Flying With Your Kirpan

The Kirpan: An Article of Faith

The kirpan is an article of faith that plays a role in the Sikh religion that is similar to that of a Christian cross, a Jewish Star of David, or a Muslim hijab, with one crucial exception: it is not optional. 

The word kirpan is a combination of the words grace and honour.  The kirpan is worn by initiated (Amritdhari) Sikhs, both men and women, and is one of five articles of faith, often called the 5Ks. Sikhs wear them as a reminder of their commitment to the tenets of their faith including justice, charity, morality, humility, and equality. These articles of faith are:

1. Kesh -- unshorn hair symbolizing respect for God’s will; covered at all times with a keski or dastaar (turban)
2. Kangha -- a wooden comb representing self-discipline; worn in the hair it reminds the wearer to rid oneself of what is morally undesirable;
3. Kara – an iron or steel bracelet worn on the wrist; the circle signifies the oneness and eternity of God and to use one’s hands to benefit humanity;
4. Kachhera – cotton undergarments representing high moral character and fidelity;
5. Kirpan – a stylized representation of a sword, which must be worn sheathed, wrapped in a cloth belt, and worn next to the body; the kirpan signifies the duty of a  Sikh to stand up against injustice.

Kirpans must be made of iron or steel and most range in size from 15 to 22 cm (6-9 inches) but sizes do vary depending of the preferences of the wearer. Some have elegant, ornate hilts and sheaths. They must be held securely in place with a fabric belt (called a gaatra).  The gaatra is worn across the torso, keeping the kirpan next to the body.

Removing the kirpan is a serious matter for Sikhs. It is done rarely and only under extreme circumstances – Sikhs even wear the kirpan while sleeping and bathing.  

Air Travel Regulations for the Kirpan

In 2017, the WSO successfully advocated for Sikhs in Canada to be able to fly domestically and internationally (except to the US) with their Kirpans.

Sikhs are able to fly with their Kirpan in some countries. Based on information available to the public, the WSO has complied a list of some frequently visited countries. Please note that it is the responsibility of each passenger to check if they are able to wear their Kirpan and not solely rely on this list.

Country	Rule	Source
Australia	Not Allowed	Australia
Canada	Blades less than 6 cm on all domestic & international flights except to USA	Canada
France	Not Allowed	France
Germany	Less than 6 cm allowed	Germany
Hong Kong	Not Allowed	Hong Kong
India	A ‘Kirpan’ with a total maximum length of 9 inches (22.86 cm), but a blade not exceeding 06 inches (15.24 cm), is permitted for carriage by a Sikh Passenger on their person, within India.	India
Malaysia	Not Allowed	Malaysia
Mexico	Not Allowed	Mexico
Netherlands	Less than 6 cm allowed	Netherlands
New Zealand	Blade less than 6 cm can be taken in a carry-on bag, must not exceed total 9.5 cm length *Rules are not clear if you can wear the kirpan	New Zealand
Qatar	Less than 6 cm allowed	Qatar
Singapore	Not Allowed	Singapore
United Arab Emirates	Not Allowed	United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom	Blades less than 6 cm on all domestic & international flights	United Kingdom
United States of America	Not Allowed	United States of America

Navigating Airport Screening: Common Challenges and Your Legal Rights

Sikh passengers may encounter specific challenges related to their articles of faith when flying. The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) has clear guidelines on how sacred or spiritual items, including the dastaar (or other religious head coverings such as a patka or keski), kara, and kirpan, must be handled during the screening process.

As part of standard airport screening, passengers are asked to pass through either a Walk-Through Metal Detector or a Full Body Scanner. If your dastaar, kara, and kirpan triggers an alarm, the CATSA policy states that screening officers must not physically touch articles of faith. Instead, officers are required to follow established protocols that ensure your articles of faith are treated with the utmost respect, dignity, and care.

CATSA’s Code of Ethics mandates that all employees must treat every person with respect, dignity, and fairness. It is your right to have your articles of faith respected at all times during the screening process.  

The scenarios below outline what to expect during screening, outline your rights under CATSA policy, and provide guidance on what steps to take if those rights are not respected.

1. Dastaar Screening

Issue:

Sikh passengers wearing a dastaar continue to encounter challenges during security screening, particularly when passing through a Full Body Scanner. Common issues include:

• The density of the dastaar fabric triggers an alarm in the scanner.
• Screening officers request removal of the dastaar, claiming all head coverings must be taken off.
• Screening officers attempt to touch or pat down the dastaar.
• Lack of awareness among screening officers about the Sikh faith, resulting in Sikh passengers being given instructions that contradict official protocols for handling religious headgear.

