Dubai Airport banned items – What you need to know

• Hand Luggage Restrictions
• Liquid Restrictions
• Baggage Rules and Regulations
• Dangerous Goods
• Items Requiring Permits
• Carrying Medicines
• Permitted Luggage Items
• General Tips
• FAQs

Dubai International Airport has strict security measures to ensure all passengers’ safety. As a result, travellers must be aware of the items they can and cannot bring when flying to or from Dubai. Familiarising yourself with items banned in Dubai and packing your belongings correctly can help you avoid unnecessary hassles and delays at the airport. This comprehensive guide will provide all the necessary information about the Dubai Airport banned items, helping you have a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.

Please note the list of Dubai Airport banned items 2024 can be updated periodically to add or remove items based on local and international stipulations. Please refer to the official Dubai Customs website for the latest information on banned items in Dubai airport.

TRAVELLING TO DUBAI

Stay clear of these items banned in Dubai when travelling to the City of Gold. 

ITEMS TO AVOID CARRYING IN YOUR HAND LUGGAGE

You should bring items you may need during the flight in your hand luggage. However, it must not exceed the weight restriction or contain anything the airline doesn’t allow under Dubai Airport banned items.

Hand luggage items banned in Dubai Airport include:

1. Hammers (all types)
2. Nails and drills (all types)
3. Any sharp tools, including screwdrivers
4. Scissors (all types) or blades (bigger than 6cm)
5. Personal grooming kit items longer than 6cm
6. Any sharp objects or swords
7. Laser guns (all types)
8. Flare guns, ammunition and firearms (all types, including replicas)
9. Handcuffs
10. More than one lighter
11. Bats (all types)
12. Martial art weapons (all types)
13. Ropes (all types)
14. Walkie-talkie
15. Packing tape
16. Electrical cables (excluding personal use cables)
17. Measuring tape (all types)
18. Chemicals
19. Flammable liquid
20. Lithium batteries
21. Compressed gas cylinders
22. Car repair parts
23. Hoverboard

CARRYING LIQUIDS

There are specific regulations regarding transporting liquids, aerosols and gels in your hand luggage. These restrictions apply to all passengers departing from Dubai Airport. To comply with the regulations:

• An item cannot be more than 100 ml in quantity
• The total quantity of all your liquid items should not exceed one litre

These Dubai Airport rules are not applicable if the liquid in question fits either of these categories.

• Medication
• Special dietary requirement
• Baby milk

There is no limit to packing liquids into check-in bags as long as they are tightly secured with no chance of spillage. We recommend packing all liquids in resealable, clear plastic bags for a hassle-free travel experience (though it is not mandatory).

BAGGAGE RULES AND REGULATIONS: CHOOSING YOUR TRAVEL BAGS

Before packing your luggage, consider these Dubai Airport baggage rules.

• All bags should have at least one (1) flat surface.
• There should be no long straps attached to your bags.
• Bags must not have irregular or round-shaped parcels.

Any bags/parcels not complying with these requirements will be rejected at check-in. Also, it is advisable to stick to a flat-bottomed handbag, rectangular suitcase or properly sealed box. Other bag-related guidelines and laws in Dubai for travellers include the following:

• You are allowed a maximum of two (2) pieces of luggage for international travel.
• The combined weight for your luggage should not exceed 32kgs (might vary according to fare type and airline).
• Your check-in baggage should not be bigger than 90cm long, 60cm wide and 75cm high.

Check-in baggage that doesn’t comply with size requirements will be checked in as oversized baggage with additional charges applicable.

DANGEROUS GOODS: RESTRICTED AND BANNED ITEMS AT DXB AIRPORT

• Alcohol
• Batteries and battery-powered devices
• Battery-powered mobility devices
• Gas cylinders and aerosols
• Fuel and fuel cartridges
• Medical items
• Powders

Here’s an overview of all restricted and banned items at DXB Airport, classified under dangerous goods.

Alcohol

Alcoholic beverages (in original retail packaging) that contain more than 24% but less than 70% alcohol can be carried in hand carry-in and checked-in luggage.

