Dubai International Airport adds new banned items to stricter rules

Key Takeaways

• Dubai International Airport enforces stricter 2025 regulations with a longer banned items list to improve security.
• New bans include drones, e-cigarettes, certain medicines requiring permits, and sharp tools over 6cm in hand luggage.
• Travelers must declare cash over AED 60,000 and follow liquid limits of 100ml in hand luggage.

Dubai International Airport Rolls Out Stricter Regulations and Expanded Banned Items List in 2025

Dubai International Airport, one of the world’s busiest travel hubs, has introduced stricter regulations and a newly expanded list of banned items for all travelers in 2025. These changes, which took effect earlier this year and continue to be enforced as of May 24, 2025, are designed to improve airport security and keep up with both local and international safety standards. The new rules affect everyone passing through the airport—residents, tourists, business travelers, and airline staff alike.

What’s Changed and Why?

The main changes at Dubai International Airport include a much longer and more detailed list of banned and restricted items, tougher screening at all terminals, and higher penalties for breaking the rules. The airport authority and Dubai Customs have both stressed that these updates are necessary to protect travelers and staff, especially as global security threats continue to evolve.

Travelers are now strongly advised to check the official Dubai Customs and Dubai Airports websites before packing their bags, as the list of banned items is updated often. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these new measures reflect the UAE’s commitment to maintaining its reputation as a safe and secure international transit hub.

Let’s break down what these new rules mean for travelers, what items are now banned or restricted, and what steps you should take to avoid trouble at the airport.

The Expanded List of Banned Items at Dubai International Airport

The updated list of banned items at Dubai International Airport is now one of the most detailed in the region. It covers everything from drugs and weapons to certain foods, electronics, and even some cultural materials. Here’s what you need to know:

Items Banned in Both Carry-On and Checked Luggage

• Narcotic drugs: All types are strictly banned. This includes hashish, cocaine, heroin, poppy seeds, and hallucination pills. Even small amounts can lead to serious legal trouble.
• Goods from boycotted countries: Products from certain countries, including Israeli-origin goods, are not allowed.
• Gambling tools and devices: Any equipment used for gambling is banned.
• Animal products: Crude ivory, rhinoceros horn, and other animal parts are strictly prohibited.
• Used or reconditioned tires: These are not allowed in any luggage.
• Radiation-polluted substances: Any material that could be radioactive is banned.
• Fake currency and counterfeit goods: Carrying these can result in criminal charges.
• Printed materials, sculptures, and media: Anything that goes against Islamic teachings or public morals can be confiscated.
• Homemade meals and certain foods: Especially non-vegetarian and perishable foods, which can carry health risks.
• Three-layer fishing nets: These are not allowed.
• Betel leaves and paan: These popular chewing items are banned.
• Weapons and ammunition: This includes real and replica firearms, martial arts weapons, and flare guns.
• Explosives, fireworks, and flammable materials: All types are banned.
• Hoverboards, Segways, and personal motorized vehicles: These are not allowed unless you have special permission.
• Lithium batteries (not for personal use): Only batteries for personal devices are allowed; others are banned.
• Drones and radio equipment: You need a permit to bring these items.
• E-cigarettes and electronic hookah: A permit is required to carry these.
• Certain medicines: Medicines containing controlled substances (like codeine or methadone) require a prescription and an import permit.

Items Banned in Hand Luggage Only

• Sharp tools: Hammers, nails, drills, screwdrivers, and scissors or blades longer than 6cm are not allowed.
• Grooming kits: Items like razors or scissors over 6cm are banned.
• Multiple lighters: Only one lighter per person is allowed.
• Ropes, walkie-talkies, packing tape, electrical cables (except for personal use), measuring tape: These are not allowed in hand luggage.
• Compressed gas cylinders and car repair parts: These are banned from carry-on bags.

Liquids and Aerosols

• All liquids, gels, and aerosols: Must be in containers of 100ml or less. The total volume cannot exceed 1 liter per passenger in hand luggage.
• Exceptions: Baby milk, medication, and special dietary liquids are allowed if you have the right documents.

Stricter Regulations: What Travelers Need to Know

The new rules at Dubai International Airport are not just about banning more items—they also mean stricter enforcement and higher penalties for breaking the rules. Here’s what’s different in 2025:

• Enhanced screening: Security staff are using more advanced technology to check bags and personal items.
• Increased penalties: Fines, confiscation of items, and even criminal charges are possible for violations.
• Permit requirements: Some items, like drones, e-cigarettes, and certain medicines, now require official permits.
• Frequent updates: The list of banned items can change at any time, so travelers must check the latest information before every trip.

