Flying With Your Kirpan

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.  

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