are using and if it is 'fly-friendly'. One advantage of nicotine pouches such as KLAR is they don't contain any liquids or batteries, so they are safe in both hand luggage and checked bags, with no risk of leaks or battery problems.

You should also plan ahead and check the airline's policies for when you can use the product. Nicotine pouches are often allowed while vaping typically is not. You can ask the cabin crew about this before the flight.

It's also important to plan ahead in terms of how much you take with you. Many countries with have little or no availability of nicotine alternatives to cigarettes, so it's wise to stock up before you go.

Travel experts at the Post Office also recently encouraged people to check if they need to renew their passport before going away.

Richard Fleetwood, postmaster at Town Centre Washington Post Office, warned that in his experience many people do not know the rules around passport validity and the particular rules that apply in their destination country.

He urged: "My top tip to all travellers is simple - plan ahead. Be sure to check your passport’s expiry date and validity before booking your trip and make sure to always review the travel rules for your destination.

"Staying on top of your passport expiry date can save you a lot of stress and disappointment when the trip does arrive. We would recommend that people check their passport and visit their local Post Office early if they need a new passport."

If you are going away to any of the Schengen area countries, including the EU, you must have a passport issued in the last 10 years and have at least three months left on the date of your departure.