Are you planning a move to Canada, the United States, or a getaway to Senegal, Thailand, South Korea? Perhaps you are eager to return to your home country and reunite with your loved ones. The start of the year sounds like revenge or catch-up for many. Despite the uncertainty brought about by the pandemic, people are again looking to travel or relocate overseas. But have you ever thought about what you're allowed to pack in your suitcase?
Things are changing overnight, and while most borders are open, some countries have tightened their entry conditions. But for the most optimistic and avid travellers, this is not such a big deal. With a few adjustments and proper information, everything is possible.
Beware of food and sweets
Foodstuff and sweets from abroad are considered some of the best gifts. They not only carry memories for you from your host country but also bring a smile to those who receive them. Perhaps you have been talking to your loved ones about particular delicacies in your host country and wanted to give them a taste of these foodstuffs. It could be cheese, cold meats, honey, dried fruits, fruits, chocolates, candies, foie gras, vegetables, edible insects, jam, etc. But are they allowed?
Soraya is not likely to forget what happened with her Kinder surprises. It was during a visit to her sister, who is an expat in the United States, a few months before the Covid. "Customs officers took out the Kinder packet. I said I was afraid the chocolates would crash in the hold. I thought I was allowed to keep them with me in the cabin, but they made it clear that this is not the case".
In principle, dry products (cakes, cookies, etc.) are authorized. But beware of chocolates and other soft products, which may be assimilated to liquids. In this case, the same restrictions apply: 100mL maximum in a transparent and resealable plastic bag.
In the United States, the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act of 1938 prohibits any sale of confectionery containing a toy inside due to the risk of choking on it for children. This information was updated in February 2021 by US Customs and Border Protection. In case of fraud, offenders are liable to a fine of up to $ 2,500.
For Max, an expat in Japan, the problem was a fruit. “It was in 2018 when I returned to Japan. I had the terrible idea of taking a mango and a few apples on board. I had a bad time at the customs department. I didn't want my fruits to end up in the trash, so I ate them. Needless to tell you about my hassle for peeling the mango!"
Principle: Japanese law is formal. Most fruits are prohibited.
What about meat or fish? Whether they are prepared or preserved meals, or local products, make sure to seek all relevant information about the regulations in the country you are travelling to and with the airline company. On the other hand, travellers within the European Union are allowed to bring meat products, but they may be required to present relevant certificates. However, it's worth noting that bringing any meat product from a non-EU country is prohibited.
Japan has similar laws in place. There's a ban on the import of all meat products on its soil. The same applies to the United States and Canada where travelling with meat products are considered a health risk. If you're a big fan of foie gras, maybe you should think twice before packing any of it in your suitcase. Animal welfare being a priority, more and more countries prohibit force-feeding of animals (United Kingdom, Germany, California, Denmark, Argentina, Luxembourg, Canada, etc.).
If you love cheese, keep this piece of information in mind: since dry products are allowed in the cabin, hard and cooked cheeses are permitted if they are vacuum packed (for obvious odour reasons). But soft cheese and raw milk cheese are prohibited due to the bacteriological risks in Australia, Canada and the United States, for example. Here again, make sure to check the rules of the destination country.
Expensive tech objects
Computers, smartwatches, smart suitcases are now part of our everyday lives. But we tend to forget that all these high-tech objects are subject to strict regulations. Clara recalls her WHV experience in Canada in 2018, which she had to give up after several failures. “Smart suitcases were popular at that time, and I had found some on sale. But I was shocked on my arrival at Roissy Charles de Gaulle airport. I never thought that smart suitcases could be prohibited both in the cabin and in the hold! My two suitcases were connected, and the battery could not be removed. Fortunately, I had come very early for the check-in, and my parents had come to say goodbye. They rushed off to buy me two normal suitcases, and I had to pack my stuff right in the middle of the airport. So that is how my Canadian adventure started."
Principle: large portable electronic devices containing batteries or lithium batteries (power bank) are prohibited in the cabin and in the hold (including bicycles, electric scooters, drones, etc.). In the case of electronic devices with lithium cells or batteries that can be removed, lithium values should not exceed 0.3g (mass of lithium metal) or 2.7Wh (lithium-ion). Removed cells/batteries will be transported to the cabin in suitable packaging to prevent short circuits (e.g. original packaging). The devices (e.g., suitcase without battery) will then be transported in the hold. Airlines can apply more restrictive measures than this regulation.
Tips for hassle-free travel
If you want to gift your loved ones, avoid packaging until the landing. In case of inspection, the customs officers will not hesitate to tear off your beautiful gift wrap.
There is often confusion about electronic devices. Keep in mind that laptops, tablets, external batteries or cameras are allowed in the cabin but not in the hold. Pay special attention to fashionable connected objects. If the lithium battery (power bank) cannot be removed, the suitcase may be refused at check-in.
Watch out for toys and decorative objects such as replicas of sabres, swords, pistols, fake bear heads, potentially blunt objects or objects that may be considered weapons depending on your destination. Customs services are already under pressure with the pandemic and health restrictions, so it's best to avoid any hassle. Anything that could be used as a weapon (even knitting needles!) are prohibited or regulated. Make sure to check with your airline first.
Watch out for alcohol as well. Very strong alcohol (over 70%) is prohibited in the cabin and the hold. Beverages with 24 to 70% of alcohol are allowed in the cabin but are subject to regulations concerning liquids (transparent bottles of 100mL max). Those transported in the hold must be appropriately packed. Each passenger can only take a maximum of 5L cabin and hold combined. However, some airlines may refuse all alcohol.
Note that "duty-free" can allow the transport of liquids of more than 100mL (in a closed sealed bag, with proof of purchase) as long as they comply with the quantities authorized by the airline.
Finally, considering the current pandemic, it is temporarily allowed to transport up to 500mL of hydroalcoholic gel. But the limit remains the same for other liquids, sprays or gels: 100mL.
