Public Advisory

1. Guidelines for Travelers to India

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 and carrying banned or beyond allowed limits medicines 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 can be seen on the website of the Emirates Drug Establishment of UAE. List of controlled narcotics and drugs for medical purposes is also available on Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) website.
You can apply online (optional) via EDE's e-system or smart app using UAE PASS to obtain prior approval for brining medicines from abroad. Details for application procedure may be seen 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, guidelines issued by UAE authorities may be seen. You may also refer Abu Dhabi Customs & Dubai Customs website.

In the UAE, consuming or purchasing alcohol is strictly regulated.
- Tourists may drink alcohol within licensed hotel premises or private homes.
- 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 fully 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 video 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 reputation harm on online platform, even if true, are criminal offences. These can result in heavy fines and jail time.
- Posting photographs or videos without consent can attract imprisonment (minimum six months) and heavy fines.
- Spreading false news or rumors may result in jail (1 year or more) and fines starting from AED 100,000.
- Blasphemy, hate speech, or insulting religions can be penalized by lengthy jail term and severe fines.
- Insulting state institutions or symbols can lead to up to five years in jail and a fine up to AED 500,000 under Federal Decree Law No. 34 of 2021.

Updated as on 15.07.2026