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Public Advisory

Refer to the official Guide for Travellers published by India's Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC). It covers customs regulations, duty-free allowances, restricted items, and documentation requirements.

The UAE strictly regulates narcotic and psychotropic medicines. Carrying banned medicines or medicines beyond allowed limits may lead to arrest and/or deportation. Travelers (residents and tourists) can import medicines for personal use for up to three months' supply, which should be mentioned in the prescription. Other details are available on the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) website . The list of controlled narcotics and drugs for medical purposes is also available on the EDE website.
You can optionally apply online via EDE's e-system or smart app using UAE PASS to obtain prior approval for bringing medicines from abroad. Details of the application procedure are available in EDE's User Guide .

Items such as poppy seeds (khas-khas), qat leaves, betel leaves, betel nuts, niswar, and gutkha are prohibited. Carrying these may result in seizure or penalties at customs.
For a complete list of prohibited and restricted items, consult the guidelines issued by UAE authorities. You may also refer to UAE Government Customs Guidelines , Abu Dhabi Customs , and Dubai Customs .

In the UAE, consuming or purchasing alcohol is strictly regulated.
- Tourists may drink alcohol within licensed hotel premises or private homes, subject to applicable laws.
- Drinking in public, or driving under the influence, regardless of blood alcohol level, is strictly prohibited.
- Alcohol is strictly banned in the Emirate of Sharjah.

All forms of illegal drugs are prohibited in the UAE. Even trace amounts can lead to lengthy prison sentences or harsh penalties under anti-narcotics laws.

Photography is prohibited in sensitive zones such as airports, military installations, embassies, and other restricted areas.
Taking photos or videos of individuals without their consent can lead to severe fines or legal consequences. For instance, recording or distributing videos of others, such as filming someone in distress, may result in heavy fines.

The UAE enforces strict cybercrime and media laws covering online content, with penalties including hefty fines and imprisonment.
Key regulations include:
- Defamation, insults, or harm to reputation on online platforms, even if true, may constitute criminal offences. These can result in heavy fines and imprisonment.
- Posting photographs or videos without consent can attract imprisonment (minimum six months) and heavy fines.
- Spreading false news or rumours may result in imprisonment for one year or more and fines starting from AED 100,000.
- Blasphemy, hate speech, or insulting religions can be penalised by lengthy jail terms and severe fines.
- Insulting state institutions or symbols can lead to up to five years in jail and a fine of up to AED 500,000 under Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021.