Dubai
City · Middle East
Dubai applies the UAE's strict zero-tolerance drug laws. CBD, cannabis and THC vapes are completely banned, and many common Western medicines are controlled and require prior approval from UAE health authorities before you arrive.
Traveler warnings
CBD, cannabis, THC vapes and poppy seeds are strictly prohibited. Check MOHAP and get approval before flying.
Legal status by substance category
11 categories documented for Dubai.
Benzodiazepines / Anxiolytics
Benzodiazepines / Anxiolytics
Limit: Strictly personal-use limits only; verify the exact allowance before travel.
Restricted in Dubai. Keep within personal-use limits, carry full documentation, and verify current rules with the official authority before travel.
Penalty: Exceeding limits or lacking documentation can lead to confiscation, fines, or prosecution.
CBD Products
CBD Products
Limit: None
All CBD and cannabis-derived products are banned in Dubai regardless of THC content.
Penalty: Possession can lead to arrest, fines and deportation.
Cannabis / Marijuana
Cannabis / Marijuana
Limit: None
Cannabis is strictly prohibited in Dubai. Even trace amounts can lead to prosecution.
Penalty: Imprisonment, heavy fines and deportation; trafficking can carry life imprisonment or the death penalty.
General Prescription Medications
General Prescription Medications
Limit: Personal medical supply only (typically up to a 30–90 day course); larger amounts may require an import permit.
Allowed in Dubai with a valid prescription. Carry documentation, keep medicines in original labelled packaging, and declare controlled medicines at customs.
Penalty: Carrying without a valid prescription or documentation can lead to confiscation, fines, or detention.
Kratom
Kratom
Limit: Not permitted.
Illegal in Dubai. Do not carry — possession can lead to arrest and prosecution.
Penalty: Possession can lead to arrest, fines, and imprisonment.
Opioids / Pain Medications
Opioids / Pain Medications
Limit: Strictly personal-use limits only; verify the exact allowance before travel.
Restricted in Dubai. Keep within personal-use limits, carry full documentation, and verify current rules with the official authority before travel.
Penalty: Exceeding limits or lacking documentation can lead to confiscation, fines, or prosecution.
Psilocybin / Magic Mushrooms
Psilocybin / Magic Mushrooms
Limit: Not permitted.
Illegal in Dubai. Do not carry — possession can lead to arrest and prosecution.
Penalty: Possession can lead to arrest, fines, and imprisonment.
Psychiatric Medications
Psychiatric Medications
Limit: Personal medical supply only (typically up to a 30–90 day course); larger amounts may require an import permit.
Allowed in Dubai with a valid prescription. Carry documentation, keep medicines in original labelled packaging, and declare controlled medicines at customs.
Penalty: Carrying without a valid prescription or documentation can lead to confiscation, fines, or detention.
Stimulants (ADHD Medications)
Stimulants (ADHD Medications)
Limit: Strictly personal-use limits only; verify the exact allowance before travel.
Restricted in Dubai. Keep within personal-use limits, carry full documentation, and verify current rules with the official authority before travel.
Penalty: Exceeding limits or lacking documentation can lead to confiscation, fines, or prosecution.
THC Vapes / Concentrates
THC Vapes / Concentrates
Limit: None
THC vapes are strictly prohibited and actively detected at Dubai International Airport.
Penalty: Imprisonment, heavy fines and deportation.
Testosterone / Hormone Therapy
Testosterone / Hormone Therapy
Limit: Personal medical supply only (typically up to a 30–90 day course); larger amounts may require an import permit.
Allowed in Dubai with a valid prescription. Carry documentation, keep medicines in original labelled packaging, and declare controlled medicines at customs.
Penalty: Carrying without a valid prescription or documentation can lead to confiscation, fines, or detention.
Prescription policy
Obtain MOHAP approval before travel for any controlled or semi-controlled medicine and carry the original prescription and a doctor's report. Bring only personal-use quantities.
Controlled substances
Codeine, tramadol, many ADHD stimulants and strong benzodiazepines are controlled. Any cannabis-derived product, including CBD, is prohibited.
Customs & border guidance
Declare all medicines on arrival at Dubai International Airport. Carry MOHAP approval and original documentation. Sensitive testing can detect trace amounts.
Penalties
Possession of even trace amounts of banned substances — including CBD — can lead to imprisonment, heavy fines and deportation. Trafficking can carry life imprisonment or the death penalty.
Live Alerts
Dubai (UAE): Zero tolerance — even CBD and trace THC can lead to arrest
High RiskThe UAE enforces zero tolerance, and Dubai International Airport uses sensitive detection. Even CBD oils, trace amounts of THC, poppy seeds and some codeine-based medicines can trigger arrest. Do not bring CBD or cannabis products, and obtain prior MOHAP approval for controlled medicines before you travel.
Documentation required
MOHAP import approval, original prescription, attested doctor's report, 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.