Do I have to declare used articles and personal belongings at United Arab Emirates customs?

No — within the allowance it passes without a declaration.

What happens if I do not declare used articles and personal belongings 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 used articles and personal belongings out of United Arab Emirates?

United Arab Emirates publishes no separate rule for taking used articles and personal belongings out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the United Arab Emirates limit for used articles and personal belongings 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 Permitted Luggage & Items — Dubai Customs. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Passenger’s personal belongings are permitted entry and shall be exempted from customs fees.”

How does United Arab Emirates compare with other countries on used articles and personal belongings?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit used articles and personal belongings, 5 limit it and 15 let it through. United Arab Emirates is among the more permissive.

How much Used articles and personal belongings can I bring into United Arab Emirates?

Allowed

You can bring Used articles and personal belongings into United Arab Emirates without a special limit.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Not 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

Permitted Luggage & Items — Dubai Customs Dubai Customs

Questions about Used articles and personal belongings in United Arab Emirates

Do I have to declare used articles and personal belongings at United Arab Emirates customs?: No — within the allowance it passes without a declaration.
What happens if I do not declare used articles and personal belongings 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 used articles and personal belongings out of United Arab Emirates?: United Arab Emirates publishes no separate rule for taking used articles and personal belongings out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the United Arab Emirates limit for used articles and personal belongings 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 Permitted Luggage & Items — Dubai Customs. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Passenger’s personal belongings are permitted entry and shall be exempted from customs fees.”
How does United Arab Emirates compare with other countries on used articles and personal belongings?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit used articles and personal belongings, 5 limit it and 15 let it through. United Arab Emirates is among the more permissive.

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