🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates — restricted items
52 items are documented as restricted for import into United Arab Emirates. These items require permits, documentation, quantity limits, or prior approval.
codeine medication
Controlled narcotic. Must declare and carry a valid prescription and Ministry of Health permit.
Limit: Maximum 30-day supply
melatonin
Regulated medicine. Personal import requires original packaging and ideally a prescription.
Limit: Personal use quantities; typically up to 3 months' supply
drone consumer
Must be registered with GCAA. Flying without permit is prohibited.
Limit: One personal drone; batteries must comply with airline lithium battery rules
cash currency
Must declare cash of AED 60,000 or more (approx. USD 16,300) on arrival.
Limit: No limit; declaration required for AED 60,000+
alcohol spirits
Non-Muslim adults may import 4 litres of spirits or wine duty-free via most emirates.
Limit: 4 litres of spirits/wine duty-free for non-Muslim adults 18+
testosterone
Requires MOH pre-approval
Limit: 3 months supply
tramadol medication
Controlled — requires MOH pre-approval
Limit: 3 months supply
pets dogs
MOCCAE import permit required
Limit: Personal pets
fresh fruit
Subject to MOCCAE inspection
Limit: Personal quantities from approved origins
meat products
Halal requirements apply
Limit: Personal quantities; halal certification for most
tattoo equipment
Tattoo Equipment restricted; documentation or permits may apply
religious texts
Religious Texts restricted; documentation or permits may apply
ozempic semaglutide
Ozempic / Semaglutide restricted; documentation or permits may apply
Limit: Up to 3-month personal supply; MOHAP approval required if quantity exceeds personal supply
drone batteries
Drone Batteries (LiPo) restricted; documentation or permits may apply
Limit: ≤100 Wh in carry-on; 101-160 Wh with airline approval per GCAA; over 160 Wh prohibited
satellite messenger
Satellite Messenger restricted; documentation or permits may apply
walkie talkies
Walkie-Talkies / Two-Way Radios restricted; documentation or permits may apply
binoculars
Binoculars restricted; documentation or permits may apply
coral seashells
Coral & Seashells restricted; documentation or permits may apply
taxidermy
Taxidermy restricted; documentation or permits may apply
wine
Wine restricted; documentation or permits may apply
beer
Beer restricted; documentation or permits may apply
used cars
Used Cars restricted; documentation or permits may apply
motorcycles
Motorcycles restricted; documentation or permits may apply
feathers plumage
Feathers & Plumage restricted; documentation or permits may apply
chocolate
Postal restrictions apply for chocolate
baby formula
Postal restrictions apply for baby formula
protein powder
Postal restrictions apply for protein powder
energy drinks
Postal restrictions apply for energy drinks
insulin
Postal restrictions apply for insulin
melatonin
Postal restrictions apply for melatonin
codeine medication
Postal restrictions apply for codeine (medication)
Limit: Schedule II under UAE Federal Law No. 14/1995; postal import prohibited — all narcotics require MOHAP prior approval
tramadol medication
Postal restrictions apply for tramadol (medication)
Limit: Schedule II narcotic; postal import prohibited — MOHAP prior approval required for all narcotics entry
adderall medication
Postal restrictions apply for adderall (medication)
Limit: Federal Law No. 14/1995 Schedule I narcotic; postal import strictly prohibited — MOHAP does not issue personal postal permits
gold jewellery
Postal restrictions apply for gold jewellery
Limit: No quantity limit for personal jewellery; commercial gold imports must be declared to UAE Customs; free zone imports require FZE documentation
tobacco cigarettes
Postal restrictions apply for tobacco cigarettes
Limit: Postal import allowed up to 400 cigarettes with customs declaration; commercial import requires FTA excise permit
vape e cigarette
Postal restrictions apply for vape / e-cigarette
energy drinks
Allowed for personal use; commercial quantities require MoHAP clearance
Limit: Personal use only — typically up to 12 cans / sealed retail packaging
hemp seeds sterilised
Sterilised hemp seeds (food grade) requires declaration / permit when posted to United Arab Emirates.
meat products
Meat Products requires declaration / permit when posted to United Arab Emirates.
dairy products
Dairy Products requires declaration / permit when posted to United Arab Emirates.
fresh fruit
Fresh Fruit requires declaration / permit when posted to United Arab Emirates.
vape e cigarette
Vape / E-Cigarette requires declaration / permit for personal import into United Arab Emirates.
alcohol spirits
Alcohol / Spirits requires declaration / permit for personal import into United Arab Emirates.
tobacco cigarettes
Tobacco Cigarettes requires declaration / permit for personal import into United Arab Emirates.
hemp seeds sterilised
Sterilised hemp seeds (food grade) requires declaration / permit for personal import into United Arab Emirates.
gold jewellery
Gold Jewellery requires declaration / permit for personal import into United Arab Emirates.
coins collectible
Collectible coins (numismatic) requires declaration / permit for personal import into United Arab Emirates.
meat products
Meat Products requires declaration / permit for personal import into United Arab Emirates.
dairy products
Dairy Products requires declaration / permit for personal import into United Arab Emirates.
fresh fruit
Fresh Fruit requires declaration / permit for personal import into United Arab Emirates.
ivory cites
Ivory & CITES-Listed Items requires declaration / permit for personal import into United Arab Emirates.
antiquities
Antiquities requires declaration / permit for personal import into United Arab Emirates.