UAE airports are experiencing unprecedented levels of passenger traffic, with a significant influx of travelers either arriving or departing. Many travelers, unaware of the regulations, may inadvertently carry restricted or prohibited items and require approvals. It is crucial for travelers to adhere strictly to the customs procedures outlined by the GCC unified customs law and other relevant laws to ensure their safety and a risk-free travel experience.
Travelers carrying more than Dh60,000 in cash or its equivalent in other currencies, financial instruments, precious metals, or valuable stones must declare this to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Ports Security (ICP). They can make this declaration through the official website or the Afseh app available on Google Play and App Store. For minors, the amount they possess will be added to the permitted limit of their parent/guardian or accompanier.
Penalties such as imprisonment, fines, or both may be imposed on individuals who intentionally fail to disclose, conceal necessary information, or provide incorrect information. The court may also order the seizure of confiscated funds. Some prohibited and restricted items include narcotics, gambling tools and machines, nylon fishing nets, live pig species, raw ivory, laser pens with red light packages, fake and counterfeit currency, substances contaminated by nuclear rays and dust, offensive publications, pictures, and stone sculptures, and paan substances including betel leaves.
According to UAE law, the value of gifts brought in by travelers should not exceed Dh3,000. The limit for cigarettes is 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 500 grams of tobacco (minced or pressed for pipes), or similar tobacco products. Alcoholic beverages should not exceed 4 liters or 2 cartons of beer, each containing 24 cans of 355 ml. Additionally, tobacco products and alcoholic drinks are not permitted for travelers under 18 years.
Exempted from customs duties, travelers may bring in the following items without paying any taxes or duties: telescopes, movie projection devices and accessories, radio and CD players, video and digital cameras, portable music instruments, TVs and receivers, strollers, personal sports equipment, portable computers and printers, calculators, wheelchairs and vehicles for people with special needs, medication for personal use, clothes, toiletries, personal jewelry, and more.
The UAE Government prohibits the entry of certain goods and restricts others. Banned items include controlled/recreational drugs, pirated content, counterfeit currency, items used in black magic or witchcraft, publications and artwork challenging Islamic teachings, and gambling tools and machines. Restricted items require prior approval from the relevant authorities before import or export.
