Is Codeine legal in State of Palestine?
- Legal status
- Codeine is a controlled narcotic - medically dispensed in the West Bank under Palestinian Authority (Jordanian-derived) narcotics law. Capital exposure differs by area: in Gaza, Hamas military orders make drug trafficking capital and executions have occurred, while in West Bank/PA areas there is no death penalty for ordinary opioid medicines. Capital does not attach to therapeutic codeine.
- Consequences if caught
- In Gaza, aggravated trafficking is death-eligible under military orders; in PA areas codeine is non-capital; unauthorised possession draws imprisonment, while prescribed use is lawful.
- If prescribed or medical
- Dispensed as a controlled prescription medicine in West Bank/PA areas.
- Documentation
- Health authority approval is required; the Gaza blockade and division leave no reliable channel - carry full documentation.
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with State of Palestine’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 →