More than 2,000 British tourists were arrested in Spain in the year before this summer, the latest government figures have shown.
Details from British consulates around the world reveal Spain to be the hotspot for Britons getting into trouble abroad, with 2,290 arrests and 741 hospitalisations.
But with Spain far and away the most popular destination for UK tourists, British travellers were most likely to be arrested in United Arab Emirates (UAE), Thailand and the US.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office warned that British tourists should always be aware of local customs before travelling, with topless sunbathing, public displays of affection and swearing punishable offences in many of the above countries.
'Researching the local laws and customs before you travel could avoid time in a foreign jail,' said Foreign Office minister Chris Bryant.
'Getting comprehensive travel insurance means that whilst an accident may disrupt your holiday, it won't bankrupt you in extortionate medical or repatriation bills.
'The message is clear – have a great time while you're away, but make the necessary preparations before you go.'
The figures out today show that in the 12 months April 2008 to March 2009 there were 2.1 million consular enquiries worldwide.
In the same period there were 991 arrests of UK citizens - a fifth of all arrests - for drug offences; 116 cases of rape and 154 sexual assaults; and 29,774 cases of lost or stolen passports.
Details from British consulates around the world reveal Spain to be the hotspot for Britons getting into trouble abroad, with 2,290 arrests and 741 hospitalisations.
But with Spain far and away the most popular destination for UK tourists, British travellers were most likely to be arrested in United Arab Emirates (UAE), Thailand and the US.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office warned that British tourists should always be aware of local customs before travelling, with topless sunbathing, public displays of affection and swearing punishable offences in many of the above countries.
'Researching the local laws and customs before you travel could avoid time in a foreign jail,' said Foreign Office minister Chris Bryant.
'Getting comprehensive travel insurance means that whilst an accident may disrupt your holiday, it won't bankrupt you in extortionate medical or repatriation bills.
'The message is clear – have a great time while you're away, but make the necessary preparations before you go.'
The figures out today show that in the 12 months April 2008 to March 2009 there were 2.1 million consular enquiries worldwide.
In the same period there were 991 arrests of UK citizens - a fifth of all arrests - for drug offences; 116 cases of rape and 154 sexual assaults; and 29,774 cases of lost or stolen passports.
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