Sydney – A young Australian traveller is urging fellow holidaymakers to research international laws after narrowly avoiding a hefty fine for unintentionally carrying a banned item through airport security in Abu Dhabi.
Andy, 28, from Sydney, was on her way to visit family in the UAE earlier this month when she made a last-minute decision to pack a personal item — a palm-sized vibrator — in her hand luggage. Unaware that such items are prohibited in some Middle Eastern countries, she risked incurring a fine of up to $2,100 under local customs laws.
Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, Andy recalled feeling something was “off” when she encountered heightened security checks upon exiting Abu Dhabi International Airport. But fatigued after the 14-hour flight, she brushed it off and proceeded to meet her brother.
It wasn’t until later that she realised the severity of what could have happened.
“I was talking about the security with my brother, and he said, ‘You know they have those extra scanners looking for contraband,’” she explained. “I asked if he meant alcohol or cigarettes, and he said, ‘No... sex toys.’ That’s when it hit me — I had a vibrator in my bag.”
Luckily for Andy, the discreet shape of the device — a flat, inconspicuous palm-style vibrator — may have helped it slip through security undetected.
“At least it doesn’t look like a straight-up dildo,” she laughed. “I dodged a bullet because the scanner must not have picked up what it was.”
While she can now laugh about the ordeal, Andy has taken the experience as a wake-up call and is encouraging others to be better informed before travelling internationally.
“It’s funny now, but I could’ve been in serious trouble. It’s really important to look up the laws of the country you’re visiting — not everything you can carry in Australia is allowed elsewhere,” she warned.
The case serves as a reminder that items considered harmless or commonplace in Australia may be strictly forbidden in other regions, particularly in conservative or religiously governed nations. In the UAE and several other countries, the possession of sex toys is deemed illegal and may result in fines, confiscation, or even detention.
Travellers are strongly advised to check the customs and import regulations of their destination countries before flying.
