🇦🇪 UAE (United Arab Emirates) Entry Guide: 2025 Latest Revised Customs Guidelines and Regulations Comprehensive Summary 🕌 Released

The UAE, a fascinating hub in the Middle East with glamorous cities, significantly strengthened its regulations by revising the Customs Traveller Guidelines in October 2025, making high-value asset declarations mandatory and introducing an online system.

For a pleasant trip, please carefully check the latest information below.

1. 💵 Cash and Valuables Declaration Regulations (Enhanced Declaration Obligation)

From October 2025, the declaration standards for cash and valuables when entering and exiting the UAE have become clearer, and the procedures have been digitized.

• Items subject to declaration: Cash, checks, precious metals (gold, silver, etc.), jewelry, etc., if the combined total exceeds 60,000 AED (approximately USD 16,300).

• Declaration Method (Mandatory):  'Afseh' Electronic System: Pre-declaration via website or mobile app is recommended before entry. (UAE PASS login available)

  • On-site declaration: Submit directly at the Customs Counter installed within the airport

• Penalties for violations: If caught without declaration, you may face fines, confiscation of goods, and other related legal penalties.

2. 🛍️ Duty-Free Allowance for Personal Baggage (for Non-Muslim Adults)

The following duty-free allowances apply to gifts and personal consumption items for personal use.

⚠️ Confiscation Regulations for Undeclared Items:

Items exceeding the duty-free limit that are not declared may be confiscated for a minimum of 30 days to a maximum of 90 days. Therefore, if you exceed the limit, you must declare voluntarily.

3. 💊 Import of Personal Medication (Check items requiring prior approval)

The UAE is very strict regarding narcotics and certain ingredients. In particular, controlled medications must be approved in advance.

• General Medications: If you have a prescription, you can import up to a 3-month supply without prior approval.

• Controlled Medications (e.g., narcotic analgesics, psychotropic drugs):

  • Prior approval required: Apply for approval on the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) website or app before entry.

  • Required documents: Prescription, medical report, copy of passport, etc.

  • Processing time: Generally takes about 3 days (no fee)

• Caution: If imported without approval, you may be considered a drug offender and subject to severe penalties.

4. 🚫 Prohibited and Restricted Items

For Islamic doctrine and national security, the following items are strictly restricted from import.

• Violation of Doctrine: Pork products, obscene materials (books, videos, etc.), gambling tools, witchcraft/magic-related items

• Safety Risk: All types of weapons and ammunition, firecrackers, counterfeit currency

• Other: Pirated materials, certain communication equipment, used tires, red laser pointers, etc.

Through the revised guidelines in October 2025, the UAE emphasizes transparent declaration using the 'Afseh' electronic system.

If you possess high-value gifts or cash exceeding the standard limit, please ensure to declare them in advance to avoid any disadvantages.