UAE Launches New App for Declaring Cash and Valuables

Are you planning a trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the country, renowned for its stunning landscapes and vibrant cities, has implemented stringent regulations to combat money laundering, ensuring the integrity of its financial system.

Here’s important information to ensure a smooth and lawful entry into this spectacular destination.

Declaring Cash and Valuables with Afseh App

The UAE has implemented a regulation that requires all passengers travelling into or out of the country with more than Dh60,000, or equivalent cash in any other currency, financial assets, precious metal or stones, to declare it to the customs officers.

This regulation applies to all residents and visitors entering and exiting the country through airports, ports and land borders.

Mandatory Declaration Requirement

Whether you’re arriving in or departing from the UAE, it is mandatory for all passengers with Dh60,000 or its equivalent in any other currency, financial assets, precious metals, or stones to declare them to customs officers.

This rule applies to all travellers, including residents and visitors arriving at airports, ports, or land borders.

Exemption for Family Members

Each family member over the age of 18 is permitted to carry an amount not exceeding Dh60,000 or its equivalent in foreign currency without disclosing it to customs officers.

Purpose of the Regulation

The purpose of this regulation is to combat money laundering and other financial crimes. By requiring passengers to declare their cash and valuables, the UAE authorities are able to track the movement of large sums of money and identify any suspicious activity.

Also Read: How to File a Complaint with ICP for UAE Visa and Residency Issues

How to Declare Your Cash and Valuables

There are two ways to declare your cash and valuables to the UAE customs officers:

1. Through the Afseh App

The Afseh app is a mobile app developed by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP). The app is available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play.

To declare your cash and valuables using the Afseh app, you will need to create an account and provide the following information:

• Your personal details (name, passport number, etc.)
• The type of cash and valuables you are carrying
• The value of the cash and valuables

Once you have submitted the information, you will receive a declaration form. You will need to print out the declaration form and present it to the customs officers at the airport, port or land border crossing.

2. Through a customs declaration form

You can also declare your cash and valuables by filling out a customs declaration form. Customs declaration forms are available at all UAE airports, ports and land border crossings.

To fill out a customs declaration form, you will need to provide the same information as you would if you were using the Afseh app. Once you have completed the form, you will need to hand it into the customs officers.

Items exempted from customs duties

As per ICP, travellers may bring in the following items without being required to pay any taxes or duties:

• telescopes
• movie projection devices and relevant accessories
• radio, CD players and CDs
• ·video and digital cameras and their tapes for personal use
• portable music instruments
• cell phones
• TV and receiver, one each
• strollers
• personal sports equipment
• portable computers and printers
• calculators
• wheelchairs and vehicles for people of determination (people with special needs)
• medication for personal use, that is in compliance with the applicable regulations
• clothes, toiletries and luggage of a personal nature.
• personal jewellery.

Personal belongings of passengers are permitted entry and shall be exempted from customs fees if the passenger meets the following conditions:

• value of gifts, perfumes and personal luggage does not exceed AED 3,000
• luggage and gifts must be of limited quantity and not in commercial ones
• passenger should not be a frequent traveller with goods on a regular basis, or a member of the respective conveyance crew.

Important Things to Note

• It is important to note that you must declare all cash and valuables that you are carrying, regardless of whether you are entering or exiting the UAE.
• If you are travelling with a family, each family member over the age of 18 must declare their own cash and valuables.
• You can declare your cash and valuables up to 24 hours before your arrival or departure from the UAE.
• If you are carrying more than Dh60,000 worth of cash and valuables, you may be required to provide additional information to the customs officers.
• Failure to declare your cash and valuables is a punishable offence. You may be fined or even imprisoned.

Tips for Declaring Your Cash and Valuables

• Be organized and have all of your documentation ready when you arrive at the airport, port or land border crossing.
• Be honest and accurate when declaring your cash and valuables.
• If you have any questions, ask the customs officers for assistance.

Conclusion

By adhering to these guidelines and using the Afseh app, you can travel to the UAE with peace of mind, knowing that you are contributing to the country’s efforts to maintain financial integrity and security. Have a wonderful and worry-free journey!