O. R. Tambo International Airport liquids and security rules
Flying from Johannesburg? Here is what O. R. Tambo International Airport states about liquids and electronics in hand luggage.
100 ml limit
On international flights every liquid, aerosol or gel container must be 100 ml or less, all inside one resealable transparent bag holding no more than a litre. Take that bag out of your hand luggage and hand it 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 O. R. Tambo International Airport
- Airport states: all LAGs need to be packed in a resealable transparent plastic bag whose total capacity cannot exceed one litre, with containers of a maximum 100 ml each, and each passenger may carry only one of these bags.
- The rules are stated as applying to international flights.
- Airports Company South Africa's national LAGs page adds that these bags must be removed from your 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, mace, razor blades, corkscrews and screwdrivers.
- Do not gift-wrap presents, as security may need to view them.
- 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 - O. R. Tambo International Airport. 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 O. R. Tambo International Airport?
No. Containers must be 100 ml or smaller.
Do I need a clear plastic bag at O. R. Tambo International Airport?
Yes, liquids must go in a clear resealable bag.