England fans warned over bizarre historic Texas ‘dildo law’ before World Cup opener against Croatia
The World Cup is almost here, and with it a serious travel warning from the UK Foreign Office for England fans making the trip to the United States of America.
And it's a warning that comes with a very bizarre example of how you could trip up over rules and regulations while in the USA - the infamous Texas 'dildo law'.
It comes after the Foreign Office issued advice on ESTAs and Visas that England fans will need to hold to get in to the country legally. They are simple travel documents that allow you to get through TSA border control quickly and effectively.
Issuing the advice on Tuesday (19 May), it stressed the importance of knowing and following both local state and federal laws, with state law often varying by state - a crucial thing to be aware of it you're an England football fan staying in the States for the tournament and hopefully following the Three Lions on a run to the final at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
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If you don't follow these laws, your legal right to stay in the US could be at risk, with your ESTA or Visa being revoked.
What does the Foreign Office say about US travel?
When it comes to your ESTA and Visa, it is also important to keep a copy of it on you at all times alongside proof of identity, such as a passport or driving licence.
"Local laws in the US may vary by state," the Foreign Office warns.
"While you are in a state, you are subject to both that state’s laws and national (federal) law.
"Not following all US state and federal laws can put your visa status and future travel to the US at risk. You are expected to have a copy of your ESTA or Visa and proof of identity with you at all times."
The Texas 'dildo law'
With each state having its out set of laws and regulations, it's important not to fall foul of them.
And the infamous historic Texas 'dildo law' is one that stands out as to know exactly what you could have to adhere to if you are journeying to England's matches.
England's opening group stage game is against Croatia on 17 June at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas at 9pm GMT.
It is in Texas where the law around sex toys was created. Known officially as the Texas obscenity statute, it regulates the distribution, promotion, and sales of 'obscene materials' across Texas. And one bizarre sub-clause of the law is a cap on how many sex toys you are allowed to possess.
The number is capped at five, with 'six or more obscene devices or identical or similar obscene articles' too many - the law 'presumes' you possess them for the intent to sell on, as per Texas statue.
Would you get your ESTA revoked for having six adult toys?
The reality of the situation is that no, you would not. Not anymore, at least.
In 2008 the US Court of Appeals overturned the ban. It was declared unconstitutional under the Fourteenth Amendment to the US Constitution.
So while the law still exists, and you can find it in the local books, this is an example where federal government has got involved due to it violating the rights of American citizens.
But what it does serve as an example of is just how much you should look at the finer print, and check for the weird and wonderful. The last thing you want while cheering on Harry Kane is to be kicked out the country due to a law you were ignorant of.
England's other group stage games are against Ghana at the Gillette Stadium in Boston on 23 June at 9pm GMT and Panama at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey at 10pm GMT. Time to brush up on those local laws if you're heading there or indeed, to any other game.
Tom Earnshaw