Step-by-Step Guide for Travelers

To help you avoid problems at Dubai International Airport, here’s a simple checklist to follow:

1. Before Packing: Visit the Dubai Customs or Dubai Airports websites to see the latest banned and restricted items.
2. Medicines: If you need to bring medicine that contains controlled substances, get a valid prescription from your doctor and apply for an import permit if required.
3. Permits: If you plan to bring a drone, e-cigarette, or other restricted item, apply for a permit through the relevant ministry before your trip.
4. Packing Liquids: Make sure all liquids, gels, and aerosols in your hand luggage are in containers of 100ml or less, and place them in a clear, resealable bag.
5. Cash and Valuables: If you are carrying more than AED 60,000 (or the same amount in another currency), you must declare it at the airport.
6. Customs Declaration: Use the green channel if you have nothing to declare, or the red channel if you do. Be ready for inspection.
7. If Unsure: Contact Dubai Customs or airport staff for help before you travel.

Duty-Free Allowances and Age Restrictions

Dubai International Airport also has clear rules about what you can bring in duty-free:

• Gifts: Up to AED 3,000 in value.
• Cigarettes: Up to 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 500g of tobacco.
• Alcohol: Up to 4 liters of alcohol or 2 cartons of beer (24 cans each, max 355ml per can).
• Age limits: Cigarettes and alcohol are not allowed for travelers under 18.

If you go over these limits, you may have to pay extra taxes or have your items taken away.

Why These Changes Matter: Perspectives from Stakeholders

Security Experts

Security professionals say these stricter regulations are needed to keep up with the growing number of travelers and new security threats. With millions of people passing through Dubai International Airport every month, even a small mistake can have big consequences.

Travel Industry

Some airlines and travel companies worry that the new rules might cause delays or confusion, especially for people who don’t travel often or aren’t aware of the frequent updates. They are working closely with airport authorities to make sure passengers get the right information before they fly.

Legal Analysts

Legal experts warn that breaking these rules can lead to serious trouble. Penalties can include heavy fines, having your items taken away, or even being arrested and prosecuted. It’s important to understand that “I didn’t know” is not usually accepted as an excuse.

Travelers

People who travel through Dubai International Airport have mixed feelings. Some appreciate the extra safety and clear rules, while others find the list of banned items long and sometimes confusing. Many say that checking the official websites before traveling helps avoid problems.

Background: How Dubai International Airport’s Rules Have Evolved

Dubai International Airport has always had strict security and customs rules. Over the years, the banned items list has grown to cover new threats, changes in technology, and international best practices. The 2025 updates are the most detailed in recent memory, showing how seriously the UAE takes airport safety.

The airport works closely with several government agencies, including:

• Dubai Airports Authority: Manages airport security and policy.
• Dubai Customs: Enforces customs rules and updates the banned items list.
• Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Defence: Regulate arms, ammunition, and explosives.
• Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology: Issues permits for e-cigarettes and electronic hookahs.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Dubai International Airport?

The list of banned items at Dubai International Airport is expected to keep changing as new security threats appear. Officials say they will continue to review and update the rules to protect travelers and staff.

Other changes on the horizon include:

• Digitalization: Making customs declarations and permit applications easier through online systems.
• Awareness campaigns: More signs, airline notifications, and digital messages to help travelers understand the rules.

Travelers should always check the latest information before every trip, as rules can change quickly.

Official Resources and Contact Information

For the most accurate and up-to-date information about banned items and airport rules, use these official resources:

• Dubai Customs: dubaicustoms.gov.ae | Customer Service: +971 4 417 7777
• Dubai Airports: dubaiairports.ae | General Inquiries: +971 4 224 5555

If you have questions about medicines, permits, or specific items, contact these agencies before you travel.

Summary Table: Key Banned Items at Dubai International Airport (2025)

Practical Takeaways for Travelers

• Always check the latest banned items list before you pack. The rules can change at any time.
• Get the right permits for restricted items like drones, e-cigarettes, and certain medicines.
• Follow the rules for liquids in your hand luggage to avoid having items taken away.
• Declare large amounts of cash or valuables to avoid fines.
• If you’re not sure about an item, ask Dubai Customs or airport staff before you travel.

By following these steps, you can avoid delays, fines, and other problems at Dubai International Airport. As reported by VisaVerge.com, staying informed and prepared is the best way to ensure a smooth journey through one of the world’s busiest airports.

For more details and the most current information, visit the official Dubai Customs banned items page before your next trip.

Learn Today

Dubai Customs → Government agency enforcing customs laws and updating banned items at Dubai International Airport.
Banned Items List → Official catalog of prohibited or restricted goods travelers cannot carry through the airport.
Permits → Official authorizations required to carry certain restricted items like drones or controlled medicines.
Hand Luggage → Bags or items passengers carry with them on board an aircraft, subject to stricter rules.
Screening → Security process involving checking passengers and luggage for prohibited items before boarding.

This Article in a Nutshell

Dubai International Airport’s 2025 rules tighten security with an expanded banned list and stricter controls, impacting all travelers. Permits for drones and medicines are mandatory, and liquid restrictions apply. Check official sources before traveling to avoid fines and delays, ensuring a safer, smoother airport experience amid evolving security threats.
— By VisaVerge.com