Personal Effects Customs Clearance United Arab Emirates
Customers will be required to provide a passport image in the name of the receiver on their order to assist with customs clearance. In addition, shipments valued over 300 AED will require a copy of the Residence or Employment Visa of the receiver to gain relief from duty and taxes. Documents in the shipper's name will be rejected by customs.
If a Residence or Employment Visa is required for clearance, this will be requested by Send My Bag upon the shipment's arrival in the UAE. Storage fees may also be applicable if additional information is not provided to Send My Bag or our courier partners in a timely matter.
Customers who do not hold a Residence / Employment Visa, or UAE Passport are advised to ensure they do not declare a value exceeding 300 AED in order to be eligible for duty free clearance.
Shipments of Personal Effects may also incur a clearance fee of 70-100 AED, which is paid upon delivery.
General Personal Effects Customs Information
Personal effects are typically defined as used items which have been in the sender's possession for 6 months or more. If your shipment is checked by customs and is found to contain brand new or commercial items, you shipment may not be assessed as personal effects. Keep this in mind if you are sending Christmas gifts or other new items. Please check with customs so you are aware of potential customs duties, follow any advice given and attach all necessary documentation.
In order to demonstrate that your shipment consists of personal effects, you will be required to complete a brief non-generic packing list online, entries to be made in the format: "5 x Cotton Dresses, 2 x Jeans, 3 x Pair of Gloves", and so on, rather than as "10 x Used Clothing".
As customs processes and allowances vary by country, we advise all customers take 5 minutes to check how their personal circumstances and what they are sending will be assessed under the prevailing customs regulations of the destination.
More information is available on our customs information page.
Customs Clearance Time
Most shipments on this route will not be stopped by customs, however, when a bag is stopped by customs for any reason (missing documentation, impromptu inspection, prohibited contents, commercial contents or further information required) Send My Bag records how long customs hold it for. Our historical statistics for this route indicate that if the customs authority stops your bag they will on average take 2 working days to process it and release it back to us for delivery.
Personal Effects Customs Clearance United Arab Emirates
Customers will be required to provide a passport image in the name of the receiver on their order to assist with customs clearance. In addition, shipments valued over 300 AED will require a copy of the Residence or Employment Visa of the receiver to gain relief from duty and taxes. Documents in the shipper's name will be rejected by customs.
If a Residence or Employment Visa is required for clearance, this will be requested by Send My Bag upon the shipment's arrival in the UAE. Storage fees may also be applicable if additional information is not provided to Send My Bag or our courier partners in a timely matter.
Customers who do not hold a Residence / Employment Visa, or UAE Passport are advised to ensure they do not declare a value exceeding 300 AED in order to be eligible for duty free clearance.
Shipments of Personal Effects may also incur a clearance fee of 70-100 AED, which is paid upon delivery.
General Personal Effects Customs Information
Personal effects are typically defined as used items which have been in the sender's possession for 6 months or more. If your shipment is checked by customs and is found to contain brand new or commercial items, you shipment may not be assessed as personal effects. Keep this in mind if you are sending Christmas gifts or other new items. Please check with customs so you are aware of potential customs duties, follow any advice given and attach all necessary documentation.
In order to demonstrate that your shipment consists of personal effects, you will be required to complete a brief non-generic packing list online, entries to be made in the format: "5 x Cotton Dresses, 2 x Jeans, 3 x Pair of Gloves", and so on, rather than as "10 x Used Clothing".
As customs processes and allowances vary by country, we advise all customers take 5 minutes to check how their personal circumstances and what they are sending will be assessed under the prevailing customs regulations of the destination.
More information is available on our customs information page.
Customs Clearance Time
Most shipments on this route will not be stopped by customs, however, when a bag is stopped by customs for any reason (missing documentation, impromptu inspection, prohibited contents, commercial contents or further information required) Send My Bag records how long customs hold it for. Our historical statistics for this route indicate that if the customs authority stops your bag they will on average take 2 working days to process it and release it back to us for delivery.
