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Prescription Drugs into Dubai


chloe kitty
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I have heard that you must be very careful when entering Dubai with prescription drugs. Is this true? I heard that you should obtain a letter from your DR. stating what prescriptions you take and for what. I also understand that they should be in their original containers. Is this all correct?

 

Would appreciate any info.

 

Thank you.

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Hi

That is correct a copy of your prescription ,drugs in original packaging and a Dr note are all handy precautions .

I have been through and stayed in the UAE many times and have never been asked but it is prudent practice. I tend to travel with this stuff anyway in case I lose prescriptions and need to obtain fresh supplies whilst travelling.

The UAE is a fantastic destination it is very urban ,welcoming and fantastically clean and efficient one of my family's favourite places .

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I have heard that you must be very careful when entering Dubai with prescription drugs. Is this true? I heard that you should obtain a letter from your DR. stating what prescriptions you take and for what. I also understand that they should be in their original containers. Is this all correct?

 

Would appreciate any info.

 

Thank you.

 

There is an existing thread in this forum just on this issue:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2256477&highlight=medication

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Absolutely carry any medication (prescription or not) in its original packing including the leaflets that are packet with the medication.

That should apply to all ports in the Middle East (well, ANYWHERE really).

 

Border staff in Dubai (and AUH / BAH / MCT) are friendly, polite and welcoming - definitely more so than at your usual US airport.

If in doubt they will check your medicine's name against their comprehensive lists.

Another thing that may interest you is that A LOT of medicines are available in the UAE, but sometimes under different names (even when they are made by the same parent company). Also, a lot of stuff that is prescription only in most countries can be bought over the counter at chemists.

For example, I am taking some blood pressure regulators that are prescription only in Australia and in Muscat I get them over the counter (and cheaper) even though the packaging states "prescription only". All they ask you if you have taken the medicine before...

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Hi

That is correct a copy of your prescription ,drugs in original packaging and a Dr note are all handy precautions .

I have been through and stayed in the UAE many times and have never been asked but it is prudent practice. I tend to travel with this stuff anyway in case I lose prescriptions and need to obtain fresh supplies whilst travelling.

The UAE is a fantastic destination it is very urban ,welcoming and fantastically clean and efficient one of my family's favourite places .

 

There is an existing thread in this forum just on this issue:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2256477&highlight=medication

I appreciate all your info. Thank you.

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Absolutely carry any medication (prescription or not) in its original packing including the leaflets that are packet with the medication.

That should apply to all ports in the Middle East (well, ANYWHERE really).

 

Border staff in Dubai (and AUH / BAH / MCT) are friendly, polite and welcoming - definitely more so than at your usual US airport.

If in doubt they will check your medicine's name against their comprehensive lists.

Another thing that may interest you is that A LOT of medicines are available in the UAE, but sometimes under different names (even when they are made by the same parent company). Also, a lot of stuff that is prescription only in most countries can be bought over the counter at chemists.

For example, I am taking some blood pressure regulators that are prescription only in Australia and in Muscat I get them over the counter (and cheaper) even though the packaging states "prescription only". All they ask you if you have taken the medicine before...

 

I did not know that about purchasing prescription drugs. Hopefully, we have no problems.

 

Thank you.

Edited by chloe kitty
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  • 1 month later...
I did not know that about purchasing prescription drugs. Hopefully, we have no problems.

 

Thank you.

 

We came in tonight. Had all my medicines with original bottles, duplicates of my prescriptions, and a letter from my doctor documenting the need for the drugs. No body bothered us or asked about the drugs, even after repeated X-rays of our bags. What a waste of effort/worry.

 

We also did not have to get a visa on arrival. They just stamped out passports and off we went..

 

When we get on the ship Thursday, I'm pitching all the empty bottles I brought along. And wishing I had brought cold pills. Linda

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Glad that there was not a problem. I may or may not enter Dubai by plane and then again for excursion off Insignia and then again for a couple of days for leaving the ship. I can still make decisions about Dubai -- probably NO problem going off ship for excursion of few hours but flying in for long layover and actual visit after the cruise might be more problem.

 

Hope you feel well enough to do some things before embarkation and that you come back here and let us know what you did please.

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What a waste of effort/worry.
Just because you would have got away with breaking the rules on this occasion doesn't mean that you would be fine to break the rules on every occasion. Like living dangerously? Then ignore the Dubai rules. You will do so at your peril.
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We came in tonight. Had all my medicines with original bottles, duplicates of my prescriptions, and a letter from my doctor documenting the need for the drugs. No body bothered us or asked about the drugs, even after repeated X-rays of our bags. What a waste of effort/worry.

 

We also did not have to get a visa on arrival. They just stamped out passports and off we went..

 

When we get on the ship Thursday, I'm pitching all the empty bottles I brought along. And wishing I had brought cold pills. Linda

 

If you feel a cold coming on, stop in one of the many pharmacies (Supercare, Binsina, Boots) located in the malls, or adjacent to grocery stores. You will find Panadol Cold, Robitussin, LemSip, etc. Don't suffer on your cruise!

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I have heard that you must be very careful when entering Dubai with prescription drugs. Is this true? I heard that you should obtain a letter from your DR. stating what prescriptions you take and for what. I also understand that they should be in their original containers. Is this all correct?

 

Would appreciate any info.

 

Thank you.

 

As others have said make sure you have a copy of your current prescription and keep all medicines in their original packaging. My additional piece of advice would be to carry them in your hand luggage. I have visited Dubai on several occasions (son and family are based out there) and this was the advice given to me regarding medicines.

 

You will I am sure enjoy your visit to the Emirates - so many lovely places to see, friendly people and everywhere is so clean. Good Luck with your plans.

 

Suzanne

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We came in tonight. Had all my medicines with original bottles, duplicates of my prescriptions, and a letter from my doctor documenting the need for the drugs. No body bothered us or asked about the drugs, even after repeated X-rays of our bags. What a waste of effort/worry.

 

We also did not have to get a visa on arrival. They just stamped out passports and off we went..

 

When we get on the ship Thursday, I'm pitching all the empty bottles I brought along. And wishing I had brought cold pills. Linda

 

We had a seamless entry into the country as well, with no baggage inspection. For those future travelers reading this, I highly recommend spending the $30 or so to use the Marhaba service. We had a guide meet us and bring us through a private immigration station, and escort us to retrieve our bags. I would do this again, even though our J-class tickets entitled us to an expedited line. Hard to beat No One in line but you. :)

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