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: “knives with blades of more than 6 cm;”

How does United Arab Emirates compare with other countries on Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 12 prohibit Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives, 7 limit it and 1 let it through. United Arab Emirates is among the strictest.

How much Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives can I bring into United Arab Emirates?

Prohibited

You cannot bring Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives into United Arab Emirates.

Carried Not allowed

Declaration Required — surrender

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

Prohibited Items List General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA)

Questions about Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives in United Arab Emirates

How many Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives can I bring into United Arab Emirates?: Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives may not be brought into United Arab Emirates at all. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives at United Arab Emirates customs?: There is nothing to declare — Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.
What happens if I do not declare Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives 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 Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives out of United Arab Emirates?: United Arab Emirates publishes no separate rule for taking Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the United Arab Emirates limit for Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives 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: “knives with blades of more than 6 cm;”
How does United Arab Emirates compare with other countries on Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 12 prohibit Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives, 7 limit it and 1 let it through. United Arab Emirates is among the strictest.

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