Aircraft Disinsection Requirements

Overview

Disinsection is permitted under international law in order to protect public health, agriculture and the environment. The World Health Organization and the International Civil Aviation Organization stipulate two approaches for aircraft disinsection– (1) spray the aircraft cabin with an aerosolized insecticide while passengers are on board or (2) or spray or treat the aircraft's interior surfaces with a residual insecticide (residual method) while passengers are not on board. American Samoa has adopted a third method, in which aircraft are sprayed with an aerosolized insecticide while passengers are not on board.

Although the Report of the Informal Consultation on Aircraft Disinsection sponsored by the World Health Organization (November 6-10, 1995) concluded that aircraft disinsection, if performed appropriately, would not present a risk to human health, the report also noted that some individuals may experience transient discomfort following aircraft disinsection by aerosol application.

Under the Chicago Convention, which governs international civil aviation, a country could impose a disinsection requirement should they perceive a threat to their public health, agriculture or environment. Accordingly, travelers are advised to check with their travel agent or airline reservations agent when booking flights or if they have questions about their final destination’s policy. Listed below are representatives of airlines who are knowledgeable on disinsection requirements. 

Airline Contacts for Information on Disinsection

The following provides general information about disinsection requirements. Note:  Policies of other countries are changing.  DOT continues to work to ensure that this list is accurate and up to date

Countries requiring the disinsection of all in-bound flights with an aerosolized spray while passengers are on board: 

• Ecuador (only Galapagos and Interislands)
• Grenada
• Guyana
• India
• Kiribati
• Madagascar
• Panama
• Seychelles
• Tanzania
• Timor-Leste
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Uruguay
• Zimbabwe

Information on Carrying Mosquito Repellants

For travelers who wish to carry insect repellents with them, the Federal Aviation Administration’s website for airline passengers and crew on hazardous materials (http://www.faa.gov/Go/PackSafe) includes detailed information on the rules and exceptions for “Mosquito repellent, insect repellent.”