Do I have to declare narcotic or psychotropic medicines 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 narcotic or psychotropic medicines 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 narcotic or psychotropic medicines out of United Arab Emirates?

United Arab Emirates publishes no separate rule for taking narcotic or psychotropic medicines out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the United Arab Emirates limit for narcotic or psychotropic medicines 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 Drugs and controlled medicines. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “However, narcotic, psychotropic and other controlled drugs/medicines of class A or B are neither freely available in the UAE, nor can they be freely imported into the country.”

How does United Arab Emirates compare with other countries on narcotic or psychotropic medicines?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit narcotic or psychotropic medicines, 20 limit it and 0 let it through. United Arab Emirates is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Narcotic or psychotropic medicines can I bring into United Arab Emirates?

Restricted

You can bring Narcotic or psychotropic medicines into United Arab Emirates only within the stated limits.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Above allowance

Limit No stated quantity

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler

Important

This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

Drugs and controlled medicines The Official Portal of the UAE Government (u.ae)

Questions about Narcotic or psychotropic medicines in United Arab Emirates

Do I have to declare narcotic or psychotropic medicines 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 narcotic or psychotropic medicines 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 narcotic or psychotropic medicines out of United Arab Emirates?: United Arab Emirates publishes no separate rule for taking narcotic or psychotropic medicines out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the United Arab Emirates limit for narcotic or psychotropic medicines 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 Drugs and controlled medicines. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “However, narcotic, psychotropic and other controlled drugs/medicines of class A or B are neither freely available in the UAE, nor can they be freely imported into the country.”
How does United Arab Emirates compare with other countries on narcotic or psychotropic medicines?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit narcotic or psychotropic medicines, 20 limit it and 0 let it through. United Arab Emirates is among the ones that set a limit.

Related items

Accompanied cash Accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) Agricultural/forestry/fishery/livestock products (general sub-cap) Alcohol and alcoholic beverages above 22% vol (or undenatured ethyl alcohol 80% vol and over)

Related countries

Australia Canada China France

Other items in this group

Controlled substances for personal medical use (schedules II-V) Controlled/prescription medicine Dietary supplements and sports nutrition External-use medicine (personal use) Medicine containing stimulant raw materials Medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances