Customs Regulations

In a nutshell visitors to Dubai can bring in duty-free:

  • 4 litres of alcohol, or 2 cartons of beer (1 carton = 24 cans not exceeding 355 ml)
  • 400 cigarettes
  • 50 cigars
  • 500 g of loose tobacco

Prohibited items include:

  • Drugs
  • Firearms
  • Pornography

In 2007 the Dubai Police began using PDA's at the airport to identify illegal drugs and medicines.

Note: Due to increasing concerns from our readers concerning which medicines can be brought into Dubai we have managed to find a list of medicines that are restricted in the UAE. We accept no responsibility for the accuracy of this list and advice given (there's another one below from Fair Trials International).

Visitors thinking about bringing drugs or restricted medicines into Dubai would be well advised to read the following articles:

Reviews / Comments / Additional Information

g dawg
Comment for Alan. Who needs sympathy from you? Getting arrested for 0.003g is plain stupid. The cops should be out there to catch real criminals and this applies
worldwide. But then law and order does not work well anywhere in the world and people like Alan are ignorant and should not be in charge of law.
Annie
After hearing all the horror stories about going to jail for possessing codeine, there is no way I am going to visit Dubai now.
Alan
From an American who goes through Dubai frequently. After reading so many of these comments, it is apparent that most are posted by people who use illegal drugs anyway and whine when they get held up because of their drug use and the others are from people, who "heard" of something and were not there when the incident happened and were told by their "friend" who they "know" wouldn't do anything illegal. I do know, after 30 years of arresting druggies, that drug heads will lie to their own mother and whine about being the victim. They usually claim that someone planted it in their pocket without them knowing. Yeah right. It's simple to stay out of trouble. Stay off the drugs and stay away from drug heads. I see plenty of Americans and Brits going through these countries, being loud, obnoxious, and just plain acting stupid. May as well hold up a big sign saying, "Hey cop, check me out". Cops worldwide always find it humorous about how stupid drug heads are. No sympathy from me.
Craig
I flew in from Iraq with 4 brand new 9mm magazines that are for my target shooting pistol back home. I cleared the previous 4 security checks and confirmed with security that it was fine (not classified as a weapon nor ammunition). In Dubai while in transit, I went out the airport to give a bag to a friend I travelled with who was over weight. I then immediately checked in again and was stopped and taken in for questioning. An hour later they let me go but kept the magazines saying is was classified as a dangerous item. So I can buy at Duty Free a 2 metre steel camera tripod, a steel tipped umbrella, a litre of flammable whiskey, and then eat with steel cutlery on the flight, but can't travel with a 50 gram empty tin magazine. I think that education of security staff needs to be updated. Rank and abuse of authority just makes honest travellers like myself avoid and dislike Dubai.
Jessica
First off, for any of you commenting about 'respect the rules of the country blah blah blah'. What nonsense. Whilst I totally respect the rules once I'm in the country, they have no business telling me what to do outside it.
I spent the scariest time of my life in Dubai customs when my fiancee was taken into a tiny cupboard sized room with two burly men strip searching him without any cameras in the room and then threatening him with life sentence even though he had absolutely nothing on him. They planted a piece of plant in his trouser pocket while we were searched (it wasn't even marijuana) and then used it to (what we ended up believing) get a bribe out of us. So are you all saying that if in Australia, 6 weeks ago, he'd had a puff of a joint, they should have the authority to put him away if they found traces in a urine or blood test? You must be joking. I have travelled all my life and love Emirates as an airline, but I for one, will never ever set foot in that airport again. My life is too important to me for that.
On another note, the entire 20 hours we were in that city, no matter how hard we tried, we could not squeeze a single smile out of anyone. For all I care, they can go stick their fake environmental nightmare of a city.
Erika
I am neither an Arab nor Muslim but I absolutely love Dubai. They are very strict when it comes to prostitution and drugs, but to be fair, you shouldn't have drugs with you at all. If they are prescribed medications, take the doctors note with you. I have never ever EVER had a problem with living in Dubai or its airport security. Remember that politeness and a smile goes a long way. Don't give them reason to to imprison you and don't argue. None of the Dubai rules are ridiculous and yes there have been some cases of unfairness, but that happens in every city, not just Dubai. Everyone should go there, just know their laws and you'll have an amazing time. I promise.
mike
A guy was arrested when customs officials found a poppy seed from a bread roll at a Dubai Airport so I've heard. They have no intelligence acting that way.
Chris
These stories all sound so sad. I shall not be visiting Dubai.
BenJ
