Dangerous Goods Policy

Find out what you can and can’t take with you on board and into the UAE, including dangerous goods, liquids and substances.

In addition to the UAE acceptance rules below, the acceptance of certain items, including alcohol, cigarettes and e-cigarettes, perfumes, electronics, medication and others, either in the cabin or checked-in baggage, will be subject to specific customs regulations and airport security checks in your country of departure or arrival.

Forbidden Items

Forbidden items are articles or substances which pose health and safety hazards to passengers or which may damage the aircraft. These items must not be brought on board. All forbidden items are listed in the tables below. Please also refer to the Prohibited Articles by EC Aviation Security. Further local government restrictions may also apply. Please check with authorities of your departure and destination country.

Your airline forbids the transportation of all smart balance wheels (even with the lithium batteries removed) either as checked‑in or carry‑on baggage.

Declare in advance using iDeclare by Dubai Customs

Use the iDeclare app by Dubai Customs to check the items you can bring into the UAE and make any declaration in advance, making your journey through customs smoother. Download the app from Dubai Customs to quickly look up information about the goods you need to declare on arrival in the UAE.

Banned substances in the UAE

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has a very strict, zero‑tolerance, anti‑drugs policy. All airports within the UAE conduct thorough searches using highly sensitive equipment. Possession of any amounts of illegal drugs by travellers entering or transiting the UAE will be subject to punishment.

Bringing medication into the UAE

If you’re carrying controlled medication into the UAE, you must apply for approval through the Ministry of Health (MoH) website.

Check with your doctor if your prescribed medication is controlled or not. You must also carry the prescription for the quantity (max 3 months’ supply) of the medicine that you are bringing into the UAE.

All other medication (prescription for uncontrolled medication and over the counter medication) does not need prior approval from MoH.

For more details please visit the Ministry of Health and Prevention website

Before you leave for the airport:

Travellers to the UAE are strongly advised to familiarise themselves with what medications they can and cannot bring into the country.

Please contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of the United Arab Emirates for advice if you are considering taking medications or other drugs into the UAE.

List of United Arab Emirates consulates

Alcohol

Alcohol : Carry on ✔ Check-in ✔

Alcoholic beverages, when in retail packaging, containing more than 24% but not more than 70% alcohol by volume, in receptacles not exceeding 5 L, with a total net quantity per person of 5 L.

Batteries, battery powered devices and power banks

Batteries: Carry on ✔ Check-in ✖

Alcoholic beverages, when in retail packaging, containing more than 24% but not more than 70% alcohol by volume, in receptacles not exceeding 5 L, with a total net quantity per person of 5 L.

Batteries, spare loose exceeding 100 watt hours or 2 grams lithium content: ⓘ NEED APPROVAL

Lithium Batteries, spare or loose with a Watt-hour rating exceeding 100 watt hours but not exceeding 160 watt hours for consumer electronic devices and Portable Medical Electronic Devices (PMED) or with a lithium content exceeding 2 grams but not exceeding 8 grams for PMED only. Maximum of two spare batteries in carry-on baggage only. These batteries must be individually protected to prevent short circuit.

Drones: Carry on ✖ Check-in ✔

For safety reasons we can’t allow drones on board as cabin baggage. Drones can only be accepted as checked-in baggage. However, drones are not allowed on any flights to Jordan. On all other flights, if you have a drone in your checked-in baggage you’ll be asked to either secure the lithium batteries within the drone or remove the batteries and carry them in your cabin baggage. This regulation still applies even if you’re connecting to our flights from an airline that has accepted drones as cabin baggage.

Lithium Batteries - Portable electronic devices: Carry on ✔ Check-in ✔

Lithium Batteries: Portable electronic devices containing lithium metal or lithium ion cells or batteries, including medical devices such as portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) and consumer electronics such as cameras, mobile phones, laptops and tablets, when carried by customers or crew for personal use. For lithium metal batteries the lithium metal content must not exceed 2 grams and for lithium ion batteries the Watt-hour rating must not exceed 100 watt hours. Each passenger is limited to a maximum of 15 personal electronic devices. Personal electronic items (PEDs) should be packaged separately and not taped or attached to another electrical item. For safety reasons, authorities may confiscate items which are inappropriately packaged or if the number of items carried exceeds the limit of 15 PEDs per passenger.

