Can You Take Kratom On A Plane?
It’s the day of the big flight, but you have to wake up early, airports stress you out, and you can never relax on an airplane. So you decided to pack some kratom capsules so you can take it on the plane.
At the airport security checkpoint, your heart pounds as the agent rummages through your bag. She pulls out a Ziplock bag of capsules, her expression shifting to confusion. You try to stay calm as a second agent comes over.
“What is this?” she asks.
You say, “it’s kratom.”
After inspecting the capsules, she puts them back in your carry-on bag. “You’re good, but next time, keep it in the original packaging. Makes it easier for everyone.”
Relieved, you pack up and head to your gate.
Traveling with kratom doesn’t have to be stressful, but it helps to know how to pack it and the rules to follow. Here’s what you need to know so you can take kratom on a plane with confidence.

Airport TSA agent inspecting unmarked bag of kratom capsules
Everything you need to know about kratom and air travel
There are a lot of great reasons why you might want to bring your favorite kratom products along when traveling away from home.
Except it’s one thing on a road trip where there is little need for security, screening, luggage restrictions and other rules. Flying is a whole other issue.
The short answer to the question: Can I take kratom on an airplane, is: yes. Except, there are enough cases and circumstances where it is not so straightforward. In this article, we’ll look at the following points:
- Reasons why people want to, or need to bring kratom on a flight
- Rules and regulations across the United States and other countries
- Tips for avoiding problems when flying with kratom
- Answer some frequently asked questions
Why fly with kratom?
Kratom offers a versatile spectrum of effects, from energy to discomfort relief to a sense of calm. All of these effects can be helpful and beneficial when traveling, especially by plane.
Energy and focus for the airport:
Often we have to get up super early to catch that flight. Caffeine helps, but it could make you jittery and sweaty, which may make you look nervous and suspicious to airport security. Strong coffee can also upset the stomach which is the last thing you need, both before and during a flight.
Kratom products that support energy can be a good substitute for coffee to give you a boost of energy for getting to the airport as well as the necessary focus to navigate security, terminals and other airport complications.
Stress-free relaxing flights:
Once the stress and rush of the airport is done and you find yourself strapped to a little airplane seat for hours to come, then a red strain such as Red Vein Bali is ideal to help you unwind and remain relaxed for the duration of the flight. It is also helpful for mild pain or discomfort relief in case sitting for hours in small spaces causes leg or back pains, stiff joints or sore muscles.
What’s more, red kratom doesn’t have extremely groggy side effects in comparison to other substances like cannabis or alcohol or other prescription medication such as Valium, Ativan or Xanax. So when you arrive at your destination (or transfer airport) you will still be sharp enough for the next leg of your trip.
Problems for bringing kratom on a flight
With the advantages to flying with kratom should be clear, let’s look at some of the foreseeable problems of taking kratom through an airport and onto an airplane.
It’s unfamiliar: Kratom is still not very well known. This means that some airport security officials who have never heard of it may think it is a suspicious substance.
Drug-sniffing dogs: Security detection canines are primarily used to sniff out explosives, firearms and illegal drugs like cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. Still, they may be trained to smell kratom and this can be problematic if kratom is not legal in the State or Country you’re in.
Screening tests: When you arrive at a new destination, it is possible to get randomly checked by border officials or local law enforcement. Again, kratom is not fully legal or regulated everywhere in the same way, so it could be a problem, depending on where you are flying to, if you are selected for a random search.
Broken packaging: The final problem regarding packing and flying with kratom is less about security and laws and more about wasting your product and making a mess. Packed in luggage which may be roughly handled, kratom powder or liquids may spill out all over your stuff. Ideally, your powder or liquid should be in sealed packaging, and if possible, kept in a thick Ziplock or plastic container for added protection against spills.
Potential risks and downfalls: If you are flying with kratom with a country that doesn’t allow it, or if the manner in which you packed your kratom is a problem for airport security, you run several risks:
- Your kratom could be confiscated
- You could be held up in security and miss your flight
- You can get fined
- You may face legal charges like deportation, travel bans, or detention
Flying with kratom inside the USA
The Role of the FDA
The first thing to know about flying in the States with Kratom is that there is no single rule or law that controls kratom across all 50 states and territories. In other words, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) does not recognize kratom as a drug, diet supplement, or food additive, and therefore has no all-encompassing law to regulate it.
