Cape Town International Airport liquids and security rules
Flying from Cape Town? Here is what Cape Town International Airport states about liquids and electronics in hand luggage.
100 ml limit
For international departures liquids must be in containers of 100 ml or less inside a single resealable transparent bag of no more than a litre. That bag comes out of your hand luggage and is handed to security for inspection.
| Liquid container limit | 100 ml limit |
| Clear plastic bag needed | Yes |
| Liquids can stay in your bag | No |
| Laptops can stay in your bag | Not stated |
What this means at Cape Town International Airport
- Airport states: all LAGs need to be packed in a resealable transparent plastic bag and the total capacity of this bag cannot exceed one litre; only containers with a maximum capacity of 100 ml each are allowed.
- The rules are stated as applying to international flights.
- Airports Company South Africa's national LAGs page adds that each passenger may carry only one such bag and that it must be removed from hand luggage and presented to security personnel for inspection (https://www.airports.co.za/about-us/security/liquids-aerosols-and-gels-(lags)).
- Prohibited in hand luggage include objects with sharp points or edges, toy weapons, knives, pepper spray, razors, corkscrews and screwdrivers.
- Neither the airport page nor the ACSA LAGs page states whether laptops must be removed at screening, so laptops_in_bag_allowed is recorded as null.
- Neither page sets out exemptions for medicines or baby food, or duty-free STEB rules.
Source: Travel Tips - Cape Town International. Checked 20 September 2026.
Security rules are set by the airport, but your bag size is set by your airline. Check your bag against every airline here.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take liquids over 100 ml through Cape Town International Airport?
No. Containers must be 100 ml or smaller.
Do I need a clear plastic bag at Cape Town International Airport?
Yes, liquids must go in a clear resealable bag.