Moving from the US to the United Arab Emirates: customs, papers and what you can't pack

Bringing your things in duty-free

Foreigners arriving to live in the UAE for the first time can bring used personal effects and household goods duty-free, if the quantity suits furnishing a home and they're shipped in your own name. New items, and anything in commercial quantities, pay 5% duty.

The papers customs wants

• Passport or Emirates ID copy
• Your residence visa — or proof you work and live there
• A packing list of everything in the shipment
• The shipment must be in your name

Inspection and clearance

Customs officers inspect personal goods before releasing them duty-free. Dubai Customs answers on 800 1886.

Don't pack these

• Medicines in normal personal amounts only — some need a permit before you travel, from the Emirates Drug Establishment
• Narcotic and psychotropic medicines can't be brought freely — get the import authorization first, or don't pack them
• Cash over AED 60,000 must be declared

Bringing a car

Allowed, new or used. Customs values it and charges 5% duty, then inspects it. Bring the invoice, packing list and bill of lading.

Bringing a dog or cat

An import permit from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment before you travel. It lasts 30 days — a pet arriving on an expired permit is refused.

Two pets per person per year, at least 15 weeks old. Microchip, rabies shot at least 21 days before travel, and a rabies blood test (0.5 IU or more) drawn within the last 12 months.

Dogs: distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis and leptospirosis vaccines. Cats: panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis and calicivirus. Worm and flea treatment within 14 days of travel.

A USDA-endorsed health certificate, good for 10 days. Pets fly as manifest cargo.

Banned: pit bull and mastiff types, Tosa, Presa Canario and their mixes.

Duty and tax on everything else

Customs duty is generally 5% of the value plus insurance and freight. VAT is 5%.

Travelers must declare goods over AED 3,000.