Security and baggage at Mogadishu airport

At Aden Adde International your bags are screened more than once: at the outer checkpoint, at the terminal entrance and again before the gate. Packing to international rules makes every check quicker. For any single item, use our hand-luggage checker.

Hand luggage

• Liquids, gels and creams: containers of 100 ml or less, together in one clear resealable bag of about 1 litre. This includes perfume, attar, ghee, honey and toothpaste.
• Power banks and spare lithium batteries: cabin only, never in checked bags. Up to 100 Wh is fine; 100–160 Wh needs airline approval; above 160 Wh is not allowed.
• Medicines and baby milk: allowed above 100 ml when needed for the journey. Carry prescriptions.
• Not allowed in the cabin: knives and blades, scissors with long blades, tools, sporting bats and anything that looks like a weapon.
• Keep electronics, liquids and documents easy to reach — you may need to take them out at each check.

Checked baggage

• Allowances vary a lot between airlines and between international and domestic flights. Check yours on our airline pages before you pack.
• Zamzam water is too large for the cabin. Many airlines accept a sealed container in the hold, but ask yours first.
• Wrap bottles and jars well and put them in plastic bags. Lock or strap suitcases; bags are often opened for inspection.
• Never pack power banks, spare batteries or e-cigarettes in checked bags.

Rules at your destination

• Khat (qaad) is illegal in the UK, USA, Canada and many European countries. Carrying it can lead to arrest and confiscation.
• Cash: the EU, the UK and the USA require you to declare 10,000 euros, pounds or dollars (or the equivalent) or more when you arrive or leave. Declare large amounts in Somalia too.
• Food: meat, dairy, fruit and seeds are often restricted on arrival in the UK, EU, USA and Canada. Declare them or leave them behind.

Before you leave for the airport

Use the leave-for-the-airport planner and read departing from MGQ for timings. Rules change from time to time; follow the instructions of airport staff and your airline.