Travelling Abroad? Know the Local Law Before You Book a Companion
Escorts Guide lists companions in cities on every continent, and many of our users travel for work or pleasure. One of the most common and costly mistakes travellers make is assuming that the rules at home apply abroad. The law on sex work changes at every border, and sometimes between cities in the same country. This guide summarises the main differences and how to check them. It is general information as of October 2026, not legal advice.
Why it matters
- In some countries, the client commits a crime, even when the companion does not.
- In others, both parties can be prosecuted, and penalties can include prison, heavy fines or deportation.
- Foreign visitors are rarely treated more leniently, and a conviction abroad can affect visas and future travel.
- Touring companions can face immigration consequences for working on a tourist visa, even where sex work is legal.
A quick tour of the main approaches
Europe
Europe ranges from regulated legality (Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria) and decriminalisation (Belgium), to the Nordic model in which buying is illegal (Sweden, Norway, Iceland, France, Ireland and Northern Ireland), to countries where selling and buying are not crimes but organisation and soliciting are (England and Wales, Scotland, Spain, Portugal, Italy). Our European overview covers this in more detail.
North America
In the United States, prostitution is illegal in every state except in a small number of rural counties in Nevada with licensed brothels. In Canada, since 2014, buying sexual services is a criminal offence, while selling one's own services is largely immune from prosecution.
Latin America
In Brazil, sex work by adults is legal and recognised as an occupation, but running a brothel and exploiting others are crimes. Rules vary across the region, so check each country.
Middle East
In the United Arab Emirates and most Gulf states, prostitution and related activities are criminal offences, and the authorities enforce strict laws on public decency, cohabitation and online content. Visitors should be aware that penalties can include imprisonment and deportation.
Asia
Prostitution is illegal in many Asian countries, including Thailand, the Philippines and China, even where enforcement appears inconsistent. Japan's Anti-Prostitution Act of 1956 prohibits prostitution as defined in that law. In India, sex work by adults is not in itself illegal, but many related activities are offences under the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act.
Oceania
New Zealand decriminalised sex work in 2003. In Australia, the law is set by each state and territory: New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland, among others, have moved to decriminalisation, while other states have different regimes.
Universal rules
- Anything involving a person under 18 is a serious crime everywhere, and many countries, including the UK and the US, can prosecute their own citizens for child sexual offences committed abroad.
- Trafficking and exploitation are crimes everywhere.
- Public soliciting is restricted almost everywhere, even where sex work is legal.
How to check before you travel
- Read your own government's official travel advice for the destination; it often covers local laws and penalties.
- Look for official government or parliamentary sources rather than forums.
- Check city-level rules as well as national law.
- For touring companions, check immigration and work-permit rules, not just sex work law.
- If in doubt, do not take the risk.
Respecting the law and the companion
Companions who advertise in countries with restrictive laws take on significant risk. If you are a visitor, never pressure anyone to break local rules, never ask a companion to travel with you to a country where their work is illegal without making sure they understand the risks, and respect any refusal.
If something goes wrong abroad
Contact your country's embassy or consulate if you are arrested or in trouble. If you see signs of trafficking or exploitation, report them to the local police or an international helpline. In an emergency in the EU, call 112.
Frequently asked questions
Is it legal to book an escort in Dubai?
No. Prostitution and related activities are criminal offences in the UAE, with penalties that can include prison and deportation.
Can I be prosecuted at home for something I did abroad?
For most adult consensual activity, generally no, but many countries, including the UK and the US, can prosecute their citizens for sexual offences against children committed abroad.
Where can I check the law quickly?
Your government's official travel advice for the country is the best starting point, followed by official government or legislation websites.