Dubai International Airport (DXB) has clarified a critical security and customs regulation that every traveler should memorize: the 15-phone limit. While you can carry up to 15 mobile devices in your luggage, this allowance is not a free pass.
To avoid immediate confiscation, these devices must be for personal use and remain in their original manufacturer's packaging. This rule is not just about taxes; it is a vital safety measure to manage the fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries in the aircraft hold.
The Dubai Airport mobile phone allowance is a strict rule for passenger safety. Security officers at DXB say you can carry a maximum of 15 phones. This number does not include the phone you are using. You must pack these phones carefully.
According to Gulf News, official security guidance from Dubai Airports states that "the phones must be in the manufacturer's original packaging; otherwise, they may be confiscated." This rule exists because loose phones or batteries can catch fire easily. By keeping them in their original boxes, the phones stay protected. The high-tech 3D scanners at the airport can also check them much faster.
While the security limit is 15 phones, the Dubai Customs duty-free allowance for gifts is only AED 3,000. If your new phones cost more than this amount, you need to go to the ‘Red Channel’ at customs.
As noted in the Dubai Customs iDeclare guide, "Gifts whose value exceeds AED 3,000" must be declared to avoid heavy fines or legal trouble. If you carry many expensive iPhones for your family, you might pay a 5% customs duty plus VAT. This is true even if you have fewer than 15 phones.
This rule highlights Dubai’s strong safety-first and compliance-focused approach at its airports. As mobile technology continues to advance, Dubai Customs is expected to rely more on digital tools such as the iDeclare app to streamline declarations and improve monitoring of goods brought into the country.