Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates) Flag Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates)

Customs Entry (Personal)

Prohibited 

  • Birds (and derived products) from all Asian countries, Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria and other countries that may be affected by Avian Flu
  • Butane gas lighters and their refills and aerosol products
  • Counterfeit money
  • Endangered species or products thereof
  • Items of Israeli origin or items on Israeli blacklist
  • Ivory and items made thereof  
  • Narcotics and drugs (including dried poppy flower arrangements, cannabis, opium, etc.)
  • Non-Islamic religious books and symbols
  • Pirated video and audiotapes or illegal computer software
  • Polished, whitened, artificial or imitation pearls are prohibited as are genuine unstrung pearls
  • Pork products
  • Pornographic material, anything erotic that may be deemed offensive to Islamic customs' officials
  • Raw agricultural products
  • Religious propaganda, potentially offensive printed matter, CDs videos or films
  • Wireless transmitters and communications equipment
  • Works of art, collector's pieces, antiques
  • Abu Dhabi and Fujairah: Fruits and vegetables from cholera infected areas, cultivated pearls.
    Dubai and Sharjah: uncooked edible seafood, fruits and vegetables from cholera infected areas

Restricted

  • Alcohol and liquor
  • Audio and Visual Media (including computer and similar games) subject to censorship
  • Currency
    Local currency and foreign currencies exceeding AED 40,000 (or equivalent) must be declared on arrival
  • Exposed film or other valuables
  • Falcons
  • Firearms, ammunition, explosives and any weapons (including decorative
    items such as swords and daggers)
  • Flammable or corrosive items
  • Foodstuffs (at the discretion of customs authorities)
  • Live plants, seeds, or bulbs
  • Medicines, pharmaceuticals or medicinal drugs
  • Pets
    Cats and dogs (must be at least 4 months old) and birds must be accompanied by:
    - an import permit issued by United Arab Emirates Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries and
    - veterinarian good health certificate and vaccination documentation
    certain breeds of dogs are prohibited.
  • Stamp or coin collections of high value
  • Telecommunications equipment

Note: UAE customs authorities enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from U.A.E. of items such as firearms, fireworks, pornographic materials, medications, religious materials, and communication equipment. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of U.A.E. for specific information regarding customs requirements.