Customs Rules
Import regulations::
Free import:
1. 400 cigarettes and cigars to a max. value of AED 3,000.- and 2 kilograms of tobacco (not applicable to snuffing or chewing tobacco);
2. Perfumes or any other gifts provided for personal use, to a value of AED 3,000.-;
3. Alcoholic beverages, in:
a. Abu dhabi and fujairah: 4 litres of any kind of alcohol, provided passenger is non-muslim;
b. Dubai: 24 cans of beer or 4 litres of any other kind of alcohol;
c. Sharjah: 2 litres of alcohol and one case of beer.
Prohibited :
1. All fresh foods such as fruit, vegetables, dairy products, fish, seafood, meat and food stuffs from Japan with validity period of less than 2 weeks. Foodstuffs, other than fresh foods, with validity exceeding 2 weeks is permitted, when accompanied by a Radiation Clearance Certificate issued by the Japanese Health Authorities.
2. Abu Dhabi and Fujairah: Fruits and vegetables from cholera infected areas, cultivated pearls.
3. Dubai and Sharjah: uncooked edible seafood, fruits and vegetables from cholera infected areas.
Until further notice, import of live and dead birds (and derived products) is prohibited from all Asian countries, Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Tunisia and other countries that may be affected by Avian Flu. For birds in transit, from all other countries, a transit permit is required.
Arms and Ammunition regulations::
A permit from local authorities is required for firearms.
Export regulations::
Free export, proof of purchase is required for large amounts of cash, gold and jewellery.
Pets::
Cats, dogs and birds must be accompanied by:
1. import permit issued by the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Environment and Water (UAE MoEW); and
2. veterinarian good health certificate issued by the competent authorities of the exporting country.
Additionally, cats and dogs must have vaccination documentation and a complete vaccination history and (if required) a Rabies Serum Test result and they must be microchipped.
All pets must be imported as manifested cargo only and can be exported as checked baggage provided holding official export certificate from Ministry of Environment.
Service dogs accompanying the passenger are permitted in the cabin under strict conditions and after fulfilling all import requirements.
Per animal AED 400.- is being charged for import and inspection.
The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Environment and Water (UAE MoEW) has published a list of banned breeds of dogs. For complete details for importing pets see http://petimport.moew.gov.ae or contact animalquarantine@moew.gov.ae for further inquiries.
Non-compliance with the import regulation will result in deportation of the pet to point of origin at owner's expense or confiscation or destroyal of the pet. Any costs incurred arising from the failure to comply with the import regulations, such as handling fees and animal shelter fees will be charged to the passenger accompanying the animal. Furthermore, the carrier concerned will be charged for the transferring of the animal between the Passenger and Cargo Terminal.
Until further notice, import of live and dead birds (and derived products) is prohibited from all Asian countries, Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Tunisia and other countries that may be affected by Avian Flu. For birds in transit, from all other countries, a transit permit is required.
Until further notice, import of live and dead birds (and derived products) is prohibited from all Asian countries, Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Tunisia and other countries that may be affected by Avian Flu. For birds in transit, from all other countries, a transit permit is required.
Baggage Clearance regulations::
Baggage must be cleared at first point of entry, even if coming from another Sheikdom, which is part of the UAE.
Exempt:
- transiting within 24 hours and not going through customs. Baggage can be stored before customs clearance for max. 24 hours if passenger wants to leave transit area, provided the baggage is interlined to the final destination. At Dubai airport baggage can also be stored by the handling agent (DNATA) for more than 24 hours. Fee AED 10.- per piece of baggage.
- Dubai airport also provides a service to passengers continuing their journey within 24 hours and holding separate tickets to final destination. This service provides baggage transfer on passenger's behalf, so passenger does not need to clear passport/customs control. Fee AED 300.- per passenger.
Airport Embarkation Tax
No airport tax is levied on passengers upon embarkation at the airport.
Currency rules
Currency Import regulations:
Local currency (United Arab Em. Dirham-AED) and foreign currencies: allowed, however, currency exceeding AED 100,000.- (or equivalent) must be declared on arrival.
Currency Export regulations:
Local currency (United Arab Em. Dirham-AED) and foreign currencies: no restrictions.