Can I carry regulated medicine if my flight transits through a country where it's illegal?
I have a hypothetical question. Suppose someone is flying from a country where a medicine, such as Codeine, is perfectly legal, to a country where Codeine is also perfectly legal. However, the flight has to be split at a hub airport such as Dubai, where codeine is a banned substance because it is derived from opiates. If the passenger stays air-side, then can the baggage be searched for banned substances in Dubai, even though the passenger is not technically entering UAE, but just passing through as a transit passenger?
Best Answer
If the passenger stays air-side, then can the baggage be searched for banned substances in Dubai, even though the passenger is not technically entering UAE, but just passing through as a transit passenger?
Yes. The passenger is on United Arab Emirates soil and specifically within the Emirate of Dubai. He is subject to their authority.
If instead of codeine in the suitcase he was transporting 100 kg of market-quality uncut heroin, I think it's pretty clear that the authorities in Dubai would not let the matter slide on some jurisdictional whim.
passenger is not technically entering UAE
The passenger is not seeking entry for immigration purposes while he remains in the transit area. But that does not mean he is somehow in a lawless zone outside of the control of the host state.
Now we are clear that in principle the state is entitled to enforce its laws within the airport, the more pertinent question is, will it?
Passengers within the international zone are often exempt from laws regarding possession of certain medications for personal use, because such a small quantity passing through a sterile, separate area usually poses no threat to the host state.
In particular, Dubai depends on its reputation for being a good place to connect, and upsetting travelling westerners over possession of small quantities of prescription drugs is probably not worth the time, money or reputation cost. Therefore people in the airport (and other ports) might be exempt from these laws until they apply for entry.
But that is a matter you have to check on an individual basis for each country.
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Can you bring medicine from another country?
Foreign Nationals: If you are traveling to the U.S. from a foreign country for vacation, attending university, travel for work, etc\u2026 The FDA understands that you will need to bring your personal medication while you are in the U.S. The FDA will allow foreign nationals to bring or ship a 90-day supply of drug products.Can you transport medicine?
Keep your medicines and equipment in the original packaging with labels and information leaflet. If your medicine needs to be kept cool you can use a thermos flask, cool pack or insulated pouch. Carry your medicine in your hand luggage: suitcases in the hold can become delayed or lost in transit.Can I take my medication when flying?
You can bring your medication in pill or solid form in unlimited amounts as long as it is screened. You can travel with your medication in both carry-on and checked baggage. It's highly recommended you place these items in your carry-on in the event that you need immediate access.Do medications need to be labeled flying?
Air Travel with MedicationThe TSA recommends clearly labeling medications. Your name should also appear on the prescription bottle. The same guidelines apply to vitamins and supplements too.Traveling with Medications ~ #smhTopTips
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