Do I have to declare CITES-protected species and products 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 CITES-protected species and products 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 CITES-protected species and products out of United Arab Emirates?

United Arab Emirates publishes no separate rule for taking CITES-protected species and products out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the United Arab Emirates limit for CITES-protected species and products 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 Import of a species listed in CITES Appendices. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “This service enables individuals and companies to apply for the import certificate for live animal and plant species and their derivatives that listed in CITES convention appendices.”

How does United Arab Emirates compare with other countries on CITES-protected species and products?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 1 prohibit CITES-protected species and products, 19 limit it and 0 let it through. United Arab Emirates is among the ones that set a limit.

Can I bring CITES-protected species and products to United Arab Emirates?

Official classification: CITES-protected species and products

Restricted

You can bring CITES-protected species and products 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
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

Import of a species listed in CITES Appendices Ministry of Climate Change and Environment

Questions about CITES-protected species and products in United Arab Emirates

Do I have to declare CITES-protected species and products 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 CITES-protected species and products 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 CITES-protected species and products out of United Arab Emirates?: United Arab Emirates publishes no separate rule for taking CITES-protected species and products out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the United Arab Emirates limit for CITES-protected species and products 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 Import of a species listed in CITES Appendices. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “This service enables individuals and companies to apply for the import certificate for live animal and plant species and their derivatives that listed in CITES convention appendices.”
How does United Arab Emirates compare with other countries on CITES-protected species and products?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 1 prohibit CITES-protected species and products, 19 limit it and 0 let it through. United Arab Emirates is among the ones that set a limit.

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