UAE Customs Allowance Checker: Duty-Free Limits for Travellers

How does the customs allowance checker work?

You enter what is in your bags: the value of gifts and new items, how many cigarettes, how much alcohol and the total value of cash and valuables you carry. The checker compares each line with the UAE allowances for arriving passengers and tells you whether you are within the limit or have something to declare.

It also asks your age, because travellers under 18 have no tobacco or alcohol allowance at all. If you carry prescription medicines, it reminds you what paperwork to bring.

What are the UAE duty-free limits?

A note on cigarettes: the current Dubai Customs passenger guide and the 2025 federal guidance both say 200 cigarettes. You may still find an older page that says 400. The checker uses 200, which is the safe figure to follow.

A worked example

Sara, 34, flies into Dubai with these items in her suitcase:

• Gifts for family worth AED 4,200. That is AED 1,200 over the AED 3,000 allowance. Duty is generally 5% of the value above the limit, so about AED 1,200 x 5% = AED 60.
• 400 cigarettes (two cartons). That is 200 over the allowance, so she should declare the extra carton and pay the duty.
• 2 litres of wine. That is within the 4 litre allowance.
• AED 20,000 in cash. That is below AED 60,000, so no declaration is needed.

Result: Sara has something to declare. She should take the red channel or declare the items, rather than walk through the green channel and hope for the best.

When do you have to declare cash?

If the combined value of cash in any currency, cheques, gold, other precious metals and precious stones is over AED 60,000, you must declare it. You can do this through the Afseh app before you reach customs, or with the customs officers on arrival. Declaring is not a tax: it is a record, and failing to declare is what causes problems.

Add up everything across all currencies. If you are not sure what your euros or dollars are worth in dirhams, use the AED currency converter first.

What is banned or restricted?

Prohibited whatever the amount

Narcotics, gambling devices, obscene material, betel leaves (paan) and nasvar, counterfeit goods and fake currency, raw ivory, radioactive material, red laser pens, used tyres and nylon fishing nets.

Restricted (you need approval)

• Medicines: controlled medicines need a permit from the Ministry of Health and Prevention before you travel.
• Live animals and plants.
• Weapons, ammunition and fireworks.
• Alcohol beyond the personal allowance.

For medicines, carry a personal supply only, keep them in their original boxes, and bring the prescription and a doctor's letter. Some painkillers, sleeping pills and ADHD medicines are controlled, so check the MOHAP permit page well before your flight.

Tips before you fly

• Keep receipts for expensive new items. They help show the value if customs asks.
• Each traveller has their own allowance, but you cannot pool allowances to bring one large item duty free.
• Pack with the rules in mind: our packing list generator covers medicines, plugs and clothing for your month of travel.
• Read our do's and don'ts in Dubai so nothing in your bag or on your phone surprises you.
• Rules can change. If you carry something unusual, check with Dubai Customs or your airline before you travel.