UAE Arrival Card: How to Fill, Customs Rules & Entry Process

Learn how to fill UAE Arrival Card, customs declaration rules, Dubai airport arrival steps, entry requirements and more.

What is the UAE Arrival Card?

What is the UAE Arrival Card? (AIGC image, just for reference)

The UAE arrival card, also called a disembarkation card, is a standard paper entry form that collects personal, travel, and customs information from all international visitors entering the country. It is separate from your visa and serves as both an immigration record and a customs declaration.

The form is typically handed out by cabin crew on your incoming flight. If you do not receive one on board, you can pick up a blank form from counters near the immigration lanes before you queue. One form per passenger is required, including children. A section of the card covers customs declarations for restricted items, cash, and goods above duty-free limits.

For high-value cash and valuables above the official threshold, the UAE also operates a separate digital customs system called Afseh at selected airports, which can be completed online before departure for faster clearance.

❗ Disclaimer: UAE immigration and customs policies are subject to change. Always verify the latest official requirements from ICP UAE or GDRFA before your trip.

Do You Need the UAE Arrival Card?

Do You Need the UAE Arrival Card? (AIGC image, just for reference)

Yes, all foreign visitors entering the UAE must complete an arrival card, regardless of whether you enter visa-free, with a visa on arrival, or with a pre-approved electronic tourist visa.

Who is exempt from filling out the arrival card?

• UAE citizens
• Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia
• UAE residents holding a valid residence visa and Emirates ID (they use dedicated resident lanes and biometric verification)
• Airside transit passengers who do not pass through immigration and stay in the international transfer zone

If you are entering the UAE as a tourist, business traveler, or short-term visitor for any purpose, you are required to submit a completed arrival card at immigration.

Is UAE Entry Fully Digital?

Entry to the UAE is partially digital but not fully paperless. Below is a breakdown of what is digital and what still requires in-person or paper processing:

Fully digital processes

• High-value customs declaration: Cash, jewelry, and valuables worth over AED 60,000 can be declared online via the Afseh platform (declare.customs.ae) at Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah international airports.
• Pre-arranged tourist visas: Applied and paid online through official ICP / GDRFA channels, delivered by email.
• Biometric Smart Gates: Eligible travelers can clear immigration via facial recognition and passport scan without interacting with an officerDubai Inte....

Still paper / in-person required

• Standard arrival / disembarkation card: Remains a paper form at all major airports including Dubai International (DXB).
• Manual immigration counters: Mandatory for children under 6 years old, and for travelers not eligible for Smart Gates.
• Visa on arrival: Processed in person at dedicated counters for eligible nationalities.
• Random document checks: Officers may request physical copies of return tickets, hotel bookings, or proof of funds.

UAE Entry Requirements

UAE Entry Rules (AIGC image, just for reference)

Before traveling to the UAE, ensure you have the following ready:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry, with at least one blank visa page
• Valid entry authorization: Visa-free eligibility, visa on arrival, or a pre-approved electronic visa according to your nationality
• Completed arrival card (paper form)
• Return or onward flight ticket: May be verified at check-in or randomly by immigration officers
• Proof of accommodation: Hotel booking confirmation with full address, or details of your local host
• Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of your stay
• Customs declaration: If carrying cash or valuables exceeding AED 60,000 in total value

When to Fill in the UAE Arrival Card

When to Fill in the UAE Arrival Card

The most convenient time to fill out the form is during your flight, as cabin crew usually distribute them before landing. This saves you time at the airport and lets you join the immigration queue immediately.

If you do not receive one on board, you can collect and complete a form at the immigration hall before lining up at the counter.

For travelers carrying high-value items that require formal declaration through the Afseh system, it is recommended to submit your online declaration 24–48 hours before departure to receive pre-approval and avoid delays at customs.

How to Fill in the UAE Arrival Card (Step by Step)

How to Fill in the UAE Arrival Card (AIGC image, just for reference)

The form is split into four main sections. Complete all details clearly and exactly as they appear in your passport.

1. Personal Information

• Full legal name (matching your passport exactly)
• Passport number
• Nationality
• Date of birth
• Passport issue and expiry dates
• Gender

2. Travel Details

• Flight number of your arriving flight
• Date of arrival
• Country / city of departure (last port before the UAE)
• Purpose of visit (tourism, business, visiting family, etc.)
• Intended length of stay in days

3. UAE Accommodation

• Full address of where you will be staying: enter your hotel name and full address as shown on your booking confirmation, or your host’s full address if staying privately.

4. Customs Declaration

Answer yes or no to each item. When in doubt, declare to avoid penalties.

• Cash, traveler’s checks, jewelry, or valuables totaling over AED 60,000
• Food, plants, animal products, or biological items
• Controlled medication (prescription drugs should be kept in original packaging with a doctor’s note)
• Firearms, weapons, drones, or restricted electronic equipment
• Goods for commercial use or resale

Finally, sign and date the form.

Note: If arriving at Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or Ras Al Khaimah airport with high-value goods, you can use the Afseh online system instead of completing the paper declaration section, and present your digital approval reference at customs.

Arrival Process at Dubai International (DXB) Airport

Arrival Process at Dubai International (DXB) Airport (AIGC image, just for reference)

1. Follow Arrivals and Passport Control signs

After disembarking, walk along the arrival corridor and follow the clearly marked signs for Arrivals / Passport Control. All terminals have multilingual signage and consistent wayfinding.

2. Clear immigration

Choose the correct lane based on your status:

• Smart Gate lane: Available for eligible visa-free visitors aged 6 and over with a biometric passport. Scan your passport photo page and complete facial recognition; the whole process takes only a few seconds.
• Visitors / visa on arrival counter: Join the staffed immigration lane. Hand over your passport, completed arrival card, and any visa documentation. The officer will stamp your passport.
• Children under 6: Must use the staffed counter even if accompanying adults are eligible for Smart Gates.

3. Collect your baggage

After immigration, proceed to the baggage claim hall. Check the information screens for your flight number and assigned carousel number. Luggage trolleys are available free of charge.

4. Pass through customs

• Use the green channel if you have nothing to declare and are within duty-free limits.
• Use the red channel if you have goods to declare.
  Random baggage scans and checks may take place at either channel.

5. Exit to the public arrivals hall

Once cleared, you will enter the main arrivals area, where you will find taxi ranks, metro connections, SIM card counters, ATMs, and currency exchange offices.

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