What Not to Bring When Travelling Internationally: A Complete List
What Not to Bring When Travelling Internationally: A Complete List
Although travelling internationally is an exciting adventure, it comes with its share of rules and regulations that must be followed, especially regarding what you pack. Bringing prohibited items can be problematic, and it may lead to more than just fines! You may face strict scrutiny, possible legal action, or even the cancellation of your travel plans. That’s why it is crucial to understand what you shouldn’t carry when heading abroad.
And, it is true that while specific rules can vary between airlines-to-airlines or countries-to-countries, some items are universally prohibited regardless of where you are travelling. So, in this blog, we have covered the essential category of prohibited items that travellers must not pack when travelling abroad. To ensure ease of understanding, we have listed prohibited items for both checked and cabin baggage separately.
Here’s a quick list of all the prohibited or restricted items when travelling internationally:
Medicine & medicinal equipment
E-cigarettes and vaporizers
Lithium batteries
Drones
Aerosols
Matches and lighters
Fuel and fuel cartridges
Ammunition
Sharp objects and cutting tools
Heat-producing articles
Powder-like substances
Poisons and infectious substances
Food and alcohol
Pets
Plants
Here! Travelling abroad? Make sure to apply for your destination visa well in advance to ensure everything is in order for your trip.
Let us understand in detail what you cannot carry or carry with specific limitations in the check-in and cabin baggage when travelling internationally.
1. Medicine & Medicinal Equipment
Check-in baggage: Certain types of medication that are considered hazardous (e.g., strong painkillers, controlled substances, or medications with flammable ingredients) require prior approval or specific prescription by the concerned doctor. Medical oxygen cylinders or devices exceeding specific weight limits (commonly 5 kilograms) are not allowed without prior approval. Liquid oxygen systems are generally prohibited on all flights.
Cabin baggage: General medications are allowed but must be carried in their original packaging along with a valid prescription or doctor's note for verification. Portable Medical Electronic Devices (PMED) or oxygen cylinders under 5 kilograms may be allowed in the cabin with advance approval.
2. E-cigarettes and Vaporizers
Check-in baggage: E-cigarettes (including e-cigars, e-pipes, Electric Portable Incense Burner (Perfume) or other personal vaporisers) are banned from checked luggage as their batteries pose a fire hazard. Accidental activation or short-circuiting of these devices in the cargo hold could result in dangerous conditions.
Cabin baggage: E-cigarettes are permitted in cabin baggage but must be individually protected, such as by placing them in a protective case or covering exposed terminals, to prevent accidental activation. Spare batteries for these devices must also be stored in carry-on luggage, following airline and aviation safety guidelines.
Important Note: The usage of e-cigarettes or charging the devices on board is strictly prohibited, and some airlines may have additional restrictions.
3. Lithium Batteries
Check-in baggage: Lithium batteries, including spare or loose ones, are prohibited in check-in baggage due to the risk of fire caused by overheating or short circuits. Moreover, power banks are classified as spare batteries and must not be packed in checked luggage.
Cabin baggage: Passengers are permitted to carry spare lithium batteries under 100 watt-hours (or 2 grams of lithium content) in their cabin baggage. These batteries must be individually protected, such as by placing them in their original packaging, to prevent short-circuiting. Each passenger is typically limited to carrying a maximum of 20 spare batteries, but this may vary depending on the airline's policy. Larger batteries exceeding 100 watt-hours but not more than 160 watt-hours may be allowed with prior airline approval. You can check the specifics with the airline you are flying with.
4. Drones
Check-in baggage: Drones are allowed in checked baggage, but their lithium batteries must be removed and carried in the cabin for safety purposes. Spare batteries should comply with airline and aviation regulations, typically requiring that batteries be individually protected to prevent short circuits. Batteries over 100 watt-hours may require airline approval, and those exceeding 160 watt-hours are generally prohibited.
Cabin baggage: Drones are generally prohibited in carry-on baggage, primarily due to the potential safety risks posed by their lithium batteries, which could overheat or cause a fire in confined spaces. However, exceptions may exist for small drones with batteries under specific watt-hour limits, depending on airline regulations. You must confirm with the airline before travel.
Important Note: Certain countries and regions have strict regulations or outright bans on the import of drones. For example, for regular travellers or recreational users, drones are effectively banned in Brunei, whereas bringing a drone to Bhutan requires prior permission from the Bhutanese Civil Aviation Authority. Make sure to check the local laws of your destination in advance to avoid confiscation or legal issues.