Please note that the beverage volume can’t exceed 5 litres, with a total net quantity of 5 litres per person.

Batteries and battery-powered devices

• Spare or loose batteries for portable electronic devices, including lithium metal or lithium ion cells or batteries, must be transported in carry-on baggage only.
• Lithium Batteries, spare or loose, for consumer electronic devices with a Watt-hour rating exceeding 100 watt-hours but less than 160 watt-hours NEED PRIOR APPROVAL from airlines.
• Drones are only allowed in checked-in baggage.
• Passengers are allowed to bring up to 15 personal electronic devices, including medical and consumer electronics with lithium batteries, in both carry-on and check-in baggage.

Item	Allowed Status
Item Lithium Batteries: Security type equipment	Allowed Status Needs approval
Item Lithium battery-powered electronic devices	Allowed Status Needs approval
Item Portable electronic devices containing non-spillable batteries	Allowed Status Both Carry-on and Check-in
Item Smart baggage*with removable batteries	Allowed Status Both Carry-on and Check-in
Item e-cigarettes*	Allowed Status Only Carry on

* Within the cabin baggage size and weight limits.

*Including e-cigars, e-pipes, Electric Portable Incense (Perfume) Burner or other personal vapourisers.

Battery-powered mobility devices

This section lists the criteria for battery-powered wheelchairs, motorised personal vehicles or other similar mobility devices.

As stated in the table below, hoverboards are strictly prohibited items in checked baggage as well as carry-ons.

Item	Allowed Status
Item Battery-powered wheelchairs	Allowed Status Needs approval
Item Battery-powered wheelchairs or other similar mobility devices with spillable batteries or with lithium batteries	Allowed Status Needs approval
Item Battery-powered mobility aids with lithium-ion batteries (collapsible)	Allowed Status Needs approval
Item Hoverboards	Allowed Status Forbidden
Item Mini-Segways and smart or self-balancing wheels	Allowed Status Forbidden

Gas cylinders and aerosols

• An avalanche rescue backpack with a cartridge of compressed gas needs prior approval.
• Hair curlers containing hydrocarbon gas are allowed in both carry-on and check-in baggage.
• Non-flammable, non-toxic aerosols are allowed in check-in luggage. However, the total quantity should not exceed two kilograms and each article should not exceed 0.5kg/litre.

Fuel and fuel cartridges

• Camping stoves and empty fuel containers that previously contained flammable liquid fuel need approval.
• Fuel cells for portable electronic devices are only allowed in carry-on luggage.
• Fuel cell cartridges for portable electronic devices, including spares, are allowed in both carry-on and check-in baggage.

Medical items

Item	Allowed Status
Item Refrigerated liquid nitrogen in insulated packaging	Allowed Status Both carry-on and check-in baggage
Item Oxygen or air, gaseous, cylinders	Allowed Status Needs approval
Item Radioisotopic cardiac pacemakers	Allowed Status Both carry-on and check-in baggage
Item Specimens, non-infectious	Allowed Status Both carry-on and check-in baggage
Item Thermometer, medical or clinical	Allowed Status Only check-in

Powdered substances

• Passengers flying to US destinations are prohibited from carrying powder-like substances in containers that are equal to or over 350 ml/grams in their cabin baggage. They must be checked in instead.
• Powders under 350 ml/gram may be subject to additional screening.
• Baby formula, prescription medications, and human remains are exempt from restrictions. Powder-like substances purchased in airport duty-free shops must be placed in tamper-evident bags that are sealed and accompanied by proof of purchase.

What Not to Pack in your checked baggage for happier travels?#DubaiPolice#SmartSecureTogether#YourSecurityOurHappiness pic.twitter.com/ODF7mTmWmW

— Dubai Policeشرطة دبي (@DubaiPoliceHQ) December 4, 2019

ITEMS THAT REQUIRE PERMITS

Certain items may require permits or special licenses to be brought into Dubai. Here’s a list of restricted goods in Dubai Airport along with their respective controlling authorities:

• Insecticides, fertilizers, and live animals, which require permits from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.
• Fireworks, explosives, firearms, and ammunition, which require permits from the Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces.
• Medicines, pharmaceuticals, and emergency aid, which require permits from the Ministry of Health and Prevention.
• Telecommunications and digital equipment, which require permits from the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority.
• Beauty and personal care items, which require permits from the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology.
• E-cigarettes and electronic hookah, which require permits from the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology.

