Tattoos are one of the most common reasons candidates ask whether they can apply at all. This article lists what the airlines publish, as we last verified it on 12 September 2026. It is not advice on whether a particular tattoo will be accepted; only the airline can say that.
What the airlines publish
- Emirates: no visible tattoos while in cabin-crew uniform.
- Etihad Airways: no visible tattoos in uniform. Etihad states that cosmetic or bandage coverings are not permitted.
- Riyadh Air: no visible tattoos in uniform, and no visible non-standard piercings in uniform.
- flydubai: no visible tattoos while in uniform.
- Air Arabia: no visible tattoos or marks in cabin-crew uniform.
The criteria we verified for Qatar Airways and Saudia did not include a tattoo rule. That is not the same as saying tattoos are accepted, so check each airline’s own page.
What “visible in uniform” means for you
“In uniform” is the key phrase. What matters is whether a tattoo can be seen while wearing the airline’s uniform, and uniforms differ. The airline decides where the line is, so if you have a tattoo, the safest step is to ask the airline or read its current guidance before you invest time and money.
Coverings are not a workaround
Etihad says cosmetic or bandage coverings are not permitted. Even where other airlines do not say so, do not plan your application around hiding a tattoo. Our grooming checklist says to conceal tattoos completely, according to the airline’s policy, which is a different thing from relying on a cover-up to pass a check.
Piercings
Riyadh Air also lists no visible non-standard piercings in uniform. The grooming checklist suggests no visible facial piercings other than standard earlobes, but the airline’s own wording applies.
Where to go next
Check the criteria table on the airline page you are interested in, then run the free diagnosis so anything you are unsure about is flagged for you to clarify. Browse the airline pages.
Airlines mentioned