Travelling to the UAE is now even more seamless—and secure. From Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah airports, all travelers carrying cash or valuables valued at AED 60,000 or more must complete an online declaration before reaching customs. This proactive step, enforced by the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Ports Security (ICP), is designed to expedite airport procedures and bolster financial transparency.
A New Era of Travel Efficiency
Gone are the days of scrambling through paper forms at the terminal. With the Afseh platform—accessible via the ICP website or mobile app—travelers log in using UAE Pass, which pre-fills personal data like your Emirates ID, visa status, and nationality automatically. From there, it’s just a few easy steps: submit your contact details, share your travel plans, and declare any cash, jewelry, luxury watches, or precious stones above the AED 60,000 threshold. Once reviewed and approved, you’ll receive notifications via SMS and the app, with confirmation showing up under “Approved Requests.” This new system aims to clear bottlenecks, ensuring a faster, smoother airport experience.
Who Needs to Declare?
- Adults (18+): If your carried valuables—whether cash in any currency, traveler’s cheques, jewelry, or other high-value items—add up to AED 60,000 or more, you must declare.
- Minors (<18): Valuables are still allowed, but the declaration must be filed by a parent or guardian.
- Transit travelers: If you’re simply passing through without clearing UAE customs, you’re exempt. But for anyone entering or departing via immigration control, the rule applies.
Why Is This Declaration Important?
This measure is part of the UAE’s broader strategy to meet global standards in financial regulation. By pre-screening high-value movements, customs officials are better equipped to detect and prevent money laundering, smuggling, and other illicit activity. The online process also lightens the load on airport staff, allowing quicker processing for compliant travelers.
How to Declare: Step-by-Step
Here’s how to breeze through the Afseh declaration:
- Access the Platform: Go to declare.customs.ae or download the Afseh app, then log in with UAE Pass.
- Input Required Details:
- For UAE residents: Address details like emirate, city, street, building, and mobile number
- For visitors: Your home country’s address and local contact info
- Create a Declaration: Provide travel type (arrival/departure), date, port (air, sea, or land), emirate, airline, and ticket number.
- Declare Your Valuables: Select the category—cash, jewelry, precious stones, etc.—and state the exact value and currency. Upload receipts if applicable.
- Submit and Wait: After submission, the ICP reviews and approves your request. Once approved, you’ll get SMS and in-app alerts, and your declaration appears under “Approved Requests.”
The best part? It’s completely free.
The Stakes of Non-Compliance
Don’t skip this step. If you’re caught at customs with valuables exceeding AED 60,000 without having declared them, you could face confiscation, fines, or more serious legal consequences. UAE authorities emphasize that lack of awareness is not an excuse.
Quick FAQs
- What counts toward the AED 60,000 limit?
All types of cash, traveler’s cheques, jewelry, precious stones, luxury watches, and other expensive personal items. Combine their values to check the threshold. - Does transit travel require declaration?
No—if you remain within the airport’s transit zone without entering customs, you’re exempt. - How about for minors?
Yes, minors can carry valuables, but a guardian must file the declaration on their behalf. - What if I forget to declare?
Expect penalties ranging from delays and fines to confiscation. It’s far safer—and faster—to declare ahead.
Travel Smarter—Declare Before You Depart
Planning a trip to the UAE? Even if you think your items are below AED 60,000, it’s wise to double-check. Currency conversions and the value of luxury items can add up unexpectedly. Declaring is free, quick, and can save you from hefty hassles later.
Travelers to the United Arab Emirates—especially through Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah airports—should take note of this new rule. With a few clicks on the Afseh platform, you’ll be ready for smooth, compliant, and stress-free entry or exit. Safe travels and enjoy your trip!
For more travel news like this, keep reading Global Travel Wire
