Those who are planning to travel to the UAE and bring personal medicines should take note of the announcement made by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) which is to get an online permit first for medications bought outside the UAE.
ALSO READ: UAE Gov’t to offer 1-year Free Medication Coverage to Critically-ill Patients
The announcement was regarding the proper transport of personal medications into the country. It says that visitors, expats, and even transit passengers will need to secure an electronic approval (e-approval) form when bringing personal medications purchased outside the UAE.
Guidelines for Bringing Personal Medicines to UAE – Get Your Medications Approved Online First
As per Pharmacy Law No. 4 of 1983 and the Narcotics Law No. 14 of 1995, some controlled or psychotropic medicines and narcotics – even though prescribed and/or easily accessible in countries outside the UAE – will require approval from the UAE government.
The e-form can be downloaded either through the MoHAP’s website or its mobile app.
Those who will request for approval online will have to register an account and create a profile via the ministry’s website and submit the following documents:
- A valid medical prescription. If the original document is kept at the pharmacy which issued it, a copy must be provided.
- An authenticated health certificate and/or permit issued by the governing health authority of the country of departure. The document must confirm the carrier’s legal authority to possess the medicine for personal use.
After requirements have been submitted, the ministry will review and decide whether to accept or deny the request within one (1) working day.
The medicines will be checked by a ministry inspector at the entry ports of the country with the help from immigration authorities. Rejected medicines will be taken into custody by authorities at the airport.
Also, carriers will only be allowed a maximum amount of medication enough for 3 months for regular or prescription medications, whereas controlled substances should not exceed the amount of computed dosage for 30 days, according to the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health.
Comments are closed.