UAE customs rule: Digital customs declarations now mandatory for high-value items

Travellers entering or leaving the UAE with cash, jewellery, precious stones, or goods exceeding a total value of Dh60,000 ($16,300) must complete a mandatory online customs disclosure through the official Afseh platform. This streamlined process, now digital across major airports, enhances transparency and security at borders and protects passengers from legal issues and potential penalties.

TL;DR:

• All passengers aged 18+ must declare cash, gold, jewellery, precious stones, and goods worth over Dh60,000 via the Afseh website or mobile app before entering or departing the UAE.
  
• The declaration form can be filled online (declare.customs.ae) or through the Afseh app; approval is free and tracked in real-time.
  
• The rule applies currently to Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah international airports, with details auto-filled for UAE residents using UAE Pass.
  

Step-by-step guide: How to declare valuables through Afseh
1. Who needs to declare?
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Ports Security (ICP) requires all passengers 18 years and older to declare if the combined value of cash, cheques, jewellery, or precious stones exceeds Dh60,000. This applies whether you are arriving or departing and whether you are a UAE resident or visitor.
Applies to:

• Cash and Currencies
• Gold and Jewellery
• Precious Stones
• Personal Goods
  

2. Where does the rule apply?
Currently, the mandatory online declaration is implemented at:

• Abu Dhabi International Airport
• Sharjah International Airport
• Ras Al Khaimah International Airport
  

Expect future expansion to all UAE ports.

3. Digital declaration: Afseh platform
The process is fully digital using the Afseh website (declare.customs.ae) or the official Afseh mobile app (for iOS and Android).

Step-by-step instructions:

Step 1. Create account and log in

• Visit declare.customs.ae.
• Log in using UAE Pass—auto-fills your visa, Emirates ID, name, and nationality.
• Non-residents provide country, city, details, and phone number.
  

Step 2. Fill out the declaration form

• Go to ‘Apply for a new declaration request’.
• Provide travel details: type (arrival or departure), travel date, emirate, port type, origin/destination, airline, and ticket info.
• Select what you are declaring:
  
  
  • Currencies
  • Jewellery
  • Precious stones
  • Personal goods
    
• Enter description, item value, and currency.
  

Step 3. Submit and track status

• Save and submit your application.
• ICP reviews your submission.
• Successful declaration receives SMS and online notification—track status anytime in the dashboard.
  

Step 4. Carry proof

• Keep proof of approval: a digital certificate or printed copy for showing at customs.
  

Cost: The declaration process is 100% free of charge.


Important notes & compliance tips
Passengers must follow these rules carefully to avoid penalties, delays, and confiscation of items. The threshold of Dh60,000 applies per traveller, not per family or group. False declaration, or failing to declare, can result in heavy fines or legal action. Be ready to provide invoices or supporting documents for valuables if requested. For multi-leg journeys entering, leaving, or transiting the UAE, check if the rules apply at connecting airports.
Customs authorities stress that transparency ensures smoother travel, protection against money laundering, and compliance with global standards. Travellers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these procedures well before travel, especially business travellers, high-net-worth individuals, and those transporting valuable goods for special occasions. For full details, consult your airline, official airport websites, or the ICP. Arrive early at the airport for customs inspection if you have declared items.

Declaring cash, jewellery, or goods exceeding Dh60,000 is not just a legal formality, it’s a critical step for all travellers crossing UAE borders. The Afseh platform has made compliance quick, easy, and digital, reducing hassles and securing your journey. Stay informed, declare your valuables, and travel with peace of mind knowing you are fully compliant with UAE customs regulations.

FAQ

• 1. Who must declare cash or valuables worth more than Dh60,000?
  All passengers aged 18 and above travelling to or from the UAE must declare if they carry cash, jewellery, precious stones, or goods exceeding Dh60,000 in total value. Minors under 18 must have their accompanying adult declare on their behalf.
  
• 2. What items are subject to this declaration rule?
  The rule covers cash (including foreign currency), travellers’ cheques, promissory notes, jewellery (including gold and diamonds), precious stones, luxury watches, and other valuables.
  
• 3. How do travellers make the declaration?
  Travellers must complete an online declaration form via the official Afseh platform (website or mobile app) before arriving or departing the UAE. The system reviews and approves requests digitally, providing travelers with a proof certificate for customs.
  
• 4. Where does this rule apply?
  Currently, this declaration requirement is enforced at Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah international airports, with plans for further expansion. It applies to all passengers crossing UAE borders, including those in transit.