It can be upsetting to see your belongings thrown away by airport security. But if you are aware of all the regulations and pack your bags properly, you may avoid a lot of headaches. There are restrictions on what you may and cannot pack in both your checked luggage and your carry-on luggage at airports.
It can be challenging to keep in mind what products you can and cannot bring onboard airlines or into your checked luggage if you are intending to travel outside of the UAE.
What can people bring into the country, legally?
The following things can be brought into Dubai by travellers free of customs fees:
- Gifts that cost less than Dh3,000.
- Less than 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 500 grammes of tobacco (minced or pressed for pipes), tobacco, or mild-tasting tobacco can be brought on board by passengers who are 18 or older. If passengers go beyond the limit, they must pay duty.
- Alcoholic beverages and beers shouldn’t be consumed in quantities greater than four litres, or two beer cartons (each consisting of 24 cans, not exceeding 355ml for each can or its equivalent).
Things you shouldn’t pack in your hand baggage
- Real, replica or toy weapons
- Sharp objects like knives, razor blades and scissors
- Hypodermic needles (unless you have a medical certificate explaining why you need them)
- Sporting bats and clubs
Things you shouldn’t pack in your checked baggage
- Fragile or perishable items
- Valuable items like money and jewellery
- Computers and other electronic devices which might contain personal data
- Any medication that you might need during your flight or trip
- Important documents like passports and visas
Banned Products
- Any narcotic substances.
- Naswar and betel leaves (paan)
- Rhinoceros horn and crude ivory
- Gambling machines and tools
- Fishing nets with three layers.
- Engravings, prints, lithographs, sculptures, and statues in any medium.
- Substances contaminated by radiation.
- Forged or duplicated currency.
- Homemade and cooked foods
- Poultry and birds frozen
- Other foreign commodities imported under UAE customs legislation or any other laws in the country.
Medication
There is a chance of arrest if passengers’ home country medications mistakenly contain chemicals that are prohibited in the UAE.
If passengers have no choice but to carry the prohibited drug, they need to have a genuine, verified prescription from a doctor with them.
Travellers shouldn’t bring more medication than they would need for their planned stay in Dubai.
Top 5 Drugs Banned In UAE
- Cannabis
- Codoxime
- Concentration of poppy straw
- Fentanyl
-
Morphine
Also Read: Guide: Visa-free countries for UAE residents
