UAE Implements Mandatory Afseh Declaration for Valuables Over AED 60,000

What’s Changing?

The UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) has moved to modernize customs procedures. If passengers aged 18 or older are bringing more than AED 60,000 (roughly USD 16,000) in cash, cheques, jewelry, precious stones, or other high‑value items into or out of the UAE—specifically via Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or Ras al Khaimah airports—they must now submit a declaration in advance using the Afseh online platform or mobile app.

Why This Matters for the Industry

This step strengthens the fight against money laundering, boosts transparency, and aligns the UAE with global border‑control best practices. For B2B travel professionals, staying ahead of such requirements ensures smoother journeys for clients and minimizes operational snags.

Who Must Declare?

• Passengers aged 18+ carrying over AED 60,000 in combined value must file a declaration.

• Under‑18 travelers may accompany such valuables, but their parent or guardian must declare on their behalf.

• If clients are merely transiting without customs clearance, the requirement doesn’t apply—but it's essential to confirm their route and ensure compliance if they pass through immigration.
  
  

How the Afseh Declaration Process Works

• Sign up via UAE Pass (through declare.customs.ae or the Afseh app). Personal information—Emirates ID, visa status, name, and nationality—will auto‑populate.

• Add contact and address details—formatted differently based on whether the passenger is a UAE resident or not.

• Launch a new declaration, entering:

  • Trip type (arrival/departure)

  • Airport, airline, travel date, ticket number

  • Types of items (cash, jewelry, etc.) along with amounts and currency.

• Submit for approval—ICP reviews submissions. Once approved, travelers receive notification via SMS and app, and the declaration appears in their dashboard’s “Approved Requests” section.

• At customs, the approved declaration may be shown upon request. The service is free, and filing in advance speeds up clearance and avoids fines or confiscation for undeclared valuables.
  
  

What Travel Professionals Should Do

• Proactively advise clients on this requirement well before travel—especially for corporate travelers, consolidators, and airline teams handling inbound/outbound journeys.

• Recommend early registration on Afseh, ideally 24 hours before travel.

• Emphasize the legal implications: non-compliance may result in penalties or seizure of valuables.

• Provide clear guidance for minors, ensuring guardians file timely declarations.

• Encourage maintenance of documentation—prove the value of declared items with receipts or app approval when needed.
  
  

Conclusion & Takeaway

The UAE’s new customs declaration rule via Afseh is a critical compliance consideration for anyone planning to move high-value goods through its airports. For B2B operators, this isn’t just a formality—it’s a differentiator in delivering seamless travel experiences, safeguarding clients, and maintaining regulatory trust. Integrate this into your pre-travel checklists, training materials, and passenger advisories to keep operations efficient and worry-free.

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