The UAE has a zero-tolerance policy on recreational drug use, strictly enforced by the Anti-Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Act*. The law penalizes the production, import, export, transport, purchase, sale, possession and storage of narcotic and psychotropic substances, except when carried out as part of supervised and regulated medical or scientific activities in accordance with applicable laws.
It is essential to be aware of local medication laws when traveling to the UAE, as non-compliance can lead to serious consequences. Travelers should carry prescriptions for their medications and verify that their medications are controlled.
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Controlled drugs
Controlled drugs in the UAE are substances that the government regulates because of their potential for abuse and addiction. These drugs are categorized under strict rules and their import, export, distribution and use are closely monitored.
Narcotics and psychotropics (controlled drug – Class A or CDa) drugs are controlled and controlled drugs are administered to patients with acute and chronic illnesses. They are mainly given to inpatients.
Controlled drugs – Class B (CDb) are semi-controlled.
Commonly controlled drugs include:
- Narcotics: strong sedatives such as morphine, codeine and fentanyl.
- Psychotropic substances: Medications that affect the mind, emotions, and behavior, such as benzodiazepines (eg, diazepam, lorazepam), antidepressants, and antipsychotics.
- Stimulants: Medications used for ADHD or narcolepsy, such as methylphenidate and amphetamines.
- Sedatives and tranquilizers: Medications used for anxiety or sleep disorders, such as barbiturates and some hypnotics.
For controlled medications and semi-controlled substances, prior approval through the Ministry of Health and Prevention (Mohap) website is mandatory for UAE residents, tourists and transit passengers. Non-controlled and over-the-counter medications do not require this prior approval.
This process usually requires detailed documentation, including a prescription and a letter from a doctor. Additionally, the amount of medication allowed is usually limited to a sufficient supply for personal use during your stay in the UAE.
Required documents:
To apply for the approval of the ministry, you must have the following documents:
Recipe:
- The prescription must include the full name of the patient, the name of the drug with the dose, the dosage form and the duration of treatment and the date of issue, along with the name of the doctor.
- The document must be issued within the last three months and recognized/stamped by the health institution where the patient is attending.
Medical report
- Medical reports must include the patient’s full name, diagnosis (medical condition), treatment plan (drug name, dose, dosage form along with duration of treatment), date of issue, and physician’s name.
- The document must be issued within the last year and recognized/stamped by the health institution where the patient is attending.
- Copy of Emirates ID and passport
How to apply for a permit
A permit allows residents of the country to obtain approvals to import personal narcotics and psychotropic drugs through shipping companies.
— Login to MoHAP website or smart app using UAE PASS and click on ‘services’.
— Click on ‘individual services’ or use the search bar to find and select ‘issue of a permit to import drugs for ‘personal use’.
— Click on ‘start service’.
— Log in to the Ministry of Health and Prevention portal with credentials or UAE permit
— From the dashboard, click ‘new application’ then select the service from the menu and click ‘create application’
— Fill in the required fields and add ‘medicine details’
— Click ‘attachment’ to add the required documents, then click ‘review’ to review or edit the information.
— Click submit
Time to process: Your application will be reviewed within three working days and is free of charge.
Guidelines for travelers transporting personal medication to the United Arab Emirates:
a) Controlled drugs (Narcotics, Psychotropics, CDA and CDB)
1. For the carriage of narcotic drugs: Travelers arriving or transiting through the United Arab Emirates require prior approval from Mohap.
2. The traveler must have in his/her possession the documents (in Arabic or English) mentioned below.
- A valid medical prescription, if the original prescription is kept in the pharmacy that issued the preparation, the traveler must carry a certified copy of the prescription.
- Certificate and/or permit certified by the health authority of the country of departure, confirming his/her legal authority to possess for personal use, the medical preparations mentioned therein.
- The amount of drugs carried by each traveler must not exceed a period of 30 days of treatment.
3. The above documents must be in the traveler’s possession during their stay in the United Arab Emirates and must be available upon request to be presented to the authorities.
4. The traveler must present the above documents to the customs authorities at the port of entry and have them signed and stamped by the customs officer.
5. Transit travelers must comply with the required procedures when entering and exiting the United Arab Emirates.
b) Regular drugs – Prescription Only Medicines (POM)
A traveler to the United Arab Emirates may carry POM drugs for personal use for a period not exceeding three months of consumption, provided they have a valid medical prescription.
c) Carrying unregistered drugs
It is prohibited by the United Arab Emirates* to bring unregistered medicines into the United Arab Emirates; therefore, travelers are not allowed to carry unregistered/prohibited drugs.
d) Carrying canceled medicines
Travelers are not allowed to carry canceled drugs as they are considered prohibited for use in the UAE.
Canceled medicines are either;
➤ were previously registered with the Ministry of Health but were later canceled due to safety or quality defects
➤ are not authorized to be recorded or distributed
e) Carrying herbal medicines
Some drugs* are prohibited in the United Arab Emirates, even if their use is permitted in the country of departure. For all other herbal medicines, follow the same procedure for common medicines (POM) as described in section (b) above.
f) Medical equipment
To carry medical devices containing any medicinal active ingredient mentioned in the above categories a, b, c, d and e you must follow the relevant procedure.
For any questions regarding “traveler procedures” contact the Narcotic and Psychotropic Control Section, Drug Registration and Control Department, Ministry of Health, United Arab Emirates.
Tel: +97126117505/6117354 Fax +9712 6313742
Contact e-mail: ah.osman@moh.gov.ae mvashokan@moh.gov.ae
The law in power
*Federal Law with Decree No. 30 of 2021
*Federal Law No. 4 for 1983
*Schedule IV of the Narcotics Law 14 of 1995 of the United Arab Emirates
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