Dubai Customs has made navigating duty-free allowances significantly easier for travelers by providing a comprehensive guide outlining what items are exempt from customs duties and taxes. This informative resource, the Passenger Customs Guide, is available on the Dubai Customs website http://www. dubaicustoms. gov. ae/.
The guide clarifies that passengers can bring in personal gifts worth up to AED 3, 000 without incurring any customs fees. This value limit applies to the combined worth of gifts and the passenger's personal belongings. Travelers should be aware that these items must be for personal use and not intended for resale. Additionally, the quantity of the items should be considered, as customs officials may determine if the amount suggests commercial purposes.
For tobacco products, the guide outlines specific limitations. Passengers are permitted to carry a maximum of 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 500 grams of tobacco (minced or pressed for pipes). Exceeding these allowances will result in customs duties being levied.
The guide also sheds light on the significance of declaring currency. Incoming and outgoing passengers over the age of 18 must declare any cash, traveler's cheques, or precious jewelry exceeding AED 60, 000 in value. It's important to note that any cash carried by passengers under 18 will be combined with the amount their guardians are carrying for declaration purposes.
Dubai Customs emphasizes that duty-free allowances are intended for individual travelers. Crew members of the mode of transport they are arriving on are not eligible for these exemptions.
While the Passenger Customs Guide simplifies the process for most travelers, it also highlights items that require special permissions or prior approval. These include pets, seedlings, movie and event cameras and equipment, various forms of media, makeup products, specific foodstuffs, wireless devices, and drones. For medications, passengers carrying a prescription for more than a three-month supply should obtain approval from the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP). The medication must be in its original packaging with clear production and expiry dates, and the doctor's prescription should clearly state the passenger's health condition and the medication details.
By providing this clear and concise guide, Dubai Customs aims to streamline the customs clearance process for travelers, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.