🚫 Toy gun

A realistic-looking replica or toy firearm will be stopped at the checkpoint — it is prohibited in the cabin anywhere in the world. If you have a checked bag, you may be allowed to go back and transfer it there; otherwise it will be confiscated. Non-realistic toy guns, such as those that are brightly coloured or obviously made of transparent plastic, may be permitted at officer discretion, but the final call rests with the screener.

In checked baggage, realistic toy and replica guns are generally permitted in many countries but subject to local import and airline rules — some carriers require them to be declared, and a few destinations treat realistic replicas the same as actual firearms for customs purposes. The UAE and several other countries have strict rules around any firearm-shaped item, so it is worth checking your airline's specific dangerous goods policy and your destination's customs rules before packing.

Screeners assess whether the item could reasonably be mistaken for a real firearm — colour, material, and overall shape all factor in. A toy pistol that is black, metal-weighted, and life-sized is almost certain to be stopped, while a bright orange foam dart gun is generally waved through. If you are uncertain, the safest approach is to pack the item in checked baggage regardless of how 'obviously fake' it seems to you.

Always pack realistic toy guns in checked baggage, not carry-on. If your airline or destination requires declaration of replica firearms, note this on your baggage tag or mention it at check-in. Placing the toy in its original retail packaging — which usually shows it as a toy clearly — can help customs and baggage screeners identify it quickly without needing to open the bag for a full inspection.