The Department of Homeland Security and UK Authorites have announced that passengers on flights departing from Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Qatar, Turkey, UAE, and Saudi Arabia will no longer be able to carry electronic devices larger than a smart phone into the cabin of the airplane. All devices larger than a mobile phone must be transported in checked bagged prior to boarding flights to the United States and the United Kingdom. Electronic Medical Devices will still be allowed in carry-on luggage.
The deadline for implementation of the ban is March 24, 2017, for the United States and March 25, 2017, for the United Kingdom.
This ban is in effect for all persons traveling to the United States, including U.S. citizens, and all those traveling on non-stop flights from the United States to Egypt. Travelers who are departing from these airports should arrive early to account for the delays caused by security screening of U.S. and U.K. bound passengers. We advise you plan for safe storage of your devices in your checked luggage by referring to TSA's recommended safety measures. If you have any question as to whether your flight will be affected, consult with your airline before traveling.
Airports affected by this order include:
- Abu Dhabi International (UAE)
- Cairo International (Egypt)
- Dubai International (UAE)
- Hamad International (Doha, Qatar)
- Istanbul Ataturk (Turkey)
- King Abdulaziz International (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia)
- King Khalid International (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)
- Kuwait International (Kuwait)
- Mohammed V International (CAS, Casablanca, Morocco)
- Queen Alia International (Amman, Jordan).
More information about these new security measures may be found on the Stratfor, Department of Homeland Security, and Gov.UK websites.
If you have any questions, or concerns, please contact Erin DeLuca, Coordinator for International Safety and Security, at edeluca@illinois.edu.
