Entry Info > Information for Arrivals
Customs clearance in the UAE is fast and efficient. No customs duty is levied on personal effects entering the UAE. It is forbidden to import drugs and pornographic items. Luggage is x-rayed at the country International Airports on arrival and videos, books and magazines may be checked. Videotapes may be confiscated temporarily for the content to be checked. Needless to say controlled substances such as cannabis, opium etc, are banned and the penalties for handling these drugs are severe. If a blood test for illegal drug usage proves positive, you can be charged with a criminal offence even if you used the drug before arrival in the UAE. The importation of firearms and dangerous weapons is also restricted.
Duty free allowances 2000 cigarettes; 400 cigars; 2 kg tobacco; 2 litres of spirits and 2 litres of wine (non-Muslims only) and perfume. It is prohibited to import alcohol into Sharjah and you are generally not allowed to bring alcohol into the country if you are traveling by land. In case you havent notice but 80% of the population of the United Arab Emirates is made up of non-UAE nationals, and the government and the people of the UAE will always welcome more however you must remember that this is a Muslim country and the people are expecting you to respect the local traditions and customs at the same time. Do's
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Drugs: DONT do drugs simple as that. Its unlikely that you will be offered drugs but in case you did get an offer just say No Thank you. Remember there is a zero tolerance of drug use in the UAE and that conviction could earn you a four year prison sentence.
Bikinis: We love to see tourists enjoying our country nature of the white sand beach and the sun so do wear a bikini at the beach or swimming pool but, out of respect for local culture, please cover up in public areas. Due to local sensibilities, topless sun-bathing is not allowed and I wouldnt recommend a G-strings as its not deemed appropriate.
Tipping: DO tip in restaurants if you wish. A service charge is often added to the total bill but, if it isnt, a figure of 15% is standard.
Censorship: DO be aware that international magazines and newspaper sold in the UAE are censored. Anything deemed risqu or X-rated images will be marked out in black and intimate scenes in films shown in the UAE movie theatres will be cut out. Remember this when bringing magazines or DVDs into the country.
Don'ts
Photos: DO take photos as memories of your trip, do ask permission if you want to photograph a local person (ladies in particular). most people will be happy to pose for a photograph but make sure you have their approval first. Make sure you avoid military sites.
Kissing: DONT be too passionate in public with your partner. UAE is a Muslim country and when it comes to public displays of affection anything more than a kiss on the cheek may offend those around you and may get you in trouble with the police if the passion turned into a Hollywood Love scene.
Alcohol: DONT drink or be seen to be drunk outside of licensed premises in hotels. Drinking alcohol is not a part of Muslim culture and drunken behavior in the street and drink driving are both punishable offences which could lead to a jail sentence.
Taxis: DONT expect taxi drivers to carry change. Many struggle to provide change for any note greater than AED 100. We recommend you have a ready supply of smaller notes if you are taking a cab within the city.
Hand gestures: DONT vent your frustration either physically or verbally by a rude hand gestures if you're driving because that can result in your arrest.
