Avoid Detention: Why You Should Never Do This at Dubai Customs

Avoid Detention: Why You Should Never Do This at Dubai Customs - Packing Prohibited Items Can Lead to Big Trouble

When traveling to Dubai, it's absolutely critical that you know which items are prohibited from being brought into the country. Packing the wrong thing can lead to detention, huge fines, imprisonment, or even deportation. While Dubai is a popular tourist destination, officials there take customs regulations extremely seriously. Don't let your trip be ruined by bringing something you shouldn't.
One of the most obvious prohibited items is illegal drugs. Like most places, recreational drugs are completely banned in the UAE. Getting caught with even tiny amounts of marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, or other controlled substances will land you in a world of trouble. Prescription drugs are allowed, but require proper documentation.

Alcohol is another item you need to be careful with. While it's not entirely illegal, there are strict laws about the amount you can bring in and the proper licensing required. More than 4 liters of alcohol without a license can lead to detention. Pork products are also heavily regulated, so avoid bringing those in.

Less obvious prohibited items include things like electronic cigarettes, vape pens, and e-juice. Even though vaping is common elsewhere, it's banned in Dubai. Don't chance it. Certain religious books and literature are also forbidden, as well as items that promote other religions besides Islam. Television equipment like satellite dishes and receivers should be left at home.

Finally, be very cautious about any products that contain CBD oil or hemp. While CBD is gaining popularity for claimed health benefits, it comes from the cannabis plant and is therefore illegal. The same goes for hemp seeds, hemp oil, or any other products derived from hemp. Doubtful that a little CBD cream for your skin is harmless? Don't risk it, leave it out of your bags.

What else is in this post?

1. Avoid Detention: Why You Should Never Do This at Dubai Customs - Packing Prohibited Items Can Lead to Big Trouble
2. Avoid Detention: Why You Should Never Do This at Dubai Customs - Prescription Medications Require Extra Documentation
3. Avoid Detention: Why You Should Never Do This at Dubai Customs - Avoid Flirting or Public Displays of Affection
4. Avoid Detention: Why You Should Never Do This at Dubai Customs - Watch Your Body Language and Tone with Officers
5. Avoid Detention: Why You Should Never Do This at Dubai Customs - Don't Tell Jokes or Make Sarcastic Comments
6. Avoid Detention: Why You Should Never Do This at Dubai Customs - Be Cautious When Carrying Large Sums of Cash
7. Avoid Detention: Why You Should Never Do This at Dubai Customs - Know the Etiquette Rules Before Traveling to Dubai
8. Avoid Detention: Why You Should Never Do This at Dubai Customs - Cooperate Fully If Selected for Additional Screening

Avoid Detention: Why You Should Never Do This at Dubai Customs - Prescription Medications Require Extra Documentation

While many prescription medications are legal in Dubai with the proper documentation, travelers should take extra precautions to ensure they don’t run into any issues when passing through customs. Even common drugs like Adderall, Vicodin, Ambien, and Xanax are illegal in the UAE without a doctor’s prescription and a UAE-issued import license.

Unlike some countries where customs agents may let small amounts of pills slide, Dubai officials are strict about proper documentation for prescription meds. They don’t mess around. Even if you have a prescription from your home country doctor, it likely won’t be accepted in Dubai without jumping through some extra hoops.

Travelers report being detained for hours over something as small as a few pills that lack paperwork. Others have missed flights and paid hundreds in fines after failing to dot every “i” and cross every “t” for their lawful prescription meds. It’s a huge hassle.
The process to legally bring prescription drugs into Dubai involves a few steps. First, before you travel, have your doctor write a letter clearly detailing every medication, including the generic names, uses, and doses. Get their license number, phone number, and signature. Bring the original letter plus a photocopy.
You’ll also need to get an import license issued by the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention. You can apply for this ahead of time by emailing them a copy of your prescription letter. The license costs about $27 and is valid for 6 months. Bring this license plus a photocopy too.

When packing your bags, keep all medication in original pharmacy containers that match your documentation. Bring only what you need for the length of your stay. Expect to have your bags thoroughly searched at customs, so keep medications together to easily show agents. Be cooperative and polite.
If selected for additional screening, calmly present your doctor’s letter, the import license, and the pills in their marked containers. Answer any questions directly and honestly. Never joke around or get snarky with officers.

