Legal status in United Arab Emirates

Per-substance legal status for United Arab Emirates, from sourced statutes where available. Legal information, not legal advice — drug laws change; confirm with the destination’s embassy or drug authority before you travel.

Last updated: 2026-07-14

1P-LSD

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with UAE MOHAP / your embassy
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not named by a reachable UAE source. Zero-tolerance regime under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021: possessing, importing, or transporting narcotics/psychotropics outside regulated medical use is criminalised, and 'I didn't know' is not a defense. First-time possession starts at 3 months' imprisonment plus a AED 20,000 fine, and can carry detention, deportation, and a travel ban.
If prescribed / medical: Not confirmed — verify with MOHAP / your embassy before travel.
Documentation: MOHAP import permit (apply ~2 weeks before travel) + the prescription + an attested medical report + original packaging; declare at customs. Without a permit but with a prescription and medical report you must still declare at customs — officers may allow entry or confiscate the medicine and detain you.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

2-FDCK

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with UAE MOHAP / your embassy
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not named by a reachable UAE source. Zero-tolerance regime under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021: possessing, importing, or transporting narcotics/psychotropics outside regulated medical use is criminalised, and 'I didn't know' is not a defense. First-time possession starts at 3 months' imprisonment plus a AED 20,000 fine, and can carry detention, deportation, and a travel ban.
If prescribed / medical: Not confirmed — verify with MOHAP / your embassy before travel.
Documentation: MOHAP import permit (apply ~2 weeks before travel) + the prescription + an attested medical report + original packaging; declare at customs. Without a permit but with a prescription and medical report you must still declare at customs — officers may allow entry or confiscate the medicine and detain you.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

25I-NBOMe

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with UAE MOHAP / your embassy
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not named by a reachable UAE source. Zero-tolerance regime under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021: possessing, importing, or transporting narcotics/psychotropics outside regulated medical use is criminalised, and 'I didn't know' is not a defense. First-time possession starts at 3 months' imprisonment plus a AED 20,000 fine, and can carry detention, deportation, and a travel ban.
If prescribed / medical: Not confirmed — verify with MOHAP / your embassy before travel.
Documentation: MOHAP import permit (apply ~2 weeks before travel) + the prescription + an attested medical report + original packaging; declare at customs. Without a permit but with a prescription and medical report you must still declare at customs — officers may allow entry or confiscate the medicine and detain you.

Source · Updated 2026-06-25

2C-B

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with UAE MOHAP / your embassy
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not named by a reachable UAE source. Zero-tolerance regime under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021: possessing, importing, or transporting narcotics/psychotropics outside regulated medical use is criminalised, and 'I didn't know' is not a defense. First-time possession starts at 3 months' imprisonment plus a AED 20,000 fine, and can carry detention, deportation, and a travel ban.
If prescribed / medical: Not confirmed — verify with MOHAP / your embassy before travel.
Documentation: MOHAP import permit (apply ~2 weeks before travel) + the prescription + an attested medical report + original packaging; declare at customs. Without a permit but with a prescription and medical report you must still declare at customs — officers may allow entry or confiscate the medicine and detain you.

Source · Updated 2026-06-25

2C-E

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with UAE MOHAP / your embassy
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not named by a reachable UAE source. Zero-tolerance regime under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021: possessing, importing, or transporting narcotics/psychotropics outside regulated medical use is criminalised, and 'I didn't know' is not a defense. First-time possession starts at 3 months' imprisonment plus a AED 20,000 fine, and can carry detention, deportation, and a travel ban.
If prescribed / medical: Not confirmed — verify with MOHAP / your embassy before travel.
Documentation: MOHAP import permit (apply ~2 weeks before travel) + the prescription + an attested medical report + original packaging; declare at customs. Without a permit but with a prescription and medical report you must still declare at customs — officers may allow entry or confiscate the medicine and detain you.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

2C-I

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with UAE MOHAP / your embassy
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not named by a reachable UAE source. Zero-tolerance regime under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021: possessing, importing, or transporting narcotics/psychotropics outside regulated medical use is criminalised, and 'I didn't know' is not a defense. First-time possession starts at 3 months' imprisonment plus a AED 20,000 fine, and can carry detention, deportation, and a travel ban.
If prescribed / medical: Not confirmed — verify with MOHAP / your embassy before travel.
Documentation: MOHAP import permit (apply ~2 weeks before travel) + the prescription + an attested medical report + original packaging; declare at customs. Without a permit but with a prescription and medical report you must still declare at customs — officers may allow entry or confiscate the medicine and detain you.