However, laws are always changing, so it’s always smart to do some research regarding the latest legal developments regarding kratom.
Getting through TSA
Since the FDA is staying out of kratom regulation, it is fully up to the individual states, counties and even cities to set their own rules. So when it comes to entering these locations via plane, the responsibility falls on the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) to enforce local laws, screening upwards of two million travelers per day for prohibited items.
This is why it’s important to know the laws in both your airport of origin and destination. For example, if you’re flying from New York State (where kratom is legal) to Alabama (where it’s banned), then the TSA officials in the NY airport would probably let you through security with your kratom, but when you land in the Alabama airport, you are breaking their law.
What’s more, the TSA itself does not restrict kratom so much as it enforces restrictions on quantities of liquids and powders, especially in carry-on luggage.
Liquids
- 3.4 oz (100 ml) per container
- All liquid containers must fit into 1 quart-sized bag (1 liter)
- In total: 9 small liquid containers max
Powders
- 12 oz (340 g) of powder in carry-on luggage
- Higher allowances in check-in luggage
In both cases, it is recommended to be prepared to place your carry-on liquids or powder in a separate bin for easier screening. And any product that cannot be satisfactorily resolved at a checkpoint will be confiscated before you can get on the plane.
KCPA Regulation
Our third acronym to know regarding flying with kratom is the KCPA (Kratom Consumer Protection Act). The KCPA is a bill that was introduced into Congress in 2022 regarding the regulation of kratom. It has not been passed into a federal law, but some states and counties have enacted versions of the KCPA.
One of the reasons for such a bill is to make sure that kratom suppliers and sellers maintain high standards of purity, quality and safety regarding their kratom products. This includes guidelines for:
- Testing and labeling kratom products
- Adultering kratom with non-kratom substances
- Limiting the amount of the alkaloid 7-hydroxymitragynine
- Creating synthetic kratom alkaloid products
- Setting age limits for buying and selling kratom
Where in the USA is kratom legal, restricted, banned?
Several States have adopted some versions of the KCPA, while other states are in the process of drafting similar regulatory guidelines.
States where kratom is fully legal:
- Alaska
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Montana
- Nebraska
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Dakota
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
States where kratom is legal with some restrictions:
- Arizona has passed the KCPA and there are minimum-age requirements
- California is legal except in San Diego
- Colorado is legal except Denver, Parker Town and Monument Town
- Florida is legal except in Sarasota County
- Georgia has passed the KCPA and adopted restrictions
- Hawaii, but legislation is pending to ban it
- Illinois is legal for people over 18 but banned in Jerseyville
- Louisiana, but there is a bill to criminalize it
- Michigan, but there is a bill to classify it as a Schedule II controlled substance
- Mississippi is legal except in Union County.
- Missouri is legal but some counties are considering a ban or adopting the KCPA
- Nevada has passed the KCPA and adopted restrictions
- New Hampshire is legal for people over 18 but banned in Franklin
- Kansas is legal but the KCPA is being reviewed
- North Carolina is legal for people over 18
- Ohio is considering regulating it
- Oklahoma is considering regulating it
- Oregon is legal for people over 21 with disclosure/labeling laws for manufacturers
- South Dakota is legal for people over 21
- Tennessee is legal for people over 21, but they are considering regulating retailers
- Texas, but there is a bill to regulate it
- Utah has passed the KCPA and there are testing regulations for retailers
States where kratom is banned:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Indiana
- Rhode Island, but there is a bill to make it legal with regulations
- Vermont, but there is a bill to make it legal with regulations
- Wisconsin, but there is a bill to make it legal with regulations
Bringing Kratom on an International Flight
If you’re planning a trip outside of the United States, things can get even trickier. The TSA will only have authority to enforce the local laws at your airport of origin. When you arrive in a foreign country, you will have to go through their own immigration, customs and security protocol, and your kratom may be a reason you are subjected to a random search.
