Can you take CBD on a plane from the UK? 2026 regulations

A plane flying in the air
10 min read

Key takeaways:

  • CBD is legal in the United Kingdom, and you can travel with CBD on a plane, travelling to and from the UK

  • To take CBD on a plane, it must be in its original packaging, clearly labelled and contain no more than 1 mg of THC in the whole container

  • Taking CBD on an internal flight in the UK is permitted

  • Taking CBD on an international flight is permitted, but only if it’s also permitted in the destination country

  • Always check the official government or embassy website of the country you’re travelling to, as rules and regulations vary and can change

 

 

The legal status of CBD in the UK

 

CBD, or cannabidiol, is legal in the UK, as long as it contains 0.2% THC or less. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the compound that’s responsible for the high or psychoactive effect of cannabis and cannabis products. 

Additionally, UK CBD products must contain no more than 1 mg of controlled cannabinoids, such as THC, in total, per container. As a guide, full-spectrum CBD products contain very low levels of THC, 0.2% or less and not enough to cause a high. These products are unlikely to contain more than 1 mg of THC per container, but always check.

CBD isolate products contain zero THC. If you’re concerned about THC levels and flying, opt for CBD products made using CBD isolate. 

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has given all CBD products, including oils, gummies and drinks, novel food status, meaning they can only be sold in the UK after gaining approval from the FSA, and only then as a food supplement. 

These rules don’t apply to prescribed medical cannabis products that have a different set of regulations and travel allowances. Check with your GP or specialist doctor about travelling with medically prescribed cannabis products. 

 

Can you take CBD on a plane in the UK?

 

Yes, because CBD is legal in the UK, you can take CBD on a plane, either in your hand luggage, checked baggage or a suitcase. But to legally travel with CBD, you must adhere to certain rules and regulations (see below). 

 

Internal UK flights

 

You can travel with CBD on a plane that’s flying internally within the UK. 

 

International flights

 

You can travel with CBD on a plane that’s leaving the UK for a destination country that also permits travelling with CBD. If you’re flying to a country where CBD is prohibited or illegal, you shouldn’t fly from the UK with CBD. 

 

How to take CBD on a plane from the UK

 

To ensure you don’t break the law, there are certain rules to adhere to for taking CBD products on a plane from the UK:

  • The entire container of CBD product, be that CBD oil, gummies or drinks, should contain less than 1 mg of THC.

  • The CBD product should be in its original packaging and clearly labelled as a food supplement, rather than a medicinal product.

  • If possible, carry a Certificate of Analysis (COA), usually available from the manufacturer's website, that proves the CBD product is within the THC limit of 1 mg as set out in UK law.

  • If you’re carrying CBD oil in your hand luggage, make sure the container is less than 100ml, and it fits inside a clear plastic bag to be permitted through airport security.

  • Double-check with your airline to confirm you can travel with CBD on their flights. 

 


How to take CBD through security

 

Providing the CBD you’re travelling with meets all of the criteria outlined above, you can confidently take CBD products through UK security. If you’re stopped, stay calm and show the packaging of the CBD product, and if you have it, a COA to prove it meets THC regulations. 

 

UK customs regulations for CBD

 

You can bring CBD products into the UK from countries where CBD is legal, as long as they contain 0.2% CBD or less. 

There are no specific limits on how much CBD you can bring into the United Kingdom, but it should only be for personal use.

It’s not currently law to declare CBD products at UK customs, but if you do, or if you’re stopped, you may be asked questions about where you bought your CBD products and who they’re for.  

 

CBD rules for other countries

 

Taking CBD on a plane in the UK is permitted, as long as you adhere to the rules and regulations outlined above. But the laws governing CBD products differ across countries. Therefore, it’s essential that you check the laws on CBD in your destination country too. 

To do this, check the official government or embassy website for the country you’re travelling to for the most up-to-date information on the legal status of CBD.

If in any doubt, check with your airline before booking your flight or flying with CBD. Different airlines have different rules, and they may not align with the country you’re flying to - you may find that CBD is legal in your destination country, but the airline you’re flying with doesn’t allow it, or vice versa. 

Trusted blogs and travel forums are useful and informative, but may not be fully up to date with changing rules and regulations. 

 

EU Countries

 

As it stands, in February 2026, most EU countries have laws on travelling with CBD similar to those in the UK. That is, you can take CBD on a plane and through airport security if it contains a percentage of less than 0.2 to 0.3 THC.

CBD products must also be in their original packaging, and if you’re taking CBD oil in your hand luggage, it must be less than 100ml and in the clear plastic bag you’d normally use for liquids through airport security. 

