Dubai Airport: What's The Deal With Cartons?

Dubai International Airport has strict security measures and regulations in place to ensure the safety of its passengers. The list of banned items is updated periodically to comply with local and international stipulations, so it is important to check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

In general, items that are prohibited from being carried on board for safety reasons include weapons, ammunition, sharp objects, flammable and explosive materials, chemicals, and toxic substances. Dubai also has specific restrictions on importing food, medication, alcohol, tobacco, and electronic devices.

When it comes to cartons, Dubai Airport prohibits the import of pork and pork products, as well as food containing gelatin made from pork. Home-cooked meals, meals from restaurants, and food containing poppy seeds are also banned. As for alcohol, travellers are allowed to bring a maximum of two cartons, with each carton containing 24 cans of beer, and no single can exceeding 355ml.

It is important to note that these regulations are subject to change, and travellers are advised to familiarise themselves with the latest guidelines to ensure a smooth travel experience.

Food restrictions

Dubai has strict rules regarding the import of food items for individual use. The following food restrictions are in place at Dubai Airport:

• Food items such as vegetables, fruits, dates, fish, and seafood are limited in quantity. For example, the maximum allowed quantity for vegetables, fruits, fish, and seafood is 10 kg, while dates are restricted to 100 kg.
• Special-purpose food items for children are limited to a maximum of 10 kg.
• Syrups and drinks are restricted to a maximum of 20 litres, while juice concentrates and canned food are limited to 5 kg and 25 kg, respectively.
• Food items for research, marketing, or promotional purposes require approval from the UAE authority, along with comprehensive documentation.
• Non-sale food items for fairs and festivals need approval from relevant authorities in Dubai, with event organisers providing detailed documentation.
• Alcoholic beverages are limited to a maximum of 4 litres or two cartons (48 cans) of beer per person. Each beer can must not exceed 355 ml, and passengers must be over 18 years old to carry alcohol.
• Cigarettes are limited to a maximum of 400, with a total value not exceeding AED 2000. Cigars are allowed up to a value of AED 3000.
• Pork and non-vegetarian food items are prohibited.
• Home-cooked meals, meals from restaurants, and food containing poppy seeds are not allowed.
• Bakery products and other food items containing poppy seeds are banned due to the presence of morphine and opium alkaloids.
• Smokeless tobacco, betel leaf, Qat leaf, nut gutkha, and niswar are prohibited.

It is important to note that these restrictions are subject to change, and travellers should refer to the official sources for the most up-to-date information before their travel.

Medication and narcotics

Prescription Medication

Prescription medication is allowed in Dubai, but only if you have a valid prescription from a licensed physician or clinic. The prescription must list the medication and your current health condition. The medication must be in its original packaging, and you should not carry more than the required amount for your scheduled stay in Dubai.

If your medication is a controlled substance, you will need to apply for approval from the Ministry of Health (MoH) before your trip. You can check with your doctor if your medication is considered controlled. Narcotics and psychotropic substances are controlled and require an import permit from MOHAP.

Over-the-Counter Medication

Over-the-counter medication does not require prior approval from the MoH. However, you should still carry an updated prescription from a licensed physician or clinic. Ensure that the medication has a visible expiration date and is in its original packaging.

Banned Medication

The UAE maintains a list of banned medications, which is updated regularly. It is crucial to check the official websites of Dubai Customs and the UAE Ministry of Health before travelling to avoid any issues. Some medications that are legal in other countries may be prohibited in the UAE, and penalties for breaking these rules can be severe.

General Tips for Travelling with Medication

• Keep your medication in your hand luggage, especially if you need access to it during the flight.
• Ensure your medication complies with liquid restrictions if it is in liquid form.
• Always carry a valid prescription for any medication you are bringing.
• Check the latest information on the official websites, as regulations may change periodically.

Customs-exempted luggage

Dubai has implemented strict airport regulations to ensure passenger safety and comply with legal standards. Customs-exempted luggage refers to personal belongings that are exempt from customs fees when entering Dubai. Here is a detailed and direct guide to what constitutes customs-exempted luggage:

Electronics

Personal electronic devices such as mobile phones, laptops, and portable music equipment are allowed and exempt from customs duties. However, there are strict regulations regarding batteries and power banks. Lithium batteries and power banks must be placed in carry-on baggage, and batteries with a capacity of more than 100 watt-hours (Wh) are prohibited.

Cameras and Accessories

Cameras and related accessories are also exempt from customs fees.

Cash, Currencies, and Travellers' Cheques

When travelling to Dubai, you can carry up to AED 60,000 in cash or travellers' cheques. If you are carrying more than AED 100,000, you must declare it to the Dubai Customs Department. It is important to note that carrying counterfeit currency is illegal and can lead to severe penalties.

Sports Gear and Baby Strollers

Sports equipment and baby strollers are allowed and exempt from customs fees. However, sports equipment, such as hockey sticks, golf clubs, and baseball bats, must be checked in as luggage and properly stored in the cargo hold.

Gifts

Gifts of a personal nature are allowed, but they should not exceed AED 3,000 in value.

Cigarettes and Tobacco

You can carry a limited amount of cigarettes and tobacco for personal use. The allowance includes up to 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars, and 500 grams of tobacco. It is important to note that travellers must be over 18 years old to carry these items.

Alcoholic Beverages

Alcoholic beverages are permitted up to a maximum of 4 litres or two cartons of beer (24 cans each, not exceeding 355 ml per can). Travellers must be over 18 years old to carry alcohol.

Conditions for Exemption

It is important to note that the exemption for carrying the above-mentioned items applies only if you are not a frequent traveller to Dubai or a member of the conveyance crew. If the value of any exempted item exceeds the set amount, customs charges may apply.