A maximum of 1 lithium battery is permitted per shipment (excludes to / from Australia) when it is contained within a working personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Review our battery policy.
- Aerosols or any other pressurised containers;
- Liquids, Pastes and Gels of any type (including nail varnish and perfume);
- Toner Cartridges;
- Loose Batteries & Power Banks;
- No more than ONE device containing a lithium battery in line with our battery policy OR when shipping to / from Australia or China, NO device containing any kind of battery;
- Tracking devices such as AirTags;
- Animals and Animal products;
- Firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, weapons (including imitations of same);
- Explosives, incendiary materials and devices including but not limited to fireworks, matches, flares, solid fuels;
- Flowers and plant products;
- Human remains or ashes;
- Medical samples;
- Items that require a temperature controlled environment;
- Pornography;
- Prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Tobacco and vaping products regardless of nicotine content;
- Religious Artefacts
- Foodstuffs, perishable, animal origin and controlled food articles and beverages including, but not limited to: Fruit & vegetables, dairy products (including dried products containing dairy such as milk chocolate and protein powder), meat, fish, nuts, seeds, wine, beer, spirits and champagne; or
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
- Valuables and high value items including but not limited to antiques, paintings, jewellery, precious stones and electrical equipment (low value electrical equipment is permitted but sent at the owner's risk);
- Cash or other forms of tradeable currency;
- Credit cards;
- Passports or other confidential personal documentation;
- Irreplaceable items;
- Other Dangerous / hazardous goods;
- Counterfeit goods;
- Items from sanctioned countries;
- Other illegal or restricted goods.
More information is available under section 11 of our terms of service.
Additional prohibited items for United Arab Emirates
- Items that are offensive to Muslim culture;
- Playing cards.
Items excluded from cover
The following items will be accepted but are sent at your risk and are not included under complimentary cover:
- Electrical Items, including but not limited to; Tablets, Mobile Phones, Computers, Hi-Fis, TVs.
- Glass & Porcelain.
- Any other non standard excess baggage items.
If you choose to send any of the above please ensure you package the item appropriately, for example a TV inside a suitcase is not appropriate.
A maximum of 1 lithium battery is permitted per shipment (excludes to / from Australia) when it is contained within a working personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Review our battery policy.
- Aerosols or any other pressurised containers;
- Liquids, Pastes and Gels of any type (including nail varnish and perfume);
- Toner Cartridges;
- Loose Batteries & Power Banks;
- No more than ONE device containing a lithium battery in line with our battery policy OR when shipping to / from Australia or China, NO device containing any kind of battery;
- Tracking devices such as AirTags;
- Animals and Animal products;
- Firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, weapons (including imitations of same);
- Explosives, incendiary materials and devices including but not limited to fireworks, matches, flares, solid fuels;
- Flowers and plant products;
- Human remains or ashes;
- Medical samples;
- Items that require a temperature controlled environment;
- Pornography;
- Prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Tobacco and vaping products regardless of nicotine content;
- Religious Artefacts
- Foodstuffs, perishable, animal origin and controlled food articles and beverages including, but not limited to: Fruit & vegetables, dairy products (including dried products containing dairy such as milk chocolate and protein powder), meat, fish, nuts, seeds, wine, beer, spirits and champagne; or
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
- Valuables and high value items including but not limited to antiques, paintings, jewellery, precious stones and electrical equipment (low value electrical equipment is permitted but sent at the owner's risk);
- Cash or other forms of tradeable currency;
- Credit cards;
- Passports or other confidential personal documentation;
- Irreplaceable items;
- Other Dangerous / hazardous goods;
- Counterfeit goods;
- Items from sanctioned countries;
- Other illegal or restricted goods.
More information is available under section 11 of our terms of service.
Additional prohibited items for United Arab Emirates
- Items that are offensive to Muslim culture;
- Playing cards.