I'm British, but was born in Dubai (I'm 24) and lived here till I was 20. I loved living here but do have to say sometimes the application of the laws is ridiculous. Last year I was visiting my family in DXB for Xmas and was stopped in the airport and searched. I have a blood disorder and have to take medication every day to stop attacks. The customs officials at DXB airport confiscated my medication, held me in the airport for 4 hours (with my parents waiting for me in arrivals). They did not let me contact anyone. I had a prescription with me from Leicester Royal Infirmary, but they still would not let me have my tablets. They eventually released me but refused to give me back my medication as they contain a hormone deriviative and this is apparently considered illegal in the UAE (even though I used to get them from the pharmacy of Al Zara hospital in Sharjah). Was a bit of a nightmare all things considered. Stupid thing was I really needed those tablets, but was able to buy them from a pharmacy the day after I arrived in Dubai! Stupid or what!
kaz w
Sherri wait until you get them on a bad day, I have looked into their laws and nowhere does it mention that you aren't allowed a telescopic lens!!! They have robbed us of this expensive gift and haven't even replied to our letters or emails for answers. Read the reviews about taking in medicine even with doctors letters. It took Tracey Wilkinson 8 weeks to get out of jail. She was facing 4 years just for having it in her blood system. If I was you don't take anything in with you and visit a local doctor there!!
Sherri
People are so critical of Dubai and their laws. At the end of the day they are the laws in that country and you should abide by them if you are going to visit. I think the country is fantastic and only wish the UK were so strict on our laws.
I have been to Dubai 6 times now and have never had a problem.
Just to clarify, can co-codamol be taken into the country if a valid UK prescription can be provided with it?
Many thanks
kaz w
My family and I have just returned from 3 days in Dubai. We got held on arrival for 4hrs at the airport by customs because my husband had a telescopic lens in his suitcase. It was a very expensive gift given to him and it was confiscated. This was not a weapon but somehow they thought it was! No we won't be returning and yes be very careful on what you take in!
ana
Our son whom is 18 and very immature for his age etc he has uae residency and has been a student here in Dubai for the past 4 years. He was approached by customs at the airport on his arrival at Xmas time from a UK flight and he was asked if he was carrying drugs. As he appeared to be nervous with such question they then decided to full strip search him. This has had some negative effect on him about the UAE on the whole experience. They could have had a different approach if they at all suspected.
Apostate
Although I'm totally drug-free, my concern is treading on some dopeheads joint on my way to the airport, then carrying the incriminating crap into Dubai in the tread of my shoes. For that reason I've bought a pair of business shoes, with very shallow groves on the bottom. They hopefully won't pick up any crap. And as I make my way off the plane, I'll shuffle my shoes against the carpet, so that any crap will hopefully get cleaned off.
Framed in Dubai Airport
This true story will blow you all away! A very good friend of mine who I have known for 27 years was framed with carrying a small amount of hash by custom officials at Dubai airport on a stop over. I could not believe this nor understand what they would gain from this! The only reason that I could think of is that they are targeting people that even slightly resemble a drug user in their eyes, and then brand them so they can never enter the UAE. My friend Sam does look like a bit of an old hippie but has not touched a drug as long as I have known him. And of all places to find the pea-sized piece of hashish was inside his passport after they had taken it and turned away from him, then turned back with it sitting there between the pages. He was gob-smacked ! They immediately took him away, strip searched and urine tested him, then asked to plead guilty and said they would release him. If he denied it, he would spend up to 1 month in jail waiting for court. Of course he pleaded guilty and they did release him in time to catch his connecting flight, but can never return to the UAE. How's that for justice!
DubaiCon
Anyone supporting Dubai in this forum is a serious shmuck! Every land has laws and these must be respected but inside the airports during travel is zone that should be considered neutral considering some don't have the option of where they fly through. I feel you all protect Dubai because it is an Arab country. Screw off DubaiPro. You are either a part of a messed up religion that believe that everyone should agree with you or die or you are some tool cop that likes to post your dribble on these forums.
American
Any government or law enforcement system that would prosecute a traveller for simply having something in the blood stream that could be legal in a country they had just passed through is obviously trying to force their ridiculous religious beliefs on the rest of the world. UAE sucks!
codeine
Amazing that so many commenters here have no idea what Codeine is.
