General Information » Entering United Arab Emirates » Customs

No customs duty is levied on personal effects entering Abu Dhabi. It is forbidden to import drugs and pornographic items.

Once you have collected your bags in the arrivals hall at Abu Dhabi International Airport, they are x-rayed, books, CDs, DVDs, Videos, and magazines are usually checked, and suspect items, particularly movies, may be temporarily confiscated for the material to be approved. Unless it is offensive, it may be collected at a later date. Both arriving and departing passengers have access to the Duty Free area.

There are currently no restrictions on the import/export of local or foreign currency. The UAE is party to international agreements on money laundering. A new anti money laundering law not only penalises individuals who violate the law, but also financial institutions. The penalty for money laundering is a prison sentence of up to seven years or a maximum fine of Dhs.300,000. The limit for undeclared cash that you can carry with you into the country is Dhs.40,000.