United Arab Emirates customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

The UAE enforces zero tolerance for drugs and strict rules on alcohol and pork. Drinking in public is illegal, and even trace amounts of pork products are confiscated. Controlled medications require prior approval from the Ministry of Health. These rules apply to all non-resident adult travellers arriving in 2026.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 litre of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 litres of wine/beer. Must be 18+. Duty-free allowance: up to AED 100 (USD 27) value, but the volume limit is the key restriction.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
AED 36,750 (USD 10,000) or equivalent in any currency. Declare via the UAE Customs Declaration Form (available at all ports) or the 'Smart Declaration' app. Failure to declare can result in seizure.
Goods duty-free
$800
Personal goods and gifts up to AED 2,940 (USD 800) duty-free. Above that, a flat 5% duty applies on the excess value. Excludes alcohol, tobacco, and commercial quantities.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and any drug paraphernalia (including poppy seeds and khat)
  • Pork and pork products (including bacon, ham, sausages)
  • Pornographic materials (including adult DVDs, magazines, and digital content)
  • Firearms, ammunition, and explosives (unless with a special permit from UAE authorities)
  • Counterfeit goods and pirated media
  • Items from Iran, Iraq, or Syria (unless with a permit — includes dates, carpets, and cultural goods)

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medications containing controlled substances (require prior approval from Ministry of Health)
  • Drones and remote-controlled aircraft (require a permit from the General Civil Aviation Authority)
  • Satellite phones and radio transmitters (require a license from the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority)
  • Cultural artifacts and antiques (require an export permit from the country of origin)
  • Live animals and plants (require import permits and health certificates)

Arriving: red vs green channel

After collecting your luggage, follow signs to the Green Channel (nothing to declare) or Red Channel (goods to declare). There is no arrival card; you may need to fill a Customs Declaration Form if carrying restricted/prohibited items or cash above the threshold. If unsure, use the Red Channel and ask an officer.

Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds

Yes, the 'Tax Refund for Tourists' scheme. Minimum purchase AED 250 (USD 68) per receipt at a single retailer. Claim at airport kiosks (e.g., Planet Payment) before check-in. Refund is 85% of the 5% VAT (effective 4.25% back).

Bringing medication

Personal medications are allowed for up to 3 months' supply with a doctor's prescription (in English or Arabic). Controlled substances (e.g., codeine, tramadol, diazepam, stimulants) require prior approval from the UAE Ministry of Health. Some common Western drugs (e.g., certain antidepressants, painkillers) are banned — check the official list before travel.

Food, plants & animal products

No pork or pork products allowed. All food, plants, seeds, and animal products must be declared and inspected. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and meat are generally prohibited unless accompanied by a health certificate. Dairy products from non-approved sources are banned.

Rules worth knowing

Alcohol in public is illegal

You may bring alcohol for personal consumption, but drinking in public (including beaches, parks, and cars) is a criminal offense. Only consume in licensed venues or your hotel room.

Pork is completely banned

Even small amounts of pork (e.g., in sandwiches or snacks) are prohibited. Customs will confiscate and destroy any pork products found.

E-cigarettes and vapes

E-cigarettes and vaping devices are allowed for personal use, but the sale of nicotine-containing e-liquids is restricted. You may bring up to 200ml of e-liquid (duty-free).

Duty-free allowance is per person

The alcohol and tobacco allowances are per adult traveller, not per family. Children under 18 cannot bring alcohol or tobacco.

Frequently asked questions

Codeine is a controlled substance in the UAE. You must apply for a permit from the Ministry of Health at least 2 weeks before travel. Without a permit, the medication will be confiscated and you could face legal action. Carry a doctor's prescription (in English) and a copy of the permit.
Yes, if you are carrying AED 36,750 (USD 10,000) or more in cash or equivalent monetary instruments, you must declare it at the customs desk even if you are only transiting and not entering the UAE. Failure to declare can result in seizure.
Drones require a permit from the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). You must apply online before arrival. Without a permit, the drone will be confiscated. Even with a permit, flying near airports, military zones, or government buildings is prohibited.
Dates from Saudi Arabia are generally allowed for personal use (up to 5 kg), but they must be declared and inspected. However, any food items from Iran, Iraq, or Syria are prohibited without a special permit.
The duty-free allowance is AED 2,940 (USD 800). On the excess AED 60, you will pay 5% duty = AED 3 (USD 0.82). If the item is commercial in nature, duty may be higher.
Yes, for personal use. You may bring up to 200ml of e-liquid (duty-free). The device itself is allowed. However, selling or distributing vape products without a license is illegal.
Prohibited items (e.g., pork, drugs, porn) will be confiscated and destroyed. You may be fined or face legal proceedings. If you are unsure, use the Red Channel and ask an officer — voluntary declaration can reduce penalties.

Official source

Federal Customs Authority of the United Arab Emirates

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Federal Customs Authority of the United Arab Emirates before travelling.