Do I have to declare cash and foreign-exchange payment instruments 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 cash and foreign-exchange payment instruments in United Arab Emirates?

Under Dubai Customs Policy, Article, if the goods are found without being declared: the goods are confiscated; the case is referred to the responsible authority.

Can I take cash and foreign-exchange payment instruments out of United Arab Emirates?

United Arab Emirates publishes no separate rule for taking cash and foreign-exchange payment instruments out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the United Arab Emirates limit for cash and foreign-exchange payment instruments 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 Passenger Customs Guide, Version No. 6 - 2025, Second: Baggage Declaration. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.

How does United Arab Emirates compare with other countries on cash and foreign-exchange payment instruments?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit cash and foreign-exchange payment instruments, 20 limit it and 0 let it through. United Arab Emirates is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Cash and foreign-exchange payment instruments can I bring into United Arab Emirates?

Declare

You can bring Cash and foreign-exchange payment instruments into United Arab Emirates, but you must declare it.

Extra conditions apply

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Required

Limit 60,000 AED

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Value cap: 60,000 AED
Channels: Carried with the traveler
Extra conditions apply

Important

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

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

Passenger Customs Guide, Version No. 6 - 2025, Second: Baggage Declaration Dubai Customs, Government of Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Questions about Cash and foreign-exchange payment instruments in United Arab Emirates

How much cash and foreign-exchange payment instruments can I bring into United Arab Emirates?: United Arab Emirates allows cash and foreign-exchange payment instruments to be brought in, but it has to be declared once it reaches 60,000 AED. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare cash and foreign-exchange payment instruments 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 cash and foreign-exchange payment instruments in United Arab Emirates?: Under Dubai Customs Policy, Article, if the goods are found without being declared: the goods are confiscated; the case is referred to the responsible authority.
Can I take cash and foreign-exchange payment instruments out of United Arab Emirates?: United Arab Emirates publishes no separate rule for taking cash and foreign-exchange payment instruments out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the United Arab Emirates limit for cash and foreign-exchange payment instruments 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 Passenger Customs Guide, Version No. 6 - 2025, Second: Baggage Declaration. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.
How does United Arab Emirates compare with other countries on cash and foreign-exchange payment instruments?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit cash and foreign-exchange payment instruments, 20 limit it and 0 let it through. United Arab Emirates is among the ones that set a limit.

Related items

Accompanied cash Accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) Agricultural/forestry/fishery/livestock products (general sub-cap) Alcohol and alcoholic beverages above 22% vol (or undenatured ethyl alcohol 80% vol and over)

Related countries

Australia Canada China France

Other items in this group

Accompanied cash Cash and bearer negotiable instruments (all currencies) Cross-border movement of monetary instruments (cash and bearer negotiable instruments) Currency and monetary instruments (CAN$10,000 reporting) Currency and monetary instruments over $10,000 Foreign currency cash