List of Banned Items in the UAE

banned items in uae

If you are planning to go to the UAE, or if you have friends who are coming to visit, then you should avoid bringing items that are banned in the country. Depending on the kind of item, carrying them with you could lead to a hefty fine and even imprisonment or deportation.

Related Post: Do Not Bring These Items at Dubai Airports When You Travel Out of Dubai

This article presents items that are banned or strictly prohibited by the UAE government. So before you pack your bags and head to the airport, make sure that you are not carrying any of these with you!

banned items in uae

Travel Advisory: Do Not Bring These Things Into the UAE or when you arrive in Dubai Airports / Abu Dhabi Airports / etc.

Please make sure that you are aware of the prohibited items and paraphernalia before entering Dubai Airport (or even before flying to the UAE). Here is a list of banned items in the country:

Note: Information shared here are based on the Dubai Customs website.

  1. Chemical and organic fertilizers
  2. Certain drugs and chemicals – view a list of Banned Medicines in UAE here
  3. All kinds of Narcotic Drugs (Hashish, Cocaine, Heroin, Poppy Seeds, Hallucination Pills, etc..)
  4. Endangered animal species
  5. Fireworks
  6. Gambling tools and machineries.
  7. Ivory (from elephant husks) and Rhinoceros horn.
  8. Laser pens, radar jammers, and other communication devices that aren’t authorized
  9. Religious books, sculptures, objects, and other materials that contradict Islamic teachings, decencies – these are for items that deliberately imply immorality or turmoil.
  10. Pornographic materials
  11. Weapons and ammunition
  12. Goods intended to be imported from boycotted countries.
  13. Radiation polluted substances.
  14. Any other goods, the importation of which is prohibited under the authority of U.A.E. customs laws or any other laws in the country.
  15. Forged and duplicate currency.

List of Banned Items in the UAE

Additional Reminders

Upon arriving at the Dubai Airport, take note that:

  • Inbound /Outbound travelers should declare any cash that is worth more than AED 100,000.
  • Adult non-Muslims are allowed to buy alcohol and cigarettes as per Dubai Customs Laws.
  • Liquids must be placed in transparent, resealable plastic bags with less than 1-liter capacity.
  • Baby food and medicine should be placed in checked-in luggage. However, if you need to take them during your flight, make sure that you have supporting documents with you.
  • Based on guidelines from the Ministry of Health, travelers are not allowed to bring more than three month’s supply of medicine.
  • Make sure that your medicine does not contain any banned or restricted substances. However, if you need it for medical reasons, see to it that you are also carrying a medical prescription from a doctor licensed in the UAE. If you were treated abroad, then you should have a medical report along with the doctor’s prescription, which should be duly attested.

Warning: Do Not Accept Items from other Passengers

As much as we may feel like we want to help other passengers, do not accept items or packages from them! We do not want to carry illegal items in our packages and there are instances where illegal items are stored in normal-looking items. So better be safe than sorry. Check out this video by Abu Dhabi Police with banned items contained inside an mobile phone box: Video – Banned Item inside iPhone box

Aside from the UAE, some of the items and guidelines listed here are banned or restricted in other countries, too. This is to prevent illegal possession and activities, as well as to help keep all passengers safe during their travel and stay in the country.

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