Countries where sex toys are illegal

Packing your bags for a sexy vacay? Maybe leave your favourite vibe at home if you’re heading to certain countries. Turns out not everyone is as chill about toys as we are.

While most of us see vibrators and wands as self-care essentials (right up there with sunscreen and dry shampoo), some parts of the world take a very different view. Thanks to religious rules, cultural traditions, or strict morality laws, pleasure products can be considered “obscene” or even pornographic. And trust us, customs officers don’t usually share your enthusiasm for a cheeky suitcase buzz.

In this blog, we’re breaking down exactly where sex toys are banned or restricted, what could happen if you’re caught with one, and a few traveller tips to keep your saucy suitcase drama-free.

Why Are Sex Toys Illegal in Some Countries?

The short answer? Morality. In many places, sex toys are lumped in with porn or “indecent” materials under obscenity codes. Some governments ban them outright under religious law, while others quietly discourage their sale and import to keep up appearances of cultural modesty.

The punishments aren’t all the same. Realistically, there’s a high chance you might be ok bringing your toys into some of these places, however there’s also a chance you might have ol’ faithful confiscated on arrival or even fined. Some sources cite jail time as being a possibility but we aren’t so sure that’s realistic. 

And here’s the kicker: laws on paper don’t always match reality. In some countries, restrictions exist but are barely enforced, while in others, a single vibe in your carry-on could land you in hot water. It’s a bit of a legal lottery, which is why knowing the rules before you fly is very important.

Countries With Strict Bans on Sex Toys

So, where exactly should you think twice before packing your vibrator, wand, or double-ended glass bestie? Let’s take a little trip around the globe. 

Middle East & Gulf Nations

If your holiday plans involve sand dunes and five-star resorts, babes, keep your carry-on squeaky clean.

• Saudi Arabia: Sex toys are considered straight-up pornographic here. Bringing one in could land you with confiscation or fines.

• UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Iran, Iraq, Egypt: Across these countries, sex toys are labelled as “obscene objects.” Translation: importing, selling, or even possessing them could spark serious legal trouble. 

Asia & Pacific

From tropical getaways to buzzing city breaks, Asia has plenty of dreamy destinations but sex toys often don’t make the guest list.

• Maldives: This picture-perfect honeymoon spot is less chill about vibes. Get caught with one and you could face up to 6 months in jail.
  
  

• India: The laws are a little grey, but toys are often treated as “obscene objects” under the Penal Code. Shops can get raided, imports seized, and buyers left in awkward positions (and not the fun kind).
  
  

• Malaysia: Strictly illegal to sell, import, or own toys. Yes, even if it’s just your trusty bullet vibe tucked in your drawer.
  
  

• Thailand: Famous for nightlife and partying, but ironically, sex toys are banned. They’re officially considered obscene objects, and carrying one can lead to fines or imprisonment.
  
  

• Vietnam: Importing sex toys is a big no-no. They may not be outlawed by statute, but border security will happily confiscate anything buzzy or wandy.
  
  

• Sri Lanka, Fiji, Bhutan, Papua New Guinea: Here, things are less black-and-white but still risky. Toys are often confiscated at airports or borders, even when the laws aren’t crystal clear. Basically, your vibe could vanish before you’ve even unpacked your swimmers.

Africa & Caribbean

The sun, the cocktails, the beaches… and unfortunately, a total buzzkill when it comes to toys.

• Senegal, Malawi, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana: Across these African nations, laws banning the import, sale, or possession of sex toys are pretty common. They’re usually tucked under “obscenity” or “indecency” laws, but the bottom line is the same if customs spot your vibrator, you’ll probably lose it faster than your bikini bottoms in a riptide.
  
  

• Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos: Dreaming of a Caribbean getaway? Gorgeous choice, babe. Just don’t bring your toys along. Both territories have restrictions under local indecency laws, meaning your vibrator could get confiscated before you even hit the sand.
  
  

Western Region

Now here’s a plot twist worthy of a Netflix series.

• United States (Alabama): In a country where sex toys are widely available (and basically a rite of passage at bachelorette parties), Alabama decided to be the odd one out. Selling “obscene devices” designed for sexual pleasure is against the law. The good news? Owning them is fine. The bad news? Buying them locally isn’t. Road trip to another state, anyone?

