guidance on paracetamol in Dubai

[Graney]

Dubai is one of the ports on our Cunard cruise. Cunard advises that codeine and also paracetamol tablets  are illegal in Dubai. Does this apply to any paracetamol which we have in our cabin? Will we have to dispose of it? Or is it just that you cannot take them ashore Can anyone advise.

[PORT ROYAL]

1 hour ago, Graney said:

Dubai is one of the ports on our Cunard cruise. Cunard advises that codeine and also paracetamol tablets  are illegal in Dubai. Does this apply to any paracetamol which we have in our cabin? Will we have to dispose of it? Or is it just that you cannot take them ashore Can anyone advise.

 

Rather than exchange with "outsiders" on CC as they will only give an opinion, on what the did or heard of someone doing in the past.

 

Best obtain the current legal status and contact the Official Government Helpline: 0800 111 11

Edited September 12, 2019 by PORT ROYAL
Telephone

[princeton123211]

We've seen this handled a few different ways in a few different situations-- like the previous poster said it is best to obtain your information either directly from the Dubai government or from Cunard. 

 

Governments handle these situations with different levels of rigor. For example Bermuda sends drug sniffing dogs onboard ships in port trying to find marijuana when the drug was actually legal in the US port the ship left from. This past season there were numerous reports of drug busts by Bermudian authorities. 

 

Will Dubai do the same? Who knows? Alcohol is illegal there yet they allow tourists to imbibe. Maybe there is an allowance for this-- always better to get the official word. 

[Host Hattie]

You might get answers on the Ports of call board

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.co.uk/forum/19-africa-amp-middle-east/

[maryann2]

1 hour ago, Graney said:

Dubai is one of the ports on our Cunard cruise. Cunard advises that codeine and also paracetamol tablets  are illegal in Dubai. Does this apply to any paracetamol which we have in our cabin? Will we have to dispose of it? Or is it just that you cannot take them ashore Can anyone advise.

Codeine is considered a narcotic and not allowed without a doctor's prescription and pre authorisation from UAE.

 

Guidelines for carrying medecines to UAE.pdf

[PORT ROYAL]

4 hours ago, Host Hattie said:

You might get answers on the Ports of call board

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.co.uk/forum/19-africa-amp-middle-east/

 

Think the correct current answers will come direct from the Embassy.  The Embassy's Official Medical Representative will be happy to issue a hard copy of their advise by E-mail.

Edited September 12, 2019 by PORT ROYAL
Predictive

[Neuhoftraveler]

On 9/12/2019 at 11:33 AM, princeton123211 said:

Bermuda sends drug sniffing dogs onboard ships in port trying to find marijuana when the drug was actually legal in the US port the ship left from.

 

Just to clarify, on a point collateral to the OP's specific question but potentially important to some:  Contrary to apparently fairly widespread belief, marijuana is not "actually legal" in any US port (or inland location, either).  Some States have enacted legislation purporting to authorize marijuana possession, use, or dealing in specified circumstances (medical and/or recreational), within that State as a matter of State law.  But all possession, use, and dealing in marijuana, for any purpose, anywhere in the United States, is still illegal as a matter of Federal law.  For a few years prior to 2016, Federal enforcement policy was to refrain from prosecuting conduct authorized by State marijuana laws.  That enforcement policy was officially, and with great fanfare, rescinded by the current Administration (although there does not appear to have been any significant wave of enforcement action against State-authorized conduct)..

[E.A. Surrey]

I lived in Dubai for many years & visit about twice a year: paracetamol can be bought in pharmacies, but codeine is on the list of controlled drugs. I would not take it into the country, although UAE guidelines state it is allowed in limited quantities, for 1 month’s use, with a doctor’s prescription. 

https://www.mohap.gov.ae/Files/MOH_Service/361/ANNEX TO TRAVELLERS GUIDELINES 08-04-2019.pdf

 

If still concerned, look on the U.K. Government’s advice pages for travellers. 

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/united-arab-emirates/entry-requirements#Medication