Latest travel updates: What you can and cannot carry from India to the UAE

09/12/2023

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DUBAI, Dec 9: Have you encountered a post on your social media feed cautioning against carrying specific items when traveling from India to the UAE? Recent reports in Indian media and social media have emphasized restrictions on items like ghee (clarified butter), pickles, and oily foods during flights from India to the UAE. These reports originated from an announcement by Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), where an official disclosed that 943 dry coconuts were seized from checked bags in May 2022 alone. The official mentioned that commonly found prohibited items in checked baggage include dry coconut (khopra in Hindi), ghee, pickles, oily foods, and e-cigarettes.

However, it’s crucial to consider various factors when determining the prohibition of items in luggage—whether the item is disallowed in carry-on luggage, checked-in luggage, or both, and which authority issued the guideline. Different civil aviation authorities and some airports and airlines may have additional policies restricting certain items.

Let’s break down whether the mentioned items can or cannot be carried by passengers.

Dry Coconut (Khopra): Prohibited in both carry-on and checked-in luggage since March 2022, according to the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) in India.

E-cigarettes: Not allowed in either checked-in or carry-on luggage, as per BCAS guidelines.

Spices: Permitted in checked-in luggage but prohibited in carry-on luggage, according to BCAS guidelines.

Ghee: Restricted to 100ml in carry-on luggage due to Liquid, Aerosols, and Gels (LAGs) restrictions. In checked-in baggage, BCAS allows up to 5kgs of ghee, but it’s essential to check individual airport and airline regulations.

Pickles: Allowed in both carry-on and checked-in luggage, except for chilly pickles, which are not permitted in carry-on.

It’s also important to be aware of the prohibited items list for the UAE. Travelers should check the customs guidelines of the destination city or country, with the UAE’s Federal Customs Authority providing a list of prohibited items for reference [link provided]. Always consult the airport’s website or contact them directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information on prohibited items.