Do I have to declare meat and fish 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 meat and fish 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 meat and fish out of United Arab Emirates?

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

Does the United Arab Emirates limit for meat and fish 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 iDeclare. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Items such as plants, seeds, insects? OR meats, animals, animal/wildlife products? OR disease agents, cell cultures, snails?”

How does United Arab Emirates compare with other countries on meat and fish?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 3 prohibit meat and fish, 15 limit it and 2 let it through. United Arab Emirates is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Meat and fish can I bring into United Arab Emirates?

Declare

You can bring Meat and fish into United Arab Emirates, but you must declare it.

Carried Allowed, declare

Declaration Required

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

iDeclare Dubai Customs

Questions about Meat and fish in United Arab Emirates

Do I have to declare meat and fish 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 meat and fish 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 meat and fish out of United Arab Emirates?: United Arab Emirates publishes no separate rule for taking meat and fish out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the United Arab Emirates limit for meat and fish 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 iDeclare. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Items such as plants, seeds, insects? OR meats, animals, animal/wildlife products? OR disease agents, cell cultures, snails?”
How does United Arab Emirates compare with other countries on meat and fish?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 3 prohibit meat and fish, 15 limit it and 2 let it through. United Arab Emirates is among the ones that set a limit.

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