5. Aerosols
Cabin baggage: Non-flammable and non-toxic aerosols exceeding 100 millilitres (3.4 ounces) per container are generally not permitted in cabin baggage due to aviation security restrictions on liquids and aerosols. Exceptions may apply for medically necessary aerosols (e.g., inhalers), which must be declared at security and may require proper documentation.
Check-in baggage: Passengers are permitted to carry non-flammable and non-toxic aerosols in checked luggage, but the total quantity must not exceed 2 litres (68 ounces) per passenger, and no single container can exceed 500 millilitres (17 ounces) in capacity. Moreover, aerosols must have a protective cap or another mechanism to prevent accidental discharge during transit.
6. Matches and Lighters
Check-in baggage: Safety matches and lighters are strictly prohibited in checked luggage. This restriction applies to all types of matches and lighters, including refillable and disposable ones.
Cabin baggage: The rules regarding matches and lighters generally vary from airline to airline. Airlines in Western countries may allow passengers to carry one small packet of safety matches or one lighter. Please note matches and lighters must be carried by the passenger (e.g., in a pocket) and are not permitted in carry-on baggage, checked luggage, or cargo.
7. Fuel and Fuel Cartridges
Check-in baggage: Camping stoves, fuel containers, and any items containing residual flammable fuel are strictly prohibited in checked baggage. This restriction applies to both liquid and gaseous fuels, including butane, propane, and similar substances. Additionally, partially emptied containers or improperly cleaned equipment are not allowed as well. Empty camping stoves or fuel containers may be allowed in cabin baggage, provided all traces of fuel have been completely removed. Containers must be thoroughly cleaned and dried, ensuring no odour, residue, or vapours remain.
Cabin baggage: Fuel and fuel cartridges are prohibited from carrying in cabin baggage as well unless all traces of fuel have been completely removed.
Important Note: For carrying fuel cartridges and stoves, advance approval from the airline is required. Security screening personnel may inspect the items closely to verify compliance, and additional documentation, such as proof of cleaning or manufacturer details, may be required.
8. Ammunition
Check-in baggage: Ammunition for personal use is permitted in checked baggage but must adhere to strict guidelines. Generally, the total weight of the ammunition, including its packaging, must not exceed 5 kilograms (11 pounds) per passenger. Ammunition must be securely packed in boxes or containers specifically designed to protect the cartridges from impact or damage, such as those made of wood, metal, or fiberboard. Additionally, prior approval from the airline is required, and passengers must ensure they have the necessary documentation or permits for the firearm associated with the ammunition. Explosive, incendiary, or tracer rounds are entirely prohibited.
Cabin baggage: Ammunition is strictly prohibited in carry-on baggage to ensure passenger safety and comply with international and airline security standards. Attempting to carry ammunition in cabin baggage can result in confiscation, fines, or legal penalties, depending on the jurisdiction and severity of the violation.
9. Sharp Objects and Cutting Tools
Check-in baggage: Knives, scissors, Swiss army knives, and other sharp instruments are generally permitted in checked baggage, provided they are securely packed to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors. Items such as ceremonial or antique blades must comply with customs regulations at the destination and may require prior approval.
Cabin baggage: These items are strictly prohibited in carry-on baggage due to the potential safety risks they pose. Even small pocket knives, multi-tools with blades, or scissors with blades longer than 6 cm are not allowed. Exceptions may include certain small scissors (e.g., under 6 cm) or items required for medical purposes, but these must be declared and approved during security screening.
10. Heat-Producing Articles
Check-in baggage: Heat-producing items are permitted in checked baggage, provided they are rendered completely safe for transport, and prior approval has been obtained. The heat-generating component or power source must be removed and securely packed separately to eliminate the risk of accidental activation. Additionally, protective measures, such as insulation or placing components in a protective case, may be required.
Cabin baggage: Similarly, these items are prohibited in carry-on baggage unless specific precautions and permissions are taken.
11. Powder-Like Substances
Check-in baggage: Larger quantities of powder-like substances can be transported in checked luggage if they meet specific security requirements. Depending on the destination, certain powders, such as organic powders or substances classified as hazardous, may be subject to additional restrictions or require prior approval. You are advised to verify the specific rules of your airline and destination before travel.
Cabin baggage: Powder-like substances in containers exceeding 350 millilitres (12 ounces) are prohibited in carry-on baggage, typically on flights to, from, or transiting through the USA, Australia, and New Zealand.
Important Note: Exceptions are typically made for medically necessary powders, baby formula, or human ashes, but these must be declared for inspection, or specific restrictions may apply.
