There has been a tightening in the airport regulations for flights to Dubai, with a new set of restrictions in place on what you can and cannot carry there. These changes, implemented to prioritise passenger safety and to comply with legal standards, have expanded the list of prohibited goods. From medications to certain food items, the range of restricted items is broad.
To avoid unexpected delays and inconveniences, it’s crucial for all passengers travelling to Dubai to familiarise themselves with the updated guidelines before packing.
Here’s a list of things you can no longer take on your flight to Dubai
1. Medications and narcotics
Medications such as betamethadol, alpha-methylfentanyl, and oxycodone are now prohibited in both cabin and checked luggage. Additionally, all forms of narcotics and hallucinogens are strictly banned. Other substances like cannabis, codoxime, fentanyl, poppy straw concentrate, methadone, opium, trimeperidine, phenoperidine, and cathinone are also on the list of prohibited items.
2. Currency
Dubai has also implemented strict airport regulations banning counterfeit currency in luggage. Bringing forged or duplicate currency is illegal and can lead to severe legal consequences. Travellers are advised to ensure all currency is genuine before entering Dubai, as authorities are vigilant in enforcing these new rules to maintain financial integrity.
3. Other objects
Dubai has also imposed strict regulations banning certain items, particularly those linked to boycotted countries or activities. This includes goods from Israel or items bearing Israeli trademarks, crude ivory, rhinoceros horns, and gambling tools. The ban also extends to three-layer fishing nets, radiation-polluted substances, and used or reconditioned tires. Additionally, printed publications, oil paintings, photographs, pictures, cards, books, magazines, stony sculptures and mannequins which contradict Islamic teachings, decencies, or deliberately imply immorality or turmoil, are also banned.
4. Food
You are also prohibited from carrying betel leaves, home-cooked food, and non-vegetarian food items into Dubai. This restriction is in place to ensure compliance with local regulations, and to maintain the safety and hygiene of food imports.
Permitted customs-exempted items
If you’re travelling to Dubai, you are allowed to bring certain items without paying customs duties. These include gifts valued up to AED 3,000, up to 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars, and 500 grams of tobacco products, including minced or pressed tobacco for smoking. Exceeding these quantities will result in customs duties. Additionally, passengers are permitted to bring up to 4 litres of alcoholic beverages or two cartons of beer, with each carton containing 24 cans, not exceeding 355 ml per can. Any amount beyond these limits will be subject to customs duty.
Certain products require special clearance and payment before being imported into Dubai. These items include plants, fertilisers, books, medications, medical equipment, cosmetics, electronics, alcohol, personal care products, e-cigarettes, and electronic hookahs. Ensure you obtain the necessary approvals and complete any required payments to facilitate the smooth entry of these goods into the country.
Permitted customs-exempted luggage
Some personal belongings of travellers are allowed entry into Dubai without incurring customs fees. This exemption covers items such as still and video cameras with their respective tapes, films, and accessories. You can also bring cash, currencies, and travellers’ cheques totalling less than AED 60,000, provided you are at least 18 years old. Other exempted items include radio systems, combined broadcasting equipment, CD and DVD players, and projectors with their accessories. Additionally, telescopes, mobile phones, portable TVs, computers including laptops, baby strollers, portable music equipment, sports gear, typing sets, and calculators are permitted without customs duties.
If you’re planning on travelling to or via Dubai anytime soon, we’d suggest you take a quick look at the list of things you can and cannot take to avoid any issues at the airport.
