Can I send books to the United Arab Emirates?
Conditions apply
Yes, with conditions.
Personal books are fine. Printed and audio-visual material can be checked and may need a permit, and obscene material is banned.
More rules for the United Arab Emirates
Allowed with conditions
- Books, films, and other printed or audio-visual material
- Listed among goods that need a permit from the relevant authority and can be checked on arrival. Obscene material is banned outright.
Before you ship to the United Arab Emirates
- Tax-free limit
- Dubai exempts cross-border e-commerce purchases worth up to AED 1,000 (about $272) from customs duty since August 3, 2026, up from AED 300. The rule covers goods bought online and handled by companies registered with Dubai Customs. Tobacco, e-cigarettes, nicotine liquids, alcohol, and food containing alcohol are excluded. No official low-value exemption is published for gifts or your own belongings, and the VAT rules set no low-value exemption for imports, so a small personal box can still owe 5% VAT and possibly 5% duty.
- Receiver ID
- Emirates ID or passport needed. GCC customs procedures ask individuals importing for personal use to show a national ID, passport, or residence visa. Give the courier the receiver's Emirates ID details or a passport copy before the box ships. No tax number is needed for a personal shipment, but a UAE mobile number is essential for delivery.
- Transit
- 2-4 business days from Europe, Asia, or the Gulf; 3-5 from North America
Questions
Can I send books to the United Arab Emirates?
Yes, with conditions. Personal books are fine. Printed and audio-visual material can be checked and may need a permit, and obscene material is banned.
Ask about a specific item
Official sources
- 1.
- 2.
Emirates Drug Establishment
Issue of Permit to Import Medicines for Personal Use (opens in a new tab) - 3.
Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE)
Import an agricultural consignment (opens in a new tab) - 4.
The Official Portal of the UAE Government (u.ae)
Customs duty and tariff (opens in a new tab) - 5.
UAE Ministry of Culture
Federal Law No.11 of 2017, on Antiquities (opens in a new tab) - 6.
- 7.
Dubai Customs
Clearance of Personal Effects (opens in a new tab)
General guidance, not legal advice. Customs in the United Arab Emirates makes the final decision on every box.