United Arab Emirates
Country · Middle East
The United Arab Emirates (including Dubai and Abu Dhabi) enforces some of the strictest drug laws in the world, with a zero-tolerance approach. Many medications that are routine elsewhere — including some painkillers, ADHD stimulants and sleep aids — are controlled or banned and require prior approval from UAE authorities.
Traveler warnings
CBD, cannabis, THC vapes and poppy seeds are strictly prohibited. Common Western medicines may be banned — always check MOHAP and obtain approval before you fly.
Legal status by substance category
11 categories documented for United Arab Emirates.
ADHD Stimulants (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse)
Stimulants (ADHD Medications)
Limit: Approval required
Many amphetamine-type ADHD stimulants are controlled or banned. Any permitted controlled stimulant requires prior MOHAP approval; without it, possession can lead to arrest.
Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, Klonopin)
Benzodiazepines / Anxiolytics
Limit: Approval required
Benzodiazepines are controlled. Strong benzodiazepines require prior MOHAP approval; carry attested documentation.
CBD Products (hemp-derived)
CBD Products
Limit: Prohibited
CBD and any cannabis-derived product are banned. Possession of even trace amounts can lead to prosecution.
General Prescription Medications
General Prescription Medications
Limit: Personal need
Non-controlled prescription medicines are generally allowed with a prescription, but many common medicines are controlled in the UAE — always check the MOHAP list and obtain approval where required.
Penalty: Carrying a controlled medicine without approval can lead to arrest.
Kratom
Kratom
Limit: None
Kratom is not permitted and is treated as a prohibited substance.
Penalty: Possession can lead to arrest and deportation.
Medical Cannabis / THC
Cannabis / Marijuana
Limit: Prohibited
Cannabis and all THC products are strictly prohibited. Even trace amounts can lead to imprisonment and deportation.
Opioids / Pain Medications (oxycodone, tramadol, codeine)
Opioids / Pain Medications
Limit: Approval required
Opioids including codeine and tramadol are controlled or banned. Prior MOHAP approval and attested documents are mandatory; even trace amounts can trigger prosecution.
Psilocybin / Magic Mushrooms
Psilocybin / Magic Mushrooms
Limit: None
Psilocybin and other psychedelics are strictly prohibited narcotics.
Penalty: Lengthy imprisonment and deportation; trafficking carries the most severe penalties.
Psychiatric Medications (antidepressants, antipsychotics)
Psychiatric Medications
Limit: Approval required for controlled items
Several psychiatric medicines are controlled and require prior MOHAP approval. Always check the controlled list before travel.
THC Vapes / Concentrates
THC Vapes / Concentrates
Limit: None
THC vapes and concentrates are strictly prohibited and actively detected at airports.
Penalty: Imprisonment, heavy fines and deportation.
Testosterone / TRT (Schedule III)
Testosterone / Hormone Therapy
Limit: Approval required
Testosterone is a controlled medicine; obtain MOHAP approval and carry attested documentation.
Prescription policy
Travelers carrying controlled or semi-controlled medicines must obtain prior approval from the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) before arrival and carry the original prescription and a doctor's report. Quantities are limited to personal medical need.
Controlled substances
The UAE maintains official lists of controlled and narcotic medicines. Codeine, tramadol, many ADHD stimulants, strong benzodiazepines and any cannabis-derived product fall under strict control. Even trace amounts can trigger prosecution.
Customs & border guidance
Declare all medicines on arrival. Carry MOHAP approval, original prescriptions and a doctor's letter. CBD, cannabis and THC products of any kind are prohibited and are detected by sensitive testing.
Penalties
Possession of even minute amounts of illegal drugs — including residue or CBD — can result in lengthy imprisonment, heavy fines and deportation. Trafficking can carry life imprisonment or the death penalty.
Live Alerts
UAE / Dubai: CBD, cannabis and THC vapes strictly prohibited
CriticalThe United Arab Emirates maintains a zero-tolerance policy. CBD products, cannabis and THC vape devices of any kind are banned and are actively detected at airports. Even trace amounts can lead to arrest, fines and deportation. Travelers carrying controlled medicines must obtain MOHAP approval before arrival.
Documentation required
MOHAP import approval for controlled medicines, original prescription, attested doctor's report stating diagnosis and dosage, medicines in original packaging.
For informational purposes only. This profile is not legal or medical advice. Laws change frequently; always verify with the official government, embassy, customs, or health authority before you travel.