UAE 2025 travel alert: Banned items in hand luggage at Dubai and Sharjah airports

Travellers flying through Dubai and Sharjah airports must adhere to strict regulations regarding banned and restricted items in their hand luggage. These rules are enforced rigorously to ensure passenger safety, comply with international aviation standards, and facilitate smooth security checks. Understanding what you can and cannot carry on board will help avoid delays, fines, or confiscations during your journey.

TL;DR:

• Sharp tools (like hammers, nails, screwdrivers), knives longer than 6cm, swords, firearms, ammunition, and flammable materials are prohibited in cabin baggage.
  
• Liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers no larger than 100ml and placed in a clear, resealable plastic bag not exceeding 20cm x 20cm. Medications and baby food exceptions apply with proper documentation.
  
• Passengers may carry one power bank under 100Wh in cabin baggage but cannot use or charge it during the flight. Batteries in devices like electric suitcases are banned.
  

What items are banned in hand baggage?

Dubai and Sharjah airports enforce a comprehensive list of prohibited items that passengers cannot carry in their cabin bags. These include but are not limited to:

• Sharp tools and objects: Hammers, nails, screwdrivers, scissors with blades longer than 6 cm, swords, sabres, knives over 6 cm, and martial arts weapons are banned due to their potential use as weapons.
• Weapons and ammunition: Firearms, flare gun ammunition, handcuffs, laser guns, and any ammunition or explosives are strictly forbidden.
• Flammable and dangerous goods: Paints, gasoline, fireworks, flammable gases, corrosive substances, and oxidizers such as bleach or ammonium nitrate cannot be carried.
• Other prohibited items: Bats, ropes, electrical cables (beyond personal trip use), devices such as stun guns, tear gas, and certain chemical or biological agents are disallowed.
  

Authorities strongly advise passengers to avoid bringing items that even resemble weapons or explosives, as they will be confiscated and may lead to legal action.

Liquids, gels, and aerosol restrictions
Passengers can carry liquids in hand luggage only in containers of 100ml or less. All such containers must fit into a single transparent, resealable plastic bag measuring no larger than 20cm by 20cm, with a maximum total volume of about 1 litre.

Exceptions to this include: Medicines and Special Dietary Needs: Passengers may carry liquid medication or special foodstuff such as baby food exceeding 100ml if accompanied by a doctor’s prescription or medical documentation. These items should be declared and separate from other liquids for security checks.
Liquids in larger quantities, including bottled water, perfume bottles, and frozen liquids, are not permitted in cabin bags for security reasons.

Power banks and electronic devices
New rules prohibit the use or charging of power banks onboard flights. Passengers may carry:

• One power bank with a capacity of up to 100 Watt Hours (Wh) in hand luggage only.
• Power banks exceeding 100Wh but less than 160Wh may be allowed with airline approval, but usage is prohibited onboard.
• Power banks cannot be carried in checked baggage due to fire risk.
  

Additionally, electric motorized suitcases and other battery-powered rideables with lithium-ion batteries are forbidden from both cabin and checked baggage. Medical devices with batteries may require proper certification or prior approval before travel.

Food, medications, and special items
Items like cooked food, fresh fruits, spices, and homemade treats may face restrictions or bans, especially those that can be perishable or resemble hazardous materials. For instance:

• Paan (betel leaves) and cooked food products are not allowed to cross UAE borders by air.
• Passengers should confirm with airlines and UAE customs if carrying special food or medicine to avoid confiscation.

Additional important notes
Passengers traveling through Dubai and Sharjah airports are strongly advised to stay updated on the latest airline and airport-specific regulations, as these rules can vary and are subject to change. Carrying prohibited or restricted items not only causes inconvenience but can result in the confiscation of belongings, delays, and even fines or legal consequences. Security screenings are rigorous, and all carry-on bags undergo X-ray and physical inspection to enforce these safety measures effectively. Being fully aware of what can and cannot be carried helps ensure a smooth security process, reduces travel stress, and contributes to the overall safety of all passengers. To avoid surprises, travelers should always check with their airline and official airport sources before packing and arrive early to accommodate possible additional screening.

Dubai and Sharjah airports maintain rigorous safety standards through a detailed list of banned and restricted items in hand baggage. Travellers should prepare by packing only permitted items, adhering to liquid restrictions, and understanding power bank rules to ensure security screening is smooth and hassle-free. Staying informed and compliant not only safeguards individual travel but also helps maintain safe skies for everyone.

FAQ

• 1. What sharp objects are banned in hand baggage at Dubai and Sharjah airports?
  Sharp tools like hammers, nails, screwdrivers, scissors with blades longer than 6 cm, swords, and martial arts weapons are all prohibited.
  
• 2. What are the restrictions on liquids in hand luggage?
  Liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers of 100 ml or less, all fitting inside a clear, resealable plastic bag no larger than 20cm x 20cm, with a combined volume not exceeding 1 litre.
  
• 3. Can I carry power banks in my hand luggage?
  Yes, you may carry one power bank under 100 Watt Hours, but its use or charging during the flight is prohibited. Larger power banks need airline approval and cannot exceed 160 Wh.
  
• 4. Are there any food or medication exceptions for liquid restrictions?
  Yes, passengers can carry liquid medicines and baby food exceeding 100 ml if accompanied by valid prescriptions or medical documentation.
  
• 5. What happens if I carry restricted or banned items in hand baggage?
  Items may be confiscated, and passengers could face fines or legal penalties depending on the severity and nature of the violation.