What you can't pack for your next flight from India to the UAE

Many Indian travellers heading to the UAE are unaware that some of the most common items in their luggage, from kitchen staples to prescribed medicines, could get them stopped at security or even denied entry. While most assume that a packet of homemade pickle or a few strips of tablets are harmless, UAE customs and Indian aviation authorities maintain strict lists of banned and restricted goods.

Why restrictions exist

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) in India and the UAE’s customs and aviation authorities regulate the transport of food, medicines, and other goods for safety, biosecurity, and legal compliance, as per Gulf News. Some foods have a high oil content or are combustible, posing in-flight hazards. Others are banned for health or agricultural reasons.

Food restrictions

1. Completely prohibited:

• Copra (dried coconut) – banned in both carry-on and checked baggage.
• Crushed dry coconut – banned in both
  

2. Restricted to checked baggage only:

• All spices in powder or physical form, including chilli powder.
• Whole coconuts.
• Chilli pickles.

3. Allowed in both cabin and checked baggage (with conditions):

• Green coconut tissue.
• Cooking oils – in checked baggage, limited to 5 kg or litres per passenger; in cabin baggage, must meet liquid/gel restrictions (max 100 ml per container, total 1 litre in a resealable bag).
• Non-chilli pickles.

4. Not allowed at UAE border:

• Betel leaves
• Cooked food items, regardless of packaging

Medication rules

1. Controlled medication:

• Requires prior approval from the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP)
• Approval is obtained online before travel
• Travellers must carry a prescription and verify with their doctor if the medicine is on the controlled list.

2. Non-controlled medication:

No prior MoHAP approval required for prescription or over-the-counter drugs, but carrying a doctor’s prescription is strongly advised.

Other restricted or banned items

According to Gulf News, UAE aviation and customs rules also restrict:

• Vapes and e-cigarettes (allowed in limited quantities for personal use, but not for resale)
• Lithium batteries and power banks (must be in cabin baggage, subject to airline limits)
• Drones (require permits)
• Flammable materials such as certain aerosols

Before packing, travellers must check the latest lists on the BCAS and MoHAP websites or contact the nearest UAE embassy or consulate. If travelling with food, store it in sealed, leak-proof packaging to avoid spillage. For medicines, ensure prescriptions clearly mention your name, dosage, and medical condition.