Items excluded from cover
The following items will be accepted but are sent at your risk and are not included under complimentary cover:
- Electrical Items, including but not limited to; Tablets, Mobile Phones, Computers, Hi-Fis, TVs.
- Glass & Porcelain.
- Any other non standard excess baggage items.
If you choose to send any of the above please ensure you package the item appropriately, for example a TV inside a suitcase is not appropriate.
On EU standard services (not express) and all UK and US domestic services you may send:
- Shower gel.
- Toothpaste.
- Other non flammable and non alcohol based liquids, pastes & gels for use on holiday.
Nail varnish, perfume and aerosols are not permitted. If these items are included in your luggage it may be returned to you.
Whilst non alcohol based liquids are permitted, damage caused by leakage is not covered by complimentary cover and therefore only small amounts should be sent. If an x-ray shows liquids of any type security may stop your bag for inspection.
A maximum of 1 lithium battery is permitted per shipment (excludes to / from Australia) when it is contained within a working personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Review our battery policy. The following items are prohibited at all times:
- Aerosols or any other pressurised containers;
- Alcohol based or Flammable Liquids, Pastes and Gels of any type including, but not limited to, nail varnish and perfume;
- Toner Cartridges;
- Loose Batteries & Power Banks;
- No more than ONE device containing a lithium battery in line with our battery policy OR when shipping to / from Australia or China, NO device containing any kind of battery;
- Tracking devices such as AirTags;
- Animals and Animal products;
- Firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, weapons (including imitations of same);
- Explosives, incendiary materials and devices including but not limited to fireworks, matches, flares, solid fuels;
- Flowers and plant products;
- Human remains or ashes;
- Medical samples;
- Items that require a temperature controlled environment;
- Pornography;
- Prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Tobacco and vaping products regardless of nicotine content;
- Religious Artefacts
- Foodstuffs, perishable, animal origin and controlled food articles and beverages including, but not limited to: Fruit & vegetables, dairy products (including dried products containing dairy such as milk chocolate and protein powder), meat, fish, nuts, seeds, wine, beer, spirits and champagne; or
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
- Valuables and high value items including but not limited to antiques, paintings, jewellery, precious stones and electrical equipment (low value electrical equipment is permitted but sent at the owner's risk);
- Cash or other forms of tradeable currency;
- Credit cards;
- Passports or other confidential personal documentation;
- Irreplaceable items;
- Other Dangerous / hazardous goods;
- Counterfeit goods;
- Items from sanctioned countries;
- Other illegal or restricted goods.
More information is available under section 11 of our terms of service.
Additional prohibited items for United Arab Emirates
- Items that are offensive to Muslim culture;
- Playing cards.
Items Excluded From Cover
The following items will be accepted but are sent at your risk and are not included under complimentary cover:
- Electrical Items, including but not limited to; Tablets, Mobile Phones, Computers, Hi-Fis, TVs.
- Glass & Porcelain.
- Any other non standard excess baggage items.
If you choose to send any of the above please ensure you package the item appropriately, for example a TV inside a suitcase is not appropriate.
On EU standard services (not express) and all UK and US domestic services you may send:
- Shower gel.
- Toothpaste.
- Other non flammable and non alcohol based liquids, pastes & gels for use on holiday.
Nail varnish, perfume and aerosols are not permitted. If these items are included in your luggage it may be returned to you.
Whilst non alcohol based liquids are permitted, damage caused by leakage is not covered by complimentary cover and therefore only small amounts should be sent. If an x-ray shows liquids of any type security may stop your bag for inspection.
