What is the UAE cash and precious metals declaration requirement at the border?
The UAE operates a declaration system for incoming and outgoing cross-border transportation of currency, bearer negotiable instruments, and precious metals and stones. It is set out in the AML/CFT Law and in the Central Bank Regulation on Declaration of Currencies, Negotiable Bearer Financial Instruments, Precious Metals and Stones in Possession of Travellers.
Competent authorities have the legal power to stop or restrain currency and bearer negotiable instruments suspected to be related to terrorist financing, money laundering or predicate offences, or that are falsely declared or disclosed. Persons transporting currency, BNIs and precious metals and stones in connection with ML or TF may face penalties for those offences and can be referred to law enforcement and the public prosecutor for failing to declare on the third occasion.
They can also be subject to civil and criminal forfeiture, because currency and BNIs fall within the legal definition of funds. The NRA identifies cash and precious metals smuggling as a medium-high ML threat, which is what the declaration regime is aimed at.
Legal Reference (source document and governing law):
· UAE Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing National Risk Assessment, 2nd NRA (2024)
· Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025 on AML/CFT and Financing of Illegal Organisations
· Cabinet Resolution No. 134 of 2025, Executive Regulations
Scope note: declaration thresholds and forms are set by the Central Bank regulation and by customs authorities. Confirm the current threshold before travelling.
Further reading: UAE customs declaration for cash and valuables
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