Approximately 3,000 Americans are arrested abroad each year.
Offenses range from arguing in public in Singapore to more serious drug-related charges.
When you are in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws. Many countries have stiff penalties for drug violations and strictly enforce drug laws. If convicted on a serious drug charge, you face a possible sentence of two to 10 years in many countries, and the death penalty in others. Some countries are particularly sensitive about photographs. For information on photography restrictions, check with the country's tourist office or its embassy or consulate in the United States.