Can I send documents and photos to the United Arab Emirates?
Allowed
Yes.
Personal papers and photos are fine.
More rules for the United Arab Emirates
Allowed with conditions
- Seeds, plants, and seedlings
- Need a Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) import permit before they ship, plus a phytosanitary certificate from the exporting country. Permits go to holders of an agricultural activity license, and natural soil is banned, so leave plants and seeds out.
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 documents and photos to the United Arab Emirates?
Yes. Personal papers and photos are fine.
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.