Dubai transfer

[Ray O'Light]

Has anyone had/heard of problems with medicines when transferring through Dubai? Apparently the list of controlled drugs(including Xanax and cough remedies)is huge ans someone has just been arrested for having a poppy seed from a bun on him.

[dawsey]

Yes I have heard of this. The UAE is very hot on passengers bringing in items deemed harmless by ourselves ie codeine tablets, and there was a case of a woman arrested and held for 4 months for that very reason.

I'd suggest a quick Google to find out the illegal items, make sure you don't have any, and keep any medicines in your checked in luggage along with a doctors note, just in case.

The poppy seeds are also on the banned list because of their connection to opium. Pretty petty, but its their country so we just have to conform.

[faultytowers]

Originally Posted by Ray O'Light

Has anyone had/heard of problems with medicines when transferring through Dubai?

I lived and worked in Dubai and have flown/transferred through the airport at least 50 times and never had a problem. Only advice I have is never carry any medicine in your hand luggage unless ;

1. It is absolutely necessary / lifesaving ( insulin , inhalers , atropine etc.).
2. You have a doctor's prescription (and would also suggest "covering letter ").

If you do have to take medicines with you , contact the airline (I'm assuming Emirates) and ask their advice.

Just checked the UAE Embassy in London website , and there is a list of "approved" medicines.

[Ray O'Light]

I've just had a look at the Embassy website and Alpazolam(Xanax) is "approved" on that one but it doesn't explain the first column of codes as far as I can see. Maybe print off the list to have with me just in case.
It sounds as though checked-in luggage isn't a problem.

[faultytowers]

Although Alprazolam (Xanax) is on their list of "approved" medicines , it is also a "Class A " Controlled substance and as such would require the revelevent documentation.

Controlled Drugs Class A - Psychotropics

• These are drugs for which a prescription must be held. The more verifying paperwork from the authorising doctor which can accompany any drug in this category, the better. In UAE, they can only be dispensed upon production of a registered (health authority-approved) prescription.
• They include some common sleeping tablets, painkillers, anti-depressants and hormone replacement therapy

If you have any worries about what you can/cannot take with you then it is probably best to contact the UAE embassy in London and ask their opinion.