TRAVELLING TO DUBAI – BANNED ITEMS AT DUBAI AIRPORT YOU SHOULD AVOID

As per Dubai Customs’ official website, these items are included under things not to carry while travelling to Dubai:

• Drugs of abuse, including cocaine, hashish, heroin and hallucination pills.
• Products intended for sale from boycotted countries.
• Gambling tools and equipment.
• Used, refurbished, and inlaid tires.
• Crude ivory or rhinoceros horns.
• Material polluted by nuclear or radiation.
• Items such as sculptures, paintings, and publications that go against Islamic beliefs and teachings.
• Counterfeit and duplicate money.
• Food prepared or cooked at home.
• Hoverboards, Segways, and other personal motorised vehicles.

Remember that bringing in Dubai Airport prohibited items in checked/carry-on baggage can result in penalties and legal consequences.

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CARRYING MEDICINES: MEDICINES AND THINGS NOT TO CARRY WHILE TRAVELLING TO DUBAI

Certain medicines are also included in the list of banned items at Dubai Airport. The UAE government advises visitors, tourists and new expats to be extra vigilant when bringing medicines into the country. Some medicines from your home country may inadvertently contain substances banned in the UAE. This may lead to an escalation of matters and possible arrests.

Some medicines/drugs* are banned/prohibited in the UAE. The list includes:

• Morphine
• Alpha-methylifentanyl
• Betamethodol
• Codeine
• Ketamine
• Trimeperidine
• Tramadol
• Risperidone
• Etorphine
• Thiofentanyl

Government authorities regularly update the list of medicines banned in the UAE. Make it a habit to check the official website of the emirate’s customs department or the UAE’s Ministry of Health before travelling to avoid any inconveniences.

In situations where you do not have any other option but to carry the banned medication with you, here’s what you should do:

• Carry a valid prescription from the doctor.
• Get an import permit issued from MOHAP for your prescription (Narcotics Controlled) medicines.
• Ensure you do not have medication more than the required normal usage of your scheduled stay in Dubai.

You can read the guidelines on bringing medicines to the UAE for further clarity. * The full list of banned medicines can be downloaded from the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) website.

ITEMS ALLOWED AT DUBAI AIRPORT AS PER CUSTOM REGULATIONS

We’ve already talked about the banned items for Dubai Airport. Let’s now look at the items travellers can carry with them.

• Personal possessions of passengers
• Video cameras
• Radio systems, integrated broadcasting gear, CD and DVD players in reasonable quantities for personal use
• Telescopes
• Computers/laptops
• Portable calculators
• Portable television sets
• Personal sports equipment
• Portable typing sets
• Portable music equipment
• Baby strollers
• Wheelchairs and cars for people of determination

There are also some items that travellers are allowed to carry in their luggage, but only in accordance with the following guidelines.

GIFTS

• Gifts shouldn’t be valued at more than AED 3k.

CASH

• Less than AED 60k in total, including banknotes, travellers’ cheques and currencies.
• Passenger(s) carrying currency shouldn’t be under 18.

CIGARETTES AND TOBBACO

• Keep the quantities under 400 for cigarettes, 50 for cigars and 500 grams for tobacco.
• The tobacco can be pressed or minced for smoking or pipes.
• The stipulation covers both regular and mild-tasting tobacco.

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

• To carry alcoholic beverages custom-free into Dubai, the total quantity should not exceed 4 litres. 
• No more than two beer cartons are allowed with 24 cans each or 355ml per can or equivalent. 

Please note:

• Anything exceeding these values is subject to customs charges. To carry cigarettes, tobacco and alcoholic beverages, the passenger and those accompanying them should be above 18.
• The custom exemptions are only applicable when you are not a frequent traveller to Dubai or a member of the conveyance crew.  

