Can I Fly With This?
Can I bring plants on a plane?
Quick rules for flying with plants in carry-on and checked baggage. Verdicts and conditions across the major aviation regions below.
🇺🇸 United States (TSA)
Domestic: generally allowed (except to/from Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam — agricultural restrictions). International: most countries require phytosanitary certificates or ban live plants entirely.
🇪🇺 European Union (EASA)
Most live plants require a phytosanitary certificate to enter the EU. Personal imports from non-EU countries routinely refused / destroyed at the border. Within the EU, plants generally OK.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom (CAA)
Most live plants require a phytosanitary certificate to enter the UK; many species banned outright (post-Brexit rules tightened). Personal imports routinely refused at the border.
🌎 Latin America
Most countries ban personal import of live plants. Chile, Argentina, Brazil, and Peru have strict phytosanitary controls. Permits required even for cuttings or dried flowers. Confiscation at customs is routine.
🌏 Asia (ICAO / IATA baseline)
Live plants, cuttings, soil and bulbs require a phytosanitary certificate + import permit in nearly every Asian country (Japan MAFF, Singapore NParks, Hong Kong AFCD, China GACC, Thailand DOA, Indonesia Barantan). Tourist personal imports are routinely refused entry or destroyed at customs. Even dried/preserved flowers are often restricted.
🇦🇺 Australia & Pacific (CASA)
Australia + NZ: live plants, cuttings, fresh flowers with roots, and bulbs are PROHIBITED without an Australian/NZ import permit + phytosanitary certificate from the country of origin. Wreaths, fresh leis, potpourri and bouquets are routinely confiscated. AU$2,664 / NZ$400 fine for failure to declare. Buy plants on arrival.