Lithium Batteries - Security type equipment: ⓘ NEED APPROVAL

Lithium Batteries: Security type equipment containing lithium batteries can only be accepted in consultation with your airline.

Lithium battery-powered electronic devices: ⓘ NEED APPROVAL

Lithium battery-powered electronic devices. Lithium ion batteries for portable (including medical) electronic devices, a watt hours rating exceeding 100 watt hours but not exceeding 160 watt hours. For portable medical electronic devices only, lithium metal batteries with a lithium content exceeding 2 grams but not exceeding 8 grams.

Portable electronic devices containing non-spillable batteries: Carry on ✔ Check-in ✔

Portable electronic devices containing non-spillable batteries, batteries must meet IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations Special Provision A67 and must not have voltage exceeding 12 volts and a watt hour rating not exceeding 100 watt hours. A maximum of 2 spare batteries may be carried.

Power banks: Carry on ✔ Check-in ✖

Usage of power banks to charge any electronic devices onboard and charging the power bank itself using the onboard power source is prohibited. A power bank is classified as any device whose primary purpose is to charge or power other electronic equipment. Passengers are allowed to carry one power bank with a maximum capacity of 100 watt hour, with the power bank containing clearly visible capacity rating information. Power banks are permitted in cabin baggage only and not in checked-in baggage. Onboard the aircraft, power banks cannot be placed in the overhead compartment and must be securely placed either in in the seat pocket or under the seat in front of you to ensure quick access and safety compliance.

Smart baggage with removable batteries: Carry on ✔ Check-in ✔

Smart bags are allowed in the cabin if the battery is removable and within the cabin baggage size and weight limits. The battery can remain installed as long as the smart bag is completely powered off and not used or charged during the flight. Smart bags are permitted as checked baggage if the battery is removed and carried in the cabin. If the smart bag exceeds the baggage size/weight limitations for the route, or the battery is not removable, then the smart bag can’t be carried on an Emirates flight. This excludes smart bags which operate as a motorised rideable scooter. For smart bags which operate as a motorised rideable scooter – see Personal motorised vehicles.

e-cigarettes: Carry on ✔ Check-in ✖

e-cigarettes (including e-cigars, e-pipes, Electric Portable Incense (Perfume) Burner or other personal vaporizers) containing batteries must be individually protected to prevent accidental activation.

Battery powered wheelchairs, Personal motorised vehicles, and mobility devices

Mobility Devices Non-spillable: ⓘ NEED APPROVAL

Mobility Devices: Battery-powered wheelchairs or other similar mobility devices with non-spillable-wet batteries or with batteries which comply with IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations Special Provision A123 or A199, provided the batteries are protected from short circuit, e.g. by being enclosed in a battery container, and the battery is securely attached to the wheelchair or mobility aid. Contact your airline for pre-approval

Mobility Devices Spillable: ⓘ NEED APPROVAL

Mobility Devices: Battery-powered wheelchairs or other similar mobility devices with spillable batteries or with lithium batteries Provided that the wheelchair or mobility aid can be loaded, stowed, secured and unloaded always in an upright position then the battery may remain installed in the wheelchair. The battery terminals must be protected from short circuits, e.g. by being enclosed within a battery container, and the battery must be securely attached to the wheelchair or mobility aid. Extra limitations apply for Lithium batteries which can be obtained from your airline. It is recommended that customers make advance arrangements with your airline.

Mobility Devices - lithium-ion batteries (collapsible): ⓘ NEED APPROVAL

Mobility Devices: Battery-powered mobility aids with lithium-ion batteries (collapsible), lithium-ion battery must be removed and carried in the cabin. The batteries for such wheelchair must not exceed 300 watt hours or for a device that is fitted with two batteries required for operation, each battery must not exceed 160 watt hours. A maximum of one extra spare battery not exceeding 300 watt hours or two spares each not exceeding 160 watt hours each can be carried in the cabin.

