Can I Fly With This?
Can I bring fish on a plane?
Quick rules for flying with fish in carry-on and checked baggage. Verdicts and conditions across the major aviation regions below.
🇺🇸 United States (TSA)
TSA allows live fish in carry-on in a clear, sealed, leak-proof plastic container (subject to liquid screening — declare at security). NEVER in checked baggage (temperature and pressure changes are fatal). Airlines vary widely — Southwest and Alaska are most permissive; most others require advance approval or refuse outright. International: many countries restrict live fish imports.
🇪🇺 European Union (EASA)
Live ornamental fish: small numbers in cabin permitted on some EU carriers (Lufthansa, KLM) with airline approval — sealed insulated bag, declared. Many species CITES-restricted.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom (CAA)
Live fish import requires APHA import licence + health certificate. Personal imports rare; commercial channels recommended.
🌎 Latin America
Live ornamental fish: some carriers accept in cabin with declaration. Brazil + Argentina restrict species under CITES.
🌏 Asia (ICAO / IATA baseline)
Live ornamental fish: small numbers in cabin permitted on some carriers (JAL, Korean, Cathay) with airline approval — sealed insulated bag, declared. Many species CITES-restricted (clownfish, certain marine, koi varieties). China + Singapore quarantine on arrival for ornamental fish imports.
🇦🇺 Australia & Pacific (CASA)
Australia: live fish import strictly regulated by Department of Agriculture — most species PROHIBITED for personal import (only approved aquaculture / pet trade species via licensed importer). NZ: similar regime via Ministry for Primary Industries. Do not attempt to fly with live fish to AU / NZ.