🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates— Cash & Currency
Federal Customs Authority (FCA)
2026-04-25
Declaration Threshold
US$11,000
AED
You must declare to customs if you are carrying cash, traveler's cheques, money orders, or negotiable bearer instruments totaling above this amount when entering or leaving United Arab Emirates.
What Must Be Declared
| Instrument | Declaration Required |
|---|---|
| Physical currency (any currency) | Yes, if above threshold |
| Traveler's cheques | Yes, if above threshold |
| Bank drafts / money orders | Yes, if above threshold |
| Bearer bonds / negotiable instruments | Yes, if above threshold |
| Credit cards / debit cards | Generally no |
| Electronic payment apps | Generally no |
Failure to declare
Carrying undeclared cash above the threshold can result in seizure of funds, fines, and in some jurisdictions criminal prosecution. When in doubt, declare.
Additional Country Notes
- 01Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other emirates have varying rules — Sharjah bans alcohol entirely.
- 02UAE has strict drug laws — even prescription medications found at trace levels in blood can result in prosecution.
- 03The GCC Unified Customs Law governs customs across all GCC countries.
- 04VAT was introduced in 2018 at 5%.
- 05Free zones (Jebel Ali, Dubai Airport Free Zone, etc.) have special import/re-export rules.
- 06CITES permits required for endangered species products.
- 07E-Commerce imports are growing rapidly; Federal Customs Authority oversees compliance.