Source · Updated 2026-06-25

2C-T-7

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with UAE MOHAP / your embassy
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not named by a reachable UAE source. Zero-tolerance regime under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021: possessing, importing, or transporting narcotics/psychotropics outside regulated medical use is criminalised, and 'I didn't know' is not a defense. First-time possession starts at 3 months' imprisonment plus a AED 20,000 fine, and can carry detention, deportation, and a travel ban.
If prescribed / medical: Not confirmed — verify with MOHAP / your embassy before travel.
Documentation: MOHAP import permit (apply ~2 weeks before travel) + the prescription + an attested medical report + original packaging; declare at customs. Without a permit but with a prescription and medical report you must still declare at customs — officers may allow entry or confiscate the medicine and detain you.

Source · Updated 2026-06-25

3-MMC

Legal status: 3-MMC (3-methylmethcathinone) is controlled — the UAE controlled list names the parent Cathinone and Methcathinone as Psychotropic Schedule I substances, and 3-MMC is caught by that derivative language plus the 1971 Convention obligation (Federal Decree-Law 30/2021).
Consequences if caught: Under Decree-Law 30/2021, trafficking is death/life-eligible; 3-MMC is reached via the cathinone-derivative language, so treat trafficking as capital-eligible — EXTREME-risk — even though 3-MMC is not itself on a traveller-facing named list.
If prescribed / medical: No recognised medical use and no lawful prescription route.
Documentation: No lawful personal-import route; zero-tolerance, EXTREME enforcement risk.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

4-AcO-DMT

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with UAE MOHAP / your embassy
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not named by a reachable UAE source. Zero-tolerance regime under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021: possessing, importing, or transporting narcotics/psychotropics outside regulated medical use is criminalised, and 'I didn't know' is not a defense. First-time possession starts at 3 months' imprisonment plus a AED 20,000 fine, and can carry detention, deportation, and a travel ban.
If prescribed / medical: Not confirmed — verify with MOHAP / your embassy before travel.
Documentation: MOHAP import permit (apply ~2 weeks before travel) + the prescription + an attested medical report + original packaging; declare at customs. Without a permit but with a prescription and medical report you must still declare at customs — officers may allow entry or confiscate the medicine and detain you.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

4-HO-MET

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with UAE MOHAP / your embassy
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not named by a reachable UAE source. Zero-tolerance regime under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021: possessing, importing, or transporting narcotics/psychotropics outside regulated medical use is criminalised, and 'I didn't know' is not a defense. First-time possession starts at 3 months' imprisonment plus a AED 20,000 fine, and can carry detention, deportation, and a travel ban.
If prescribed / medical: Not confirmed — verify with MOHAP / your embassy before travel.
Documentation: MOHAP import permit (apply ~2 weeks before travel) + the prescription + an attested medical report + original packaging; declare at customs. Without a permit but with a prescription and medical report you must still declare at customs — officers may allow entry or confiscate the medicine and detain you.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

5-MeO-DMT (Bufo / Toad)

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with UAE MOHAP / your embassy
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not named by a reachable UAE source. Zero-tolerance regime under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021: possessing, importing, or transporting narcotics/psychotropics outside regulated medical use is criminalised, and 'I didn't know' is not a defense. First-time possession starts at 3 months' imprisonment plus a AED 20,000 fine, and can carry detention, deportation, and a travel ban.
If prescribed / medical: Not confirmed — verify with MOHAP / your embassy before travel.
Documentation: MOHAP import permit (apply ~2 weeks before travel) + the prescription + an attested medical report + original packaging; declare at customs. Without a permit but with a prescription and medical report you must still declare at customs — officers may allow entry or confiscate the medicine and detain you.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

