Vape / E-Cigarette → United Arab Emirates

Banned until 2019; now technically permitted for adults but heavily restricted at borders.

Details

The UAE lifted its blanket ban on e-cigarettes in 2019 but maintains extremely strict controls. Vapes may only be sold through licensed retailers to adults aged 18+. Personal importation of vaping devices and e-liquids remains prohibited — travellers cannot bring vapes through UAE customs. Products must meet Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology (ESMA) standards. E-liquids with more than 20mg/ml nicotine are banned. Flavoured vapes targeting minors are prohibited. In practice, bringing your own vape into the UAE through customs is not permitted.

Quantity limit

Personal importation not permitted

Legal reference

UAE Federal Law No. 15 of 2009; Cabinet Decision No. 10 of 2019

At the airport

1. Personal importation of vaping devices requires ESMA certification. If your device is not ESMA-certified, do not bring it into the UAE. Approach the Red Channel at DXB or AUH if you are unsure.
2. Declare any vaping device at the customs counter. Non-ESMA devices will be confiscated. There is currently no personal-import pathway for uncertified devices.
3. If your device is ESMA-certified and you are 18+, you may proceed through the Green Channel. Carry proof of age and product certification if available.

Transit

Transit permitted. Transit passengers who do not clear UAE immigration and remain airside (sterile transit) are not subject to UAE importation rules. Device must remain in checked baggage or carry-on and the passenger must not pass through immigration. If you break transit and enter the UAE, standard UAE restrictions apply.

Practical advice

Do not bring vaping devices into the UAE. Purchase locally if needed and ensure the product is ESMA-certified.

Customs authority

Federal Customs Authority (FCA) · https://www.fca.gov.ae