Is Codeine legal in Oman?
- Legal status
- Codeine is a controlled narcotic under Royal Decree 17/99 (Law on Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances); low-dose codeine is below the capital tier absent trafficking. Oman permits death for aggravated trafficking on paper (the Sultan frequently commutes), and therapeutic codeine is not death-eligible.
- Consequences if caught
- Aggravated trafficking is death-eligible on paper; unauthorised possession of codeine draws imprisonment, while prescribed use is lawful.
- If prescribed or medical
- Dispensed as a controlled prescription medicine.
- Documentation
- Ministry of Health prior permit is required to import controlled/narcotic medicines - carry a prescription and medical report (each dated within 6 months); roughly a 1-month supply.
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with Oman’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.
Before you travel
Verify current rules with the destination country’s official drug authority and your own country’s embassy before traveling. Find the destination’s U.S. embassy & official country guidance →
Non-U.S. travelers: check your own government’s travel advisory and embassy.
If you’re detained or arrested abroad
Contact your own country’s embassy or consulate in the destination immediately — not the destination’s authorities. U.S. citizens: contact the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate and the U.S. State Department at +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad). If a U.S. citizen is arrested or detained abroad →