Dubai Airport Banned & Restricted Items 2026: Complete Hand Baggage & Checked-In Luggage

Why This 2026 Guide Matters

Dubai Airport maintains some of the world’s strictest aviation and customs standards. One wrong item can lead to confiscation, fines, or missed flights. This 2026-ready guide breaks down what’s banned, restricted, and allowed—clearly separated for hand baggage and checked-in luggage—so you travel stress-free.

Quick Summary Table: What’s Allowed, Restricted, Prohibited

Legend: ✅ Allowed | ❌ Prohibited | ⚠️ Restricted/permit required

Banned Items at Dubai Airport

Drugs, Narcotics & Controlled Substances

Absolute ban on illegal drugs and many controlled substances (including poppy seeds and derivatives). Possession—even trace amounts—can result in severe penalties.

Hazardous Materials & Explosives

No explosives, flares, fireworks, gas cylinders, fuel, or highly flammable chemicals in any baggage.

Counterfeit Currency & Illegal Trade Items

Forged currency, counterfeit goods, and items intended for illegal sale are prohibited.

Wildlife & Environmental Prohibitions

Strict ban on ivory, rhino horn, coral, endangered plants/animals and products derived from them.

Items Contrary to UAE Law, Culture or Public Morals

Content that insults religion, promotes hate, or is pornographic is prohibited. Materials deemed offensive or contrary to UAE public morals may be confiscated.

Hand Baggage Rules

Liquids, Aerosols, Gels (100 ml)

• Containers must be 100 ml (3.4 oz) or less and fit comfortably inside one transparent 1-liter zip bag.

• Exceptions: baby food/milk, special dietary items, and essential medicines (carry prescriptions or a doctor’s letter).

Sharp Tools & Personal Items

• Not allowed in carry-on: large blades, multi-tools with knives, screwdrivers, hammers, drills, batons, martial-arts equipment.

• Allowed with limits: scissors or blades up to 6 cm (measured from the fulcrum) may pass; above that, check them in.

Power Banks, Batteries & E-Cigarettes

• Power banks & spare lithium batteries: carry-on only. Protect terminals with tape/caps; keep each in its own sleeve or pouch.

• Watt-hour limits: up to 100 Wh allowed without approval; 100–160 Wh may need airline approval; >160 Wh not permitted.

• E-cigarettes/vapes: keep in carry-on; do not pack in checked bags. Usage may be restricted—follow airport/airline instructions.

Checked-In Luggage Rules

What Must Not Go in Checked Bags

• Power banks, spare lithium batteries, e-cigarettes or vapes.

• Fragile electronics or valuables (airlines recommend keeping them in carry-on).

• Perishable homemade foods that may spoil or leak.

What Is Safer in Checked Bags

• Tools, sports bats, long scissors, knives—securely sheathed and padded.

• Large liquids (within airline limits) that exceed the 100 ml carry-on rule.

• Non-lithium batteries installed in the device (subject to airline rules).

Restricted & Conditional Items

Prescription & Controlled Medicines

• Carry medicines in original packaging with a valid prescription in your name.

• Some controlled or psychotropic medicines (e.g., certain painkillers, sedatives) may require pre-approval; carry a doctor’s letter stating dosage and condition.

• Always pack only personal-use quantities.

Drones, Radios & High-Power Electronics

• Drones, walkie-talkies, satellite phones, and radio equipment might need prior clearance. If permitted, pack powered-off with batteries removed where applicable (batteries in carry-on).

Food Items & Plant Products

• Factory-sealed snacks are typically fine in small quantities.

• Homemade or cooked foods can be restricted due to leakage/spoilage risks and biosecurity concerns.

• Seeds/plants may require permits; avoid carrying without documentation.

Duty-Free & Allowances

Dubai has defined duty-free allowances for items like tobacco, alcohol, and perfumes. Limits vary; carry reasonable personal-use quantities and keep receipts. If in doubt, declare at Customs to avoid penalties.

Practical Packing Checklist

• ✅ Passport valid 6+ months and visa (if required).

• ✅ Medications + prescriptions/letters in original packs.

• ✅ Power banks & spare lithium batteries in carry-on (terminals taped/covered).

• ✅ 100 ml liquids in a 1-liter transparent bag.

• ✅ Sharp tools packed only in checked luggage (sheathed & padded).

• ✅ Avoid prohibited items (drugs, fireworks, ivory, counterfeit goods).

• ✅ Keep valuables (laptop, camera, jewelry) in carry-on.

If You’re Stopped at Security: What To Do

• Stay calm and cooperate.

• Provide prescriptions/letters for medicines or medical devices.

• If asked to surrender an item, comply—refusals can escalate.

• Allow extra time for secondary screening if carrying specialized equipment.

Common Mistakes That Trigger Delays

• Packing power banks or spare batteries in checked bags.

• Carrying sharp tools in hand baggage.

• Bringing controlled medicines without prescriptions/approvals.

• Exceeding the 100 ml liquid rule or carrying unsealed containers.

• Carrying homemade foods that leak or spoil.

Why Apply Your Visa With Us (Risk-Free)

Applying solo often leads to errors—wrong visa type, missing documents, or mismatched dates. With us, you get:

• ✅ Pre-check of forms & documents to prevent rejection

• ✅ Transparent timelines and real-time updates

• ✅ Support for corrections if your plans change

Final Word & CTA

Now you know exactly what to pack—and what to leave behind—for a smooth Dubai Airport experience in 2026.
Apply for your Dubai Transit Visa today and travel with confidence.