Codeine isn't some drug you buy from a dealer in a dingy alley. It's a drug you buy from your chemists when you have a cough or mild pain. It is in Nurofen Plus, some Solpadeine brands, the legendary Co-codamol, and many more.
Also, if you eat a poppy seed baguette (a baguette found in any bakery), you will have traces of Codeine, Morphine, Thebaine and many other alkaloids in your system.
Is taking any of the above worth 4 years in jail for? Especially when people travel there expecting Dubai to be a civilised country?
Yet more evidence that Dubai is just like every other Muslim nation - backwards and medieval. The slave slums are further evidence.
DubaiPro
Anyone criticising Dubai in this forum is a serious joker! Every land has laws and these must be respected. I feel you all criticise Dubai because it is an Arab country. Grow up drug addicts. You either quit or stay away from Dubai.
DEE
It's a frustrating issue. I too have a friend who came for a 2 week vacation and ended up being looked up. He brought unprescribed medication with him but his brother brought it. They are saying they will let him out but it's been 2 months.
John
I was searched two days ago by customs at DBX, when leaving the airport for a short visit to Dubai. I'm glad they didn't asked a blood sample because one week prior i used some marijuana and opium. Marijuana can be traced in blood for 6 weeks!! Outrageous policy.
Axel
May I suggest that anyone who has had any second thoughts about visiting or travelling via Dubai should write to the local UAE consulate in their own country, as well as their local UAE tourism agency, to say that they have cancelled their travel plans due to the extreme behaviour of the UAE government in respect of "traces" of substances found. Most fair legal systems require deliberate possession of a minimum quantity of the illegal substance to constitute an offence. I have used Emirates airline many times, and enjoyed visiting the city of Dubai, but in light of the recent revelations of their extremism, I shall be using an alternative route, even if it costs a fair amount more.
georgina
In response to that idiot Danielle, are you a fool?. Whatever you do, do not eat any rolls or bread with poppy seeds or you will go to prison for 4 years. Also when you get to Dubai you need to check the bottom of your shoes. For all you know you may have stood on a discarded joint. If they find any slightest trace you are going to prison for 4 years. Do not take the pain killer co-codomol which you can buy over the counter in the uk. If any trace is found in your system you are going to prison. Good luck, you're going to need it love.
Tony
I've lived here in the region for years and I cross the borders two or three times a month. I have never had much hassle except with hire cars. The airport is a doddle to go through, much better than Heathrow. The police are generally laid back. I always smile or talk about soccer, which they love. I even crossed without a passport one time. No problems. The only thing to remember is to check your stamps as they can be a bit lackadaisical and forget to change the dates.
Marco
I am a regular smoker of marijuana, it is not illegal where I live. As such I cannot guarantee that there would not be near microscopic traces in the pockets of my clothes even after several washes and attempts to clean. So I'd have to buy all new clothes. Quitting marijuana a couple of months prior to travel is no problem. But buying all new clothes and bags is far too expensive and inconvenient. Even though I have no desire to break the laws of the UAE, it seems like it would be very difficult and expensive not to. I am now too scared to go there and after much research on the applicable laws am cancelling my trip. Whilst I agree with their laws, targeting and imprisoning people who unintentionally have minute traces present in their clothing or luggage or the sole of their shoe seems immoral. A great deal of innocent people are imprisoned in this way.
Jono
I have been coming to Dubai on and off for 11 years. In all that time, I have never been tested, harrassed or questioned going through the airport. If I were travelling here with medications, I would contact the UAE consulate in your country asking what documentation you need to bring in specific medications. Better to be safe than sorry. In the paper today, a 75 year old man is in court for being in possesion of codeine for back pain. He had taken it for 41 years, but no doctor's prescription or letter. Like any country, be careful. Some basic drugs are banned in Greece too.
RW
Sagree, no Dubai does not accept any temporary passports. You must have a full valid passport to travel there. As for the drug stuff, it's illegal anywhere so get over it. I like going to a clean, drug free country. If you want otherwise, there are loads of places to go for that.
Also, prescription drugs, e.g.. for depression, etc. are allowed in as long as you have your prescription with you.
Traveller
I have just returned from Dubai. I am regular user of social drugs in the uk including cannabis. I was impressed with Dubai's anti-drug policy, nice to not see stoners and coke heads in every bar. I had no problem at customs, and i didn't smoke cannabis for 4 weeks prior to departure as a precaution. If you are a clean living non-drug taker, you will have no problems. Respect their laws and you will be respected. I wish the police were as harsh here, maybe our crime rate would be less!