Personal motorised vehicles: ✖ All Forbidden

For safety reasons, we can’t accept personal motorised vehicles such as smart bags which operate as motorised rideable scooters, hoverboards, or mini‑Segways on our flights. We can’t carry them either as checked‑in baggage or as hand luggage as they contain large lithium batteries. This regulation still applies even if you’re connecting to our flights from an airline that has accepted them.

Compressed gas cartridges, cylinders and aerosols

Avalanche rescue backpack: ⓘ NEED APPROVAL

Avalanche rescue backpack, one (1) per person, containing a cartridge of compressed gas in Division 2.2. May also be equipped with a pyrotechnic trigger mechanism containing no more than 200 milligrams net of Division 1.4S. The backpack must be packed in such a manner that it cannot be accidentally activated. The airbags within the backpacks must be fitted with pressure relief valves.

Gas cartridges, small, non-flammable: ⓘ NEED APPROVAL

Gas cartridges, small, non-flammable, containing carbon dioxide or other suitable gas in Division 2.2. Up to two (2) small cartridges fitted into a self-inflating safety device such as a lifejacket or vest. Not more than one (1) device per customer, and up to two (2) spare small cartridges per person, not more than four (4) cartridges up to 50 millilitres water capacity for other devices.

Hair curlers containing hydrocarbon gas: Carry on ✔ Check-in ✔

 

Hair curlers containing hydrocarbon gas, up to one (1) per customer or crew-member, provided that the safety cover is securely fitted over the heating element. These hair curlers must not be used on board the aircraft at any time. Gas refills for such curlers are not permitted in checked or carry-on baggage.

Non-flammable, non-toxic aerosols in Division 2.2: Carry on ✖ Check-in ✔

Non-flammable, non-toxic aerosols in Division 2.2, with no subsidiary risk, for sporting or home use. The total net quantity of non-radioactive medicinal or toiletry articles and non-flammable, non-toxic aerosols in Division 2.2 must not exceed 2 kilograms or 2 L and the net quantity of each single article must not exceed 0.5 kilograms or 0.5 litres. Release valves on aerosols must be protected by a cap or other suitable means to prevent inadvertent release of the contents.

Fuel and fuel cartridges

Camping stoves and fuel containers: ⓘ NEED APPROVAL

Camping stoves and fuel containers that have contained a flammable liquid fuel, with empty fuel tank and/or fuel container may be carried provided the fuel tank of the camping stove, and/or fuel container has been completely drained of all liquid fuel and action has been taken to nullify the danger.

Fuel cells: Carry on ✔ Check-in ✖

Fuel cells containing fuel, powering portable electronic devices (e.g. cameras, cellular phones, laptop computers and camcorders).

Fuel cells cartridges: Carry on ✔ Check-in ✔

Fuel cells cartridges, spare for portable electronic devices

Internal combustion or fuel cell engines: Carry on ✔ Check-in ✖

Internal combustion or fuel cell engines, must meet requirements of IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations Special Provision A70 which requires that the engine be free of any fuel used for that power.

Medical items

Insulated packaging containing refrigerated liquid nitrogen: Carry on ✔ Check-in ✔

Insulated packaging containing refrigerated liquid nitrogen (dry shipper), fully absorbed in a porous material containing only non-dangerous goods.

Oxygen or air, gaseous, cylinders: ⓘ NEED APPROVAL

Oxygen or air, gaseous, cylinders required for medical use. The cylinder must not exceed 5 kilograms’ gross weight. Note: Liquid oxygen systems are forbidden for transport.

Radioisotopic cardiac pacemakers: Carry on ✔ Check-in ✔

Radioisotopic cardiac pacemakers or other devices, including those powered by lithium batteries, implanted into a person or fitted externally, or radiopharmaceuticals contained within the body of a person as the result of medical treatment.

