Many travellers carry regular medicines: for blood pressure, diabetes, nerves or pain. The UAE has strict laws on narcotic and psychotropic drugs, and that worries travellers. The good news is that the rules are clear and, for most medicines, the process is simple. This article is based on the service page "Issue of Permit to Import Medicines for Personal Use" of the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) and the "Drugs and controlled medicines" page of the official UAE Government portal (`u.ae`), checked on 25 October 2026.
Medicine classes
The UAE Government portal divides controlled medicines into two classes:
| Class | Description |
|---|---|
| Class A | Narcotic and psychotropic medicines; they have special prescriptions |
| Class B | Semi-controlled medicines; with an ordinary medical prescription |
According to the same page, narcotic, psychotropic and other Class A or B controlled medicines are neither freely available in the UAE nor freely imported. "Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021 on combating narcotics and psychotropic substances" makes it a crime to produce, import, transport, buy, sell or possess these substances, except in supervised medical or scientific activity. Other prescription medicines are allowed for personal use in "normal quantity".
Quantity limits
| Type of medicine | Stated limit |
|---|---|
| Ordinary prescription medicines | Up to a 6-month supply, per the Emirates Drug Establishment FAQ |
| Narcotic, controlled and psychotropic medicines | Up to a 3-month supply |
The Emirates Drug Establishment page gives a 3-month limit for travellers in its conditions section and 6 months for ordinary prescription medicines in its FAQ; if you carry more than 3 months' worth, ask the establishment before travelling or obtain a permit.
The permit before travel
| Subject | Official rule |
|---|---|
| For travellers | Optional; it can be obtained online for convenience |
| For residents importing medicines through a shipping company | Apply in the electronic system; adults themselves and minors through a guardian |
| Fee | Free |
| Time | One working day |
| Channel | The Emirates Drug Establishment website |
| Support | Call centre 80033784 |
Documents
| Document | Condition |
|---|---|
| Prescription | Issued in the last 3 months; with the patient's full name, the medicine name and dose, dosage form, treatment duration, date of issue and doctor's name; issued or stamped by the treating facility |
| Medical report | Issued in the last year; with the medical history, the patient's full name, diagnosis, treatment plan, date of issue and doctor's name; issued or stamped by the treating facility |
A traveller carrying a narcotic or psychotropic medicine must carry both documents.
If you have no permit
- Medicines not on the controlled list can be carried without a prior permit.
- If a traveller cannot apply, they may carry medicines with a prescription or medical report, up to a 3-month supply.
- A transit passenger who does not leave the airport needs no approval.
The UAE Government portal also refers to the Dubai Customs passengers' guide and the Sharjah Customs banned and restricted goods page; the article "Entering the UAE with cash, gold and gifts" lists the groups of goods that need a permit.
Residents importing medicines by post
The Emirates Drug Establishment says UAE residents can also obtain approval to import personal narcotic and psychotropic medicines through shipping companies. An adult applies in the electronic system themselves, and a guardian applies for a minor. The service is aimed at patients of all ages.
Where to ask
| Question | Official contact |
|---|---|
| Medicine import permit | Emirates Drug Establishment call centre, 80033784 |
| Fake or harmful medicines | Ministry of Health and Prevention hotline, 80011111 |
| List of controlled medicines | The "List of controlled medicines" link on the UAE Government portal page |
Two examples
These examples are hypothetical and only apply the official rules above. Whether a medicine is on the controlled list must be checked in the official list or with the Emirates Drug Establishment.
Example 1: blood pressure medicine for 4 months. A traveller on a long trip carries an ordinary blood pressure medicine for 4 months.
| Question | Answer under the official rules |
|---|---|
| On the controlled list? | Assumed in this example: no |
| Quantity | 4 months; below the FAQ's 6-month limit but above the conditions section's 3 months |
| Suggested step | Carry a prescription from the last 3 months and obtain the free permit before travelling |
Example 2: a psychotropic medicine for 2 months. A traveller carries a psychotropic medicine for a 2-month supply.
| Condition | Status |
|---|---|
| 3-month limit | 2 months; met |
| Prescription | Issued in the last 3 months, carried by the traveller |
| Medical report | Issued in the last year, carried by the traveller |
| Permit | Optional, free, one working day; obtaining it makes entry easier |
Practical points
- Before travelling, ask whether your medicine is on the controlled list; the UAE Government portal links to the list of controlled medicines.
- Check the dates: the prescription must be from the last 3 months and the medical report from the last year.
- Limit the quantity to what the trip needs; more than 3 months is not allowed for controlled medicines.
- The permit is free and takes one working day; for a controlled medicine, obtain it before travelling.
- If you only pass through UAE airports without leaving, no approval is needed.
- See the general entry conditions in the article "UAE entry requirements".
Royal Golden does not give medical or legal advice. This article is general information, and the decision on the entry of any medicine rests with the Emirates Drug Establishment and the border authorities.
Sources
- Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE), Issue of Permit to Import Medicines for Personal Use — https://www.ede.gov.ae/w/issue-of-permit-to-import-medicines-for-personal-use (checked on 25 October 2026)
- UAE Government portal, Drugs and controlled medicines — https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/health-and-fitness/Health-and-wellbeing/drugs-and-controlled-medicines (checked on 25 October 2026)