Qatar Airways prioritises the safety of its passengers and crew. To maintain a secure flight environment, the airline has strict regulations for transporting restricted or dangerous items. These rules align with international aviation standards set by organisations like the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Certain items are prohibited on board, regardless of whether they are checked or carry-on baggage. Passengers are encouraged to familiarise themselves with these restrictions to ensure a smooth journey.
Prohibited and Dangerous Items
Ammunition and firearms
Qatar Airways allows passengers to transport ammunition in their checked baggage, provided it's declared at check-in, accompanied by necessary licenses, and complies with specific regulations.
Only UN0012 and UN0014 ammunition are permitted, with a maximum weight of 5kg per person. Ammunition must be securely packed in a locked container and is intended for personal use only.
Firearms
Passengers may carry one or more firearms in checked baggage if declared at check-in and accompanied by the necessary licenses. Passengers must sign a 'Declaration of Surrender of Firearms' and comply with local regulations. Firearms must be unloaded and securely packed in a locked, hard-sided container.
Energy Storage and Portable Devices
Battery-powered devices must be switched off and protected from accidental activation when packed in checked baggage. Spare batteries are allowed only in hand baggage and must be individually protected to prevent short circuits. Power banks and similar devices are considered batteries and are subject to the same restrictions. All lithium batteries must comply with UN regulations.
Remotely Operated Drones & Aircraft Systems
Can be carried in hand baggage. Batteries exceeding 100Wh but not exceeding 160Wh require prior airline approval. Batteries exceeding 160Wh are prohibited. Drones without batteries can be checked in, but batteries must be in hand baggage. Charging on board is prohibited.
Electronic Cigarettes (e-Cigs)
Passengers may carry e-cigars, including e-pipes, can be carried in hand baggage only. Recharging is prohibited on board.
Lighters Specifically for e-Cigarettes
Only one e-cigarette lighter (laser plasma, tesla coil, flux, arc, or double arc) is allowed, carried in person with a safety cap. Do not pack it in hand or checked baggage. Recharging is prohibited on board.
Electronic Devices and Personal Gadgets (PED)
You may carry up to 15 portable electronic devices (PEDs), including cameras, phones, laptops, tablets, and medical devices (PMEDs). Devices can be packed in carry-on or checked baggage.
Battery Guidelines:
- Lithium-ion batteries: Max 100 Wh per device; up to 2 spare batteries allowed.
- Lithium-metal batteries: Max 2g lithium content; up to 2 spare batteries for PMEDs.
- Other batteries (AA, AAA, NiMH, NiCd, alkaline): Permitted without strict limits.
Checked baggage rules: Ensure devices are switched off and protected from accidental activation.
Smart Luggage & Motorised Suitcases
Qatar Airways has specific rules for smart baggage that may contain lithium batteries, Bluetooth, or GPS systems.
The rules depend on the battery type:
- Button or coin cell batteries: Allowed in carry-on or checked baggage.
- Permanently fixed lithium battery: Not allowed, except for batteries under 0.3g lithium or 2.7 Watt-hours. These must be completely switched off.
- Removable lithium battery over 160 Watt-hours: Not allowed.
- Removable lithium battery under 160 Watt-hours: Allowed in carry-on or checked baggage if the battery is removed. Batteries over 100 Watt-hours need prior approval from Qatar Airways. Removed batteries must be packed safely.
Non-compliant self-propelled luggage may be shipped as cargo.
Loose Batteries and Battery Packs of All Types
- A maximum of 20 spare batteries per person is allowed.
- Lithium-ion: less than 100 Wh
- Lithium-metal: less than 2g lithium content
- Other battery types, like nickel-cadmium and alkaline batteries, are permitted.
Battery-Powered Vehicles and Scooters
- Prohibited: E-scooters, hoverboards, Solowheels, Mini-Segways, balanced wheels.
- Allowed: Mobility devices with batteries (see below under Mobility Assistance Devices).
Gas Storage and Delivery
Avalanche Safety Backpacks
You may carry one avalanche rescue backpack with a compressed gas cartridge (Division 2.2) if it has no additional hazards. It may include a pyrotechnic trigger mechanism, but it must not exceed 200mg of Division 1.4S explosives. The backpack must be securely packed, and the airbag must have a pressure relief valve to prevent accidental activation.
Prosthetic Equipment with Non-Flammable Gas
You may carry small gas cylinders in your carry-on and checked baggage. These cylinders must contain a non-flammable, non-toxic gas (Division 2.2) used for operating mechanical limbs. You can also bring extra cylinders of the same size if necessary for your trip.
Small Cartridges with Non-Flammable Gas
You may carry self-inflating safety devices with up to 2 non-flammable gas cartridges each, limited to 2 devices per person, and all must be securely packed.