 

USA

 

CBD is also legal in the USA, as long as it contains less than 0.3% THC. Taking CBD on a plane to America is permitted, but the rules vary by state. It’s recommended that you check an official state-run website and check with your airline before flying to the USA with CBD. 

 

Australia

 

In Australia, CBD with a THC level of less than 0.3% is permitted, but only if sold through a pharmacy and in New Zealand, CBD is only permitted with a prescription

 

Countries where CBD is illegal (don't take it!)

 

CBD is illegal or prohibited in some countries, and entering these countries with CBD can get you into legal trouble. Laws, rules, and regulations often change, so before you take CBD on a plane to any country, always check the destination country's government website for the most up-to-date information on its legal status. 

  • Middle East - CBD is illegal in all Middle Eastern countries 

  • Asia - CBD is illegal, strictly controlled or banned in countries such as Japan, South Korea and Indonesia and is most likely illegal in China, but the laws are unclear 

  • Africa - in many African countries, CBD is either illegal or the rules aren’t clear

  • Israel - the regulations are unclear

The advice is to avoid taking CBD on a plane to any of the above countries. 

 

Punishments for taking CBD to a country where it is illegal

 

If you enter a country with CBD where it’s illegal or prohibited, you could be detained at the airport by customs officials.

What happens next will depend on the country and how much CBD you have in your luggage. At the very least, you’ll have your CBD products confiscated, and you may face a fine or imprisonment. In countries where the laws are unclear, you may still face detention or punishment. 

So the advice is always to check the government website for your destination country, and if in doubt, avoid carrying CBD in your hand luggage, checked-in baggage or suitcase. 

 

Can you carry CBD in your hand luggage?

 

Yes, you can carry CBD in your hand luggage when boarding a plane in the UK, as long as it meets the 100ml limit for liquids if you’re carrying CBD oil, and it fits within the usual clear plastic bag you’re using to take liquids through airport security. 

The entire container must also contain less than 1 mg of THC, and you must meet all the other requirements listed above. 

(Note that the 100ml liquid limit rules are being relaxed in some UK airports - but not necessarily in overseas airports for the return journey. To be safe for now, and until the limits are more universal, don’t carry more than 100ml of CBD oil in your hand luggage.) 

 

Tips for travelling with CBD

 

To minimise your chance of being stopped at airport security or having problems if you’re stopped at customs, here are some tips on travelling with CBD from the UK. 

  • Check legal status in the destination country - If CBD is illegal in your destination country, don’t take CBD on a plane in your hand luggage or your suitcase. 

  • Research rules for any transit countries - If you’re having any stopovers or you’re travelling to more than one country, you’ll need to check the CBD regulations for all of them. If one country doesn’t allow CBD through customs, even as a stopover country, avoid taking it with you for the entire journey. 

  • Keep the product in its original packaging - Avoid decanting CBD oil into another container or putting other CBD products in carry cases or bottles, even if you’re putting it in your checked-in baggage. Keeping CBD products in their original packaging/containers will minimise the risk of confiscation or legal trouble. 

  • Ensure bottles of CBD oil are clearly labelled - Keeping CBD oil in its original packaging ensures it’s labelled with the strength and THC content. 

  • Carry proof of THC content or lab reports - If possible, print the independent lab reports for your CBD product, often available on the brand's website, to further verify the THC content. 

  • Avoid carrying large quantities - Stick to small quantities of CBD products, enough for your personal consumption, and ensure you’re within the 100ml limit for liquids if you’re taking CBD on a plane in your hand luggage.

  • Consider buying at the destination instead - If you’re concerned or in doubt, research reputable brands available in shops in your destination country and buy them, and use them, when you arrive, assuming it’s legal to do so. 


Studies and research

 

Research suggests that CBD has benefits such as promoting calmness, relaxation and better sleep, supporting pain management and providing relief from anxiety. Many people use CBD in the United Kingdom, where it’s legal, but worry when it comes to taking it to another country. 

This article from LloydsPharmacy discusses the legal status of CBD in the UK, and more on safe travelling with CBD. 

 

References

 

Turner, S. (2026, January 20). Can I Fly with CBD Oil from the UK? 2025 Update - BCTM. BRITISH CANNABIS. https://britishcannabis.org/blog/can-i-fly-with-cbd-uk/

Team, F. T. A. (2025, September 19). CBD, is it legal in the UK? For The Ageless. https://www.fortheageless.com/blogs/cbd-oil-uk-blog/is-cbd-oil-legal

McCarthy, C. (n.d.). High Expectations Abroad: Traveling with CBD and THC. https://www.globalrescue.com/common/blog/detail/traveling-cbd-thc-countries-laws-guide/ 

 

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking other medications.

Read more about our author here 

 

By Hannah de Gruchy BSc

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