6-APB

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with UAE MOHAP / your embassy
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not named by a reachable UAE source. Zero-tolerance regime under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021: possessing, importing, or transporting narcotics/psychotropics outside regulated medical use is criminalised, and 'I didn't know' is not a defense. First-time possession starts at 3 months' imprisonment plus a AED 20,000 fine, and can carry detention, deportation, and a travel ban.
If prescribed / medical: Not confirmed — verify with MOHAP / your embassy before travel.
Documentation: MOHAP import permit (apply ~2 weeks before travel) + the prescription + an attested medical report + original packaging; declare at customs. Without a permit but with a prescription and medical report you must still declare at customs — officers may allow entry or confiscate the medicine and detain you.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH)

Legal status: 7-Hydroxymitragynine, a kratom alkaloid, is controlled together with the plant (no separate isolate carve-out): kratom is listed under the UAE federal narcotics schedules (Federal Decree-Law 30/2021) and 7-OH is scheduled with the plant as one of its active constituents (exact schedule text and any drug-specific capital tier left to confirmation).
Consequences if caught: Import or possession of a scheduled narcotic is penalised under Federal Decree-Law 30/2021, with imprisonment and heavy fines; enforcement at the border is strict.
If prescribed / medical: No lawful medical route — kratom and its alkaloids are scheduled narcotics with no authorised UAE product.
Documentation: No lawful personal-import route; kratom is prohibited to import.

Source · Updated 2026-07-13

Adderall

Legal status: Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts) has no separate legal identity — it is regulated AS amphetamine: scheduled psychotropic (Table No. 5) under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021.
Consequences if caught: First possession/use ≥3 months or a fine (rehab diversion possible; non-nationals deported). Trafficking or promotion of a Table-5 psychotropic is DEATH-PENALTY or life eligible (Decree-Law 30/2021). Amphetamine carries capital exposure.
If prescribed / medical: Prescription stimulant via strictly controlled medical channels; carrying it without a local permit/prescription risks arrest.
Documentation: MOHAP import permit (apply ~2 weeks before travel) + the prescription + an attested medical report + original packaging; declare at customs. Without a permit but with a prescription and medical report you must still declare at customs — officers may allow entry or confiscate the medicine and detain you.

Source · Updated 2026-07-13

Alcohol

Legal status: Licensed with restrictions — alcohol (ethanol) is legal but tightly regulated; Federal Decree-Law No. 15 of 2020 decriminalised private possession and consumption by adults 21+, with licensed sale in most emirates. Sharjah remains a dry emirate.
Consequences if caught: No longer a criminal offence to drink privately at 21+; public intoxication, drink-driving and consumption in Sharjah remain punishable. Muslims may still face restrictions.
If prescribed / medical: n/a — a beverage, not a medicine.
Documentation: Bought at licensed shops, hotels and bars in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other emirates; tourists may purchase on a passport (2020+ liberalisation), residents via a licence. Sharjah bans sale and consumption outright.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Amanita muscaria

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with UAE MOHAP / your embassy
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not named by a reachable UAE source. Zero-tolerance regime under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021: possessing, importing, or transporting narcotics/psychotropics outside regulated medical use is criminalised, and 'I didn't know' is not a defense. First-time possession starts at 3 months' imprisonment plus a AED 20,000 fine, and can carry detention, deportation, and a travel ban.
If prescribed / medical: Not confirmed — verify with MOHAP / your embassy before travel.
Documentation: MOHAP import permit (apply ~2 weeks before travel) + the prescription + an attested medical report + original packaging; declare at customs. Without a permit but with a prescription and medical report you must still declare at customs — officers may allow entry or confiscate the medicine and detain you.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Amphetamine

Legal status: Scheduled psychotropic (Table No. 5) under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021.
Consequences if caught: First possession/use ≥3 months or a fine (rehab diversion possible; non-nationals deported). Trafficking or promotion of a Table-5 psychotropic is DEATH-PENALTY or life eligible (Decree-Law 30/2021). Amphetamine carries capital exposure.
If prescribed / medical: Prescription stimulant via strictly controlled medical channels; carrying it without a local permit/prescription risks arrest.
Documentation: MOHAP import permit (apply ~2 weeks before travel) + the prescription + an attested medical report + original packaging; declare at customs. Without a permit but with a prescription and medical report you must still declare at customs — officers may allow entry or confiscate the medicine and detain you.