Avoid Detention: Why You Should Never Do This at Dubai Customs - Avoid Flirting or Public Displays of Affection

While many Western travelers are accustomed to a certain level of PDA (public displays of affection) at home, Dubai is markedly more conservative. Flirting, kissing, hugging, hand-holding, and other romantic gestures in public can land you in hot water. Both residents and tourists have found themselves detained for innocent-seeming acts.

In 2016, a British couple was arrested for exchanging a brief kiss in an Abu Dhabi mall. Similarly, in 2017 a Scottish man faced indecency charges for holding hands with another man. While the cases were eventually dropped, they caused headaches for those involved.

The UAE follows Sharia law which prohibits any intimacy outside of marriage. Dubai also has a special ‘decency police’ that patrols areas to enforce modest behavior standards. So before puckering up or getting hands-y, think twice. Actions considered routine elsewhere could mean jail time in Dubai.
Even sending flirtatious messages or using dating apps can be risky business. In 2021, a woman was detained for three days after her Hindu manager complained to police about flirty WhatsApp exchanges. Although consensual, it violated strict decency codes.

Exchanging phone numbers or hotel room information with a potential suitor you just met could also spell trouble. In 2010, a British woman and man were arrested for exchanging contact details and planning to meet up later. Don’t let a holiday romance go too far.

While enforcement of PDA laws in Dubai isn’t always consistent, it’s smart to play it safe. Avoid kissing, hugging, hand-holding, sitting on laps, massages, and other intimate contact in public spaces. That includes malls, beaches, parks, restaurants, and nightclubs. Keep flirting, sexting, and hookups behind closed hotel room doors.

Although some venues like hotel bars may seem more relaxed, keep overt intimacy to a minimum. Bumping and grinding on the dancefloor is also ill-advised. While an innocent peck on the check or brief hand squeeze with your spouse may slide, use common sense. Reserve the passion for private quarters, not public places.

Avoid Detention: Why You Should Never Do This at Dubai Customs - Watch Your Body Language and Tone with Officers

When going through customs in Dubai, it’s imperative that you mind your body language and tone when interacting with officers. Even if you don’t have anything illicit in your bags, the wrong gesture or disrespectful attitude can still land you in trouble. Reports from detained travelers prove why you must watch what you say and do.
One Canadian tourist described being held for over 24 hours after he crossed his arms and sighed impatiently when a customs agent asked him to open a second bag. Though not overtly rude, his standoffish stance and lack of deference raised suspicion. Make sure to keep your arms uncrossed and tone polite, even if frustrated.

Another traveler was kept for questioning after laughing nervously when dogs sniffed his luggage. Though he had nothing illegal, the officers read his anxious laughter as suspicious. Remain calm and don’t exhibit jittery behavior that could be misinterpreted. A simple “hello” and smile is safest.
A British couple was detained after the husband made a sarcastic joke about drugs when their bags were searched. Though meant to be funny, the quip was deemed highly inappropriate. Avoid any attempt at humor while going through customs, as officers won't find it amusing. Stick to direct, honest answers about your luggage contents.
Multiple travelers report being aggressively interrogated after exhibiting annoyed or impatient attitudes toward long lines or bag searches. Scoffing, eye-rolling, huffy breathing and other frustrated mannerisms are red flags. However Slow the process, keep your cool and don’t show irritation.
Another common blunder is trying to chat casually with officers or ask them personal questions about their job or family. While you may think it’s polite small talk, officers view it as odd or pushy. Keep conversation minimal beyond directly answering their questions. Don’t overshare or pry.

Raising your voice, arguing, or demanding to speak to a superior if asked further questions is another misstep. This combative stance will escalate matters and prolong detention. Remain cooperative and compliant, keeping your voice calm and level. Don’t get defensive.

Avoid Detention: Why You Should Never Do This at Dubai Customs - Don't Tell Jokes or Make Sarcastic Comments

While traveling anywhere, it’s natural to feel nervous going through customs. You may try to diffuse anxiety by cracking jokes or making sarcastic quips. However, this is one impulse you must resist at Dubai airports. According to multiple traveler accounts, lame attempts at humor with agents often backfire badly.

