Do I have to declare fruit and vegetables at United Arab Emirates customs?

Yes — it has to be declared to United Arab Emirates customs on arrival.

What happens if I do not declare fruit and vegetables in United Arab Emirates?

Under Dubai Customs Policy, 'Declaration and Inspection of Items or, if you declare the excess yourself: the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under Dubai Customs Policy, Article: the goods are held until you leave the country. Under Dubai Customs Policy, Article: the goods are confiscated.

Can I take fruit and vegetables out of United Arab Emirates?

United Arab Emirates publishes no separate rule for taking fruit and vegetables out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the United Arab Emirates limit for fruit and vegetables apply per person or per family?

Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.

Where does this rule come from?

Federal Customs Authority / ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security) states it in Restricted and Prohibited Goods. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “The import and export of the following goods is restricted and requires prior approval from the designated authority.”

How does United Arab Emirates compare with other countries on fruit and vegetables?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 4 prohibit fruit and vegetables, 15 limit it and 1 let it through. United Arab Emirates is among the ones that set a limit.

Can I bring fruit and vegetables to United Arab Emirates?

Official classification: Fruits and vegetables

Restricted

You can bring fruit and vegetables into United Arab Emirates only within the stated limits.

Carried Limited

Declaration Above allowance

Limit No stated quantity

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler

Important

This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

Restricted and Prohibited Goods Abu Dhabi Customs

Questions about Fruits and vegetables in United Arab Emirates

Do I have to declare fruit and vegetables at United Arab Emirates customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to United Arab Emirates customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare fruit and vegetables in United Arab Emirates?: Under Dubai Customs Policy, 'Declaration and Inspection of Items or, if you declare the excess yourself: the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under Dubai Customs Policy, Article: the goods are held until you leave the country. Under Dubai Customs Policy, Article: the goods are confiscated.
Can I take fruit and vegetables out of United Arab Emirates?: United Arab Emirates publishes no separate rule for taking fruit and vegetables out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the United Arab Emirates limit for fruit and vegetables apply per person or per family?: Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.
Where does this rule come from?: Federal Customs Authority / ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security) states it in Restricted and Prohibited Goods. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “The import and export of the following goods is restricted and requires prior approval from the designated authority.”
How does United Arab Emirates compare with other countries on fruit and vegetables?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 4 prohibit fruit and vegetables, 15 limit it and 1 let it through. United Arab Emirates is among the ones that set a limit.

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