A maximum of 1 lithium battery is permitted per shipment (excludes to / from Australia) when it is contained within a working personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Review our battery policy. The following items are prohibited at all times:
- Aerosols or any other pressurised containers;
- Alcohol based or Flammable Liquids, Pastes and Gels of any type including, but not limited to, nail varnish and perfume;
- Toner Cartridges;
- Loose Batteries & Power Banks;
- No more than ONE device containing a lithium battery in line with our battery policy OR when shipping to / from Australia or China, NO device containing any kind of battery;
- Tracking devices such as AirTags;
- Animals and Animal products;
- Firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, weapons (including imitations of same);
- Explosives, incendiary materials and devices including but not limited to fireworks, matches, flares, solid fuels;
- Flowers and plant products;
- Human remains or ashes;
- Medical samples;
- Items that require a temperature controlled environment;
- Pornography;
- Prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Tobacco and vaping products regardless of nicotine content;
- Religious Artefacts
- Foodstuffs, perishable, animal origin and controlled food articles and beverages including, but not limited to: Fruit & vegetables, dairy products (including dried products containing dairy such as milk chocolate and protein powder), meat, fish, nuts, seeds, wine, beer, spirits and champagne; or
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
- Valuables and high value items including but not limited to antiques, paintings, jewellery, precious stones and electrical equipment (low value electrical equipment is permitted but sent at the owner's risk);
- Cash or other forms of tradeable currency;
- Credit cards;
- Passports or other confidential personal documentation;
- Irreplaceable items;
- Other Dangerous / hazardous goods;
- Counterfeit goods;
- Items from sanctioned countries;
- Other illegal or restricted goods.
More information is available under section 11 of our terms of service.
Additional prohibited items for United Arab Emirates
- Items that are offensive to Muslim culture;
- Playing cards.
Items Excluded From Cover
The following items will be accepted but are sent at your risk and are not included under complimentary cover:
- Electrical Items, including but not limited to; Tablets, Mobile Phones, Computers, Hi-Fis, TVs.
- Glass & Porcelain.
- Any other non standard excess baggage items.
If you choose to send any of the above please ensure you package the item appropriately, for example a TV inside a suitcase is not appropriate.
Why Ship to the United Arab Emirates?
The United Arab Emirates is a fantastic country to visit, whether it’s for a quick stopover, for a big business meeting in Dubai, for a holiday by the beach in Abu Dhabi, or for a new place to call home. If you want to take part in your favourite sporting activities while you are there, you can do so using your own equipment. Send My Bag can get your awkward or oversized luggage to you wherever you’re staying in the UAE.
If you’ve over-packed or don’t want the hassle of carrying and checking in a heavy suitcase, Send My Bag can take care of it for you. We can pick up your problem luggage from your front door and deliver it right to your accommodation at your destination.
Our service is also great for groups of travellers with multiple items and backpackers looking to transport their luggage quickly and securely at a fraction of the price a travel company would charge.
UAE is an increasingly popular choice for students looking to study abroad. Send My Bag can help students relocate to UAE, allowing them to bring all the books, equipment and clothing that they need.
Send Luggage to the United Arab Emirates
You can easily send your luggage and boxes to UAE with Send My Bag. This way you will save yourself a lot of stress and hassle by avoiding the need to wait in line at bag drop or luggage carousels. If you are moving permanently to UAE, sending your luggage means you can bring lots of your favourite things with you to make you feel at home there. With Send My Bag taking care of your luggage, you can focus on discovering your new environment. To read more about sending luggage to UAE, visit our ‘How it works’ page, or our ‘FAQs’.
Removals to the United Arab Emirates
If you are relocating to UAE permanently, you will have to look into international removals to UAE in order to move your possessions. If you go for this option, make sure all your items are carefully packaged so that they arrive in one piece. Use suitable packaging for your items and tape everything up well.
Student Shipping to the United Arab Emirates
UAE has plenty of top-notch local universities, and many western universities have also set up campuses there, such as MIT, NYU and Paris-Sorbonne. Why not study in UAE and experience another culture? If moving to UAE to study you will need to bring lots of items with you, such as your course textbooks and many other items, like novels, clothes and photos. Read more about student shipping on our student removals page and find out how to receive your student discount.
