Nail Polish and Removers
Allowed in cabin up to 100ml and in checked bags up to 0.5L per container.
Nail polish and removers are flammable liquids. Carry up to 100ml in cabin (inside the liquids pouch) and up to 0.5L per container in checked baggage, with lids taped and bottles cushioned.
Key highlights
- Limit to 1–2 small bottles (≤100ml each) plus a mini remover wipe pack.
- Carry spill-proof caps; add tape if the manufacturer’s cap is loose.
- Store in the 1L liquids pouch with other cosmetics.
Acetone fumes ignite easily, so officers scrutinise manicure kits. Small travel bottles for touch-ups are fine, but big salon jars must travel in checked baggage with leak-proof packing.
Brush-on polishes fall under the same rule; even gel polishes, though thicker, count as liquids. Keep them upright in a cosmetics case so they don’t leak onto clothing.
Metal manicure tools, UV lamps, and nail drills add another layer. Blades longer than 6cm must be checked, and UV lamps should be packed carefully to avoid cracked bulbs.
When allowed vs. when not
✅ When it's allowed
- •Carry pre-soaked remover pads—they stay sealed and smell less.
- •Keep receipts for expensive gel kits in case customs queries value.
- •Let polish dry fully before heading to the airport; wet polish triggers smell complaints.
🚫 When it's NOT allowed
- •Don’t attempt manicures in the gate area—fumes bother other travellers.
- •Don’t travel with acetone in unlabelled bottles; officers need to know what the liquid is.
- •Avoid packing glass remover bottles against metal tools; turbulence can smash them.
Checked manicure kit
- ✔Wrap full-size remover bottles in double zip bags and cushion with towels.
- ✔Place metal tools in a roll-up pouch so they don’t puncture clothes.
- ✔Pack UV/LED lamps in original foam packaging to avoid damage.
Nail product allowances
| Product | Cabin | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Nail polish (15ml) | ✅ In liquids pouch | ✅ |
| Acetone remover 300ml | ❌ | ✅ Up to 0.5L per container |
| Metal cuticle nippers | ❌ | ✅ |
Frequently asked questions
Are non-acetone removers less restricted?+
Can I carry nail glue?+
What about acrylic powder?+
Travel tips
- ✈️Switch to peel-off polish for short trips to skip remover entirely.
- ✈️Use silicone bottle sleeves to reduce the chance of breakage.
- ✈️Carry a small trash bag to dispose used remover wipes responsibly mid-journey.
Related guides
Official references
DGCA guidelines — simplified
Verified on: 6 Dec 2025
Disclaimer: Aviation and security rules change frequently. Always confirm with your airline, airport help desk, or CISF officers before you travel.