How much Controlled/prescription medicine can I bring into United Arab Emirates?
Restricted
You can bring Controlled/prescription medicine into United Arab Emirates only within the stated limits.
Extra conditions apply
What you need to know
- No stated quantity
- Channels: Carried with the traveler
- Extra conditions apply
Important
This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.
Official sources
- Passenger Customs Guide, Version No. 6 - 2025, Second: Baggage Declaration Dubai Customs, Government of Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Questions about Controlled/prescription medicine in United Arab Emirates
- Do I have to declare controlled/prescription medicine at United Arab Emirates customs?
- Yes — it has to be declared to United Arab Emirates customs on arrival.
- What happens if I do not declare controlled/prescription medicine in United Arab Emirates?
- Under Dubai Customs Policy, 'Declaration and Inspection of Items or, if you declare the excess yourself: the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under Dubai Customs Policy, Article: the goods are held until you leave the country. Under Dubai Customs Policy, Article: the goods are confiscated.
- Can I take controlled/prescription medicine out of United Arab Emirates?
- United Arab Emirates publishes no separate rule for taking controlled/prescription medicine out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
- Does the United Arab Emirates limit for controlled/prescription medicine apply per person or per family?
- Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.
- Where does this rule come from?
- Federal Customs Authority / ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security) states it in Passenger Customs Guide, Version No. 6 - 2025, Second: Baggage Declaration. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Fifth: Some goods accompanying passengers subject to permits by relevant authorities ... MEDICINES AND MEDICAL EQUIPMENT”
- How does United Arab Emirates compare with other countries on controlled/prescription medicine?
- Of the 20 countries covered here, 1 prohibit controlled/prescription medicine, 18 limit it and 1 let it through. United Arab Emirates is among the ones that set a limit.
Source: Federal Customs Authority / ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security) — Passenger Customs Guide, Version No. 6 - 2025, Second: Baggage Declaration · verified 2026-09-19
Source: Federal Customs Authority / ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security) — Customs Policies 2005-2020 · verified 2026-09-20
Source: Federal Customs Authority / ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security) — Passenger Customs Guide, Version No. 6 - 2025, Second: Baggage Declaration · verified 2026-09-19
Source: Federal Customs Authority / ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security) — Passenger Customs Guide, Version No. 6 - 2025, Second: Baggage Declaration · verified 2026-09-19