What does UAE customs check upon entry?

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a fascinating place to travel, but it is crucial to understand what the UAE customs may check upon your arrival. This is a sequential guide that will help you in the easy entry process.

Passport and visa verification

The first and most crucial check is your passport and visa. Customs officers will:

• Ensure that you have a valid passport that has an expiration date that is at least six months after your arrival.
• Ensure that you have checked the kind and validity of your visa (e.g. tourist, business, transit).
• Make sure that you have not overstayed in the previous visits that can result in fines or denial of entry.

It is always important to carry a print out of your visa or approval document especially when it is an eVisa.

Declaration of cash and valuables

The UAE is strict in terms of importing large amounts of money and valuables:

• Cash limit: Travellers should declare amounts exceeding AED 60,000 (approx. USD 16,000) or the equivalent in other currencies.
• This regulation is applicable to not only cash but also to travelers cheques, precious metals and valuable items. This threshold applies not only to cash but also to traveler’s cheques, precious metals (like gold), precious stones, and bearer negotiable instruments such as certain bonds. If you carry above that amount, you must declare it using the UAE’s Customs Declarations system. Non-declaration can result in confiscation, fines, or even prosecution.

The inability to declare may result in confiscation or prosecution. Penalties for importing prohibited items can include hefty fines, deportation or imprisonment, even for small quantities.

Personal belongings and luggage scans

All luggage goes through X-ray scanners upon arrival. Customs may check for:

• Prohibited items (e.g., drugs, weapons, counterfeit goods).
• Restricted goods requiring permits, such as certain medications or satellite equipment.
• Excessive quantities of personal goods that might suggest commercial import.
• Officers also check for large amounts of medicines, including over-the-counter products.

If something suspicious is detected, officials may conduct a manual search of your bags.

Prohibited and restricted items

Be aware of items that are banned or controlled in the UAE:

• Prohibited items:
  • Narcotics and recreational drugs (zero tolerance policy).
  • Gambling devices and materials.
  • Products that are against Islamic morals such as some publications or media. Religious texts for personal use are allowed but carrying large quantities may raise suspicion of proselytizing, which is prohibited.
  • Vape liquids and e-cigarettes with nicotine levels exceeding the allowances. (Vape liquids exceeding 20mg/ml nicotine concentration or excessive quantities may be seized.)
• Restricted items:
  • Prescription drugs (Certain medicines, including some painkillers or sedatives, require pre-approval from UAE health authorities even if you have a prescription).
  • Guns, bullets and some knives.
  • Food products or animals or plants that can be a health hazard. Importing food products like meat, dairy or homemade items may require health certificates or may be prohibited.

Electronic devices and digital content

Laptops, tablets or smartphones may be searched by customs officers with:

• Pirated media or illegal software.
• Pornographic materials or contents that are considered offensive according to the UAE laws.
• It was content that dealt with gambling, political dissent or religious intolerance.
• Devices like drones or advanced communication equipment may require import permits.

Although random checks are uncommon, a traveller is advised not to bring sensitive or banned digital materials.

Important: Always respect the UAE’s strict cybercrime laws.

Health and safety checks

Depending on travel advisories or global health concerns, customs may:

• Request vaccination records (particularly in the case of outbreaks).
• Examine health declarations in the case of high-risk locations.
• Carry out temperature checks or rapid tests of some diseases.

Final tips for smooth entry

• Retain prescriptions of any medication.
• Do not carry prohibited items in the UAE even in small amounts.
• Be calm and polite when under any inspection.

Gaining insights into what UAE customs inspect at the point of entry will assist you in getting your journey off to a clean and lawful start. When unsure, it is always better to declare items or seek advice from the officials.

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