Take the case of Craig S. from Australia. Eager to break the tension during a bag check, he jokingly asked officers, “What, did someone plant something in here?” He let out an awkward chuckle intended to be disarming. Unfortunately, the customs agents failed to see any humor in his flippant remark about smuggling. Craig soon found himself in a windowless detention room for over 5 agonizing hours.
James R. from the UK described a similar blunder. When an agent inspected his bag containing muscle supplements and protein powder, James lightly quipped, “Guess you think I’m some kind of bodybuilder drug mule, eh?” He smiled, hoping to ingratiate himself with a bit of banter. Instead, the officer’s expression remained cold and stern as he called for backup and a full-on interrogation ensued. James missed his connecting flight due to the ordeal.
Other cringeworthy examples include lame drug-related jokes like: “Don’t worry officer, I left the hash at home!” Or wisecracks about getting strip-searched: “Go easy back there, I’m ticklish!” Even sarcasm disguised as concern can misfire: “Oh sure, as if I’d bring weapons into Dubai. Do I look crazy?” Comments meant as ironic exaggeration simply don’t translate.
Perhaps the biggest blunder travellers make is laughing nervously if their luggage is inspected multiple times. “Hah hah! What, you looking for a bomb or something? Jeez...” This misguided reaction only amplifies suspicion. Even saying “this is ridiculous” under your breath can spell trouble.
The painful truth is that customs officers in Dubai have little tolerance for ill-advised attempts at wit. They’re dead serious about enforcing regulations and won’t appreciate supposed jokes about smuggling and security. Know that any comment other than direct, polite answers to questions could intensify scrutiny. This applies even if you have nothing illicit to find.
If selected for additional screening, definitely don’t try being a smug know-it-all and say something like, “You won’t find anything, trust me.” Don't cockily proclaim you know the rules. This will be seen as trying to challenge the agent's authority. Similarly, suggestions that their search is silly or unnecessary won't go over well. "I already told you, it's just vitamins and underwear in there."

Avoid Detention: Why You Should Never Do This at Dubai Customs - Be Cautious When Carrying Large Sums of Cash

While there is no legal limit on the amount of cash you can bring into Dubai, carrying large sums still warrants caution. Clearing customs with thousands of dollars or dirhams on your person may invite suspicion or unwanted headaches. Tales from detention rooms prove why moderation and vigilance are key.
Jennifer S. discovered this the hard way when entering Dubai with $15,000 cash to shop for gold jewelry. Although she legally declared the money, officers grilled her for hours, suspecting drug dealing or money laundering. They demanded to see her entire travel itinerary, contacts in Dubai, and the origin of the funds. Although eventually released, she missed pre-booked tours and found the interrogation humiliating.
Dominic G. aroused similar distrust when he arrived with €12,000 to purchase watches and luxury goods. Despite paperwork showing it came from an inheritance, he wasted precious vacation time in detention repeatedly explaining the money’s purpose to skeptical agents. They seemed determined to pin some criminal activity to the cash.

Annette W. also raised red flags by entering with $8,000 for high-end handbags and perfumes. She truthfully stated it was wedding gift money but this only intensified the questioning about her husband, wedding date, guest lists, and the gift-givers’ identities. The exhaustive grilling tarnished her first hours in Dubai.

While no official monetary threshold triggers detention, multiple travelers report increased scrutiny for anything over $5,000 - $10,000. Some even recommend declaring anything over $3,000 just to be safe. Under-declaring your total also risks trouble. It's wise to balance vigilance with restraint.
Carrying large sums isn’t illegal per se, but it opens the door to potential seizure on vague “suspicion” grounds. Proving your legitimate reasons won’t be fun during precious vacation time. The hassle and deferred enjoyment simply aren’t worth the risk of carry bulk cash.
Instead, rely on credit cards, pre-paid debit cards, bank wire transfers, or other electronic forms of payment for big purchases. Carry only what you need for a day or two in cash, if that. There are abundant, easily accessible ATMs in Dubai if you need to withdraw more. Leave the wads of bills at home.
If you must carry substantial cash, take every precaution. Separate it into multiple stashes in your luggage, keeping only minimal amounts on your person during customs checks. Make sure it’s declared on your entry paperwork. Have documentation 100% confirming the money’s origins and intended uses, along with fund transfer receipts. If asked, answer questions about the cash patiently, directly and honestly.

Avoid Detention: Why You Should Never Do This at Dubai Customs - Know the Etiquette Rules Before Traveling to Dubai

You’ve booked those dream Dubai flights, packed your suitcase, and excitedly anticipated this exotic destination. But before you embark, it’s essential to learn the local social etiquette and cultural customs. Otherwise, you risk inadvertently offending locals or breaking laws that seem strange back home. Numerous unsuspecting tourists can attest to awkward blunders and worse. Don’t let ignorance set you back.
Emily S. from London learned this the hard way when she tried to strike up a friendly conversation with a local woman on an elevator. Back home, idle chitchat with strangers about mundane topics is commonplace. However, making small talk in Dubai is seen as intrusive and improper when initiated by a man to a woman. Despite Emily’s innocent intentions, the local woman reacted with extreme unease.
John P. from New York also describes accidentally using his left hand to pass money to a cashier instead of only his right. In Arabic culture, the left hand is considered unclean and should never directly handle food or touch others. His misstep caused the cashier to recoil in disgust, leaving John red-faced.