Specimens, non-infectious: Carry on ✔ Check-in ✔

Specimens, non-infectious packed in small quantities of flammable liquid, must meet IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations Special Provision A180 (details of special packaging requirements of such specimens can be obtained from the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations)

Thermometer or barometer, mercury filled: ⓘ NEED APPROVAL

Thermometer or barometer, mercury filled carried by a representative of a government weather bureau or similar official agency must be packed in a strong outer packaging, having a sealed inner liner or a bag of strong leak-proof and puncture-resistant material impervious to mercury, which will prevent the escape of mercury from the package irrespective of its position.

Thermometer, medical or clinical: Carry on ✖ Check-in ✔

Thermometer, medical or clinical, which contains mercury, one (1) per person for personal use, when in its protective case.

Powder

Powder : Carry on ✖ Check-in ✔

All flights to, through or from the USA, as well as from or through Australia and New Zealand, will be subject to further enhanced security screening measures. This is in accordance with new security guidelines from the US Transport Security Administration (TSA), the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs and the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand. Under the new directive for flights to US destinations, powder-like substances in containers equal to or over 350 ml/grams have to be checked-in, and will not be allowed in carry-on belongings or cabin baggage. These items will be confiscated at Dubai (DXB) as well as Milan (MXP) and Athens (ATH), depending on the last point of departure. Powders under 350 ml/grams may be subject to additional screening Baby formula, prescription medicines and human remains are exempt. Powder-like substances purchased in airport duty free shops must be placed in Sealed Tamper Evident Bags along with proof of purchase.

Scientific, professional and personal

Attaché cases: ✖ All Forbidden

Security-type attaché cases, cash boxes, cash bags, etc. incorporating dangerous goods, such as lithium batteries and/or pyrotechnic material, except when authorized by the airline, are totally forbidden.

Chemical Agent Monitoring Equipment: ⓘ NEED APPROVAL

Chemical Agent Monitoring Equipment, Instruments containing radioactive material not exceeding the activity limits specified in IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations Table 10.3.C, i.e. chemical agent monitor (CAM) and/or rapid alarm and identification device monitor (RAID-M), securely packed and without lithium batteries, when carried by staff members of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) on official travel.

Dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid: ⓘ NEED APPROVAL

Dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid), in quantities not exceeding 2.5 kilograms per person when used to pack perishables not subject to these Regulations in checked or carry-on baggage, provided the baggage (package) permits the release of carbon dioxide gas. Checked baggage must be marked “dry ice” or “carbon dioxide, solid” and with the net weight of dry ice or an indication that there is 2.5 kilograms or less dry ice.

Heat producing articles: ⓘ NEED APPROVAL

Heat producing articles battery-powered equipment capable of generating extreme heat, which would cause a fire if activated, e.g. underwater torches (diving lamps) and soldering irons, providing that the heat producing component of the battery is packed separately so as to prevent activation during transport. Any battery that has been removed must be protected against short circuit.

Lamps: Carry on ✔ Check-in ✔

Lamps, energy efficient when in retail packaging intended for personal or home use

Matches, safety (one small packet) or a small cigarette lighter: ✖ All Forbidden

Matches, safety (one small packet) or a small cigarette lighter that does not contain unabsorbed liquid fuel, other than liquefied gas, intended for use by an individual when carried on the person. Lighter fuel and lighter refills are not permitted on one’s person or in checked or carry-on baggage. Note: “Strike anywhere” matches, “Blue flame” or “Cigar” lighters are forbidden.

Non-radioactive medicinal or toilet articles: Carry on ✔ Check-in ✔

Non-radioactive medicinal or toilet articles (including aerosols) such as hair sprays, perfumes, colognes and medicines containing alcohol. The total net quantity of all non-radioactive medicinal or toilet articles and non-flammable, non-toxic aerosols in Division 2.2, must not exceed 2 kilograms or 2 L, and the net quantity of each single article must not exceed 0.5 kilograms or 0.5 litres. Release valves on aerosols must be protected by a cap or other suitable means to prevent inadvertent release of the contents.

Permeation devices: Carry on ✖ Check-in ✔

Permeation devices, for calibrating air quality monitoring equipment, must meet IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations Special Provision A41 (which details the packaging requirements).

