UAE travellers on long-term medication warned: ADHD drugs, strong painkillers and sleep medicines may be restricted abroad.
As thousands of UAE residents travel abroad during the summer holiday season, many are familiar with rules on what they can bring back into the country. However, fewer travellers consider whether the medicines in their carry-on luggage are permitted at their destination.
For some commonly used household remedies, the answer may be no. In Greece, for example, codeine — an ingredient found in several cough and cold medicines — is classified as a controlled substance and requires a prescription. This means products that are available over the counter in other countries could potentially lead to issues with customs officials.
Japan has strict regulations on certain medicines brought in by travellers. Visitors carrying codeine-based medications may need to obtain prior approval at least 14 days before departure. The country also restricts some cold and flu medicines containing pseudoephedrine, which can be classified as a controlled stimulant ingredient.
A prescription issued in another country does not necessarily exempt travellers from local laws. Carrying medication that is prohibited under Japanese regulations could result in confiscation, arrest or detention.
Medication rules vary worldwide
The restrictions extend beyond distant destinations. Egypt, for instance, prohibits tramadol, with violations carrying penalties that can include significant fines and imprisonment. In Qatar, travellers may need a doctor’s note even for some over-the-counter cold and cough medicines, meaning carrying common flu medication without documentation could lead to questions at customs.
For UAE residents taking long-term prescriptions, medicines such as ADHD treatments, strong painkillers, and anxiety or sleep medications may be classified as controlled or narcotic substances in many countries, even if they are legally prescribed in the UAE.
Does a UAE prescription protect you overseas?
In many cases, yes — but it does not provide automatic protection everywhere, according to legal consultant Ahmed Alzarooni.
He explained that the UAE’s strict regulations governing the prescription and dispensing of narcotic and psychotropic medicines, including Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021 and Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2024, enhance the reliability of UAE medical documentation and allow it to be accepted in many countries.
Alzarooni said he had not encountered cases of UAE residents facing legal issues abroad over medicines obtained from UAE pharmacies, attributing this to the country’s regulated medical system.
However, he stressed that requirements differ between destinations. Travellers should check the rules of the country they are visiting before departure and carry supporting documents, including prescriptions and medical reports. Where required, documents should be translated into English or the destination country’s language and attested according to local regulations.
His key advice: travellers are responsible for understanding the laws of their destination, and lack of awareness does not remove legal responsibility.
Rules also apply when returning to the UAE
The regulations work both ways. UAE residents bringing back controlled medicines purchased overseas must obtain a personal import permit.
The service was transferred from the Ministry of Health and Prevention to the Emirates Drug Establishment on December 29, 2025.
Passengers arriving with controlled medicines without prior approval must use the red customs channel at the airport and declare the items. They may be required to present a prescription and medical report to customs officials.
The official controlled medicines list includes more than 200 substances, specifying which medicines require permits and which are prohibited.
