Prescription medication into Dubai

[Alwaysworryingoversomething]

I've put this in Chat, but maybe Travel is more sensible?

I am travelling to Dubai at the beginning of January. I've not been before and I'm not a very experienced traveller.

I didn't realise how strict the rules were about bringing in prescription medication.

Apparently I need a Dr letter or copies of my prescriptions. I take 5 tablets which are on electronic repeat prescription so I never actually see the piece of paper!

I'm going to phone my GP surgery this morning and ask them to provide a letter but I know that this can take time and there isn't much before I go.

I have found something called Zoomdoc which will write a letter on the same day but you still need your prescription for them to prove what you need.

I'm not sure what I'm asking really.
I'm panicking that I won't be able to go.

Does anyone have any useful experience?

Thanks

Ask the pharmacy that provides your meds for a copy of your prescription or your gp surgery. Take all meds in original unopened containers if possible. Take what you need for the trip plus maybe a couple more in case delayed. Have in hand luggage in separate clear bag. In other words look efficient 'managing' the meds! I had no prob, not even a query and I had opiates.

That's good to know @Roystonv thank you.

I just hope I can get the prescriptions from the pharmacy. Will be going there later today.

I just don't know how it works. Will they automatically search luggage for meds or is it random?

Random I think but will depend on their current instructions. All the best.

Thanks!

One option might be to get in touch with a private doctor located in Dubai, email them the prescription / whatever docs you have, and arrange to collect the drugs from
them. Not certain this would work but it would be my first move and much more relaxing than taking pills through their psycho border control.

Your bags will go through an x ray machine.

What drugs are they?

You have obviously never done anything administrative in Dubai before 😂

Your pharmacy should be giving you a printout when they dispense your meds. Have you asked them?

My daughter went Dubai in Oct. I contacted the Embassy, just to check. She is on controlled drugs. We went Dr's who printed out a copy of her medication and stamped it. That's all she needed. They didn't check it once.

Thanks everyone - much appreciated.

The drugs are not controlled (high bp, anti-coagullant, diabetes).

I've got a print out from the GP but they said it didn't need signing and if I needed anything else I would have to pay (fine) and wait for a unspecified amount of time (not fine).

I'm going to give Zoomdoc a go who will provide a letter as long as you have the prescriptions to show them.

I have never been asked or had a problem at all. I think you are worrying too much. I can imagine if opioid type pain killers you might want to be on the safe side but please don't worry about regular meds in labelled packaging.

Thanks @pollina
I can guarantee I am worrying too much!

The Embassy has a list of prohibited drugs online - it's worth checking as one of my meds isn't controlled in the UK but can't be taken into Dubai without some kind of special permit.

My specialist MS nurse wrote a letter for me to take injectable DMD and needles & a control drug onto the plane, it couldn’t go in the hold, as it would freeze etc. No one asked to see it.

Firstly, take a look at their official guide below to check whether your medication is on their controlled list: mohap.gov.ae/assets/download/d506b9c5/Annex%20to%20Travellers%20Guidelines_638003913476147501.pdf.aspx

Note that it’s mostly controlled substances that need additional permission. There is a lot of misinformation about taking medication to the UAE, the vast majority of it false so always best to read the official guidance.

If they are, you can apply for a permit here: mohap.gov.ae/en/services/issue-of-permit-to-import-medicines-for-personal-use

I’m on a lot of meds myself and travel to Dubai frequently. None of my meds are prohibited and I’ve never once been stopped.

Edited to add, even if your medication is on the list, it’s only if it’s down as prohibited that you might need to apply for permit and even then it’s optional.

If your medication is listed and you’re ONLY taking enough for your personal whilst there, you DON’T need to do anything.