GENERAL TIPS FOR TRAVELLING TO AND FROM DUBAI

When travelling to or from airports in Dubai, the following tips can help you reduce a considerable amount of hassle:

• It is always better to get travel insurance.
• Make sure you pack all your personal belongings in hand luggage.
• Keep your laptop easily accessible as it needs to be placed in a separate security tray during the screening process.
• Remove old baggage tags to avoid confusion and rejection by the baggage system.
• Cardboard boxes are manually processed and take longer for Dubai Airport security clearance. So, it is better to avoid them.
• Never accept anything from other passengers.

FAQS ABOUT DUBAI AIRPORT BANNED ITEMS 2024 AND MORE

CAN I BRING NARCOTICS OR PSYCHOTROPIC DRUGS TO DUBAI WITH A VALID PRESCRIPTION?

If you are planning to bring narcotics or psychotropic drugs to the United Arab Emirates, it is important to note that you must have a valid prescription for them. However, you are only allowed to bring a maximum of three months’ worth of medication. Additionally, all prescriptions and medical reports pertaining to the use of these drugs must be authenticated by your healthcare provider. To avoid any inconvenience, it is highly recommended that you obtain an import permit from MOHAP.

No restrictions apply to drugs/prescription medications that are not classified as narcotics or psychotropics.

HOW CAN I CARRY MY OTC AND OTHER PRESCRIPTION MEDS TO DUBAI WITHOUT A HASSLE?

When it comes to carrying medications, it is crucial to be aware of the regulations in Dubai. Even if prescribed in other countries, some medications may contain ingredients prohibited in the UAE. To avoid any issues:

• Carry an updated prescription from a licensed physician or clinic that lists the medication and your current health condition.
• Ensure the medications have visible expiration dates and are stored in original packaging.
• Check the official websites of Dubai Customs and the UAE Ministry of Health for the most up-to-date information on prohibited medications.
• If applicable, apply for an import permit from MOHAP to avoid problems.

IS THERE A LIST OF BANNED FOOD ITEMS IN DUBAI?

According to Dubai laws for tourists, passengers travelling to Dubai shouldn’t bring cooked or homemade food, seeds, raw plants, fruits, vegetables and other unprocessed and unpacked edibles. All items not included in the list of banned food items in Dubai must be adequately packed and stored.

WHAT DUBAI BANNED ITEMS SHOULD I AVOID PACKING FOR MY EMIRATES AIRLINES FLIGHT?

It’s important to read the updated Dangerous Goods Policy on Emirate Airlines’ official website before packing your bags for travel. The list of Dubai banned items as check-in luggage includes but is not limited to explosives, personal motorised vehicles, e-cigarettes, drones and batteries. Before you travel, ensure you are not carrying any items banned in Dubai Airport.

WHAT ITEMS ARE NOT ALLOWED ON A PLANE IN HAND LUGGAGE IN DUBAI?

Regarding banned items in Dubai Airport, you should never pack loose batteries, drones, personal motorised vehicles such as hoverboards, aerosol/sprays, thermometers, all powder-like substances, safety matches, lighters, mace, pepper spray, tasers and explosives in your hand luggage.

Some airlines require special approvals for items. Please check with your carrier for the latest guidelines.

Get set for a seamless journey from #DXB as you embark on your summer travels! ☀️

Here are 5 travel tips from our team for a smooth airport experience 👇

🚕 Use the @rta_dubai taxis or the metro to get to the airport

✅ Carry the right documents to speed through check-in pic.twitter.com/mVK6RErIJS

— DXB (@DXB) June 22, 2023

That’s all for our list of banned items at Dubai Airport. The next time you’re headed to Dubai Airport from your home country or anywhere else, ensure your luggage is void of the banned items.

For those with too much time to kill between a transit/layover, there are many things to do at Dubai International Airport. You can eat, shop and relax at Zen Gardens or in lounges at Dubai Airport.

If you find yourself in a pickle over an unexpected night stay in Dubai due to flight delays, keep this list of hotels near Dubai International Airport handy.

For more information and updates about items prohibited at Dubai Airport, stay tuned to MyBayut.