Medicines from Dubai?

Prescription medicine in Dubai?

• I have been hearing that prescription medicines are not allowed to be taken into Dubai without a doctor's note. I heard a tale of someone who had a note from his doctor for his medication but it was still confiscated. I also learned that you cannot even take codeine or aspirin into the country. So if someone suffers with headaches they have to go without! I take medication to keep my cholesterol down and beta blockers to regulate my heart rhythm. I would presume these would be okay.

• Answer:

  In case you do have to bring medication with you which you found on the "banned list" the procedure is like follows: Get a detailed doctor's report why this certain medication is prescribed, fax the same to the UAE Embassy in your country and ask for approval. If approved, your medical report being stamped by the Embassy will be returned to you. It's like an entry visa for your medication. A prescription alone won't do it, because no UAE Immigration officer will be able to authenticate the same. Please note, that you can only take a quantity of medication with you as needed for your stay. Codein belongs to the controlled durgs and is available in Government hospitals only whereas beta blockers, asperin and cholesterol lowering medication is available over the counter.