Travellers’Custom duty declaration Legal guidance for by EZZ Law Firm
Travellers arriving in or departing from the UAE are strictly required to declare certain items, especially cash, valuables, and commercial goods. Failing to declare amounts or items that must be reported can lead to criminal charges, confiscation of cash, travel bans, and serious legal consequences.
EZZ Law Firm has handled more than 10,000 criminal cases of this nature. If you or a family member are facing charges for not declaring cash or valuables, you should not face this alone—experienced legal representation that can make a decisive difference in the outcome.
When must passengers declare cash and valuables?
Under UAE regulations, passengers must self‑declare specific items and amounts, either before or after arriving at the airport, using official channels or declaration apps. This system is designed to:
- Ensure compliance with customs and anti‑money laundering laws
- Reduce waiting times and streamline airport procedures
- Enhance security by providing accurate information on what is being carried into or out of the country
If you fail to declare what must be declared, the authorities may suspect money laundering, smuggling, or other criminal activity—even if your money or items are legitimate.
List of items that must be declared
Passengers are required to declare, among others, the following categories:
- Restricted or prohibited items:
Items such as medicines (especially controlled drugs), illegal pornography, firearms, weapons, drugs, drones, or satellite phones. - Agricultural and biological items:
Items such as plants, seeds, insects, meats, animals, animal/wildlife products, disease agents, cell cultures, snails, and similar materials. - Commercial goods:
Goods of commercial value, samples, or advertisements that are not considered personal effects. - Cash and monetary instruments:
Cash, foreign currencies, and traveler’s cheques totaling AED 60,000 or more (or equivalent in other currencies) must be declared. - Jewelry and precious metals:
Any jewelry, gold, silver, and other precious metals of significant value, especially when combined with other cash or valuables. - High‑value gifts:
Gifts whose value exceeds AED 3,000. - Tobacco products:
More than 400 cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or 500 grams of tobacco (minced or pressed for pipes), or minced/pressed tobacco for smoking, tumbaku (pure tobacco), or waterpipe tobacco. - Electronic cigarettes and vaporizers:
Electronic cigarettes, vapes, and related devices and liquids, as per customs and health regulations. - Alcoholic beverages:
Alcoholic beverages exceeding 4 liters or 2 cartons of beer (within the limits set by UAE customs and local laws).
- Restricted or prohibited items:
Even if you are unsure whether an item must be declared, it is always safer to declare it or seek legal advice in advance.
What happens if you do not declare?
If a traveler fails to declare cash or valuables that exceed the legal threshold, or carries restricted items without disclosure, the authorities may:
- Confiscate cash or valuables
- Open a criminal case for customs violations, money laundering suspicion, or smuggling
- Impose fines and penalties
- Impose a travel ban or restrictions on movement
- Refer the case to prosecution and criminal courts
Many travelers make honest mistakes—forgetting to declare, misunderstanding the rules, or assuming that “personal money” does not need to be reported. Unfortunately, the law is strict, and good faith alone is not enough to protect you.
Why consult EZZ Law Firm immediately?
EZZ Law Firm has extensive experience in more than 10,000 criminal cases involving:
- Undeclared cash exceeding AED 60,000
- Confiscation of money or valuables at airports
- Allegations of money laundering or smuggling
- Customs and declaration violations by travelers and residents
With decades of legal practice and deep knowledge of UAE criminal and customs laws, we can:
- Analyze your case quickly and explain your legal position
- Communicate with authorities and prosecution on your behalf
- Present evidence that the funds or items are legitimate and lawfully acquired
- Seek release or reduction of confiscated amounts, where possible
- Defend you before the criminal courts and work to minimize penalties and consequences
Time is critical—early legal intervention often changes the direction of the case.
If you are facing charges or confiscation, act now
If you have been:
- Stopped at the airport for carrying undeclared cash or valuables
- Notified of a criminal case or investigation
- Informed that your money, jewelry, or goods have been confiscated
You should contact EZZ Law Firm immediately before making any statements or signing any documents.
We will stand between you and the legal system—protecting your rights, your reputation, and your future.
Call now 00971503159583 or visit website: www.ezz4law.com
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