Dubai: Before you pack your medication with the intention of bringing it into the UAE, consider this – do you have a permit for it?

UAE residents have the option of purchasing medicines from a host of pharmacies across the country. However, if they have undergone treatment, or require medicine from other countries, they are permitted to import them from outside the UAE, if needed.

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) allows such residents, as well as visitors, to bring in medicine, by issuing a Permit to Import Medicines for Personal Use.

Here’s everything you need to know about the permit, eligibility criteria, and how to apply.

What is the permit for?

According to MOHAP’s website, the Permit to Import Medicines for Personal Use is required for narcotics, controlled and semi-controlled medication that residents would like to bring into the country from abroad. The permit is not required for other types of drugs.

Controlled medication: According to MOHAP, controlled drugs are medicines that are strictly regulated by the authorities because of their potential for abuse, addiction and harm. Narcotics and psychotropic drugs, which are classified as Controlled Drug Class A (CDa), also fall in this category.

Controlled drugs typically include:

  • Narcotics – Strong painkillers such as morphine, codeine and fentanyl.
  • Psychotropic drugs – Medications that affect the mind, emotions and behaviour, like antidepressants, and benzodiazepines.
  • Stimulants – Central nervous system stimulants, such as those used for narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Examples include methylphenidate and amphetamines.
  • Sedatives and tranquilisers – Medications used for sleep disorders and anxiety, such as barbiturates.

Such medicines are administered under strict medical supervision and cannot be freely taken across international borders, without prior approval. They are dispensed to patients with acute and chronic diseases in line with modern medical practice, and are usually provided during in-patient treatment.

Semi-controlled medication: Medications classified as Controlled Drug Class B (CDb) are considered semi-controlled medicines. According to Dubai Health Authority (DHA), these are drugs that contain the following:

  • Medications that have medical benefits, but with long-term use in high doses or use with other substances that might lead to habituation and addiction.
  • Substances that have potential serious side effects.

For the full list of over 200 medications, including their generic names and trade names, visit MOHAP’s website: mohap.gov.ae/en/w/issue-of-permit-to-import-medicines-for-personal-use. The list identifies which ones can be brought into the UAE with a permit and which are strictly prohibited.

What if I want to bring prescription medication that’s not controlled or semi-controlled?

Regular, prescription-only medications, like non-controlled antibiotics and inhalers, do not require you to apply for a permit from MOHAP.

Imran Khan, managing director at I K Lawyers, explained: “These are standard prescription medications not featured in the international conventions or the strict UAE narcotic/psychotropic schedules. Travellers can bring up to a six-month supply for personal consumption, but a valid medical prescription must accompany the medicine.”

What is the eligibility criteria?

Whether you are a UAE resident or a tourist to the country, you can apply for this service. Here are the criteria, according to MOHAP:

UAE residents: Residents over the legal age who wish to import narcotic and controlled medicines can do so through MOHAP’s online portal and obtain prior approval. If the patient is under the legal age, their guardian must submit the application through the portal.

Tourists/visitors: Khan said the prior approval process is optional for visitors to the UAE: “Travellers can choose to apply online via the MOHAP portal using their passport details, before arrival. If they do not obtain prior online approval, they are legally permitted to carry the medication, provided they enter the Red Channel [at the airport] upon arrival, and declare it to customs. The maximum amount permitted cannot exceed a three-month supply.”

What are the required documents?

Before applying, ensure you have the following documents ready to present online, as outlined by MOHAP:

Emirates ID (for residents)

Valid passport

A prescription (a doctor's order for medicine) that should include the following:

  • The patient's full name.
  • The name of the medicine with the dose, dosage form and duration of treatment.
  • The date of issuance.
  • The name of the physician.
  • The document should be issued within the last three months and recognised/stamped by the healthcare facility from which the patient received treatment.

A medical report (a comprehensive report that covers a person's clinical history) that should include the following:

  • The patient's full name.
  • The diagnosis (medical condition).
  • The treatment plan, including the name of the medicine, dose, dosage form, along with the duration of treatment.
  • The name of the physician.
  • The document should be issued within the last year and recognised/stamped by the healthcare facility from which the patient received treatment.

How to apply for a Permit to Import Medicines for Personal Use

Follow these steps to apply for the permit:

  • Visit MOHAP’s website, mohap.gov.ae/en/w/issue-of-permit-to-import-medicines-for-personal-use, and log in using your UAE PASS if you are a resident. Visitors can create an account before logging in.
  • Navigate to ‘Issue of Permit to Import Medicines for Personal Use’. Click ‘Start Service’.
  • Fill in the required details, including the country you are coming from, and duration of stay in the UAE.
  • Next, select ‘Add Medical Product’. Here, you are required to provide the following details:

Medicine name

Strength

Generic name/active ingredient

Number of imported packs

Pack size

Unit and total quantity

Any additional details (optional)

Next, upload required documents. Click ‘Attachments’ and upload:

A valid prescription

Medical report

  • Review your application and verify the information entered. If there are any errors, click ‘Edit’ to make corrections. Read and accept the terms and conditions.
  • Click ‘Submit’ to complete your application.

After review, MOHAP will issue an approval certificate for your chosen medicine type. You will be notified via SMS or email address once the certificate is issued.

How to access the Permit

In order to access and print your certificate:

  • Click on the ‘Application Number’ in the All Applications screen.
  • Select the ‘Certificate’ tab. Click the attachment to open the certificate as a PDF file. You can save the PDF or print it, as well. 

What is the cost of the Permit?

The Permit is issued free of charge by MOHAP.