Airports in the UAE are seeing a massive increase in passenger traffic, both from locals and foreigners.

It is also one of the busiest times for airlines and airports in the country, with millions of residents and families returning home and taking vacations abroad.

Residents and tourists may bring restricted or banned items into the country, and they must obtain permission from the authorities before bringing them in.

As a result, it is very important for residents to be aware of such items, so that they do not violate local laws, thereby making their journey more enjoyable.

The authorities have a list of banned items, and bringing them into the country could land people in trouble. However, certain quantities of these items are allowed.

The following items are prohibited:

Controlled recreational drugs and narcotic substances

Frozen poultry and birds

Betel leaves (paan)

Counterfeit/pirated goods and content

Indecent and obscene materials

Gambling tools and machines

Counterfeit currency

Items used in black magic, witchcraft or sorcery

Publications and artwork that contradict or challenge Islamic teachings and values

The following items are restricted in Dubai and may require prior approval:

Animals, plants, fertilizers

Medicines, drugs, medical equipment

Media publications

Transmission and wireless devices

Alcoholic drinks

Cosmetics, personal care products for exhibitions

E-cigarettes and electronic hookah

Certain items, however, are exempt from customs duties and will be allowed entry:

Gifts whose value does not exceed Dh3,000

400 cigarettes, 50 cigars

500 grams of tobacco (minced or pressed for pipes or minced/pressed tobacco for smoking, tumbâk (pure tobacco) or hookah molasses)

Alcoholic beverages not exceeding 4 litres or 2 cartons of beer, each consisting of 24 cans not exceeding 355ml for each can

Passengers aged 18 and above must declare cash/cheques, promissory notes, payment orders, precious metals or stones with value exceeding Dh60,000 or equivalent in foreign currencies

For passengers under 18, the amount in their possession will be added to the permitted limit of their parent/guardian or accompanier

Exemption conditions

The baggage and gifts must be of a personal nature and not in commercial quantities

The passenger must not be one who frequently visits the same customs centre or who trades in the items in his possession

The passenger must not be a crew member

Cigarettes and alcoholic beverages are not permitted entry and are not subject

Cigarettes and alcoholic beverages are not permitted entry and are not subject to duty exemption for passengers under 18 years of age

The Abu Dhabi International Airport has also provided a list of prohibited and permitted items. Here is the list.

Each traveller is permitted to bring the following with them into the UAE:

4 litres of alcohol or one carton / 24 cans of beer

Dh2,000 worth of cigarettes or 400 sticks of cigarettes

Dh3,000 worth of gifts, including perfume

Dh3,000 worth of cigars

2 kilograms of tobacco

List of items that are restricted:

Drugs such as cannabis, opium etc.

A doctor's prescription should be carried along with any medication

Some drugs and medications that may be purchased over-the-counter in other countries are classified as controlled substances in the UAE and are illegal to possess

Firearms and dangerous weapons

Religious propaganda and offensive printed materials, CDs, videos or films

Pirated video and audiotapes or illegal computer software will be confiscated