Items Authorized for Entry and Exempt from Customs Duties

Travelers may bring personal luggage, belongings, and gifts into the country free from customs duties, provided they meet the exemption criteria outlined below.

Exemption Conditions:

• Luggage and gifts must be intended for personal use and not for commercial purposes.

• The traveler must not be a frequent visitor to customs offices or engaged in trade activities related to the items carried.

• All items remain subject to the restrictions and prohibitions specified under the Customs Law and related legislation.

• The value of each gift must not exceed QAR 3,000.

• The exemption applies to up to 400 cigarettes, or the equivalent of 20 cigars, 300 grams of pipe tobacco, 500 grams of raw tobacco, or 2 kilograms of shisha tobacco (muasel), provided the total value does not exceed QAR 3,000.

If the value or quantity exceeds these limits, customs duties will apply to the excess amount.

Customs Declaration of Money and Valuables

Travelers entering or leaving Qatar must complete a Customs Declaration Form if they are carrying cash, precious jewelry, or negotiable financial instruments valued at QAR 50,000 or more, or its equivalent in other currencies. The forms are available at all customs offices across airports, seaports, and border crossings.

This requirement complies with Law No. 20 of 2019 on Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism and Cabinet Decision No. 41 of 2019 issuing its executive regulations.

Items Requiring Declaration:

• Currency: Qatari or foreign currencies.

• Negotiable Instruments: Bearer instruments such as traveler’s checks, endorsed checks, promissory notes, and any incomplete signed payment orders.

• Precious Metals: Gold, silver, platinum, and similar valuable metals.

• Precious Stones: Diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires, pearls, and other similar stones.

False Declarations:
Providing inaccurate information about declared amounts or failing to submit the declaration constitutes a violation and is subject to legal penalties.

Penalties:
Failure to declare, false reporting, or refusal to provide additional information may result in:

• Imprisonment for up to three years.

• A fine between QAR 100,000 and QAR 500,000, or up to twice the value of the undeclared funds—whichever is greater.

• Confiscation of the undeclared funds or valuables.

For Individuals

Importing Goods Under a Personal Name

Individuals importing goods personally, including online purchases, must ensure the items are not restricted or prohibited.

Restricted Goods:
Items requiring prior approval from relevant authorities before import, as stated in the GCC Common Customs Law. Importers must obtain the necessary permits from competent government bodies.

Prohibited Goods:
Import or export of these items is strictly forbidden under Qatari law:

• Immoral materials in any form (books, videos, or digital media).

• Drugs and narcotic substances.

• Weapons, ammunition, and explosives.

• Radioactive materials or devices.

• Products containing any Israeli component.

• Alcoholic drinks.

Exemption for Parcels and Personal Shipments

Incoming parcels or personal shipments valued at QAR 1,000 or less are exempt from customs duties, as outlined in the Unified Customs Procedures Guide.

Exemption for Personal Luggage and Used Household Items Shipped to Qatar

For Qatari Citizens Returning from Abroad

Qatari citizens permanently returning to reside in the country are exempt from customs duties on used personal luggage and household goods, provided the following conditions are met:

• Furniture and appliances must be used prior to arrival.

• Personal belongings must be for personal use, not trade, and in quantities suitable for personal needs.

• Proof of residence abroad for at least three years must be provided.

• The exemption applies once only, including to dependents or spouses.

• Diplomats returning permanently are covered under the same provisions.

• Items must be shipped within six months of the traveler’s return, extendable under exceptional circumstances.

• Goods remain subject to prohibitions and restrictions under customs law.

For Non-Qatari Residents Arriving for Work

Non-Qatari individuals entering Qatar for the first time to work may be granted customs exemption on personal luggage and used household goods if:

• A letter from the employer confirms job details and nationality.

• A valid residence permit and Qatari ID are provided.

• Items are used, for personal use only, and proportionate to normal household needs.

• A detailed and stamped declaration of contents is submitted to customs.

• All items must arrive within six months of entering the country.

• The owner must not sell or dispose of the exempted items within one year of entry.

Note:

• New furniture and appliances are not covered by the exemption and will be subject to standard customs duties.

• Personal vehicles are not eligible for exemption and are subject to the applicable customs tariff.

Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind Saudi Arabia’s regenerative tourism destinations The Red Sea and AMAALA, has completed the modernisation of AlWajh International Airport in the country’s northwest.

The airport has now resumed operations, with Saudia operating three weekly flights from Riyadh and two from Jeddah. International services are expected to begin in the near future.

The project represents the first infrastructure delivery completed by RSG under its broadened mandate beyond destination development, reflecting its expanding role in enhancing connectivity, public services, and wider economic growth.

RSG Group CEO John Pagano said the redevelopment goes beyond aviation infrastructure, describing it as a strategic gateway designed to improve mobility, stimulate economic activity, and create new opportunities for communities in the region. He added that residents of Tabuk now have access to an upgraded international-standard airport with improved links across Saudi Arabia and beyond.

The upgraded facility is now capable of accommodating a wide range of commercial aircraft, including Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 families, as well as seaplanes. Its annual passenger capacity has increased to 500,000, up from 100,000 previously, with the ability to handle up to 330 passengers per hour across four gates during peak periods.

According to the company, the expansion is expected to support rising demand, strengthen tourism development, and contribute to job creation and broader economic activity across the Tabuk region.

