Travelers entering or leaving the United Arab Emirates (UAE) through Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or Ras Al Khaimah with valuables worth more than 60,000 dirhams (about $16,300) must now declare them online in advance, under a new regulation aimed at strengthening border controls and curbing illicit financial flows.
The rule, introduced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security, applies to anyone aged 18 or older carrying cash, jewelry, precious stones, or other high-value goods. For minors, a parent or guardian must file the declaration.
Instead of filling out paper forms at the airport, travelers are now required to submit details through the Afseh online platform before reaching customs. This pre-screening process allows officials to review and approve submissions ahead of time, reducing delays at checkpoints.
The service is free and available via the Afseh app or at declare.customs.ae, with access through UAE Pass. Passengers must provide contact information, travel details, and a breakdown of valuables, including exact cash amounts and currency types. Supporting documents such as receipts for luxury goods may also be requested. Once processed, approvals appear in the traveler’s account under “Approved Requests,” with notifications sent by SMS and in-app alerts.
The policy currently applies at Abu Dhabi International Airport, Sharjah International Airport, and Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, with expansion planned for other points of entry. It is part of the UAE’s efforts to combat money laundering, prevent the smuggling of high-value items, and monitor large cross-border transactions.
Failure to declare amounts above the 60,000-dirham threshold could lead to confiscation, fines, and possible criminal investigation. The rule covers all forms of cash, traveler’s cheques, gold, diamonds, luxury watches, and other expensive belongings. The combined value of these items determines whether a declaration is needed. Passengers transiting through the UAE without passing immigration are exempt.
The UAE has been under increasing scrutiny from global watchdogs over illicit finance practices and has stepped up enforcement at airports and seaports. By moving the process online, authorities hope to speed up passenger clearance while improving monitoring of high-value movements across borders.
Officials are urging travelers to familiarize themselves with the system before travel, noting that while the process takes only minutes, failing to comply could result in serious delays or penalties.
