India to UAE flights: Food, medicines and other items banned or restricted in 2026.
Dubai: Whether you are travelling to the UAE or any other destination, it is important to check the list of restricted and prohibited items before packing your bags.
Like many countries, the UAE has strict regulations governing what passengers can bring into the country, including certain food products, vapes, e-cigarettes and medicines.
Airlines and aviation authorities in the UAE also enforce strict safety rules on items such as batteries, power banks, drones and flammable materials, which may be restricted or prohibited due to potential safety risks.
For many Indian expatriates returning to the UAE after the summer break, or visitors travelling from India, carrying home-made or locally sourced food items is a common practice. However, passengers must follow guidelines issued by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), which restrict or prohibit the transport of certain items.
While some goods may be allowed in checked-in baggage, they may not be permitted in cabin baggage. Restrictions are often in place for items with high oil content or those that could pose a fire or safety risk during flights.
Food items banned or restricted on flights from India to the UAE
Passengers travelling from India to the UAE should be aware that some food items are prohibited, while others are subject to restrictions depending on whether they are carried in hand baggage or checked-in luggage.
- Copra (dried coconut) – Prohibited
- Crushed dry coconut – Prohibited
- Spices in powder or physical form, including chilli – Not allowed in carry-on baggage; permitted in checked baggage
- Coconut – Not allowed in carry-on baggage; permitted in checked baggage
- Crushed green coconut tissue – Allowed in both carry-on and checked baggage
- Ghee (clarified butter) and cooking oil – Allowed in both. In cabin baggage, they must comply with liquid, aerosol and gel (LAG) restrictions. In checked baggage, quantities are limited to 5 kg/litres per passenger.
- Pickles – Allowed in both. However, chilli pickle is permitted only in checked baggage.
Passengers may bring personal food items into the UAE, but certain products are restricted based on type and quantity. According to Dubai Customs, items such as paan (betel leaves) and certain cooked food products are not permitted to enter the UAE.
Other restricted items
(Continue with details on medicines, electronic items, batteries and other prohibited goods.)
Beyond food and medication rules, passengers flying from India to the UAE should also be aware that certain items are prohibited or restricted in baggage for safety and security reasons.
These include:
- Poppy seeds
- Cricket bats, skateboards and fishing rods
- Measuring tapes
- Toy guns and imitation weapons
- Bows and arrows
- Weapons and weapon replicas
- Knives with blades measuring 6cm or longer
- Explosives and ammunition, including fireworks and firecrackers
Medication rules for travellers from India to the UAE
Travellers carrying controlled medicines into the UAE must obtain approval through the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) website before travelling.
Passengers should check with their doctor to confirm whether their prescribed medication falls under the controlled category. They must also carry a valid prescription for the quantity of medicine they are bringing into the country.
For other medicines, including prescription medicines that are not classified as controlled and over-the-counter medication, prior approval from MoHAP is generally not required.
Travellers are advised to check medication requirements before departure. Those unsure about whether a particular medicine is permitted should contact the nearest UAE embassy or consulate for guidance.
A list of UAE diplomatic missions and contact details is available through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Narcotic drugs and illegal substances
The UAE has strict laws prohibiting the entry of narcotic drugs and illegal substances.
Items such as hashish, cocaine, heroin, poppy seeds and hallucinogenic pills are banned and cannot be carried into the UAE in luggage.
Travellers should not carry any narcotic or psychotropic substances unless they have obtained the necessary approvals for authorised medical use. The UAE maintains strict controls on regulated substances, and certain medicines containing controlled ingredients require prior approval before travel.
Important note: This article is intended for general information only. Passengers should always check with their airline and relevant UAE authorities before travelling if they are unsure about carrying specific items or medication, as customs and aviation regulations may be updated periodically.