12. Poisons and Infectious Substances
Check-in baggage: Poisons and infectious substances, such as insecticides, weed-killers, and live virus materials, are strictly prohibited in checked baggage. These items are classified as hazardous materials and pose significant risks to safety and health during transit. Some substances may be permitted for specific professional or medical purposes but require advance approval, proper labelling, and compliance with both airline and international transportation regulations. You must consult the airline and relevant authorities for any exceptions.
Cabin baggage: These substances are also not allowed in carry-on baggage.
13. Food and Alcohol
Check-in baggage: Oily foods or items with strong odours are generally not recommended for checked baggage, as they may leak, spill, or cause unpleasant smells during transit. Alcohol is permitted in checked baggage but must comply with quantity limits set by international aviation regulations. Typically, alcohol content between 24% and 70% ABV is restricted to 5 litres per person and anything above 70% ABV is prohibited.
Cabin baggage: Oily foods or items with liquids, such as curries or sauces, must meet liquid restrictions for carry-on baggage, which limit containers to 100 millilitres each and a total of 1 litre per passenger. Alcohol purchased in duty-free shops is allowed in carry-on luggage if it is sealed in tamper-evident bags and accompanied by a receipt.
Important Note: Certain countries have strict regulations on food items or alcohol imports, so you must check destination-specific rules to avoid confiscation.
14. Pets
Check-in baggage: Pets may be transported in the cargo hold in an airline-approved travel crate. Specific guidelines regarding the size, weight, and type of pets allowed vary between airlines. Advance booking and proper documentation, such as a health certificate and vaccination records, are required. Some airlines may restrict certain breeds or species due to safety concerns.
Cabin baggage: Pets are generally not allowed in cabin baggage.
15. Plants
Check-in baggage: Non-poisonous plants are generally permitted in checked baggage, but they must comply with the agricultural and biosecurity regulations of the destination country. Soil, seeds, and plant material may be prohibited or require a phytosanitary certificate to prevent the spread of pests or diseases.
Cabin baggage: Carrying plants in the cabin is often restricted due to size and contamination risks.
Important Note: Many countries have strict rules about bringing plants or plant products to protect local ecosystems. You must consult the destination's customs or agricultural authority for specific requirements and declare all plant materials at the border.
Conclusion
By now, you have a list of all the items you must avoid packing. Additionally, you now have the knowledge that some items, such as lithium batteries, aerosols, and even food, come with specific restrictions that must be followed to ensure the safety of all passengers and comply with international aviation standards.
However, it is important to note that customs rules vary widely across countries, and failing to declare restricted items, such as food, alcohol, or plants, may lead to legal penalties. Hence, you must always research the specific guidelines of your airline and destination, and when in doubt, contact the airline or relevant authorities for clarification. Remember, the goal is to prioritise safety and convenience while respecting the rules of the country you are visiting.
Just like the no-no(s) of traveling internationally, there are a few must-have(s) to make your journey stress-free, comfortable, and entertaining. To know more, read our blog on the 23 Must-Have Travel Accessories for Long-Haul Flights!
Do phone chargers and laptops go in hand luggage or checked baggage?
Phone chargers and laptops should be packed in hand luggage as electronic devices may need to be screened separately at security.
What toiletries are not allowed on a plane?
Liquid toiletries generally exceeding 100ml, such as shampoo, conditioner, or lotions, are not allowed in carry-on baggage. However, solid toiletries are permitted.
Can I take deodorant on a plane?
Yes, solid deodorants are allowed in both the cabin and checked baggage. Aerosol deodorants must meet liquid restrictions in carry-on baggage (under 100ml).
Are razors allowed in carry-on baggage?
Disposable razors are allowed in carry-on baggage, but straight razors or razor blades are prohibited.
Can I carry alcohol in my cabin baggage?
Yes, alcohol purchased from duty-free shops is allowed in cabin baggage if sealed in tamper-evident bags.
Can I bring plants to another country?
Plants are generally permitted if they comply with the destination’s agricultural and biosecurity regulations and have the required permits.
What foods are not allowed to be brought internationally?
Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy products are often restricted. For specific information, you must check the destination's rules.
What happens if I bring prohibited items?
Prohibited items may be confiscated, and you could face fines, legal action, or travel delays, depending on the severity of the violation.
What items need to be declared at customs when traveling internationally?
You are required to declare items such as food, alcohol, plants, animals, currency exceeding the limit set by the destination country, and restricted or regulated goods like medicines, firearms, and cultural artifacts. Failure to declare these items can lead to fines or legal action. Always check the specific customs regulations of your destination before travelling.