Source · Updated 2026-07-13

Amyl Nitrite

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with UAE MOHAP / your embassy
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not named by a reachable UAE source. Zero-tolerance regime under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021: possessing, importing, or transporting narcotics/psychotropics outside regulated medical use is criminalised, and 'I didn't know' is not a defense. First-time possession starts at 3 months' imprisonment plus a AED 20,000 fine, and can carry detention, deportation, and a travel ban.
If prescribed / medical: Not confirmed — verify with MOHAP / your embassy before travel.
Documentation: MOHAP import permit (apply ~2 weeks before travel) + the prescription + an attested medical report + original packaging; declare at customs. Without a permit but with a prescription and medical report you must still declare at customs — officers may allow entry or confiscate the medicine and detain you.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Ayahuasca

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with UAE MOHAP / your embassy
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not named by a reachable UAE source. Zero-tolerance regime under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021: possessing, importing, or transporting narcotics/psychotropics outside regulated medical use is criminalised, and 'I didn't know' is not a defense. First-time possession starts at 3 months' imprisonment plus a AED 20,000 fine, and can carry detention, deportation, and a travel ban.
If prescribed / medical: Not confirmed — verify with MOHAP / your embassy before travel.
Documentation: MOHAP import permit (apply ~2 weeks before travel) + the prescription + an attested medical report + original packaging; declare at customs. Without a permit but with a prescription and medical report you must still declare at customs — officers may allow entry or confiscate the medicine and detain you.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Barbiturates

Legal status: Controlled under Federal Decree-Law 30/2021 — phenobarbital is a MOHAP Controlled Drug (Psychotropic Schedule IV), with pentobarbital and amobarbital in Psychotropic Schedule III and secobarbital in Psychotropic Schedule II. Capital exposure attaches to trafficking or promotion under Decree-Law 30/2021; the barbiturate-specific capital threshold is left to confirmation.
Consequences if caught: Personal possession/use carries imprisonment plus mandatory deportation for non-nationals; trace amounts prosecuted. Trafficking or promotion is death/life-eligible.
If prescribed / medical: Phenobarbital is a prescribable controlled medicine (MOHAP CD, anticonvulsant); import requires a prior MOHAP/EDE eDrug import permit — up to a 3-month supply with attested prescription and medical report.
Documentation: Federal Decree-Law 30/2021, psychotropic Tables 5–8; MOHAP Annex to Travellers' Guidelines lists phenobarbital (Psychotropic Schedule IV), pentobarbital/amobarbital (Schedule III), secobarbital (Schedule II).

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Benzodiazepines

Legal status: Controlled — MOHAP import permit required (e.g. alprazolam/Xanax, diazepam/Valium)
Consequences if caught: Non-permitted possession is treated as a controlled-substance offence. Zero-tolerance regime under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021: possessing, importing, or transporting narcotics/psychotropics outside regulated medical use is criminalised, and 'I didn't know' is not a defense. First-time possession starts at 3 months' imprisonment plus a AED 20,000 fine, and can carry detention, deportation, and a travel ban.
If prescribed / medical: Importable only with a MOHAP permit obtained in advance, plus your prescription and an attested medical report.
Documentation: MOHAP import permit (apply ~2 weeks before travel) + the prescription + an attested medical report + original packaging; declare at customs. Without a permit but with a prescription and medical report you must still declare at customs — officers may allow entry or confiscate the medicine and detain you.

