How much cash do you have to declare when entering or leaving the UAE?
Any person entering or leaving the UAE must make a disclosure when carrying currencies, bearer negotiable instruments, precious metals or valuable stones above the set threshold. The current declaration threshold applied by the customs system is AED 60,000, or its equivalent in other currencies, for travellers aged 18 and over. The obligation itself is now written directly into the AML law rather than left to regulations alone.
The disclosure is made in accordance with the system issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, in coordination with the Central Bank. In practice, travellers can declare through the official customs channels, including the dedicated online platform and mobile app, before or at the point of crossing the border.
This is a core anti-money laundering control aimed at detecting the physical movement of illicit cash and valuables. Failing to declare, concealing information, or knowingly providing false information is a criminal offence and may lead to a fine, imprisonment, and confiscation of the seized funds.
Legal Reference (UAE):
· Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025, Article 10 — imposes the cross-border disclosure obligation for currency, negotiable instruments, precious metals and stones.
For more details, consult the full text of Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025 or seek guidance from your AML compliance officer.
UAE customs declaration for cash and valuables over AED 60,000