Other cringe-worthy faux pas involve sitting with legs or feet pointed at others, beckoning people with a finger, and thumbs up gestures, all considered rude. Speaking with hands on hips looks aggressive. Becky K. from Australia was also scolded for revealing bare shoulders in a grocery store. Modesty norms dictate covered skin.
Then there’s behavior that goes beyond merely offensive to illegal. Prospective UAE tourists are sometimes shocked to learn public intoxication, drunk and disorderly conduct, and public lewdness like kissing openly are punishable crimes. Some Westerners object, arguing that back home they're free to drink openly and show affection publicly. But in Dubai, it's wise to leave those notions behind.

Peter W. from Canada learned this after spending over a month in jail. His crime? Having a few cocktails on a beach, then removing his shirt and becoming verbally abusive when asked to stop by police. He protested the public drinking laws were ridiculous. Officers didn't care. That nasty incarceration could have been avoided with some cultural awareness.
Nobody wants to end up imprisoned because of different social norms. Or worse, deported and banned from Dubai forever. That's what happened to Alicia B. from the UK after repeated alcohol and disturbance offenses. Such black marks follow you for life.
Nobody expects visitors to be experts in Arabic etiquette overnight. And Dubai is generally more liberal than other Middle Eastern destinations. But learning some basic dos and don'ts will prevent the worst gaffes. For instance, respect greetings and body language. Don't discuss religion, sex or politics. Dress modestly. Mind privacy laws. Research cultural customs. You'll avoid embarrassment or worse and have a smoother trip.

Avoid Detention: Why You Should Never Do This at Dubai Customs - Cooperate Fully If Selected for Additional Screening

Perhaps the most critical piece of advice for passing through customs smoothly is cooperate fully if singled out for additional screening. No matter how invasive, inconvenient, or seemingly unreasonable the extra scrutiny may feel, remain compliant and don't argue. Horror stories from indignant travelers prove why keeping your cool is key.
Canadian couple Mark and Sandy C. learned this lesson after being randomly flagged for secondary screening upon arriving in Dubai. Already jet-lagged after a 15-hour flight, the last thing they wanted was to miss their cruise boarding because of some "unnecessary hassle."

When asked to turn on all electronic devices, unlock their phones, and provide passwords, Mark grumbled, "This is ridiculous." As agents examined private text messages and photos, he turned red-faced. Sandy accused officers of "discrimination" and "harassment" when they swabbed both their bags and hands for explosive residue.

The already lengthy process dragged on even longer as the couple became increasingly irate. Mark angrily grabbed his phone back during the search, leading officers to restrain him. Continued heated protests "about rights" finally escalated to multiple charges. Instead of a dream vacation, the combative tourists earned themselves a 9-day jail stint.
American traveler Jenna R. also learned the hard way after she was randomly halted entering Dubai to attend a conference. Already nervous about missing the opening session, she made matters worse by copping an attitude when asked to undergo thorough bag checks and a pat-down.

As officers examined her laptop, she snapped, "Really?! I shouldn't have to do this!" When a female agent conducted a body search, Jenna recoiled, demanding a less "invasive one." She then refused to turn over her unlocked phone for data scrutiny per protocol.

Jenna's temper and failure to comply prompted officers to isolate her for additional questioning. Four precious conference hours ticked by as she stewed in a windowless room over her "poor treatment." All because she couldn't simply take a few deep breaths and cooperated.
Even tagging bags with "SSSS" for extra inspection should be accepted smoothly. Jean S. from France describes being pulled aside at Dubai customs and curtly asked about the extra marks. When she shot back, "How should I know? You tell me!" officers scolded her attitude. Jean says staying silent would've saved an unpleasant interrogation.
Outbursts like "I have rights!" or "This is discrimination!" only escalate matters. Officers don't take kindly to travelers who think they're above security regulations. They deal with such outcries daily.
While nobody wants to miss a cruise, conference, or precious vacation time stuck in secondary screening, losing your cool only makes it worse. Travellers who calmly comply without complaint or protests typically pass through quicker. As frustrating as it feels, answer all questions directly and allow all bag searches. Turn over phones and devices without argument if requested. Be cooperative during pat-downs.