As much as the US states and counties differ in terms of their kratom regulation, countries around the world have even less consensus on whether or not kratom is legal or banned.
Canada
Canada is generally fine for personal use. Just don’t bring large quantities (more than 2 kilograms) as that may make it seem like you are a kratom seller, as this is not permitted.
The safer answer as to whether you could bring kratom on an international flight is: no, because there are no consistent laws, as well as the lack of proper information as to each country’s specific stance.
Europe
When it comes to the EU’s laws on kratom, legislation varies from country to country, including countries which are in Europe but not part of the European union.
Kratom is legal in:
- Albania
- Andorra
- Austria
- Belarus
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Czech Republic
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Kosovo
- Malta
- Montenegro
- Netherlands
- North Macedonia
- Spain
- Ukraine
Kratom is restricted in:
- Finland
- Portugal
Kratom is illegal in:
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Denmark
- Estonia
- France
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Moldova
- Norway
- Poland
- Romania
- Russia
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Turkey
- United Kingdom
Asia, Latin America, and Middle East
As we move away from the USA and Europe, consistent laws and rules surrounding kratom become even less reliable. Ultimately, you should always do as much research as possible with official websites of your destination countries.
Here are some countries where kratom is illegal or severely restricted:
Asia
- Brunei
- Cambodia
- Indonesia
- Japan
- Laos
- Malaysia
- Myanmar
- Philippines
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Thailand
- Vietnam
Latin America
- Argentina
Middle East
- Israel
- United Arab Emirates
As for Africa, the only country that has ruled on kratom is South Africa, where it is legal. Every other county on the African continent has no official status for kratom. The same thing goes for the rest of the countries in Latin America and Southern Asia.
Understand the Do’s and Dont’s before you take kratom on a plane
Now that you’ve got a better idea as to which US states or international countries you can and cannot bring kratom into, let’s go over some useful suggestions to properly bring kratom on a plane.
Dos of flying with kratom
Do your research: You are already reading this article which means you’re on the right track. But take it further. Look up kratom’s legal status in the destination you’re headed, and make sure it’s recent and up-to-date. Also check if you have a stopover, check the legal status in the location. Use official government documentation if possible and follow the letter of the law as carefully as you can. To take an extra precaution, you may even want to print out as much documentation as you can find proving its’ legality and have it ready just in case any security officials are not familiar with the product.
Original Packaging: It’s a good idea to leave your kratom in its original manufacturer or seller’s packaging. It will look less suspicious to airport security officials because it will contain proper labeling. It’s even better if you bring still-sealed packages. If your package of powder is unsealed, maybe put it in an airtight plastic container.
Carry it on: You may save yourself a lot of trouble if you pack your kratom in your carry-on luggage instead of your checked bags. Make it easy to find in your carry-on as well. This way it’ll be easier and more forthcoming of you when you show it to security as if you have nothing to hide. What’s more, if you pack it in check-in luggage, the pressure of the cargo hold may cause packaging to burst.
Ready for questions: There is always a chance security will ask you some questions about your kratom product, so be ready with proper answers. Some questions include:
- What is this?
- Why do you have Kratom?
- Where did you buy this?
- What do you use it for?
- Is kratom a prescription medication?
- Are you aware of if this is legal here?
The important thing is to be up front and honest with security and transparent about your kratom usage. If you are following the local laws there is nothing to hide and worry about.
Time it: Since you may be subjected to additional questions or having your luggage checked, it is best to arrive at the airport a bit earlier than usual.
Don’ts for taking kratom in a plane
Don’t hide it: Anything that is in your luggage that appears concealed raises security suspicion, so keep it in it’s original packaging.
Declare it: If you are asked whether or not you have anything to declare, then mention your kratom. Even if it is a country where you know kratom is fully legal, save yourself any trouble by mentioning it outright.
Leave it at home: This is obviously your main piece of advice when you are going to a country where you know kratom is illegal or even highly restricted.
