UAE issues new customs guidelines for travellers entering and leaving the country
The UAE has introduced a new set of customs regulations for passengers entering and leaving the country. The updated rules, issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP), are designed to ensure smooth travel, transparency, and security at all UAE entry and exit points.
Cash and Valuables Declaration
Travelers carrying more than AED 60,000 (or its equivalent in foreign currency) must declare the amount when entering or leaving the country. This also applies to bearer negotiable instruments, precious metals, or valuable stones. Failure to declare may result in confiscation or penalties, so it’s best to report these amounts through the official disclosure channels.
Personal Items and Gifts
Passengers are allowed to carry gifts worth up to AED 3,000 without paying customs duties. These items must be for personal use and not intended for commercial purposes. Frequent travelers or those repeatedly bringing in similar goods will not be eligible for this exemption.
Tobacco Products
The UAE allows travelers to bring in limited quantities of tobacco products—such as up to 200 cigarettes or an equivalent amount of cigars or pipe tobacco. Anything beyond these limits will attract customs duties.
Prohibited Items
Certain goods are completely banned from entry into the UAE. These include:
Narcotics and controlled substances
Gambling devices
Raw ivory and counterfeit currency
Used or retreaded tires
Radioactive materials
Laser pens with red beams
Printed or visual materials that violate religious or moral values
Materials contaminated by nuclear or radioactive dust
Paan, betel leaves, and similar banned products
Restricted Goods
Some items can only be imported with prior approval from specific UAE authorities. These include:
Live animals and plants
Fertilizers and pesticides
Firearms, ammunition, explosives, and fireworks
Prescription medicines and medical devices
Wireless transmitters and communication equipment
Alcoholic beverages and cosmetics
Raw diamonds and nuclear-related materials
Approvals must be obtained from the relevant bodies, including ministries such as Defence, Interior, Health and Prevention, Climate Change and Environment, and others.
Smooth Travel, Safer Borders
These updated regulations aim to make travel in and out of the UAE more secure and transparent for everyone. By staying informed and following customs rules, travelers can enjoy a smoother experience while helping protect the UAE’s borders and public safety.
