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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.
https://www.cbic.gov.in/entities/internationalTravellers
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 Ministry of Health and Prevention of UAE. List of controlled narcotics and drugs for medical purposes is also available on MoHAP website.
You can apply online (optional) via MOHAP's e-system or smart app using UAE PASS to obtain prior approval for brining medicines from abroad.
Required documentation includes:
A prescription, containing patient’s full name, medicine/dose/form/duration, issuance date, and physician’s name—issued within the last three months and properly authenticated.
A medical report (optional), issued within the last year with clinical history and treatment plan details.
If prior approval isn't obtained, travellers must declare such medicines upon arrival with proper documentation.
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 website : https://www.adcustoms.gov.ae/Policies-and-Regulations/Restricted-Banned-Commodities
In the UAE, consuming or possessing alcohol without a Ministry of Interior liquor permit is illegal.
Tourists may drink alcohol within licensed hotel premises without needing to obtain a personal permit.
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 fines up to AED 500,000.
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 fines up to AED 500,000 and jail time.
Posting photographs or videos without consent can attract imprisonment (minimum six months) and fines from AED 150,000–500,000.
Spreading false news or rumours 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 25.08.2025