Abdulaziz Al-Abdan, Executive Director of Aviation and Airport Operations at Red Sea Global, said the improvements significantly expand capacity for larger aircraft and higher passenger volumes. He added that discussions are already underway with airline partners and regulators to further develop future route networks in line with expected demand growth.

The airport is also set to function as a key entry point for AMAALA, the luxury wellness destination located about 45 minutes away by electric vehicle and roughly 20 minutes by seaplane.

Architectural design elements of the renovated terminal draw on the heritage of AlWajh’s historic town and the broader Tabuk coastline, aiming to reflect the region’s cultural identity.

Additional upgrades include enhanced passenger facilities such as premium lounges, cafés, a mini-market, automated banking services, car rental desks, and expanded parking. The terminal has also been equipped to support seaplane and helicopter operations as part of future transport links to AMAALA.

Source: ZAWYA

China added 80 new international air cargo routes during the first five months of 2026, according to data released by the Air Logistics Committee of the China Federation of Logistics & Purchasing (CFLP) as of May 31.

The expansion was largely focused on Europe and Asia. Of the newly established routes, 35 connect China with destinations across Europe, while 33 serve Asian markets. Ten routes were launched to North America, with one route each linking China to South America and Africa.

In May alone, 11 new international air cargo routes entered service, including seven connecting China with other Asian countries, three serving European destinations, and one linking to North America.

The new routes are primarily used to transport cross-border e-commerce shipments, advanced manufactured products, high-value goods, and fresh agricultural produce.

Industry experts say the continued growth of China's international air freight network is helping diversify transportation options and support export-driven industries. Peng Chun, Deputy Director of the Department of Logistics Management at Beijing Jiaotong University, noted that the expanded network helps reduce pressure on maritime and rail freight services while providing faster logistics solutions for high-value exports.

Peng added that the increase in international cargo routes also strengthens China's transportation resilience and contributes to greater supply chain security by enhancing independent logistics capabilities.

Source: CGTN

Bahrain International Airport has confirmed that the kingdom’s airspace remains open and that flight operations continue as normal, reaffirming Bahrain’s connectivity with destinations worldwide.

In a statement shared on X, the airport said its team remains focused on providing a smooth travel experience for passengers while maintaining regular flight services.

The update came after an Air India Express flight scheduled to operate from Kochi to Bahrain was cancelled on Thursday morning. The cancellation left 122 passengers stranded in Kochi.

Because the aircraft did not arrive in Bahrain, the return service from Bahrain to Kochi, scheduled to depart at 3pm, was also cancelled. The disruption affected an additional 178 passengers.

According to an airline official quoted by the Gulf Daily News (GDN), affected travelers were offered the choice of receiving a full refund or being rebooked on the next available flight.

Airport authorities have not reported any restrictions to Bahrain’s airspace, and flight operations continue across the kingdom’s aviation network.

Source: ZAWYA

Passengers at Brussels Airport will no longer need to remove liquids or electronic devices from their hand luggage during security checks, the airport announced on Friday as part of a major modernization of its security screening system.

The revamp at the Zaventem airport will take place over the next several years, with the first new scanners expected to be operational in 2028. By 2029, the entire departure security system will be replaced with cutting-edge technology, including CT scanners for hand luggage and advanced body scanners for passengers.

“The safety of our passengers and staff is always our top priority,” said Brussels Airport CEO Arnaud Feist. “With this new technology, we will not only maintain the highest safety standards but also make security screening faster and more convenient for travelers.”

Currently, passengers must remove laptops, tablets, and other electronic devices from their bags, and liquids are limited to one litre in containers no larger than 100 millilitres. The new CT scanners will allow these items to remain in hand luggage, and under European regulations, passengers will be allowed to carry up to two litres of liquids per bag.

A test of a new body scanner is scheduled for June, with the construction of an additional temporary screening platform planned in 2027 to accommodate the new technology. Once the first scanners are operational in 2028, phased upgrades of all 19 departure lanes will be completed by summer 2029. Transfer passenger lanes will be upgraded at a later stage.

Feist emphasized that the new scanners will also increase security screening capacity, preparing the airport for future growth in passenger numbers.

The initiative is part of Brussels Airport’s Hub 3.0 program, designed to enhance passenger experience and maintain the airport as a “convenient, comfortable, and future-proof European hub.” Similar CT scanner systems are already in operation at major European airports such as London Heathrow, Amsterdam Schiphol, Dublin, Rome Fiumicino, and Frankfurt.

Kuwait International Airport has activated its emergency response plan after Terminal One was struck by missiles and drones reportedly launched from Iran, causing injuries and damage to airport facilities, officials confirmed.

Abdullah Al-Rajhi, spokesperson for the Public Authority for Civil Aviation (PACA), said authorities immediately implemented established emergency protocols to protect passengers, staff, and airport infrastructure.

Air traffic has been suspended, and inbound and outbound flights have been diverted to nearby airports until further notice, Al-Rajhi added.

Technical teams are currently assessing the extent of the damage to facilities before repair operations begin. Security and contingency measures remain in place to ensure the safe resumption of airport operations.

The incident underscores ongoing regional tensions and highlights the importance of airport emergency preparedness in safeguarding travelers and aviation infrastructure.