DUBAI, Oct 12: The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) has announced a detailed set of travel and customs regulations for all passengers entering or departing the United Arab Emirates, according to 24.ae. The updated guidelines are designed to ensure security, streamline customs procedures, and maintain full compliance with national and GCC customs laws.

Under the Unified Customs Law of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), all travelers carrying cash, bearer negotiable instruments, precious metals, or valuable stones worth more than AED 60,000 (or equivalent in foreign currency) must declare these items using the official customs disclosure form. The declaration requirement applies to both arrivals and departures. Failure to disclose such amounts may result in confiscation, fines, or other legal penalties.

Travelers are permitted to bring personal items and gifts into the country within specific limits. The total value of gifts should not exceed AED 3,000, and the items must be for personal use only, not intended for resale or commercial purposes. Exemptions do not apply to frequent travelers or individuals importing goods in commercial quantities.

The authority also set limits on tobacco products: travelers may carry up to 200 cigarettes or an equivalent amount of pipe tobacco or shisha. Quantities exceeding these limits will be subject to customs duties.

The list of completely banned goods includes:

Additionally, materials contaminated by radiation or nuclear dust, paan, betel leaves, and any other items prohibited under UAE law or international treaties are strictly forbidden.

Restricted Items Requiring Prior Approval

Certain items may be imported or exported only with prior approval from the relevant UAE authorities. These include:

Approvals must be obtained from the respective government entities, including the Ministries of Defence, Interior, Health and Prevention, Climate Change and Environment, Culture and Youth, Industry and Advanced Technology, as well as the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation, Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), Dubai Police, and the UAE Kimberley Office.

The ICP emphasized that these measures are part of the UAE’s ongoing efforts to protect public safety, uphold international standards, and ensure smooth and transparent movement of travelers and goods across all ports of entry.