Where does this rule come from?

Federal Customs Authority / ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security) states it in Restricted and Prohibited Goods. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Publications, recorded media, photographic and cinematic products, audio and video broadcasting/recording devices”

How does United Arab Emirates compare with other countries on printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions?

Of the 19 countries covered here, 4 prohibit printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions, 4 limit it and 11 let it through. United Arab Emirates is among the more permissive.

How much Printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions can I bring into United Arab Emirates?

Restricted

You can bring Printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions 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

Restricted and Prohibited Goods Abu Dhabi Customs

Questions about Printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions in United Arab Emirates

Do I have to declare printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions 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 printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions 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 printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions out of United Arab Emirates?: United Arab Emirates publishes no separate rule for taking printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the United Arab Emirates limit for printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions 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 Restricted and Prohibited Goods. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Publications, recorded media, photographic and cinematic products, audio and video broadcasting/recording devices”
How does United Arab Emirates compare with other countries on printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions?: Of the 19 countries covered here, 4 prohibit printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions, 4 limit it and 11 let it through. United Arab Emirates is among the more permissive.

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

Antique and replica weapons Banned knives and edged weapons Buddha images, artifacts/objects, antiques CITES-protected species and products Cigarettes, tobacco and alcoholic beverages (commercial import, Excise Department permit) Consumer fireworks