Arrivals prohibited items

Prohibited items are any items the import or export of which is prohibited under the provisions of the Common Customs Law or any other regulation or law applicable 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 producing approvals of the competent authorities).
• Gambling tools, machineries and devices of all kinds.
• Nylon fishing nets.
• Live swine.
• Used, reconditioned and inlaid tires.
• 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 passenger.

Inspection of passengers' personal belongings and the procedures for their confiscation and 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) hereof concerning conditions for duty exemption, the following permitted items are exempted from customs duties and will be allowed entry:

• Gifts whose value does not exceed AED 3000.
• A total number 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 for each can.
• Arriving/departing passengers aged 18 years and above must declare to Customs any cash or cheques, promissory notes, payment orders, precious metals or stones in their possession with value exceeding AED 60,000 or equivalent in foreign currencies.

Important

For passengers 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 passenger must not be one who frequently visits the same customs centre or who trades in the items in his possession.
• The passenger must not be a crew member of the means of transport.
• Cigarettes and alcoholic beverages are not permitted entry and are not subject to duty exemption for passengers under 18 years of age.

Excess quantities and values of effects accompanying the passenger

Customs duty will be levied on quantities and values in excess of the limits provided above, and VAT may also be applicable.

Excess quantities of goods and values intended for commercial purposes

All customs procedures applicable for imported goods will be applicable to the goods accompanying the passenger in commercial quantities and 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, 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

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