How much pepper spray can I bring to United Arab Emirates?

Zero tolerance. Source: Federal Customs Authority (FCA).

ITEM RULE · TRAVELING

PROHIBITED

Pepper Spray 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates

Q: Is pepper spray allowed in transit through United Arab Emirates?

Transit not permitted. The UAE's weapons control regulations classify pepper spray as a prohibited weapon for all persons in UAE territory including transit passengers. Dubai Customs has confiscated pepper spray from passengers' checked baggage during transit. There is no transit exception.

PROHIBITEDVERIFIED · 2026-04-25HIGH CONFIDENCE

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Prohibited. Personal defence sprays are classified as weapons.

ANSWER

Can I bring Pepper Spray into United Arab Emirates?

PROHIBITEDVERIFIED · 2026-04-25HIGH CONFIDENCE

Prohibited. Personal defence sprays are classified as weapons.

QUANTITY / LIMITS

Zero tolerance

DECLARATION

Required at the destination customs authority

SOURCE

customs.gov.ae

Verify against the official customs authority before acting on this answer.Report a correction

Full details

Pepper spray, CS gas, and similar personal defence sprays are prohibited in the UAE under the weapons control regulations. They are classified as weapons and may not be imported, possessed, or used by civilians. Travellers found with pepper spray at UAE airports may face confiscation and criminal proceedings. The ban applies to all forms of OC spray, CN tear gas, and bear spray. Police-grade defensive sprays are exclusively restricted to licensed law enforcement. There are no civilian defence exceptions.

ENFORCEMENT

Active — Customs actively enforces this rule.

At the airport

STEP 1Pepper spray is classified as a prohibited weapon in the UAE. If you arrive with pepper spray (even inadvertently packed), proceed to the Red Channel at DXB or AUH.
STEP 2Declare the item to the customs officer. Do not attempt to conceal it — declared surrender is treated more leniently than discovery during inspection.
STEP 3The item will be confiscated. A formal warning or fine may be issued. If concealment is suspected, charges under UAE Federal Law on Weapons and Ammunition may follow.

TRANSIT EXCEPTION

Not permitted even in transit. The UAE's weapons control regulations classify pepper spray as a prohibited weapon for all persons in UAE territory including transit passengers. Dubai Customs has confiscated pepper spray from passengers' checked baggage during transit. There is no transit exception.

PRACTICAL ADVICE

Do not carry pepper spray, OC spray, or tear-gas devices into United Arab Emirates. Dubai/Abu Dhabi Customs treats incapacitating sprays as prohibited weapons under the firearms / dangerous-articles regime; seizure plus a fine is the standard response.

OFFICIAL SOURCES · VERIFIED 2026-04-25

customs.gov.ae moi.gov.ae

RULE DETAILS

QUANTITY LIMITS

Zero tolerance

LEGAL REFERENCE

UAE Federal Law on Weapons and Ammunition; Dubai Penal Code

CUSTOMS AUTHORITY

Federal Customs Authority (FCA)

SHOW AT CUSTOMS

Printable customs card →

AIR TRAVEL IS SEPARATE

This page covers destination customs rules in United Arab Emirates. Whether you can carry pepper spray through security, in carry-on, or in checked baggage depends on airline and screening rules — see air travel rules.

IATA DANGEROUS GOODS

Pepper Spray is classified under Class 2.2 — Non-flammable, non-toxic gas. Cabin and checked-baggage rules apply on top of any destination regulation.