Sending a Parcel to the United Arab Emirates
You can ask a friend or family member to send a parcel to UAE containing anything you have left at home. It couldn’t be easier to send a parcel to UAE with Send My Bag. Just make sure you choose a sturdy box and tape it up well so nothing gets damaged in transit. Find out more about sending a parcel and learn what you can send with Send My Bag and how to package your items.
Ways of Shipping to the United Arab Emirates
Whether you are travelling to UAE to work, to study, or to go on holiday, you should familiarise yourself with the various options available for shipping to UAE. Some options will be more suited to your needs than others. You can choose between a number of different options for international shipping to UAE.
Send Golf Clubs to the United Arab Emirates
There are around 20 golf courses in UAE, so you can easily enjoy a few rounds of golf when you are there. Some of the best courses include Yas Links, Emirates and Abu Dhabi. You can enjoy your game of golf using your own clubs, rather than hiring clubs when you arrive, by sending them to UAE with Send My Bag. You can also avoid oversized baggage fees from your airlines by sending your golf clubs. See further information on how to send golf clubs with Send My Bag, including how best to package your golf clubs.
Send your Bike to the United Arab Emirates
If you find the right location, cycling in UAE can be very enjoyable. You can send your bicycle with Send My Bag, having it arrive at your hotel, ready for you to pick up and take out your chosen cycling location. Sending your bike to UAE is much easier than checking it into the hold of your plane. You will avoid oversized baggage fees and won't have to carry the bike to and from the airport. Your bike will need to be taken apart and properly packaged before being sent to UAE. Check out our information on bike shipping to learn more.
About the United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates (UAE), made up of seven emirates on the eastern Arabian Peninsula, is one of the major up-and-coming players in tourism due to a boom in oil wealth. The currency used in the United Arab Emirates is the dirham. The climate is generally extremely dry with only a few days of rain each year and temperatures that soar to above 50°C (122°F) in the height of summer, but sitting at a more comfortable mid-range of 15°C to 27°C (59-81°F) between October and March.
The major tourist destinations of the UAE are the more cosmopolitan coastal ports, such as Sharjah and Dubai, where tourists flock to find the delights of ancient souks and bustling malls. Aside from shopping, one of the main focuses for tourists is the beach. But if you don’t fancy lying around and burning up in the midday sun, try hiring a yacht or have a go at scuba diving or snorkelling. Further inland, there are plenty of things to keep you occupied, from indoor sky diving experiences to golfing and shooting in Sharjah or even skiing at the indoor ski resort in Dubai.
Please explore this page further to find out about Send My Bag’s shipping service to the United Arab Emirates.
Air Freight to the United Arab Emirates
You could opt for air freight when sending a large item like a sofa or an ottoman to UAE. This kind of service normally takes around one to two days. This is typically quicker than sea freight shipping, but usually more expensive. Note that you will probably also have to pay a customs agent to handle customs clearance for you. Another cost is getting your items to and from the airport. The price could, therefore, quickly mount up. If you send internationally by air freight to UAE your items will likely arrive at one of the major airports, such as Abu Dhabi Airport, Dubai Airport or Fujairah Airport.
Sea Freight and Container Shipping to the United Arab Emirates
You could go instead for sea freight or container shipping to get your possessions to UAE. Large bulky items, such as a snooker table or armchair, are loaded into containers, which are, in turn, placed onto cargo ships. You will have to wait a number of weeks for your items to arrive, though it is normally cheaper than air freight. However, you will still need to pay for the services of a customs agent and will need to arrange how to get your items to and from the ports. This means the cost could be more than expected. When using container shipping to UAE, your items will most likely arrive by ship at one of the major sea ports, such as Sharjah, Fujairah or Dubai.
Shipping Goods to the United Arab Emirates
You must research current customs rules when shipping goods to UAE. Make sure you know about any duty and taxes that you need to pay and what items are allowed to be shipped to UAE, which items are restricted, and which are entirely prohibited. Take a look at the prohibited items and customs sections on this page for more information.