Istanbul Airport Liquids Rules: 100ml Limit & What's Allowed (IST)
Quick answer: At Istanbul Airport (IST) the standard liquids rule applies. Liquids, gels and aerosols in your hand luggage must be in containers of no more than 100 ml each, all fitting inside one transparent resealable bag of about 1 litre, one bag per passenger. Anything larger goes in checked baggage. Medicines and baby food are exempt, and duty-free liquids are fine if they stay sealed in the tamper-evident bag with the receipt inside.
What is the liquids rule for hand luggage at Istanbul Airport?
Istanbul Airport follows the same liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs) rule used across most international airports. Each container in your cabin bag may hold up to 100 ml, and every container must fit inside a single see-through resealable bag of roughly one litre, which you take out and place in the tray at the security checkpoint. You are allowed one such bag per passenger. It is the container size that matters, not how full it is — a half-empty 200 ml bottle is still not allowed, because the container is over 100 ml. The table sums up the essentials.
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Max container size | 100 ml each (by container, not by amount inside) |
| The bag | One transparent resealable bag, about 1 litre |
| Per passenger | One bag each |
| At the checkpoint | Take the bag out and place it in the tray |
| Bigger than 100 ml | Pack it in checked baggage (no limit in the hold) |
What counts as a liquid at security?
More items count as liquids than most travellers expect. As well as water and drinks, the rule covers toiletries and cosmetics: shampoo, shower gel, toothpaste, creams and lotions, sunscreen, liquid foundation and mascara, perfume, deodorant and other aerosols, plus jams, honey, yoghurt and soft cheeses. Anything that is a paste, gel, spray or has a runny texture is treated as a liquid. If you are not sure, assume it counts and either keep it under 100 ml or move it to your checked bag.
What is exempt — medicines, baby food and duty-free?
Some items are allowed in larger amounts, but you should be ready to show them separately and explain them at screening. Essential medicines, including liquid medication and items like insulin, are permitted in the quantity you need for the trip; carry a prescription or doctor’s note where you can. Baby food, milk and juice for an infant travelling with you are also allowed in reasonable amounts. Duty-free liquids over 100 ml are fine to carry in the cabin as long as they stay sealed in the tamper-evident security bag (STEB) with the receipt inside — do not open it before your final destination, which matters most if you have a connecting flight. The table shows the main exemptions.
| Item | In the cabin? |
|---|---|
| Essential medicines (incl. liquids) | Yes, in needed quantity — bring proof, declare at screening |
| Baby food, milk, juice (infant aboard) | Yes, in reasonable amounts |
| Duty-free liquids over 100 ml | Yes, if sealed in the STEB bag with the receipt |
| Regular drinks & toiletries over 100 ml | No — put them in checked baggage |
Do the new scanners change the 100 ml rule at Istanbul Airport?
Istanbul Airport uses modern screening equipment, and at some airports new CT scanners have allowed passengers to leave liquids and laptops in their bags or even carry larger volumes. Do not count on that at IST: unless the signage or a security officer tells you otherwise, plan around the standard 100 ml limit and the one-litre bag. The rules can also change at short notice and may differ by the time you travel, so it is worth a quick check on the official Istanbul Airport site a few days before you fly. Packing to the 100 ml rule is the safe default that will never get your items taken away.
How do you pack liquids to clear security faster?
A little preparation saves time in the queue. Sort your liquids into the clear bag before you reach the airport and keep it near the top of your hand luggage so you can pull it out quickly. Put anything larger than 100 ml — full-size shampoo, a litre of water, big sunscreen — into your checked bag instead. Bring an empty reusable bottle through security and fill it at a water point airside rather than buying expensive bottled water. If you are carrying medicines or baby food, keep them separate and tell the officer before screening. For the wider list of what you can and cannot pack, see our Istanbul Airport baggage guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the liquids limit at Istanbul Airport?
Containers of up to 100 ml each, all fitting in one transparent resealable bag of about 1 litre, one bag per passenger. Larger liquids must go in checked baggage.
Can I bring water through security at Istanbul Airport?
Not in a bottle over 100 ml. Empty your bottle before the checkpoint and refill it at a water point airside, or buy a drink after security.
Are medicines and baby food exempt at Istanbul Airport?
Yes. Essential medicines and baby food, milk or juice for an infant travelling with you are allowed in reasonable amounts. Carry proof for medication and declare these items at screening.
Can I carry duty-free liquids over 100 ml from Istanbul Airport?
Yes, if they stay sealed in the tamper-evident security bag (STEB) with the receipt inside. Keep it sealed until your final destination, which matters most on a connecting flight.
Do Istanbul Airport’s new scanners allow bigger liquids?
Do not assume so. Unless signage or staff say otherwise, the 100 ml rule still applies. Pack to the standard limit and confirm on the official site before you fly.
Where do liquids over 100 ml go?
In your checked baggage. There is no 100 ml limit in the hold, so full-size bottles travel fine there.
About the author. Anastasia Maisuradze writes about Istanbul Airport and travel across Türkiye, with a focus on practical, current airport guidance for connecting and departing passengers.
Security and liquids rules were checked against Istanbul Airport and standard aviation guidance in June 2026 and can change at short notice. Rules may differ by your flight and security lane, so always confirm the current requirements on the official Istanbul Airport site or with your airline before you travel. This is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the airport.
