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Updated July 2024
As UAE airports experience record levels of passenger traffic, travelers are often unaware of the regulations concerning restricted and prohibited items. Ensuring a smooth and risk-free travel experience necessitates strict compliance with the customs procedures prescribed by the GCC unified customs law and relevant UAE laws. This article aims to guide travelers on how to navigate these regulations effectively.
Table of Contents
Cash, valuables, and personal item limits
Travelers carrying more than AED 60,000 in cash or its equivalent in other currencies, financial instruments, precious metals, or valuable stones must declare these items to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Ports Security (ICP). Declarations can be made via the official website or the Afseh app available on Google Play and the App Store. It’s important to note that for passengers under 18, the amount in their possession is added to the limit of their parent or guardian.
Failure to disclose, concealing information, or providing incorrect information can result in imprisonment, fines, or both. Additionally, the court may order the seizure of confiscated funds.
The value of gifts brought into the UAE should not exceed AED 3,000. Tobacco products are limited to 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 500 grams of tobacco. Alcoholic beverages are limited to 4 liters or 2 cartons of beer (each containing 24 cans not exceeding 355 ml per can).
Banned commodities
Travelers must be aware of items that are banned by UAE customs regulations. Banned items include narcotics, gambling tools and machines, nylon fishing nets, live pigs, raw ivory, laser pens with red light, fake currency, nuclear-contaminated substances, offensive publications and drawings, and paan substances including betel leaves, controlled drugs, pirated content, counterfeit currency, items used in black magic, and publications or artwork that challenge Islamic teachings.
Customs duty Exemptions
Certain personal items can be brought into the UAE without paying customs duties. These include:
- Telescopes
- Movie projection devices and accessories
- Radios, CD players, and CDs
- Video and digital cameras and tapes for personal use
- Portable music instruments
- TV and receivers (one each)
- Strollers
- Personal sports equipment
- Portable computers and printers
- Calculators
- Wheelchairs and vehicles for people of determination
- Medication for personal use compliant with regulations
- Clothes, toiletries, and luggage of a personal nature
- Personal jewelry
Restricted items and their controlling authorities
Some items are restricted and require prior approval from relevant authorities:
| Item | Controlling Authority |
|---|---|
| Live animals, plants, fertilizers, pesticides | Ministry of Climate Change and Environment |
| Weapons, ammunition, explosives, fireworks | Ministry of Defence, Armed Forces, Ministry of Interior |
| Medicines, drugs, medical equipment | Ministry of Health and Prevention |
| Media publications and products | Ministry of Culture and Youth |
| Nuclear energy products | Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation |
| Transmission and wireless devices | Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority |
| Alcoholic drinks | Ministry of Interior/Dubai Police |
| Cosmetics and personal care products | Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology |
| eCigarettes and electronic hookah | Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology |
| New vehicle tyres | Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology |
Book your ticket
Once travelers have familiarized themselves with all the entry prerequisites, they can proceed to book their tickets to the UAE.
Direct flights to Dubai from most countries are now available and serviced by Emirate Airlines.
Etihad Airways has also been operating regular flights to and from Abu Dhabi daily.
Book cheap flights to UAE now