Source · Updated 2026-06-25

Buprenorphine

Legal status: Buprenorphine is a controlled narcotic under Federal Decree-Law 30/2021 — a 1971 Schedule III opioid, a lighter tier than methadone; capital exposure attaches only where an act is committed with trafficking intent, not to prescribed use.
Consequences if caught: Aggravated narcotics trafficking is death-eligible on paper, but that reaches trafficking of narcotic-table substances — prescribed/personal buprenorphine is non-capital (custodial penalties otherwise).
If prescribed / medical: Dispensed as a controlled prescription medicine with prior MOHAP approval.
Documentation: MOHAP/EDE prior import approval is required even with a prescription; carry an attested prescription/medical report and original packaging.

Source · Updated 2026-07-13

Caffeine

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with UAE MOHAP / your embassy
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not named by a reachable UAE source. Zero-tolerance regime under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021: possessing, importing, or transporting narcotics/psychotropics outside regulated medical use is criminalised, and 'I didn't know' is not a defense. First-time possession starts at 3 months' imprisonment plus a AED 20,000 fine, and can carry detention, deportation, and a travel ban.
If prescribed / medical: Not confirmed — verify with MOHAP / your embassy before travel.
Documentation: MOHAP import permit (apply ~2 weeks before travel) + the prescription + an attested medical report + original packaging; declare at customs. Without a permit but with a prescription and medical report you must still declare at customs — officers may allow entry or confiscate the medicine and detain you.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Cannabis / THC

Legal status: Prohibited — Table No. 1 narcotic; cannabis and cannabis extracts (Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021)
Consequences if caught: Cannabis and cannabis extracts are listed in Table No. 1 (134 narcotic substances). Import, export, transport, possession, and acquisition are criminalised except for controlled medical/scientific use (Arts. 10–11). Cannabis personal use/possession is handled under Art. 42: a minimum of 3 months' imprisonment or a AED 20,000–100,000 fine, escalating on repeat offences. Trafficking or possession with intent to traffic/promote (Art. 58): the death penalty or life imprisonment; where the weight exceeds 1,000 g, life imprisonment plus a fine of at least AED 200,000. (Executions for drug offences are reportedly rare in practice; courts more commonly impose life imprisonment.) Foreign nationals convicted are subject to deportation (Art. 75).
If prescribed / medical: CBD and hemp products are also prohibited regardless of a foreign prescription (UAE govt portal); cannabis is permitted only under controlled medical/scientific authorisation (Arts. 10–11). Obtain a MOHAP import permit in advance.
Documentation: No recreational/personal import. Only controlled medical/scientific authorisation under Arts. 10–11 via a MOHAP import permit (apply ~2 weeks ahead) with prescription, attested medical report, and original packaging; declare at customs.

Source · Updated 2026-06-25

Cathinone

Legal status: Illegal — cathinone (khat's natural principal alkaloid) is a 1971 Convention SCHEDULE I psychotropic and is on the MOHAP controlled-substances schedules under Federal Decree-Law 30/2021. Mechanism: 1971 Sch-I transposition, named. As the parent compound it is DISTINCT from the khat PLANT (Catha edulis, separately named on the narcotic schedule) and from the synthetic cathinones (mephedrone and many scheduled NPS) that derive from it; cathinone is the named Sch-I alkaloid, cathine the milder metabolite (1971 Schedule III). Capital is reachable at judicial discretion — the Decree-Law permits death for aggravated trafficking, with no substance-specific capital weight.
Consequences if caught: Zero-tolerance controlled substance: aggravated trafficking of the alkaloid can be capital at judicial discretion (no fixed threshold). Extreme risk.
If prescribed / medical: 1971 Schedule I substance with no accepted medical use and no lawful prescription route for the isolated alkaloid.
Documentation: No personal-carry or import route; trafficking of the alkaloid carries death exposure.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

CBD

Legal status: CBD (cannabidiol) is controlled as cannabis — Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021 expressly extends the cannabis definition to hemp, hemp seeds and THC- and CBD-related products, so despite the 2021/2022 reforms CBD oil remains a prohibited narcotic.
Consequences if caught: Zero-tolerance at airports and mail — customs confiscate CBD and criminal charges can follow, and trace amounts in blood can trigger charges; Article 42 softened first-time personal-use handling (referral/treatment), but carrying CBD remains a criminal narcotics matter, with capital exposure for aggravated trafficking leaving CBD-specific capital exposure to confirmation.
If prescribed / medical: A narrow institutional route exists: narcotic-class medicines may be imported only through licensed channels via MOHAP with a pre-approved registered prescription — not a traveller-carry allowance and not covering consumer CBD oil.
Documentation: Consumer CBD is prohibited regardless of paperwork; narcotic-class medicines can enter only via a pre-approved MOHAP import permit with a registered prescription through licensed channels.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Clonazepam