More tips for air travel with kratom
In order to ensure a safer and hassle-free experience of flying with kratom, consider these following suggestions:
Quantities to Bring
While we’ve discussed the max allowance for liquids and powders, you will probably have an easier time staying way below the maximum amounts.
- For powder, consider smaller bags of 1 oz (28 g) or 3.4 oz (100 g) instead of the larger 8.82 oz (250 g) or larger. Not only is it easier to travel with, but it will also help keep you off their radar.
- For liquids, kratom extract products like kratom drops allow you to bring a far smaller quantity than the maximum allowance. Tinctures come in 0.5 fl oz (15 ml), and deliver 15 full doses.
Other types of kratom
Instead of kratom powders, there are many alternative methods of consuming kratom that are easier to pack and carry on an airplane.
Capsules are basically pre-measured out doses of kratom powder packed into time-release gelatin casings. They have less risk of bursting open in your bag, and are also easier to consume on planes or anywhere on the go.
Gummies are another more convenient option for traveling with kratom. You can often buy jars of kratom gummies containing 24 individual gummies
Can’t bring your kratom on a plane? Now what?
Let’s say you can’t bring your kratom with you because you are either traveling to place or making a stopover in a place where it is not legal or you simply don’t want the stress of traveling with it. What do you do then?
Ship it to your travel destination: Can you order kratom from your favorite online shop and have it legally shipped to your destination? If so, that’s a great alternative to traveling with it in your luggage.
Still not legal? Perhaps it’s time to choose another destination for your travels where you know for sure kratom is legal; and you are allowed to fly to and from this country with it. If that is not an option, consider trying an alternative to kratom that is legal.
FAQ
Should I pack my kratom in my carry-on bag or luggage?
You can pack kratom in either your carry-on or suitcase when flying to countries where it is legal. If you bring it on your carry-on, make sure to not to bring more than the max allowance for powder or liquids.
Can airport drug dogs smell kratom?
Airport security canines are primarily retained to sniff out explosive devices and illegal drugs. While they may be able to smell kratom and prescription drugs like Xanax, since they can be carried legally, they are not trained to alert security when they smell it. If you are in a destination where kratom is illegal, there is a possibility that they will be trained to alert security when they smell.
How should kratom be packed for a flight?
When taking kratom on a flight, you should pack it in its original packaging. It’s also a good idea if the package is new and therefore still sealed. It is best to bring capsules over powder or liquid but if you bring powder or liquid, it is best to pack it in a Ziplock bag in case it opens to prevent any spilling or leaking.
What if TSA asks me questions about my kratom?
Always be honest about your kratom: What it is, where you bought it, how you use it. If the country you are entering does not restrict kratom, then you can bring documentation you’ve found online to demonstrate this to security in case they are unfamiliar with it.
Should I declare kratom at customs if I’m flying international?
Yes, you should declare kratom at customs if asked. If you do not declare it and they decide to search your bags, it can result in fines or confiscation and it may even increase the likelihood of searches in the future.
How safe is it to take liquid kratom on a plane?
There are always restrictions on the amount of liquids you can bring on the plane which applies to kratom. In the states, that’s 3.4 oz per liquid container, and all liquid containers must fit inside a quart-size bag. Packing liquid kratom in your check-in suitcase risks having it break or explode. Make sure to put it in a ziplock bag in case it breaks.
Is there a limit to how much kratom I can bring on a flight?
The limits to how much kratom can be brought in your carry-on bags on an airplane follows the basic rules of liquid and powder amounts. That’s 3.4 oz for liquid containers and 12 oz of powder containers. We recommend staying well below the limit to avoid complications.
What happens when kratom gets confiscated by TSA or airport security?
If your kratom is confiscated by airport security, this is no reason to panic, except do not expect to get it back or to be refunded. To avoid confiscation, only bring it to countries where it’s legal, always pack your kratom in carry-on bags and make sure it’s properly labeled.
Can I get kratom shipped to my destination?
Shipping kratom to your travel destination can be a better idea than traveling with kratom through airports and on airplanes. Just do your research to see if kratom is legal wherever you’re going, because no reputable online vendors will ship anywhere where it is not legal.