
Dubai Airport has strict regulations for hand luggage and checked baggage, with some items prohibited and others restricted. Travellers should be aware of these rules to avoid security issues and ensure a smooth journey through checkpoints. While cardboard cartons are not prohibited, security clearance for them is done manually and takes longer, so it is best to avoid them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of luggage pieces allowed | 2 for international travel |
| Combined weight of luggage | 32 kg |
| Maximum length of luggage | 90 cm |
| Maximum width of luggage | 60 cm |
| Maximum height of luggage | 75 cm |
| Baggage that doesn't comply with size requirements | Checked in as oversized baggage with additional charges |
| Baggage with no flat surface | Rejected at check-in |
| Baggage with a long strap | Rejected at check-in |
| Allowed electronic devices | Smartphones, tablets, e-readers, cameras, MacBooks |
| E-cigarettes | Allowed only in hand baggage |
| Alcoholic beverages | 4 litres or 2 cartons of beer (24 cans each) |
| Cigarettes | 400 |
| Cigars | 50 |
| Tobacco | 500 grams |
| Narcotic drugs | Banned |
| Food items | Home-cooked food, pork, haram items, and restaurant food are banned |
| Baby food | Allowed but must be carried separately and well-sealed |
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What You'll Learn

Alcohol allowance: 4 litres or 2 cartons of beer
Dubai International Airport has strict rules and regulations regarding what passengers can and cannot bring into the country. It is important to adhere to these rules to avoid any inconvenience or legal implications.
Alcohol is permitted within a limited quantity. According to the Passenger Custom Guide, passengers are allowed to bring alcoholic beverages not exceeding 4 litres or 2 cartons of beer, with each carton consisting of 24 cans not exceeding 355 ml each. This is in line with the limit set by Abu Dhabi Customs, which permits travellers to bring a maximum of 4 litres of alcohol or one carton of hops when entering the UAE.
It is important to note that alcoholic beverages are subject to customs duties and taxes. If the quantity or value of alcohol exceeds the specified limit, customs duty will be levied in addition to VAT. The rate of customs duty for alcohol is 50%.
Passengers should also be aware that alcoholic beverages are considered non-compliant with Islamic dietary laws in the UAE. Therefore, it is advisable to consume alcohol discreetly and respect the cultural and religious norms of the country.
In addition to alcohol, other prohibited items at Dubai Airport include narcotic drugs, such as hashish, cocaine, heroin, poppy seeds, and hallucination pills. Any form of money laundering or suspicious financial activity is also closely monitored by the authorities. Passengers must declare if they possess large sums of cash, cheques, or precious jewellery exceeding a certain value.
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Baggage allowance: 2 pieces, 32kg total weight
Dubai Airport has specific baggage requirements that you should follow to avoid any inconvenience during your travel. Firstly, it is important to note that each airline has its own rules around checked baggage allowance, so you should check with your airline before flying. Generally, for international travel, you are allowed a maximum of two pieces of luggage, and the combined weight should not exceed 32 kg. However, this may vary based on the airline and fare type.
When packing your bags, ensure that each bag has at least one flat surface and does not have any extra-long straps. Bags with irregular shapes, such as parcels with a rounded shape, are not allowed. It is recommended to use a flat-bottomed handbag, rectangle luggage, or a properly sealed box. Additionally, make sure to remove old baggage tags to prevent your luggage from being rejected by the baggage system.
In terms of dimensions, your checked baggage should not exceed 90 cm in length, 75 cm in height, and 60 cm in width. If your baggage is larger than these dimensions, you will need to check it in at the oversized baggage counter, and additional charges may apply. Each airline may have specific weight and dimension requirements, so be sure to check their policy.
Now, regarding cartons, cardboard boxes are not prohibited, but they are not recommended. This is because security clearance for cardboard cartons is done manually, which takes longer. It is best to use luggage with a flat surface to facilitate the security clearance process.
Lastly, here are some additional tips for a smooth travel experience:
- Do not carry liquids over 100ml in your hand luggage. Place containers in a clear, resealable plastic bag inside your hand luggage.
- Keep a laptop easily accessible, as you will need to place it in a separate security tray during the screening process.
- Avoid bringing prohibited items, such as certain medications, pharmaceuticals, and food items, to Dubai Airport. Check the official websites for the latest information on restricted products.
