Taking cash / currency out of United Arab Emirates
United Arab Emirates requires declaration when leaving with cash and bearer-form negotiable instruments above AED 60,000 (approx. USD 16,300).
Details
Travellers departing from United Arab Emirates carrying cash, banker's cheques, bearer bonds, or other bearer-form negotiable instruments totalling AED 60,000 (approx. USD 16,300) or more must complete the Afseh electronic declaration (declare.customs.ae or the ICP app) at customs before boarding. This threshold aggregates all currencies at exchange-rate parity. Failure to declare is grounds for seizure of the entire cash amount under Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2018 (anti-money-laundering); Cabinet Decision 10/2019 plus criminal prosecution for aggravated cases. Source-of-funds documentation may be requested. Legitimate declared movements are not restricted; the requirement is transparency-based to combat money laundering and tax evasion.
Quantity limits
Above AED 60,000 (approx. USD 16,300) triggers declaration
Documentation required
- Afseh electronic declaration (declare.customs.ae or the ICP app)
- Source-of-funds evidence if requested (bank statement, sale contract, payroll)
The other direction
Bringing cash / currency into United Arab Emirates(restricted)