United Arab Emirates Customs Rules 2026: Duty-Free Allowance, Banned Items & Cash Limit

Duty-free allowance in United Arab Emirates

Gifts, perfumes and personal goods up to AED 3,000 are duty-free. ✅ Official

5% customs duty (GCC common tariff) plus 5% VAT on the excess. ≈ Estimated

Status

Gold jewellery	declare	Declare jewellery, gold and other precious metals. A declaration is mandatory when cash plus precious metals exceed AED 60,000. ✅ Official
Gold bars & coins	declare	Declare precious metals. A declaration is mandatory above AED 60,000 combined with cash. ✅ Official
Mobile phones	allowed	No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated
Laptops & tablets	allowed	No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated
Other electronics	allowed	No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated
Watches	allowed	No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated
Perfume & cosmetics	allowed	No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated
Clothing & shoes	allowed	No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated
Gifts & other goods	allowed	No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated
Alcohol	restricted	Non-Muslim adults (18+): about 4 litres of spirits/wine or 24 cans of beer. Not allowed for Muslim passengers. ≈ Estimated
Cigarettes & tobacco	allowed	Duty-free: 200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or 500 g of tobacco. ✅ Official
E-cigarettes / vapes	allowed	E-cigarettes for personal use are allowed. ≈ Estimated
Cash & currency	declare	Declare cash, cheques and precious metals worth AED 60,000 or more, on arrival and departure (age 18+). ✅ Official
Medicines	restricted	Controlled and some prescription medicines need prior approval from the UAE Ministry of Health (EDE). ≈ Estimated
Packaged food & sweets	allowed	No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated
Meat, milk & dairy	restricted	Pork products are restricted. Other meat/dairy may need health certificates. ≈ Estimated
Plants, seeds & fruit	restricted	Plants, seeds and fresh fruit usually need a phytosanitary certificate. Declare them. ≈ Estimated
Drones	restricted	Drones need registration and approval from the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority. ≈ Estimated
Weapons & ammunition	restricted	Firearms, ammunition and many knives need an import permit or licence issued in advance. ≈ Estimated
Narcotics & drugs	prohibited	Illegal drugs are prohibited in practically every country. Penalties can include long prison sentences or worse. ≈ Estimated

🏝️

Free zones (JAFZA, DMCC…): UAE free zones are for companies (no import duty within the zone). Passenger allowances are the same as the rest of the UAE. ≈ Estimated

Declare or pay online

Dubai Customs iDeclare app: Declare commercial goods, personal items, cash (AED 60,000+), jewellery and gifts over AED 3,000 before or after landing in Dubai. ✅ Official

Leaving United Arab Emirates

Declare cash or financial instruments over AED 60,000 when departing the UAE. ✅ Official

⚖️ If you don't declare

Not declaring cash/precious metals of AED 60,000+: fines and the amount can be held.
Undeclared goods: duty plus penalties and confiscation.
Drugs (including CBD and some prescription medicines without approval): arrest and jail.

≈ Estimated

Frequently asked questions

How much can I bring duty-free from to United Arab Emirates?

Gifts, perfumes and personal goods up to AED 3,000 are duty-free.

How much cash can I carry to United Arab Emirates?

Declare cash, cheques and precious metals worth AED 60,000 or more, on arrival and departure (age 18+).

Can I pay customs duty online before travelling to United Arab Emirates?

Dubai Customs iDeclare app: Declare commercial goods, personal items, cash (AED 60,000+), jewellery and gifts over AED 3,000 before or after landing in Dubai.

Popular routes

Sources

✅ Official UAE Government portal (u.ae) – Customs clearance
✅ Official Dubai Customs – iDeclare app
✅ Official Dubai Customs – Passenger Customs Guide, 6th ed. (2025)

Last checked: 2026-11-09