Do I have to declare dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) at United Arab Emirates customs?

No — within the allowance it passes without a declaration.

What happens if I do not declare dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) 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 dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) out of United Arab Emirates?

United Arab Emirates publishes no separate rule for taking dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the United Arab Emirates limit for dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) 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 Prohibited Items List. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid), in quantities not exceeding 2.5 kg per person”

How does United Arab Emirates compare with other countries on dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid)?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid), 12 limit it and 8 let it through. United Arab Emirates is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) can I bring into United Arab Emirates?

Allowed

You can bring Dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) into United Arab Emirates without a special limit.

Carried Allowed

Declaration Not required

Limit 2.5 kilogram

What you need to know

2.5 kilogram (5.51 lb)
Channels: Carried with the traveler

Important

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

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

Prohibited Items List General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA)

Questions about Dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) in United Arab Emirates

How much dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) can I bring into United Arab Emirates?: United Arab Emirates allows 2.5 kilograms of dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) per traveller without duty. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) at United Arab Emirates customs?: No — within the allowance it passes without a declaration.
What happens if I do not declare dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) 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 dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) out of United Arab Emirates?: United Arab Emirates publishes no separate rule for taking dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the United Arab Emirates limit for dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) 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 Prohibited Items List. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid), in quantities not exceeding 2.5 kg per person”
How does United Arab Emirates compare with other countries on dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid)?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid), 12 limit it and 8 let it through. United Arab Emirates is among the ones that set a limit.

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