Sending to United Arab Emirates: at a glance
- Duty-free limit
- Low-value gifts and personal goods may be exempt from the 5% duty; ask the courier for the current limit. AED 3,000 figures describe travellers' allowances.
- Tax above the limit
- 5% VAT on CIF value plus duty; non-registered individuals pay at import.
- Used personal items
- Assume there is no special relief for used personal items sent by post or courier; the ordinary parcel thresholds apply.
- Put in the parcel
- Commercial invoice with value and description
These are the usual rules. Customs and courier rules can change at any time, so confirm with Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security before sending.
Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port SecurityWhat can you usually send?
MedicinesUsually not allowed
- Narcotics and amphetamine-based medicines (e.g. Adderall): Banned; severe penalties including fines or imprisonment.
- Prescription medicines: Check controlled-drug status before sending; trace amounts have led to prosecution.
Vapes and e-cigarettesUsually limited
- Vape / e-cigarettes: Heavily restricted at the border; check with UAE customs before sending.
Drugs and narcoticsUsually not allowed
- Narcotics and amphetamine-based medicines (e.g. Adderall): Banned; severe penalties including fines or imprisonment.
Anything not listed here (clothes, bags, toys, your own used things) usually follows the standard parcel rules and the duty-free limit above.
Send it yourself
- Ask the office holding it whether they post items, or who may collect it for you (a written authorisation and a copy of your ID).
- Someone collects it and packs it securely.
- Book a courier with a clear description and value; outside the EU it needs electronic customs data.
- The receiver pays any import duty or tax on arrival.
Offices usually work Greek office hours, and staff may answer in Greek. A service we recommend can make the calls and handle the pickup for you.
Rather not do it yourself? Couriers we recommend
Ask whether they can collect it from the office that has it, pack it and send it, and help with the customs paperwork. Ask for the price first.
Family-run Athens courier since 1988. Sends parcels within Greece and abroad, helps with customs clearance, and can store extra bags for travellers and deliver them later. Ask for a price on their website.
We recommend services we think are useful; some may pay us a fee if you book. Prices and terms are set by the service, so check them before you book.
More details
In short
The UAE charges 5% customs duty and 5% VAT on CIF plus duty; low-value gifts and personal goods may be exempt from duty, so ask the courier. The UAE enforces strict drug rules, and even prescription medicines can lead to prosecution.