Arrivals prohibited items

Prohibited items are those whose import or export is prohibited under the provisions of the Common Customs Law or any other applicable regulation or law in the State.

• All kinds of narcotic drugs (taking into account the control of prohibited items in general and narcotic substances in particular, where certain prohibited goods may be imported or exported subject to approvals from the competent authorities).
• Gambling tools, machinery and devices of all kinds.
• Nylon fishing nets.
• Live swine.
• Used, reconditioned and inlaid tyres.
• Radiation and nuclear fallout-contaminated substances.
• Items that contradict Islamic faith and public morals.
• Paan and betel leaves.

Important

Any other goods or items, the importation of which is prohibited under the Common Customs Law or any other law or regulation applicable in the UAE.

Verbal, written or electronic declaration, or passage through the green or red channels, will be regarded as a customs declaration by the guest.

Inspection of guests’ personal belongings, and the procedures for their confiscation and the collection of payable customs duties or exemption thereof, will take place according to the following rules:

Subject to the provisions set forth in Section (3) regarding conditions for duty exemption, the following permitted items are exempt from customs duties and will be allowed entry:

• Gifts whose value does not exceed AED 3,000.
• A total of 400 cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or 500 grams of tobacco (minced or pressed for pipes), or minced/pressed tobacco for smoking, tumbâk (pure tobacco) or hookah molasses.
• Alcoholic beverages not exceeding 4 litres or 2 cartons of beer, each consisting of 24 cans, not exceeding 355 ml per can.
• Arriving or departing passengers aged 18 years and above must declare to Customs any cash, cheques, promissory notes, payment orders, precious metals or stones in their possession with a value exceeding AED 60,000 or the equivalent in foreign currencies.

Important

For guests under the age of 18, the amount in their possession will be added to the permitted limit of their parent, guardian or accompanier.

• The baggage and gifts must be of a personal nature and not in commercial quantities.
• The guest must not be one who frequently visits the same customs centre or who trades in the items in their possession.
• The guest must not be a crew member of the means of transport.
• Cigarettes and alcoholic beverages are not permitted for entry and are not subject to duty exemption for guests under 18 years of age.

Excess quantities and values of effects accompanying the guest

Customs duty will be levied on quantities and values exceeding the limits provided above, and VAT may also apply.

Excess quantities of goods and values intended for commercial purposes

All customs procedures applicable to imported goods will also apply to goods accompanying the guest in commercial quantities or values; in terms of customs tariff, valuation, customs declaration preparation and other procedures applicable to imported goods.

Certain items must be declared to Dubai Customs upon arrival to ensure safety, security and compliance with UAE regulations. Failure to declare may lead to delays, fines or legal action.

To make the process faster and easier, guests can use the iDeclare mobile app to self-declare goods and valuables before or after arriving at the airport.

Items that must be declared:

• Medicines, controlled drugs and certain medical items
• Firearms, weapons, ammunition, explosives or illegal pornography
• Drones, satellite phones or other restricted communication devices
• Plants, seeds, insects, meats, live animals, wildlife products or biological materials (e.g. disease agents, cell cultures or snails)
• Commercial goods, promotional items or samples not considered personal belongings
• Cash, foreign currencies or traveller’s cheques equal to, or exceeding, AED 60,000 (or equivalent)
• Precious metals such as gold, silver, jewellery or valuable stones
• Gifts valued above AED 3,000
• Tobacco exceeding (400 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 500g of pipe tobacco or waterpipe 'shisha' tobacco)
• Electronic cigarettes or vapes
• Alcohol exceeding 4 litres or more than 2 cartons of beer

iDeclare – A smart solution

iDeclare – A smart solution The iDeclare app allows you to complete your customs declaration in advance, saving time at the airport. It enhances efficiency, provides real-time updates on regulations and supports a seamless travel experience in Dubai.

Download the app