Guide: Prohibited and restricted items while travelling to GCC

Items banned in some GCC countries

>> Alcoholic beverages (Dubai airport allows upto 4 liters of alcohol beverages, or 2 cartons of beer, while most other countries do not allow this)

>> Certain kinds of dogs / pets are not allowed in some countries. Please check if you intend to take a pet with you.

>> Laser pens

>> Goods intended to be imported from boycotted countries

>> Goods from Israeli origin or bearing Israeli trademarks or logos

>> Original engravings, prints, lithographs, sculpture and statues in any material

>> Used, reconditioned and inlaid tires

>> Three layers fishing nets

>> Natural pearls (banned in countries like KSA)

>> Binoculars, night-vision equipment or telescopic equipment

>> All types of statues or objects of human or animal form which might be used for religious purposes such as Buddha figurines, religious carvings, altars etc are banned in KSA. *This does not include kids toys such as stuffed animals, dolls.

>> Games of gambling (chess, dice, backgammon, poker chips, roulette etc.) are banned in KSA

>> Christmas trees, crosses, crucifixes, stars of david or any other items associated with religions other than the Muslim faith are banned in KSA. *Bibles are allowed for personal use only, ie one Bible per person.

Restrictions on flights

These are some items that are restricted from ‘importing’ to a GCC country. However there are many more items that are not allowed to be ‘carried on a flight’. Please refer to your airline’s website for such information.

If you are carrying an unusual item, or if you thing that an airline may have a restriction, be sure to contact your airline ahead of time, or to contact a representative in the airport.

NOTE : This list has been prepared after checking the websites of various airports and customs departments in GCC. We have tried to include all the possible items that are prohibited. However if you are carrying any unusual item, please refer with the concerned authorities before travelling.