UAE Travel Alert: Pakistanis Advised to Check Medicine Rules Before Departure
ISLAMABAD: Pakistanis travelling to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for work, business or tourism have been advised to check the country’s rules regarding medicines before leaving Pakistan.
The UAE has specific regulations for carrying medicines, particularly narcotic, psychotropic and other controlled medications. Travellers are required to confirm that the medicines they intend to carry are permitted in the UAE and that they have the necessary medical documents.
Passengers carrying prescribed medicines are advised to keep a valid prescription with them. For controlled medicines, the prescription should include important details such as the patient’s name, medicine name, dosage, form, duration of treatment, date and doctor’s information.
Travellers are also advised to keep medicines in their original packaging and carry only the quantity required for personal use. According to the information provided by UAE health authorities, narcotic or psychotropic medicines may generally be carried for personal use for up to three months, while other medicines may be allowed for up to six months, subject to applicable requirements and restrictions.
The warning is particularly important for people taking medicines for anxiety, sleep disorders, neurological conditions and other nervous-system-related problems. Some commonly prescribed medicines in these categories may contain controlled substances and could be restricted under UAE regulations.
Travellers are therefore advised to verify the legal status of their specific medicine before travelling. Checking the medicine in advance can help passengers avoid delays, confiscation or other complications at the airport.
The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention also provides an online service through which travellers can check requirements and seek approval for certain controlled medicines. While prior approval may be optional in some cases, passengers carrying controlled medication must still comply with the applicable declaration and documentation requirements.
Travellers who arrive without prior approval for controlled medicines may be required to declare the medicines to authorities. They should also have the relevant prescription and medical reports available to explain the need for the medication.
Pakistani passengers are advised not to assume that a medicine legally available in Pakistan is automatically permitted in the UAE. Regulations can differ between countries, particularly for medicines containing controlled substances.
Before travelling, passengers should verify the medicine’s status through the UAE’s official health guidelines and ensure that all required documents are available. Taking these precautions in advance can help ensure a smoother journey and prevent avoidable problems upon arrival.
