Traveling to the UAE with Medication; While you’re free to bring in non-prescription or non-controlled medicines, certain dr*gs classified as narcotic, psychotropic, controlled, or semi-controlled require special approval.
The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department recently shared guidelines to raise awareness about the UAE’s strict dr*g laws, particularly regarding recreational dr*gs.
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Bringing Narcotic Medications to the UAE
If you need to bring narcotic drugs for medical reasons, here’s what you need to do:
- Get a permit from the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) and declare the medication at the airport.
- If someone else is bringing the medicine for you, they must have an official Power of Attorney, notarized by the proper authorities.
- You can only bring enough medicine for the treatment period, with a maximum duration of three months if the prescription is repeated.
Documents You’ll Need
- MOHAP permit.
- Medical report with your details, the medicine name, dosage, doctor’s name, and the health facility’s stamp.
- A medical report issued within the last year.
- Copy of your passport or ID.
- Medical prescription issued within the last month, authenticated by a relevant authority.
What Are Controlled Medicines?
Controlled medicines are drugs that can be addictive or abused. These include narcotics, psychotropic substances, and certain Class A and B medications. They are not freely available or importable into the UAE without a permit.
How to Check if Your Medicine Requires a Permit
To check if your medicine is controlled, visit the official UAE government website here and download the list of controlled medications. Search for your medicine to see if it’s banned or if you need a prescription, report, or permit to carry it.
How to Apply for a MOHAP Permit
Once you confirm that your medication is controlled, you’ll need to apply for an import permit from MOHAP. You can do this online through their official website, free of charge. To apply, you’ll need a UAE Pass account, which you can easily set up even as a visitor.
Once approved, the permit is valid for 2 months and can only be used once.
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Penalties for Bringing Controlled Dr*gs Without a Permit
The UAE has strict laws about bringing narcotic and controlled medicines into the country. As per Articles 10 and 11 of Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021, it is illegal to bring in narcotic dr*gs or psychotropic substances without permission. Penalties can be severe, ranging from a minimum of two years in prison and a fine of Dh100,000 to life imprisonment and fines up to Dh200,000.
It’s always better to double-check your medication before traveling and ensure you follow the necessary steps to avoid trouble at the airport.