What Happens If You’re Caught With Sex Toys?

So what actually goes down if you roll the dice and pack your favourite vibe anyway?

• Confiscation at airports: The most common outcome. Customs officers will simply take your toy and send you on your way sans buzz, but free to sip your pina colada in peace.
  
  

• Fines: In stricter countries, you might be slapped with a hefty fine. Not exactly the souvenir you were hoping for.
  
  

• Jail time (or worse): In places with harsh morality laws, getting could technically mean time behind bars. Definitely not the holiday vibe.
  
  

The tricky bit? Enforcement is unpredictable. In some destinations, the law is strict but rarely applied. In others, one unlucky search can turn your trip into a nightmare. Travellers have reported everything from awkward giggles at security checkpoints to full-blown legal scares when a vibrator was found in their luggage.

Moral of the story: always research before you fly, babe. It’s one thing to forget your sunscreen it’s another to end up explaining your rabbit vibe to a very unimpressed customs officer.

Travellers, Take Note

Before you zip up your suitcase with your favourite toy nestled inside, here are a few travel-savvy tips to keep things drama-free:

• Check destination laws before you fly: A quick Google could save you a world of awkward conversations at customs.
  
  

• Consider discretion when packing: If you’re risking it, smaller, less “obvious” toys are easier to pass off as, say, a quirky massager. But remember, there’s always a risk.
  
  

• Use alternative items for intimacy: Think massage oils, lubes, lingerie, or even a cheeky erotic read. They can keep the sparks alive without breaking the rules.
  
  

• Remember stigma matters too: Even if the law is vague, conservative social customs can make carrying toys risky. What feels normal at home might raise eyebrows elsewhere.
  
  

Final Thoughts – Pleasure Without Borders

Your orgasms deserve to be free, but sadly, some places aren’t quite there yet. Until then, queens, research before you travel, play safe, and know the Girls Get Off vibe squad will always be waiting back home with open arms, open legs (kidding… sort of), and all the toys your Queen V deserves.

✨ Community Note: Laws are one thing, but real-world experiences vary. Our co-founder Viv has successfully carried toys through Vietnam and even a Saudi Arabia stopover without issue, while other GGO community babes have had toys seized in Fiji and Indonesia. It really is a mixed bag, so pack with caution.

💡 Wondering whether to stash your toys in your carry-on or checked luggage? We’ve covered that juicy dilemma in another blog check it out for all the tips before you fly. 

 

Travelling to a muslim country with a sex toy?

Here's a hot tip from one of the GGO girlies on Instagram:

 

FAQ: Sex Toys and Travel

1. Can I bring sex toys in my carry-on luggage?
Check out this guide to check if your sex toys need to be packed in carry-on or checked baggage. As long as you are traveling to a country where sex toys are legal, you will have no issues when you arrive. But in stricter destinations, it’s a gamble. Some travellers report no issues, others get their toys confiscated.

2. What happens if customs finds my sex toy?
Worst-case scenario: they confiscate it, fine you, or in some countries, technically they could arrest you but we haven’t heard of this happening. Best-case: an awkward giggle and a red-faced officer handing your bag back. The risk totally depends on the country.

3. Are small toys (like bullets or discreet vibes) safer to pack than bigger ones?
Sometimes, but we would suggest choosing a toy that might be able to pass for something else - like Elle, or Wanda that could pass as ‘massagers’. But remember: if toys are banned, size doesn’t really matter (insert joke here, babes). If the law says no, it’s still a risk.

4. Can I order sex toys online in countries where they’re illegal?
Technically, no. Many of these countries block imports and seize packages at customs. You could lose your money and your vibe. If you’re living in one of these places long-term, look for safer alternatives like lingerie, massage oils, or intimacy-enhancing games.

5. Why are sex toys banned in some countries?
 Most bans come down to morality laws, religious restrictions, or cultural taboos. Sex toys get lumped in with “obscenity” or “pornography,” even though we know they’re just self-care tools for a banging sex life. Some countries are slowly modernising, but others? Not so much.