UAE travellers warned against non-disclosure of excess cash, valuables
Declaration modalities, permissable limit for carrying money, other items explained
Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) has issued a warning to travellers passing through the country against the non-disclosure of “currencies, precious metals and precious stones” of sizeable value through any point of entry in the UAE.
The department said in its warning bulletins on its website that failure of travellers arriving in or departing from the Emirates through airports or ports to disclose money, precious metals and precious stones whose value exceeds Dh60,000 is a punishable crime.
A traveller, if found guilty, may be subject to imprisonment and a fine depending on the value of the undisclosed possessions.
How can one declare?
The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP), in cooperation with Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD), has launched a sophisticated electronic system called “Afsah" to enable travellers arriving in and departing from the UAE to declare cash and other specified possessions that add up to more than Dh60,000 or its equivalent in foreign currencies.
According to the “Afsah” system, each family member over the age of 18 has the right to carry an amount not exceeding this limit without disclosure. Any amount exceeding the same must necessarily be disclosed through “Afsah” or other disclosure systems approved at the country’s border crossings.
* Evasion of customs duties as determined in the Common Customs Law.
* Concealment of the origin of such funds, which may be obtained from illegal sources.
* Need to ensure smooth and safe movement of people and money.
The amount carried by travellers under the age of 18 is added to one accompanying adult family member, provided that the total value of what they carry together does not exceed Dh60,000. Cash amounts are disclosed in accordance with previous controls through the system in its electronic version via the website and the smart version via the smartphone application, where the disclosure process and registration of data can be completed easily.
The system aims to ensure the security of travelers and their money in line with international laws and standards, and in harmony with the state’s directions and legislations, which enhance the country’s competitiveness and consolidate its position regionally and globally.
Liable fines
In the event that a traveller violates the disclosure system and fails to disclose the cash and other specified possessions that exceed the permitted limit of Dh60,000, a customs fine will be imposed in accordance with the Unified Customs Law. The traveller and the seized items will be referred to the competent law enforcement authorities based on the case.
The penalty for combating money laundering or carrying money in excess of what the law allows, or concealing the sources of money, metals, or precious materials whose value exceeds what the law specifies is governed by Federal Law No. (20) of 2018. Anyone found guilty of violation regarding possession, concealment, or suspicious transaction with funds can be punished by imprisonment for a period of not less than three months and a fine of not less than Dh50,000, or by one of these two penalties, if there is sufficient evidence.
The UAE’s efforts at ensuring disclosure of cash and cash equivalents are aimed at securing the smooth movement of people and funds through the country’s border crossings, combat money laundering and terrorist financing, and provide a safe and comfortable travel experience.