Adviсes • 04 June, 2025
Only Buddha forgives twice
The customs laws of the UAE are complex and officially published only in Arabic. With care for its passengers, Centrum Air has prepared a list of items permitted and prohibited for import into Dubai, so you won’t encounter any issues when passing through customs.
Prohibited Items
The United Arab Emirates is a country whose way of life is rooted in religious ethics and morality, and therefore, items that contradict these principles are strictly regulated. Here’s what you should pay special attention to when packing your luggage, as these items will definitely prevent you from entering the country: - Books and magazines with erotic content If you’re planning to play a prank on someone in Dubai, be careful: counterfeit money and documents, as well as any kind of counterfeit goods, are also prohibited. As for exclusive gifts, there are additional rules: you won’t be able to bring frozen poultry meat, items made from ivory or rhinoceros horn, decorative weapons, or candy shaped like cigarettes. Permitted Items Especially for visitors, the UAE Ministry of Tourism has introduced small exceptions: you are allowed to import tobacco products — up to 400 cigarettes, or up to 500 grams of pipe tobacco, or up to 50 cigars; and alcoholic beverages — up to 4 liters of beer or two boxes. Each box must contain no more than 24 cans, each with a capacity of up to 355 milliliters. The rules for importing alcoholic beverages differ between UAE cities: - In Abu Dhabi, you can bring in up to 4 liters or 1 box of beer. Each box must contain up to 24 cans. If you’d like to bring gifts for your friends and family, be careful: their total value must not exceed 3,000 dirhams (approximately $800). Recently, tourists have been exempted from criminal liability if they unintentionally carry drugs as part of medications, drinks, or food. This amendment was introduced to support the tourism sector, so travelers would feel less intimidated by the UAE’s strict laws. However, it’s important that all items in your luggage are for “personal and non-commercial use”, otherwise duty-free import is prohibited. Medicines The lists of prohibited and controlled medicines in the UAE contain hundreds of items. To get approval to bring medicines, you need to fill out a form on the UAE Ministry of Health’s website. If you want to make sure a particular medicine is not banned, use this website: mohap.gov.ae Pets To transport pets, including birds and fish, as well as plants, seeds, drones, printing, and presentation equipment, you need a special import permit from the UAE Ministry of Natural Resources: eservices.moccae.gov.ae Declaration Required - Books, videotapes, photographs, CDs, and DVDs. These measures are to prevent the spread of religious extremism. Declaration Not Required - Cash, travelers’ checks, jewelry, and precious metals with a total value of up to 60,000 dirhams (about $16,000). Remember, violating even one of the import prohibitions may lead to criminal liability! Pay close attention — and may calmness be with you.
- Sets of poker chips, dice, playing cards, and other gambling accessories
- In Sharjah, you can bring in up to 4 liters of alcohol, regardless of strength.
- Gifts, if their value exceeds 3,000 dirhams (approximately $800).
- Any medicines.
- Knives and other sharp objects.