Laptop
AllowedPersonal computers travel freely; keep them accessible.
Rules vary by destination and the official customs or aviation-security authority makes the final decision, so verify before you travel.
Visual reference
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What this means
A laptop is a portable personal computer that contains a built-in lithium battery. Travelers can almost always carry one laptop as a personal item, but aviation rules require battery-powered devices to travel in the cabin rather than checked baggage. High-value or business equipment may need proof of ownership or a temporary-import document to avoid customs duty.
What's included
- Standard consumer laptops and ultrabooks
- Gaming and workstation laptops with larger batteries
- 2-in-1 convertible laptops
- Laptop chargers and power adapters
- Built-in lithium-ion batteries under 100 watt-hours
- MacBooks and Chromebooks
What's not included
- Tablets and e-readers (see tablet)
- Mobile phones (see mobile-phone)
- Spare or removable laptop batteries (see spare-batteries)
- External power banks (see power-bank)
Common types & examples
Personal laptop
One personal device is allowed in the cabin in essentially all countries.
Business or work laptop
May carry export-control or data considerations; some countries restrict encryption.
Multiple or new laptops
Several units or boxed new devices can look commercial and trigger duty assessment.
Built-in battery
Batteries under 100Wh are generally fine; carry the device in hand luggage.
Why it's regulated
Laptops contain lithium batteries that are an aviation fire risk in the cargo hold, and high-value or multiple units can attract customs duty or commercial-import scrutiny; some countries also regulate encryption technology.
Typical allowance
Travelers can generally carry one personal laptop without duty; many countries grant a duty-free personal-effects allowance, but limits and what counts as commercial vary by destination.
Provisional — confirm with your destination
Before you travel
Documents you may need
- Proof of ownership or purchase receipt for high-value devices
- Proof-of-prior-possession registration to re-enter duty-free (e.g. U.S. CBP Form 4457)
- ATA Carnet for temporary import of professional or multiple devices
Next steps
- 1.Carry your laptop in hand luggage, not checked baggage
- 2.Keep a purchase receipt for high-value devices
- 3.Register valuable gear before departure to re-enter duty-free
- 4.Check encryption and import rules for sensitive destinations
- 5.Consider an ATA Carnet for professional or multiple devices
Official sources
- Safe Travel with Lithium Batteries· IATA
- Lithium batteries 100 watt hours or less in a device· U.S. TSA
- CBP Form 4457 - Certificate of Registration for Personal Effects Taken Abroad· U.S. CBP
Always verify with the official authority for your destination.
Country-specific rules
The default posture above applies worldwide. For the exact rules at your destination, check the country guide.
View country rules →