Job Discussion Forums

[judyandherhorse]

Hey All,

Just wondering if anyone has had problems bringing over certain medications to the UAE ( in particular Abu Dhabi )...

[veiledsentiments]

To be honest, no one ever looked at what I was carrying. But, there has been a lot of buzz lately about people arrested transiting at the airport. I suspect that the key is to NOT look like an unkempt backpacker.

Carry your written prescriptions from your doctor.

I also hear that there is a website that lists the medications that are now on the banned list. (the travel website Lonely Planet thorntree has discussed this quite a bit lately)

VS

[veralynn]

www.moh.gov.ae is the govt list of banned medications and other substances.

[judyandherhorse]

Thanks!

Here is the link if anyone is interested :

http://www.fairtrials.net/index.php/news/article/list_of_controlled_pharmaceutical_substances_in_uae/

[veiledsentiments]

I have heard and read that most of the drugs listed here are available in the UAE - many of them still over the counter - others with prescription.

VS

[helenl]

Gulf News Article Mar/08 http://archive.gulfnews.com/articles/08/03/08/10195641.html

Check for your medication on the list.

[like2answer]

delete

[judyandherhorse]

I have a six month supply of my meds...hope its ok to bring that much into abu dhabi airport

[mishmumkin]

I hate to jinx myself, but here it goes: I must admit that I never did any research into what drugs could or could not be taken into the UAE. On multiple occasions I brought medicines such as muscle relaxers (from Egypt-no prescription necessary), non-narcotic pain-killers, and various OTC and prescription drugs into the country. I never hid them, but placed them all in the same bag within my luggage. I have never (touch wood) had my bags checked-not between 1998-2004 on my various entrances through Dubai International.

I think the horror stories we hear about occur when a visitor enters the country with clear evidence that they are intoxicated/under the influence of a suspicious drug. That said, if I were taking something for sleeping disorders or some types of psychiatric drugs then I might be a bit more careful.

[Iamherebecause]

The rules are getting stricter though, and this is the daftest possible thing to get caught on. So check the Ministry of Health web-site (link in one of the earlier messages on this thread) and if your meds are banned ask your doctor if an alternative is avaliable. If your meds are restricted then make sure you bring a copy of the prescription AND a short note - a sentence will do - from your Dr saying why you need that particular drug.
http://www.britishembassy.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1053447061752 gives the British version of the latest advice for travellers to the UAE, including advice on medications and drugs.

[veiledsentiments]

And I would reiterate... try to look as middle-aged and middle-class as possible. Every picture that I have seen of people caught up in this have been 20ish and looked like the average backpacker.

Definitely profiling at work here.

VS

[Mia Xanthi]

I brought in a lot of prescription medications to the UAE, and never had any problem. Have the pharmacist seal the bag and do not open them until you arrive. Keep a copy of the prescription with you until you clear customs. It's also a good idea to inform your doctor in the UAE that you will be bringing back meds and have a note from her/him approving your use of the medication.

I had British doctor in the UAE write a script for a medication that I had filled in the UK and brought back. You can certainly find US and UK doctors in the UAE who can do this for you.

I must say though that I never had the opportunity to test my methods. No one ever bothered to check me for anything in all the time that I lived and worked there. Like the other posters have said, it helps to look the part. If you look like the average middle-aged university teacher, chances are that no one will ever check your luggage.

[numnut]

I do look like a middle aged university or school teacher but I still got my bags searched as I came through Abu Dhabi Airport a few weeks ago. The first time in 10 years that its happened!!

[judyandherhorse]

good news - i arrived here a few days ago and didnt get searched...walked straight out, no problem - I even had a backpack on and thongs!!! very relieved