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UAE customs regulations

It is important to know about customs regulations before traveling to United Arab Emirates to avoid legal issues and potential fines. As you know, customs regulations widely depend on the country. Before traveling to (or from) United Arab Emirates make sure to check the allowance and limits for the next things:

  • Alcohol and tobacco
  • Currency
  • Medicines (especially those containing drugs)
  • Animals
  • Cultural artifacts
  • Plants, fruits, vegetables and other agricultural products

Check the information below to be sure that you are complying with UAE customs regulations.

Import regulations in UAE

Duty-free allowance

Bringing alcohol

Alcohol is restricted to travellers 18 years and over. One of the following:

  • 4 litres of alcoholic beverages;
  • or 2 cartons of beer each with up to 24 cans of beer 355mL or less.

Tobacco limit

Tobacco is restricted to travellers 18 years and over. All of the following:

  • 400 cigarettes;
  • 50 cigars;
  • 500 grams of tobacco.

Cash limit

  • Restricted to travellers 18 years and over;
  • Travellers may bring in any currency and money up to AED40,000.

Other Goods

  • Gifts whose value does not exceed AED3000.
  • Personal belongings, including phones, portable music equipment, sports equipment, and wheelchairs.

Prohibited items

The following are goods which cannot be brought into the country.

  • Narcotic drugs such as hashish, cocaine, heroin, and hallucination pills.
  • Non-commercially produced cooked foods, meats, and slaughtered birds.
  • Radioactive materials.
  • Gambling tools and equipment.
  • Printed publications, paintings, photographs, books, and other media which contradict Islamic teaching and decency.
  • Any media which may deliberately imply immorality and turmoil.
  • Goods from boycotted countries.
  • Goods of Israeli origin or bearing Israeli trademarks or logos.
  • Counterfeit and fake goods.
  • Forged and counterfeit currency.
  • Rhino horn and ivory.
  • Three layer fishing nets.
  • Original engravings, prints, lithographs, sculptures and statues.
  • Used, reconditioned and inlaid tyres.
  • Cooked and homemade foods.

Restricted items

These goods are strictly regulated, and in most cases require a permit to be obtained prior to arrival.

Information has been updated: .