Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports are among the most advanced in the world. Passport control is increasingly handled through Smart Gates with face and iris biometrics, and a passport stamp is no longer placed — entry is recorded digitally.
Russian citizens enter visa-free (see the visa article). Control uses Smart Gates that scan your face and iris; the stamp is replaced by a digital entry. Declare cash over ~60,000 AED and prescription medicines. Drones, poppy and seeds and certain drugs are banned (codeine, tramadol — only with a prescription). Photographing the control zone is prohibited.
01 / Smart GateBiometrics and the e-gate
Smart Gates scan your face and iris — it takes seconds. The automated gates are available to UAE citizens, residents and tourists from a number of countries, including Russians, after a first facial enrolment with an officer. If an e-gate isn’t available, use a regular desk.
02 / StepsHow to pass control
Pick a lane
The terminal has separate family lanes for passengers with children and e-gates for adults. Families are usually better off using an officer lane.
Complete biometrics
Remove glasses and headwear and look at the camera. The system matches your face and iris, and the gate opens automatically.
Declare if needed
In the “red channel”, declare cash over ~60,000 AED and restricted medicines. If in doubt, take the red channel — it’s the safer choice.
Collect your baggage
After control, head to the baggage belt. Photographing the passport-control zone and officers is prohibited: put your phone away.
03 / DeclarationWhat you must declare
- Cash and equivalents over ~60,000 AED (including currency, traveller’s cheques, precious metals).
- Prescription and restricted medicines — with a prescription and in a reasonable personal quantity.
- Goods over the duty-free allowance: alcohol and tobacco limits apply.
04 / ProhibitedWhat you can’t bring in
- 01Drones and quadcopters — import and flying are prohibited without authority approval.
- 02Poppy, poppy seeds and certain plants — classed as prohibited goods.
- 03Certain medicines with controlled substances — only with a prescription.
- 04Materials contrary to local norms and any narcotics — strictly banned.
05 / FAQFrequently asked
Do they stamp the passport?
In Dubai and Abu Dhabi the physical stamp is replaced by a digital entry. Your boarding pass and the electronic entry record serve as proof of arrival.
Who can use the Smart Gate?
UAE citizens and residents, plus tourists from a number of countries including Russians — after a first facial enrolment with an officer.
How much cash can I bring without declaring?
Amounts and equivalents up to about 60,000 AED need no declaration; above that, declare in the red channel. The threshold is reviewed periodically.
Can I bring my own medicines?
Personal medicines in a reasonable quantity — yes, but products with controlled substances (codeine, tramadol) only with a prescription. Check the medication article.