Rules and restrictions on carrying cash and jewelry when traveling to the UAE

Record levels of passenger traffic are being seen at airports in the UAE, as a large number of travelers are coming to or leaving the country. Many travelers may unintentionally bring restricted or prohibited items and need approvals due to their lack of knowledge about regulations.

Travelers are advised to follow customs procedures outlined in the GCC unified customs law and other relevant laws for their safety and a secure travel experience.

Individuals carrying over Dh60,000 in cash or a similar amount in different currencies, financial tools, precious metals, or valuable gems are required to report it to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Ports Security (ICP). The money can be declared via the official website or the Afseh app found on Google Play and App Store.

Passengers under 18 years old can combine their personal allowance with that of their parent/guardian or companion.
Anyone who knowingly withholds, hides, or gives false information may face jail time, a fine, or another punishment. Furthermore, the court has the authority to mandate the seizure of seized funds.

Examples of items that are not allowed or have limitations in their importation are narcotics, gambling equipment, nylon fishing nets, live pigs, ivory, red laser pens, counterfeit money, radioactive substances, offensive materials, and paan ingredients.

According to the laws in the UAE, travellers are not allowed to bring in gifts valued at more than Dh3,000. The permissible limit for cigarettes is 200, 50 for cigars, and 500 grams of tobacco for smoking or hookah molasses.
Alcoholic drinks must not go over 4 litres or 2 packs of beer, with each pack containing 24 cans not surpassing 355 ml in size. Moreover, individuals under the age of 18 should not transport tobacco and alcohol items.

Which items are not subject to customs duties?

According to ICP, travelers can bring in the following items without having to pay taxes or duties.

• Optical instruments for viewing distant objects
• Devices for showing movies and accessories that go with them.
• Devices like radios and CD players are used to play CDs.
• Cameras and digital video recorders along with their tapes for personal usage.
• Musical instruments that can be easily carried.
• TV and receiver, one of each
• Baby carriages
• Sports equipment for individual use.
• Laptops and printers that are easy to carry.
• Calculating Devices
• Wheelchairs and transportation for individuals with disabilities (people with special needs)
• Medicine for personal use must adhere to the relevant regulations.
• Personal items such as clothing, toiletries, and baggage
• Jewelry for personal use

Prohibited items

Certain goods are prohibited and others are restricted by the UAE Government. Forbidden items are goods that are not allowed to be imported or exported in accordance with the Common Customs Law of the GCC States, or any other relevant law or regulation in the UAE.

Prohibited items include, but are not restricted to:

• Controlled substances and recreational drugs and narcotic substances are the same thing.
• Illegally duplicated material
• Fake money
• Objects utilized in dark magic, occultism, or sorcery.
• Publications and artwork that go against or question Islamic teachings and values
• Gambling tools and machines.

"Know before you go! Familiarize yourself with the rules and restrictions on carrying cash and jewelry when traveling to the UAE. Stay compliant and travel smoothly and also updated with Just Dubai!