Margo
Did anyone notice that that prohibited list contains common medications like birth control pills (used to treat ovarian cysts and endometriosis), and medications that treat mental illnesses like schizophrenia (Risperdal), anxiety (Xanax), depression (Prozac), headaches (amitryptyline), bipolar disorder (Camcolite)?
Guess any poor soul unfortunate to suffer from any of those conditions isn't welcome in Dubai.
They're one step away from how the Nazis treated people with those disorders.
Jose
I will cancel my trip to Dubai. Who can understand these people? They promote this place, and later on they jail you. Incredible.
Danielle
I am amazed at some of the remarks and comments made about Dubai. I'm moving there in January to work for Emirates. If you want to smoke marijuana, cannabis and whatever else people smoke these days, then just don't go to Dubai. They have their laws for a reason and I for one am very impressed with the way they control and regulate their drug laws. I think it should be implemented in other countries as well. Maybe then there will be less drug overdoses and people's lives destroyed because of drug abuse.
Traveller
There's a difference between stopping people trying to smuggle drugs (even small amounts) and urine testing people with nothing on them. What each individual does under different jurisdictions is their own business. I'm stopping in Amsterdam on my way to Dubai and I'm actually worried about going into town because I could easily "pick up" a trace of marijuana from the street onto my shoe!
JohnHarrison
People need not forget that carrying 'a small amount of marijuana' in America, for example, does not just get you a warning. It gets you arrested and imprisoned. Before going to any foreign country, do the research so you can play it safe!
John
Dave - DXB Resident, What a person does in another country is their business. What if you live in Holland and go to the UAE, will they pee test you to make sure you are clean? For Gods sake, what's going on here?
Maria
Any country you go to, you have got to respect their laws and their culture.
If you have been told not to carry something, simply don't!
And no they don't stop you for things like mints nor do they do a urine test! Dubai is one of the most fantastic places to live in and to visit. Drug laws are strict in the UAE because the government is concerned about its people.
Boycott Bill
I'm with 'concerned traveler'. This is a backwards police state that has no respect for basic process of law. My advice is to boycott the place, its airline and all its businesses, and to tell all your business associates and friends to do likewise. Its the only recourse we have.
Concerned traveller
Sounds like Dubai for all its gleaming new buildings, wealth and outward appearance is no more than a barbaric, over-zealous police state that is stuck on itself. Putting people into jail for 4 or more years for such microscopic traces of cannabis and over-the-counter medications (which are essential to the health and quality of life for some) and poppy seeds from bread (good grief!) is truly the height of stupidity and demonstrates the UAE's inability to follow international norms. Yes, it is within the UAE's sovereign rights to disallow the importation of addictive drugs within its borders (as most civilised countries do) but not to this outrageous extreme. I will never visit UAE or Dubai, connect through their airport nor will my company do business with such a ruthless country until they stop their barbaric custom enforcements on innocent travelers and/or visitors. Beware travellers, the image Dubai is projecting to the world is a fraud.
sofia
I have lived in Dubai for 3 years. It is a very friendly and easy going place to be. Trouble will never come looking for you out here.
TH
I use cannabis very occasionally here in the UK. I recently found out that I am to be posted to Dubai for 2 years starting in October. Prior to receiving this news I had smoked the week before. Seeing the posts on this site are very worrying. Should I now call the whole trip off?
Many thanks for your help.
Sagree
Would a temporary South African passport be acceptable to enter Dubai. I will be spending 2-3 days in Dubai
Dave - DXB Resident
No, they don't 'pee test' everyone that passes through Dubai airport, the thing is, follow the laws, dont bring in what you shouldn't and then your fine. Its your own responsibility to check what the customs of other countries are before you go there, if you don't adhere by there customs, then obviously you are going to get into bother.
Yes, you probably will get 4 years in prison for pocession of marijuana, but should you even be bringing into the country anyway? And should it even be in your system?
Respect Dubai's laws, and the authorities of Dubai will respect you.
legal user of medicine
Like Alan I am very dubious of Dubai Customs. I usually take a Valium for air travel, as I was involved in a crash once, and never got over the jitters. It helps loads. However, if they take urine samples of everybody that comes through the airport, not only is that insane, an invasion of privacy, but it could land me in jail for 4 years just because I took a tiny pill 6 hours before to enable me to step aboard.
