Travel Rules: Restrictions on Cash, Jewellery & Other Valuables, Penalties in UAE Explained

With UAE airports experiencing record levels of passenger traffic, travellers must be aware of the regulations regarding cash, jewellery and other valuables. Many may unknowingly carry restricted or prohibited items, potentially leading to severe penalties.

Declaration Requirements

Travellers carrying over Dh60,000 in cash, or the equivalent in other currencies, financial instruments, precious metals, or valuable stones, must declare it to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Ports Security (ICP).

Declarations can be made via the ICP website or the Afseh app available on Google Play and the App Store.
For passengers under 18, the amount they carry will be added to the limit of their parent or guardian.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to disclose, concealing information, or providing incorrect details can result in imprisonment, fines, or both. The court may also order the seizure of confiscated funds.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

Travellers should be mindful of items that are either prohibited or restricted by UAE law:

Prohibited Items:
* Narcotics

* Gambling tools and machines

* Nylon fishing nets

* Live animals of pig species

* Raw ivory

* Laser pens with red light package

* Fake and counterfeit currency

* Substances contaminated with nuclear rays and dust

* Religious or immoral publications and artworks

* Paan substances, including betel leaves

Gift Limits:

* Gifts should not exceed Dh3,000

* Cigarettes: 200 or fewer

* Cigars: 50 or fewer

* Tobacco: 500 grams or less

* Alcohol: 4 litres or less, or 2 cartons of beer (24 cans each, not exceeding 355 ml per can)

* Tobacco products and alcoholic drinks should not be carried by travellers under 18.

Duty-Free Items

The ICP allows travellers to bring the following items without paying taxes or duties:

* Telescopes

* Movie projection devices and accessories

* Radio, CD players, and CDs

* Video and digital cameras and tapes for personal use

* Portable music instruments

* One TV and receiver

* Strollers

* Personal sports equipment

* Portable computers and printers

* Calculators

* Wheelchairs and vehicles for people with special needs

* Medication for personal use, compliant with regulations

* Clothes, toiletries, and personal luggage

* Personal jewellery

Restricted Items and Controlling Authorities

Some goods require prior approval from relevant authorities for import or export.

In the UAE, different items fall under the jurisdiction of specific controlling authorities. Here is a list of items and their respective controlling authorities:

1. Live animals, plants, fertilisers, pesticides - Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.                                                  
2. Weapons, ammunition, explosives, fireworks - Ministry of Defence, Armed Forces, Ministry of Interior.

3. Medicines, drugs, medical equipment - Ministry of Health and Prevention.

4. Media publications and products- Ministry of Culture and Youth.

5. Nuclear energy products- Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation.

6. Transmission and wireless devices - Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority.

7. Alcoholic drinks - Ministry of Interior/Dubai Police.

8. Cosmetics and personal care products - Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology

9. e-Cigarettes and electronic hookah - Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology.

10. New vehicle tyres - Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology.

Travellers must stay informed and comply with these regulations to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey. For more details, visit the official ICP website or consult the relevant UAE authorities.

For any enquiries or information, contact ask@tlr.ae or call us on +971 52 644 3004. Follow The Law Reporters on WhatsApp Channels