UAE Customs Rules Banned Items You Shouldn’t Carry to Dubai
Traveling to Dubai? One should be especially cautious as there are many restrictions with regards to what is allowed or prohibited to be imported into the UAE. There are prohibited and restricted goods that are prohibited for import to UAE and those that are allowed with some restrictions if the travelers do not want to face fines, confiscation or even legal actions.
Banned Items
The list of banned items includes a wide range of substances and products that are not allowed under any circumstances. Some of the key items include:
- Narcotics: Any form of narcotic substance which includes marijuana, crack, heroin, cocaine among others are strictly prohibited.
- Betel Leaves and Naswar: Some of the commonly used substances in the sub continent are prohibited in the UAE.
- Gambling Equipment: Equipment used in gambling as well as any other apparatus that may be in a casino is prohibited.
- Items Against Islamic Teachings: Works of literature, sculptures, and artwork that are against the Islamic culture as well as any which depict immoralities in the society are prohibited.
- Ivory and Rhinoceros Horn: The use and trafficking in these items is prohibited and prohibited globally including in UAE.
Restricted Items
In addition to banned items, certain goods are allowed but come with strict regulations:
- Medicines: Some drugs are classified according to controlled substances and therefore needs special permits to be imported while others require a doctor’s prescription.
- Food Items: The restrictions apply only to the volume or mass of food items which is limited to for example, yoghurt with 20kg or oil not exceeding 50 liters.
Declare Your Cash and Valuables
It is also important to note that anyone with more than AED 60,000 is supposed declare it to the custom before entering the country. In case of failure to do so stiff penalties may be imposed.
Key Advice for Travelers
- Check Regulations Before You Pack: Before arriving at UAE, one needs to check on the current UAE government website or in your home country’s UAE embassy to know what is allowed into the country.
- Medication Requirements: In case one wants to transport prohibited medicines, it is mandatory to obtain required permissions from the Ministry of Heath and Prevention of UAE.
- Stay Informed: The laws and requirements are subject to change therefore it is good to check with the relevant authorities before going for a trip.
Email: info@mohap.gov.ae
Phone: 800 11111 (Toll-Free within UAE)
Address: Al Qassimi Street, Al Qasimiya, Sharjah, UAE
Test Your Knowledge: UAE Customs Rules and Banned Items
1. Are narcotic drugs like cannabis and cocaine allowed in Dubai?
2. Which of the following items are banned from being brought into Dubai? (Select all that apply)
3. Is it true that you need to declare cash amounts exceeding AED 60,000 when entering Dubai?
4. What should you do if you need to bring controlled medications into Dubai?
Your Score:
Correct answers are highlighted in green. Thanks for participating!
Quiz provided by 95Dubai.com