Flying via Dubai with antidepressants, what do I need?

1/4/2016 5:33:27 AM

As a general rule – if you are carrying medication – you should also carry a doctor’s prescription for that medication (if applicable); especially if its a controlled substance (like a controlled narcotic or pain killer); but it is also recommended even if you are taking relatively innocent medication – as what is controlled depends on each country.

Truthfully, Dubai Customs pulls you over based on your behavior/demeanor rather than a wholesale approach of scanning everyone. They will pull you over if:

  1. You look nervous/suspicious edgy.
  2. Your bags trigger a secondary check – your personal baggage is scanned right after immigration.

If you use a pill organizer; make sure it is empty and the medication is in its original packaging/box with its labels (this just helps to identify the drugs – otherwise you may have to wait as a sample of the medication is tested to confirm its contents).

Practically speaking, from my numerous visits to Dubai – it is a very rare that one is pulled over for medication – unless you are carrying a very large amount without justification – or if it is not packed appropriately. Dubai is a hub for international drug smugglers for both recreational and prohibited drugs – so the authorities are especially looking out for these indicators.

1/2/2016 12:16:12 PM

In my experience of travelling through DXB (repeatedly, within the last 6 months, with prescription medication each time), they definitely do not scan all baggage with any kind of ‘equipment’ that can detect personal quantities of prescription medication.

To be honest, I don’t think they’ll either notice or care. So I think the answer to your question “what do I need?” – assuming your prescription is printed on the medication box – is ‘nothing’.

Credit:stackoverflow.com‘

About me

Hello,My name is Aparna Patel,I’m a Travel Blogger and Photographer who travel the world full-time with my hubby.I like to share my travel experience.

Search Posts

Latest posts

Popular posts