Although there are restrictions as to bringing controlled medicines into the UAE, you can’t ignore your medical needs, especially if it’s for a cure, prevention, and maintenance. Luckily, the UAE has considered that expats are likely to bring controlled medicines inside the country if they have medical conditions. The country has made rules and regulations regarding this case. If you are traveling to any city in the city and you need to bring your medications, this article will help you become aware of what you should do before and during your flight.
Also Read: Prohibited and Restricted Items Upon Arrival in the UAE
The authorities of the UAE forbid the use of drugs and controlled medicines in the country. This is in line with their goals to regulate the use of medicines throughout the nation. Some of the reasons why this kind of regulation is currently being implemented include the elimination of drug abuse, limiting the purpose of narcotics to scientific and medical only, and stopping the distribution of drugs through illegal channels.
Both the Pharmacy Federal Law No. 4 of 1983 and Narcotic Law 14 of 1995 are created to control the importation of medicines such as psychotropic drugs, narcotics, and controlled medications. If you will encounter authorities checking your baggage, especially the medicines you have, don’t panic. It’s all part of the process. To help you better understand, here are the things that you should do if you bring controlled medicines into the UAE.
What should you do when you bring controlled medicines into the UAE?
Before your flight, you have to remind yourself that there are rules and regulations for controlled medicines. But first, you have to know what controlled medication is. Usually, people with chronic or acute diseases need to undergo controlled medication. Some of them use medications for maintenance. There are controlled drugs A and B. Those that fall under the category of A refers to psychotic and narcotic drugs while the B category is the group of drugs that are semi-controlled. Here in the UAE, most medicines can be availed from pharmacies and hospitals but not everyone can buy them. The medicines that are under A and B categories are usually restricted.
Now that you know what controlled medications are, here are some of the things that you should do regarding the medicines that you will bring into the UAE.
• Secure the documentation you need to support the medicines you are going to bring during your flight.
• The documentation needed is valid medical prescriptions and an authenticated permit from the health authorities in your county.
• Regardless if you are working in the country or you will just visit, you need to present the documents so the customs officials can sign and stamp your files.
• In case the pharmacy where you bought your medicines has your prescription, you should still bring an attested copy of the original medical prescription.
• Limit your controlled medicines that will last for 3-month usage.
• You are not allowed to bring medications that are not authorized, registered, or distributed in the UAE. If the drugs are banned in the UAE, you will not be permitted to bring them within the country. But, if you think you are not violating any rules, you can still raise your concern to the Ministry of Health in the country by calling them at +9712-6117505 or +9712-6117354.
• If you want to avoid the hassle at the airport upon your arrival, you can get approval before your flight. This is done through the electronic website of the country. All you have to do is to fill up the approval form and submit it online.
• When applying for approval online, you have to prepare a copy of your passport, Emirates ID, and medical report attested by your country’s health authorities.
Bringing controlled medicines in the UAE is fine. You don’t have to panic. You don’t have to use this as a reason to stop getting your dream job. All you have to do is to secure all the necessary documents. It’s important as well that you coordinate with the customs authorities once you landed at the UAE airport. If you are bringing controlled drugs for legal purposes, there is nothing to worry about.