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Liquids: restricted quantities in hand luggage
Dubai Airport has strict rules and regulations regarding the contents of hand luggage. The airport authorities enforce strict measures to ensure compliance, emphasising the importance of adhering to the established rules. One of the categories of items that are closely monitored is liquids.
Liquids, such as beverages, water, soups, jams, stews, pastes, and sauces, are allowed in hand luggage, but they must adhere to the specified quantities outlined in Dubai Airport regulations. Containers for carrying liquids should not exceed 100ml and must be placed in a see-through, re-sealable plastic bag. Each passenger is limited to carrying only one such bag.
It is important to note that these restrictions apply to all passengers departing from Dubai Airport. However, these rules may not apply to liquids that are required for medical or baby care purposes. For example, passengers are allowed to carry prescribed medications for more than three months as long as they meet certain criteria, such as having a valid prescription and keeping the medication in its original packaging. Additionally, baby food and sterilised water are allowed but must be carried separately and be well sealed.
While Dubai Airport has strict regulations regarding liquids in hand luggage, there is no limit to packing liquids in checked-in baggage. It is recommended to pack all liquids in resealable, clear plastic bags to avoid any potential issues during security checks.
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Electronics: some allowed in hand luggage
Dubai Airport's hand luggage regulations cover a range of items and specifications. Passengers should be aware of size restrictions, quantity limits, and the categorization of items into groups, including liquids, sharp objects, and electronics.
Personal electronic devices like MacBooks, laptops, mobile phones, computers, and tablets are generally allowed in hand luggage. However, it is advisable to check for any specific airline or airport guidelines. For example, some sources state that mobile phones must be in the manufacturer's packaging, or they may be confiscated. Lithium batteries in mobile phones also pose a security risk to airport facilities and aircraft.
Portable electronic devices packed in checked baggage must be switched off and protected from accidental activation during the flight. For safety reasons, you cannot carry lithium battery-powered items such as hoverboards, mini Segways, balance wheels, solo wheels, and rideable electric motorized bags on board. This applies to both hand luggage and checked baggage.
If you are unsure whether an item is allowed, you should check with the airline by phone or email before arriving at the airport.
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Cigarettes: restricted allowance, no e-cigarettes
If you are travelling to Dubai and want to bring cigarettes with you, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, there is no legal age limit for smoking cigarettes in Dubai. However, according to Federal Law No. 15 of 2009 on Tobacco Control, the legal age for purchasing tobacco products is 18 years old.
You are allowed to bring cigarettes into Dubai, and you can buy tobacco products at supermarkets or small provisional stores. Dubai Airport prohibits the import of pork and pork products, and products containing gelatin made from pork. Fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, and meat products from certain countries are also banned.
The number of cigarettes you can bring into Dubai should not exceed 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 500 grams of tobacco. It is important to note that customs duty may be charged on items that are not prohibited but are subject to duty. Passengers can bring gifts that do not exceed AED 3,000 without paying customs duty.
While you can bring cigarettes into Dubai, there are restrictions on where you can smoke. Smoking is not permitted in government buildings, malls, schools, offices, parks, shops, or airports. If you are caught smoking in a prohibited area, you may be fined AED 500 (around $136). There are designated smoking areas in and around Dubai Airport, and throughout the city, including near the main gate of the airport.
It is important to note that e-cigarettes and vaping are banned in Dubai. If you bring these products into the country, they will likely be confiscated at the airport. If you are a transit passenger, you may be able to carry e-cigarettes in your hand baggage, but you should not use them in the airport.
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Frequently asked questions
The maximum amount of alcohol that can be brought into Dubai is 4 litres or 2 cartons. Each carton should contain 24 cans of beer, with each can not exceeding 355 ml.
Security clearance for cardboard cartons is performed manually and takes longer. It is recommended to avoid them if possible.
Liquids, gels, and aerosols are restricted in hand luggage and must be in containers no larger than 100ml. Liquids can be packed in check-in luggage without restriction, as long as they are securely contained. Other prohibited items include:
- Drugs of abuse, including poppy seeds, cocaine, hashish, heroin, and hallucinogenic pills
- Items that go against Islamic beliefs and teachings, including certain sculptures, paintings, photographs, and publications
- Hoverboards, Segways, and other personal motorised vehicles
- Medications that are prohibited in the UAE
- Cooked or homemade food, seeds, raw plants, fruits, and vegetables














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