15 unusual things you are not allowed to bring to the airport when traveling to the USA

When packing your bags for a trip to the USA, there is one thing you need to keep in mind: DO NOT bring anything that could get you in trouble. Sharp objects, large containers of liquids and weapons are a sure bet – these are definitely not to be taken to the airport.

However, the list of goods prohibited at US airports seems to be even longer – sometimes it includes items that are common for certain people, (let’s say drums) while sometimes even everyday objects (like certain phones) who do not appear to pose a threat.

To avoid any last-minute surprises at security, VisaGuide.World offers a list of 15 items you are not allowed to take with you when traveling to the USA.

1. Dog and cat fur

According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, it is illegal to transport products containing dog or cat fur in the United States under the Dog and Cat Protection Act of 2000. In addition, the import, export, or trade of such products is prohibited.

Failure to comply with this rule can result in severe consequences: a civil penalty of up to $10,000 for each willful violation, $5,000 for each grossly negligent violation, and $3,000 for negligent violations.

2. Haitian drums made of animal skin

Haitian animal skin drums, traditional percussion instruments, are banned from U.S. airports because of their material. Because this musical instrument is made from animal skin, there are health concerns about outbreaks, diseases or pests.

“Haitian goat skin drums have already been linked to a case of cutaneous anthrax, and the CDC prohibits the importation of animal skin drums from Haiti unless they have been processed in a way that makes them non-infectious. Travelers should be aware that untanned animal skin drums from Africa may pose a similar but lower risk of cutaneous anthrax,” says the US Customs and Border Protection website.

3. Cultural artefacts and cultural assets

For those who enjoy collecting souvenirs from abroad or bringing them back for their loved ones in the United States, there is bad news: You are not allowed to transport cultural items to the airport unless you have documentation proving that you are the rightful owner of the item, including a receipt or an export permit.

In addition, stolen cultural assets from institutions in countries that are members of the UNESCO Convention may not be brought to the United States.

Here is a list of other artifacts and antiques that are not allowed to be brought into the United States:

• Monumental and architectural sculptures and murals of the pre-Columbian civilization from Central and South American countries.
• Indian artifacts from Canada.
• Pre-Columbian Mayan archaeological objects from Guatemala, El Salvador and Peru.
• Archaeological objects from Mali (terracotta statues).
• Colonial objects from Peru (paintings and ritual objects).
• Objects from the Byzantine period from Cyprus (icons).
• Archaeological sculptures from Cambodia (Khmer stone sculptures).
• Replicas of objects removed from the Iraqi National Museum, the National Library, and other locations in the country are also prohibited from being imported into the United States.

4. Samsung Note7

Even though Americans are die-hard iOS fans, there is another reason why a Samsung Note 7 can lead to a ban at the airport.

In 2016, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), along with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), announced that owners of a Samsung Galaxy Note 7 were not allowed to transport the device due to the risk of fire.

“We recognise that banning these phones on airlines will cause inconvenience for some passengers, but the safety of everyone on board an aircraft must be a priority. We are taking this additional step because even a single fire incident during flight poses a high risk of serious injury and puts many lives at risk,” Anthony Foxx, former Secretary of Transportation, said.

5. Magic 8 Ball

Billiards fans, you have to hear this: Unfortunately, the Magic 8 Ball is not allowed in hand luggage when traveling to the USA.

But that’s probably for the best, because the reason for this ban is a violation of the liquid rule. The item contains more than 3.4 ounces of alcohol – the maximum amount of liquid that can be carried on an airplane. Magic 8 Balls, however, are allowed in checked baggage.

6. English Christmas crackers

The traditional holiday item, a wrapped cardboard box that makes a “cracking sound” when pulled apart by two people, is banned in U.S. airports.

Travelers are not allowed to carry these items in either carry-on or checked baggage because they are flammable and fall into the same category as fireworks.

7. Heating pad (gel)

As harmless as carrying a gel-filled heating pad may seem, it is illegal to bring this item in your carry-on luggage at U.S. airports. However, you can carry this pain reliever in your checked baggage.

8. Strike Anywhere Matches

TSA guidelines state that matches, which can be lit anywhere, are not allowed in carry-on or cabin baggage. They are considered hazardous materials and can pose a serious danger during travel.

9. Floor

Although soil is an unusual material to take on a trip, it is prohibited by law. Travelers are not allowed to bring soil with them, as the material is usually made up of decayed rock mixed with organic matter and soluble salts.

10. Fruit and vegetables

You might think that fresh produce would be a great gift to show your gratitude to someone, but such products may not be the ideal travel gift.

Many fruits and vegetables are banned from U.S. airports, including apples and some types of tomatoes. This measure dates back to the 1980s, when there was an outbreak of the Mediterranean fruit fly.

“The civil penalty for failure to declare agricultural products at U.S. ports of entry is $300 for first-time offenders. The penalty for a second offense is up to $500. To avoid a penalty, you must submit all agricultural products to Customs and Border Protection for inspection so that an agriculture specialist can determine if they are permissible.” is on the US Customs and Border Protection website.

11. Gold

Gold items such as coins and medals that originate from or are purchased in Iran, Burma (Myanmar), Cuba, and some parts of Sudan are not allowed into the United States. Until a few years ago, the import of such items was completely prohibited.

12. Cooking spray

As UpgradedPoints reports, carrying cooking spray in carry-on or checked baggage is prohibited by law and will result in denial of entry into the United States.

13. Bowling pins

Travelers are not permitted to carry bowling pins in their carry-on baggage, but the items may be carried in checked baggage.

14. Darts

Yes, it is forbidden to take darts on the plane, but it is possible to transport the items in hand luggage. It is always a good idea to plan the trip in advance.

15. Walking sticks

According to UpgradedPoints, US airports do not allow hiking poles in carry-on luggage. However, US authorities are not so strict – hiking poles are allowed in checked baggage, but only in checked baggage.