For other non-flammable, non-toxic gas cartridges (e.g., CO₂ bicycle tyre inflators), you may carry up to 4 cartridges per person, and each must not exceed 28g.
Gas-Containing Hair Curlers
A single hair curler containing hydrocarbon gas is permitted in either carry-on or checked baggage. The heating element must have a safety cover. You cannot use the hair curler on the aircraft or carry gas refills.
Equipment with Pressurised Gas Canisters
Undamaged appliances containing compressed gas are allowed, provided any non-flammable, non-toxic gas does not exceed 12kg.
Appliances with flammable, non-toxic gases are also allowed under specific conditions:
- The gas amount must be less than 100g.
- The appliance must be designed to withstand at least three times its operating pressure.
- The appliance must prevent gas leaks and explosions under normal travel conditions.
Hydrocarbon Fuel
Camping and Outdoor Stoves
Camping stoves and empty fuel containers that previously held flammable liquid are allowed if fully drained, aired out, securely capped, wrapped in absorbent material, and placed in a sealed bag.
New, unused camping stoves and containers are not restricted, but check with Qatar Airways beforehand for confirmation.
Fuel Cells and Backup Power Sources
Portable electronic devices (PEDs) powered by fuel cells, such as cameras, mobile phones, laptops, and camcorders, are allowed in hand baggage.
Passengers may carry a maximum of two spare fuel cell cartridges in their hand baggage.
Liquid Substances
Alcoholic Drinks
Alcohol content between 24% and 70% may be carried in checked baggage up to 5 litres total. Hand baggage limits may vary.
Always check specific airline and destination regulations before travel.
Liquid and Gel-based Items
Hand baggage liquids must be in containers of 100ml or less, placed in a clear 20x20cm resealable bag. Larger containers, even if partially filled, are not allowed.
Baby food and special dietary items are permitted in reasonable amounts.
Medical Equipment
Insulated Liquid Nitrogen (Dry Shipper Containers)
Insulated packaging containing fully absorbed, refrigerated liquid nitrogen (dry shipper) may be carried in both hand and checked baggage. The packaging must contain only non-hazardous items.
Medical-Use Oxygen and Air Cylinders
Oxygen or air cylinders essential for medical purposes are permitted. Each cylinder must weigh no more than 5 kilograms.
Personal medical oxygen devices utilising liquid oxygen are prohibited in all baggage and on the person.
Cardiac Pacemakers with Radioactive Elements
Passengers may travel with radio-isotopic cardiac pacemakers or other medical devices, including those powered by lithium batteries, whether implanted or externally worn.
Flammable Liquid-Containing Specimens (Non-Infectious)
Non-infectious animal specimens preserved in flammable liquids can be carried in both hand and checked baggage. They must be:
- Wrapped in absorbent material
- Placed in a sealed plastic bag
- Put into a larger absorbent bag
- Packed in a sturdy outer container (max 1 litre of flammable liquid per container)
Mark the package: “Scientific research specimens, not restricted as per special provision A180 applies.”
Medical Thermometers
One mercury thermometer for personal use may be transported in checked baggage. Ensure the thermometer is securely packed within a protective case. Mercury thermometers are prohibited in hand baggage.
Barometers and Temperature Gauges
Government or official agency representatives may carry mercury-containing thermometers or barometers in hand baggage, only with official approval. These must be in strong outer packaging with sealed inner liners or leak-proof bags to prevent mercury spills.
Mobility Assistance Devices
Mobility aids are permitted for passengers with disabilities, health conditions, age-related limitations, or temporary mobility issues, such as a broken leg.
Battery-Powered Mobility Aids:
- Non-spillable batteries (wet, nickel metal hydride, dry): Prevent accidental activation. Max 1 spare wet battery or 2 spare nickel-metal hydride/dry batteries.
- Lithium batteries: If attached to the device, there is no Wh limit. If removed: max 300 Wh per battery. Devices with 2 removable batteries, each must be 160Wh or less. Spare batteries must be in protective pouches in the cabin.
- Spillable batteries: Use spill-resistant caps. If not upright during transport, remove the battery. Pack in strong, leak-proof packaging with absorbent material. Mark clearly (“BATTERY, WET, WITH WHEELCHAIR/MOBILITY AID”). Transport in cargo with airline approval.
Personal and Research-Based
Chemical Detection and Monitoring Tools
Staff members of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons may carry approved chemical monitoring equipment, including a Chemical Agent Monitor (CAM) and/or Rapid Alarm and Identification Device Monitor (RAID-M) if securely packed, lithium-free, and compliant with IATA radioactive limits.