Your Rights & Procedures

Under CATSA policy, there is a specific protocol for religious head coverings, including the dastaar, patka, and keski etc., which unlike non-religious head coverings, are permitted to be worn throughout the screening process. If your head covering triggers an alarm, you cannot be asked to remove it. During the secondary screening, you may be asked to pat your dastaar yourself, but screening officers are not permitted to touch it. Your hands may be swabbed for traces of explosives or residue.

If additional screening is required, you have the right to request a private screening area and a same-gender officer. A mirror must be provided so you can re-tie your dastaar. All screening of religious head covering and articles of faith must be conducted with dignity and respect for the faith.

View CATSA Religious Head Covering Policy.

Official Protocol for Dastaar Screening

2. Kara Screening

Issues:

• Screening officers mistakenly treat the kara as jewelry rather than a religious article of faith and ask for its removal.
• Sikh passengers are told to place the kara in a screening bin for X-ray scanning.
• Screening officers insist that the kara must be removed in order to inspect it.
• Passengers are incorrectly informed that additional screening cannot be performed without removing the kara.

Your Rights & Procedures

Under CATSA policy, the kara may remain on throughout the entire screening process, as it is recognized as a non-removable article of faith. Screening officers should not request its removal or mistakenly treat it as a regular accessory or piece of jewelry. If the kara triggers an alarm, officers may conduct additional screening such as using a hand-held metal detector around the wrist.

If removal is requested, you have the right to decline as the kara is a religious article of faith protected under CATSA’s Sacred and Spiritual Items Guidelines, which outline specific protocols for respectful screening. As such, the kara cannot be sent through the X-ray machine and is permitted to remain on your wrist at all times.

3. Kirpan Screening

Issue:

Despite official CATSA policy, some screening officers may provide incorrect information or act in ways that contradict established protocols for kirpans.Common issues reported by Sikh passengers include:

• Being told that kirpans are not allowed at all, even when they meet the legal size and security requirements.
• Screening officers may attempt to measure the blade along its curve rather than its straight-line length, resulting in a misleading measurement that appears longer than it actually is.
• Requests to remove the kirpan, place it in a security bin, or hand it over to screening officers for inspection none of which are a part of the CATSA policy.
• Facing pressure to check in the kirpan, even though there are specific accommodations for it.

Official Protocol for Kirpan Screening

Under CATSA policy, ceremonial knives and swords with a blade of 6 cm or less in straight-line length are permitted on domestic and most international flights, except to the United States. View CATSA Policy 

You have the right to keep your kirpan at all times during screening. Decline any request to remove the kirpan, place it in a security bin, or hand it over to screening officers, as removal or handling by others is not permitted for religious reasons and not required by the policy. You are permitted to wear your kirpan through the security detectors and undergo a measurement process while holding the kirpan yourself.

The screening officer must take measurements of the kirpan in a straight line, not along the curve, which would give an inaccurate reading. If an officer asks to take or handle the kirpan for measurement, refuse and instead offer to hold it according to the appropriate procedure. Click here for detailed guide on measuring kirpans. (LINK DOCUMENT)

If additional screening is required, you have the right to request a private screening area and to be screened by same-gender officers. Once past security, you cannot be asked to remove your kirpan or be reseated due to another passenger’s discomfort.

What to Do If Your Rights Are Violated

If you are mistreated, not accommodated, or believe CATSA procedures are not being properly followed,  explain the religious significance of your articles of faith and the correct CATSA screening protocols. Ask to speak with a screening supervisor immediately. Document the incident thoroughly, including the names of officers involved, the date, time, and location. You can file a formal complaint through CATSA’s portal: https://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/en/complaints-and-compliments. We also strongly encourage you to report the incident to the World Sikh Organization: https://www.worldsikh.org/reporthate.

General Tips for Sikh Passengers

Before travelling, familiarize yourself with the rules regarding the articles of faith including the kirpan in Canada and your destination country. While kirpans are permitted on most international flights, they are not allowed on flights to or through the United States. Review CATSA’s policy on sacred and spiritual items here, and arrive early to allow time for dialogue if needed. Carry or save a digital copy of an informational card explaining the significance of the 5Ks, available through the World Sikh Organization (WSO). If your rights are violated or you experience discriminatory treatment, document the incident and report it to the WSO or appropriate authorities.