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What can you bring through customs in the United Arab Emirates?

Its own customs territory

The United Arab Emirates runs customs emirate by emirate under federal law. Several medicines that are ordinary elsewhere are controlled, and narcotics rules are severe.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.

Rules change, and customs officers enforce them. This page describes how the rules are built, not the amounts, which change often. For the exact allowance, limit or banned list that applies to you, use the official customs authority below, and when in doubt, declare. This is general information, not legal advice.

Personal allowance for goods

Travellers have an allowance for goods for personal use and gifts. Items above it, and commercial goods, are subject to duty.

Alcohol and tobacco

Alcohol rules depend on the emirate and on the traveller, and tobacco has its own allowance. Check the emirate where you will land.

Food, plants and animals

Food, plants and animals are controlled for health reasons and may need certificates or be refused. Pork products have special rules.

Cash and valuables

Cash above a set amount must be declared on entry and exit.

Medicines and banned items

Some medicines that are available in other countries, for example certain painkillers, sedatives and drugs for attention disorders, are controlled and may need prior approval. Narcotics penalties are severe. Drones and some electronic equipment need permission.

What to watch for

  • Always check controlled-medicine rules before you travel and carry the prescription in the original packaging.

Understand the legal system first

The United Arab Emirates belongs to the Religious (Islamic) law is a leading source family. Customs law is made by the state, so it is useful to know how the legal system works.

Read the United Arab Emirates legal-system profile in the Legal Families Atlas →

Official sources

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TheLawToKnow Tools’s customs guide is an educational overview of general rules. It is not legal advice, and it does not replace the customs authority’s own information. Report a mistake.