Weaponry, ammunition and explosives

Ammunition: ⓘ NEED APPROVAL

Ammunition (cartridges for weapons), securely packaged (in Division 1.4S, UN 0012 or UN 0014 only), in quantities not exceeding 5 kilograms’ gross weight per person for that person’s own use. Allowances for more than one person must not be combined into one or more packages.

Disabling devices: ✖ All Forbidden

Disabling devices such as mace, pepper spray, etc. containing an irritant or incapacitating substance are forbidden on the person, in checked and carry-on baggage.

Electro shock weapons: ✖ All Forbidden

Electro shock weapons (e.g. Tasers) containing dangerous goods such as explosives, compressed gases, lithium batteries, etc. are forbidden in carry-on baggage or checked baggage or on the person.

Items containing explosives ✖ All Forbidden

All fireworks and any other items containing explosives, for example Christmas crackers, firecrackers, bottle rockets, poppers and sparklers, are forbidden to be carried either as carry-on baggage or as checked baggage on our flights.

Prohibited Articles by EC Aviation Security

Passengers and cabin baggage - List of prohibited articles

Without prejudice to applicable safety rules, passengers are not permitted to carry the following articles into security restricted areas and on board an aircraft:

(a) guns, firearms and other devices that discharge projectiles — devices capable, or appearing capable, of being used to cause serious injury by discharging a projectile, including:

  • firearms of all types, such as pistols, revolvers, rifles, shotguns,
  • toy guns, replicas and imitation firearms capable of being mistaken for real weapons, component parts of firearms, excluding telescopic sights,
  • compressed air and CO 2 guns, such as pistols, pellet guns, rifles and ball bearing guns,
  • signal flare pistols and starter pistols,
  • bows, cross bows and arrows,
  • harpoon guns and spear guns,
  • slingshots and catapults;

(b) stunning devices — devices designed specifically to stun or immobilise, including:

  • devices for shocking, such as stun guns, tasers and stun batons,
  • animal stunners and animal killers,
  • disabling and incapacitating chemicals, gases and sprays, such as mace, pepper sprays, capsicum sprays, tear gas, acid sprays and animal repellent sprays;

(c) objects with a sharp point or sharp edge — objects with a sharp point or sharp edge capable of being used to cause serious injury, including:

  • items designed for chopping, such as axes, hatchets and cleavers,
  • ice axes and ice picks,
  • razor blades,
  • box cutters,
  • knives with blades of more than 6 cm,
  • scissors with blades of more than 6 cm as measured from the fulcrum,
  • martial arts equipment with a sharp point or sharp edge,
  • swords and sabres;

(d) workmen’s tools — tools capable of being used either to cause serious injury or to threaten the safety of aircraft, including:

  • crowbars,
  • drills and drill bits, including cordless portable power drills,
  • tools with a blade or a shaft of more than 6 cm capable of use as a weapon, such as screwdrivers and chisels,
  • saws, including cordless portable power saws,
  • blowtorches,
  • bolt guns and nail guns;

(e) blunt instruments — objects capable of being used to cause serious injury when used to hit, including:

  • baseball and softball bats,
  • clubs and batons, such as billy clubs, blackjacks and night sticks,
  • martial arts equipment;

(f) explosives and incendiary substances and devices — explosives and incendiary substances and devices capable, or appearing capable, of being used to cause serious injury or to pose a threat to the safety of aircraft, including:

  • ammunition,
  • blasting caps,
  • detonators and fuses, 
  • replica or imitation explosive devices,
  • mines, grenades and other explosive military stores,
  • fireworks and other pyrotechnics,
  • smoke-generating canisters and smoke-generating cartridges,
  • dynamite, gunpowder and plastic explosives.

Hold baggage - List of prohibited articles

Passengers are not permitted to carry the following articles in their hold baggage:

explosives and incendiary substances and devices — explosives and incendiary substances and devices capable of being used to cause serious injury or to pose a threat to the safety of aircraft, including:

  • ammunition,
  • blasting caps,
  • detonators and fuses,
  • mines, grenades and other explosive military stores,
  • fireworks and other pyrotechnics,
  • smoke-generating canisters and smoke-generating cartridges,
  • dynamite, gunpowder and plastic explosives.