Flying via Dubai with antidepressants, what do I need?
I am flying from US through Dubai and then flying back via dubai and staying over in Dubai for a week-end for fun.
I take prescription anti depressants (Buproprion) and also anti-anxiety meds for fear of flying (Clonazepam). I've read (extensively) in the Web a bunch of horror stories about how they have sensitive equipment and test all luggage and carry-on. One site said I have to get a notarized letter from my state and then one from the US department of state. Seems extreme.
I've also read that as long as you have your prescriptions and a doctor's note explaining why you need them, you should be OK - especially if you are only bringing in what would be normal for your condition. DXB processes so many passengers/day, it is doubtful I will get a second look. Buproprion isn't on any list for Dubai that I can find, Clonazepam is, but isn't considered a narcotic.
So if I do get a copy of my prescription, a doctor's letter, and perhaps an itemized bill from my health insurance co (so they know that I am for real) will this be enough?
I realize that there is a lot of info on the net but much of it is contradictory and out-of-date. I am interested in people with recent knowledge and experiences.
Best Answer
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'.
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Can you bring antidepressants to Dubai?
The UAE embassy advice says: \u201cIndividuals may bring medicine into the country for their personal use. Up to three months' supply of a prescription item can be brought into the country by a visitor and 12 months' supply by a resident if they can produce a doctor's letter or a copy of the original prescription.\u201dCan I bring prescribed medication to Dubai?
If you are issued approval to bring your prescription medication into the country, you can bring up to three months' supply as a visitor and 12 months' supply as a resident. The drugs should be kept in their original packaging along with your prescription.Can I bring sertraline to Dubai?
You need to go to the Arab Emirates website. It will direct you to where you apply online. This has to be done as it is a Group B controlled drug. Once you register you then need to upload a valid prescription and a letter from you gp saying you need to take them.What medication can you not take to Dubai?
Majority of medicines which are used worldwide are available in community pharmacies and hospitals in the UAE. However, narcotic, psychotropic and other controlled drugs/medicines of class A or B are neither freely available in the UAE, nor can they be freely imported into the country.Which antidepressant is right for you? | Ben's Mental Health Story | Mind
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Answer 2
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:
- You look nervous/suspicious edgy.
- 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.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
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