Dry Ice (Solid CO₂) with Perishables
Up to 2.5kg of dry ice is allowed in both hand and checked baggage for non-dangerous perishables if the packaging permits the release of carbon dioxide gas, and the checked baggage is properly labelled “DRY ICE”.
Items Generating Heat or Sparks
Heat-producing items like underwater torches and soldering irons are allowed only if batteries or heating elements are removed and carried safely in hand baggage.
Combustion Engines and Fuel-Cell Engines
Engines or equipment with internal combustion or fuel cell systems are permitted only if they meet specific requirements. The engine or equipment must not contain other dangerous goods or batteries. The engine fuel must not be classified as dangerous goods, or the fuel tank must be empty and properly flushed and purged. Documentation of the flushing and purging process is required. The entire fuel system must be dry and sealed.
Matches and Portable Lighters
One small non-liquid fuel lighter is allowed on your person only. Matches, lighter fuel, refills, and speciality lighters are prohibited in both carry-on and checked baggage.
Medicinal and Personal Toiletry Supplies
Non-radioactive medicines and toiletries, including aerosols, are allowed within a total limit of 2kg or 2L, with each item not exceeding 0.5kg or 0.5L.
Devices for Controlled Permeation
Permeation devices used for calibrating air quality monitoring equipment may be transported in checked baggage. Ensure these devices comply with the requirements outlined in Special Provision A41 of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations.
Security Equipment
Security-type equipment, such as attaché cases, cash boxes, and cash bags, containing hazardous materials like pyrotechnic substances or lithium batteries is prohibited in both hand and checked baggage. However, certain security-type equipment may be allowed in checked baggage if specific requirements are met.
Powdered Material
Substances in Powder Form
You may not carry powder-like substances in containers exceeding 350ml in your hand baggage except for medically prescribed powders, baby formula, human remains, and duty-free purchases in sealed STEB bags. Powder-like substances in larger containers are allowed in checked baggage. These restrictions apply to passengers travelling to or from Australia and New Zealand.
Prohibited Items
Heavy and Blunt Objects
You may not carry blunt instruments that could cause serious injury in the aircraft cabin, but you may carry them in your checked baggage. Examples include baseball and softball bats, martial arts equipment, and clubs like Billy clubs, blackjacks, and nightsticks.
Explosives and incendiary substance devices
You may not carry explosives or incendiary devices, including replicas, that could harm others or the aircraft. This includes ammunition (may be carried in checked baggage with permission), blasting caps, detonators, fuses, mines, grenades, military explosives, fireworks, smoke-generating canisters, dynamite, gunpowder, and plastic explosives.
Guns, Firearms, and Projectiles
Guns, firearms, and devices that discharge projectiles are prohibited in the aircraft cabin. This includes toys, replicas, and antiques that could be mistaken for real weapons. Firearms of all types, toy guns, replicas, firearm components, compressed air and CO2 guns, signal and starter pistols, bows, crossbows, arrows, harpoon guns, spear guns, slingshots, and catapults can be carried in checked baggage (firearms with permission)
Stun Devices and Disabling Gadgets
These items may be transported in checked baggage with prior approval:
- Stunning devices such as stun guns, tasers, and stun batons
- Animal stunners and killers
- Disabling and incapacitating chemicals, gases, and sprays, including mace, pepper or capsicum spray, tear gas, acid sprays, and animal repellent sprays
Sharp or Pointed Items
Objects with sharp points or edges are prohibited in cabin baggage. These items may be transported in checked baggage:
- Chopping tools such as axes, hatchets, and cleavers
- Ice axes and ice picks
- Razor blades and box cutters
- Knives with blades exceeding 6 centimetres
- Scissors with blades longer than 6 centimetres when measured from the fulcrum
- Martial arts equipment with sharp points or edges, including swords and sabres
Tools for Professional Use
Workers' tools capable of causing serious injury are prohibited in cabin baggage. These items may be transported in checked baggage:
- Crowbars
- Drills and drill bits, including cordless portable power drills
- Tools with blades or shafts exceeding 6 centimetres, such as screwdrivers and chisels
- Saws, including cordless portable power saws
- Blowtorches
- Bolt guns and nail guns
Quantity limits may vary by item type, form, and local regulations; always follow IATA (International Air Transport Association) and local authority guidelines when packing hazardous materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, lithium batteries must be in hand baggage and protected from short circuits.
Yes, items like golf clubs or skis are allowed if properly packed and declared.
Yes, in containers ≤100ml and in a clear, resealable bag for hand baggage.
Drones with cameras follow the same battery rules; check local aviation laws for use.
Power banks must be in hand baggage and within airline watt-hour limits.
Content Disclaimer: Although this information was last updated in March 2026, we recommend verifying with the appropriate agencies, embassies, and airlines to ensure complete accuracy regarding your travel plans.
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