Do they pee test everybody? I mean I read where they arrested a guy for Melatonin! It's even sold over the counter in Dubai and they still arrested him!
Editor
Smokelover, the limits have changed. We have updated the information. Thanks for raising this.
Smokelover
Is the cigarette limit still 2000? Can the editor please confirm what is the updated figure that anyone can bring to the UAE from abroad. Thanks
Alex
People are right when they write that the law will do pretty much what they decide in Dubai. I lived there for 3 and a half years and witnessed a lot of cases which we would consider unjust. I had a DJ get 4 years for traces of marijuana in his blood system and know another guy who was arrested and spent 2 months in jail just because a local said he had been smoking marijuana. I myself was thrown in jail for a week for just crashing a car and walking home to report it instead of standing on a blazing desert road in 105 degree heat to wait for a passing police car! It's a great place to live but if you ever have the misfortune to come under the eyes of the law I can tell you now you it's like talking to a deaf person. They will do exactly what they want and there is no reasoning or leniency. I might add these cases are very rare but they do happen. The British consulate will also be unable to help you in any way until you are tried in court as they will not interfere in a case which is under investigation. The Dubai authorities know this and can keep an 'investigation' going for years if they wish.
Editor
Feb 20 2008 - The severity of Dubai’s drug laws was highlighted yesterday when influential British DJ Grooverider was sentenced to 4 years imprisonment for possession of cannabis. Grooverider, the stage name of Raymond Bingham, is widely recognised as one of the founders of the drum and bass movement.
Grooverider was arrested at Dubai International Airport in Novemeber as he flew into to perform at The Lodge nightclub. He had forgotten to remove a joint containing 2.16 grams of cannabis from his trousers.
Earlier this month another British visitor, Keith Brown, was jailed for 4 years after 0.003 g of cannabis was found stuck to the bottom of his shoe. The piece of cannabis was so small that it could not been seen with the naked eye.
Editor
Alan. I've tracked down a list of restricted medicines in the UAE (see link above). I can't vouch for its accuracy.
ALAN
Travelling to Dubai with dexamphetamine and can't find anyone who will tell me if it is allowed? I have prescription & doctors letter but very dubious. Could someone set me straight?
Editor
Mildred. I'm sorry for your predicament. Prescription drugs legal in some countries (codeine etc.) can get you thrown in jail in Dubai if you can't show a prescription. That is fully acknowledged in the comments in this section. However, to be fair you didn't say this. You said mints.
I wish you all the best with your campaign and hope it's resolved quickly. Let us know the outcome.
Mildred
Editor: I wish it were fantasy, but unfortunately I am living this reality right now: Someone I love is facing charges for bringing melatonin into Dubai, which is sold over-the-counter.
Unfortunately I can't keep coming back, because the campaign for his release is a full time job for me, but I'll leave you with a quick example of prosecution based on prescription drugs in urine: ... news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/southern_counties/4200952.stm
If I sounded alarmist it is because I do not want anyone to go through what I am right now. This has been a nightmare. Thanks for listening, and I hope some good comes of this.
Editor
Mildred. Dubai's drug laws are strict but you are exaggerating their severity. I would very much doubt you could come up with some credible evidence that somebody has been received a 4 year jail sentence for possession of a mint. If you have any evidence of this, a newspaper report etc., please post here and I'll be glad to publish. Otherwise I think readers can take some of her comments as fantasy.
Mildred
I would like to add that you can be thrown in jail for bringing into the country health supplements, aspirins, mints, and anything they decide looks funny. It is also considered 'drug smuggling' by having even the slightest trace of last months toke in your system and you will face four years in prison for this. Please be aware that if you have touched a smoker, or have potentially inhaled second hand smoke, this counts as 'smuggling' as well, and you will be face the four year sentence.
When they say 'zero tolerance' we're talking Orwellian proportions, here.
Please be safe.
carl d
Drug laws are very strict in Dubai. You can get a pretty hefty jail sentence for possession of just small amounts of recreational drugs like marijuana.
clever sod
Don't forget to buy booze from duty free when you land. You cannot buy alcohol from shops once you are in Dubai if you are a tourist, only from hotel restaurants and bars. Also get cigarettes here because some Western brands are difficult to find in the city.
sarah b
Try and avoid bringing any medicines containg codeine into Dubai. If you have to, make sure you bring your prescription.
Robert
Save carrying extra luggage and but from the arrivals duty free by the baggage reclaim (after immigration) at DXB airport. Wines, spirits, gifts, perfumes, cigarettes. All the usual suspects. And open 24 hours a day.

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