General Tips for Travelling to and from Dubai

• Obtain travel insurance.
• Pack all your personal belongings in your hand luggage.
• Keep your laptop easily accessible for separate screening.
• Remove old baggage tags to avoid confusion and rejection by the baggage system.
• Avoid using cardboard boxes as they take longer for security clearance.
• Do not accept anything from other passengers.
• Ensure your luggage does not contain any prohibited items.

Restricted items

Dubai International Airport has strict security measures and regulations in place to ensure the safety of its passengers and to comply with legal standards. It is important to be aware of the prohibited items when travelling through Dubai Airport to avoid any inconvenience or legal action. Here is a comprehensive overview of restricted items:

Weapons and Ammunition

Weapons and ammunition are strictly prohibited at Dubai Airport. This includes firearms, air guns, replicas, knives, swords, and other sharp objects that can be used as weapons. Any traveller found carrying such items will be subject to legal action.

Sharp Objects

In addition to weapons, Dubai Airport prohibits carrying sharp objects in checked-in and carry-on luggage. Scissors with blades longer than 6 cm, blades, and razors are not allowed. However, small nail clippers and tweezers are permitted.

Flammable and Explosive Materials

The airport prohibits carrying flammable and explosive materials, including fireworks, flares, explosives, and gas cylinders. These items are not allowed in both checked-in and carry-on luggage.

Chemicals and Toxic Substances

Chemicals and toxic substances, such as acids, bleach, and other corrosive substances, are prohibited at Dubai Airport. Travellers found carrying such items will be subject to legal consequences.

Electronic Device Restrictions

Dubai Airport has strict regulations regarding electronic devices that passengers can bring onboard. Laptops and computers must be placed in carry-on baggage and screened separately. Lithium batteries and power banks are allowed but must be in carry-on baggage, with a capacity limit of 100 watt-hours (Wh). Other electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets, e-readers, and cameras, must also be placed in carry-on baggage and screened separately.

Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels in Hand Luggage

Passengers travelling through Dubai Airport are subject to strict regulations regarding liquids, aerosols, and gels in their hand luggage. These items must be in containers no larger than 100 ml and must be placed in a clear, resealable plastic bag. Each passenger is limited to carrying only one such bag.

Medications and Narcotics

Dubai has implemented a comprehensive ban on certain medications and narcotics, including betamethadol, alpha-methyl fentanyl, and oxycodone. All narcotics and hallucinogens, including cannabis, fentanyl, and opium, are banned. It is essential to check if your prescribed medications fall under these categories to prevent legal issues.

Currency Restrictions

Travellers should be aware that carrying counterfeit currency into Dubai is illegal and can lead to severe penalties. Ensure that all currency you bring is genuine, as authorities strictly enforce these rules to maintain financial integrity.

Food Restrictions

Dubai has strict rules regarding food items to ensure public health and safety. Travellers are prohibited from bringing betel leaves, home-cooked meals, non-vegetarian food items, and pork products. These measures are in place to maintain hygiene standards and comply with local regulations.

Dubai has placed strict bans on various items that are considered sensitive or harmful. This includes products from Israel or those bearing Israeli trademarks, gambling paraphernalia, three-layer fishing nets, radiation-contaminated substances, used tyres, and printed materials or art that contradict Islamic values or promote immorality.

Duty-Exempted Items

Dubai allows certain items to be brought into the country without incurring customs duties. These include gifts valued up to AED 3,000, tobacco products (up to 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars, and 500 grams of tobacco), and alcohol (up to 4 litres or two cartons of beer). Exceeding these limits will result in customs duties.

Special Clearance Items

Certain products require special clearance and payments before being imported into Dubai. These include plants and fertilizers, books and medications, medical equipment and cosmetics, electronics and personal care products, and alcohol and e-cigarettes. Ensure to obtain the necessary approvals and complete any required payments.

Exempted Luggage Items

Some personal belongings are exempt from customs fees when entering Dubai. These include cameras and accessories, cash and currencies (less than AED 60,000), electronics (mobile phones, laptops, portable music equipment), sports gear, and baby strollers.

Liquids, aerosols, and gels in hand luggage

Dubai International Airport has strict security measures in place to ensure the safety of its passengers. Travellers are advised to familiarise themselves with the items banned from Dubai Airport to avoid unnecessary delays.

There are specific regulations regarding the transportation of liquids, aerosols, and gels in hand luggage for passengers departing from Dubai Airport. To comply with the regulations:

• No item can be more than 100ml in quantity.
• The total quantity of all liquid items should not exceed one litre.
• Liquids should be packed in zip-loc bags.

These rules do not apply if the liquid in question is for a special dietary requirement. There is no limit to packing liquids into check-in bags, provided they are tightly secured with no chance of spillage. It is recommended that liquids are packed in resealable, clear plastic bags.

Passengers travelling with infants are allowed to carry enough baby milk or formula for their journey in their hand luggage. These items must be contained in no more than 100ml containers and wrapped in a transparent, resealable plastic bag. Passengers with special dietary requirements are also permitted to carry the necessary liquids, aerosols, or gels in their hand luggage, but they must adhere to the same size and packaging restrictions.

Passengers can carry small amounts of other liquids, such as toiletries and cosmetics, in their hand luggage. These items must be in containers no larger than 100ml and placed in a clear, resealable plastic bag. Each passenger is allowed to carry only one such bag.

It is important to note that certain liquids, such as flammable liquids and aerosols, are strictly prohibited in hand luggage and must be packed in checked baggage.

Frequently asked questions