Do I have to declare cultural goods and antiques 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 cultural goods and antiques 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 cultural goods and antiques out of United Arab Emirates?

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

Does the United Arab Emirates limit for cultural goods and antiques 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 Federal Law No. 11 of 2017 on Antiquities. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Antiquities shall not be exported, imported, brought into or taken out if the UAE without a license”

How does United Arab Emirates compare with other countries on cultural goods and antiques?

Of the 19 countries covered here, 1 prohibit cultural goods and antiques, 13 limit it and 5 let it through. United Arab Emirates is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Cultural goods and antiques can I bring into United Arab Emirates?

Restricted

You can bring Cultural goods and antiques into United Arab Emirates only within the stated limits.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

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

Federal Law No. 11 of 2017 on Antiquities Ministry of Culture

Questions about Cultural goods and antiques in United Arab Emirates

Do I have to declare cultural goods and antiques 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 cultural goods and antiques 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 cultural goods and antiques out of United Arab Emirates?: United Arab Emirates publishes no separate rule for taking cultural goods and antiques out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the United Arab Emirates limit for cultural goods and antiques 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 Federal Law No. 11 of 2017 on Antiquities. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Antiquities shall not be exported, imported, brought into or taken out if the UAE without a license”
How does United Arab Emirates compare with other countries on cultural goods and antiques?: Of the 19 countries covered here, 1 prohibit cultural goods and antiques, 13 limit it and 5 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

Carpets, minerals and fossils Cultural property Cultural property export licensing Registered antiquities and cultural property