Legal status: Controlled psychotropic (MOHAP Controlled Drug, CD) under Federal Decree-Law 30/2021, corresponding to the 1971 Convention Schedule IV psychotropic tier for clonazepam. Capital exposure attaches to trafficking or promotion under Decree-Law 30/2021; the clonazepam-specific capital threshold is left to confirmation.
Consequences if caught: Personal possession/use carries imprisonment plus mandatory deportation for non-nationals; trace amounts prosecuted. Trafficking or promotion is death/life-eligible.
If prescribed / medical: Prescribable controlled medicine (MOHAP CD); import requires a prior MOHAP/EDE eDrug import permit — up to a 3-month supply with attested prescription and medical report.
Documentation: Federal Decree-Law 30/2021, psychotropic Tables 5–8; MOHAP Annex to Travellers' Guidelines lists clonazepam as a permit-required Controlled Drug (Psychotropic Schedule IV).

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Cocaine

Legal status: Prohibited — Table No. 1 narcotic (Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021)
Consequences if caught: Listed among the 134 narcotic substances in Table No. 1. Import, export, transport, possession, and acquisition are criminalised except for controlled medical/scientific use (Arts. 10–11). Personal use/possession (Art. 41): a minimum of 3 months' imprisonment or a AED 20,000–100,000 fine, escalating on repeat offences (6 months, then 2 years). Trafficking or possession with intent to traffic/promote (Art. 58 / Schedule 10, by weight): the death penalty or life imprisonment; where the weight exceeds 1,000 g, life imprisonment plus a fine of at least AED 200,000. (Executions for drug offences are reportedly rare in practice; courts more commonly impose life imprisonment.) Foreign nationals convicted are subject to deportation (Art. 75).
If prescribed / medical: Permitted only under controlled medical/scientific authorisation (Arts. 10–11); a foreign prescription alone is not an exemption. Obtain a MOHAP import permit in advance.
Documentation: MOHAP import permit (apply ~2 weeks before travel) + the prescription + an attested medical report + original packaging; declare at customs. Without a permit but with a prescription and medical report you must still declare at customs — officers may allow entry or confiscate the medicine and detain you.

Source · Updated 2026-06-25

Codeine

Legal status: Codeine is explicitly enumerated as a controlled substance (Table 2) under Federal Decree-Law 30/2021; prescribed low-dose codeine is lawful only with prior approval. Trafficking committed with intent to traffic or promote is death-eligible, but that capital tier attaches to aggravated narcotic trafficking, not to therapeutic codeine.
Consequences if caught: Aggravated narcotic trafficking is death-eligible; unauthorised possession or supply of codeine draws imprisonment, while prescribed use with prior approval is lawful.
If prescribed / medical: Dispensed as a Table 2 controlled medicine, lawful only with prior MOHAP approval.
Documentation: CONFIRMED TRAP: MOHAP prior import approval is required for controlled/narcotic medicines even with a prescription - codeine is expressly enumerated (Table 2).

Source · Updated 2026-07-13

Crack Cocaine

Legal status: Crack is the freebase (base) form of cocaine and has no separate legal identity in the UAE: it is controlled AS cocaine, a Table No. 1 narcotic under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021, whose schedule covers cocaine, its salts and preparations and thus reaches the base/freebase form. Crack is prohibited identically to cocaine, with severe penalties for trafficking (capital-eligible for aggravated cases) carrying over whether powder or base.
Consequences if caught: Possession and use of crack (as cocaine) draw imprisonment and deportation for non-citizens; trafficking carries long imprisonment up to the death penalty in aggravated cases under the Federal Decree-Law.
If prescribed / medical: Cocaine has no recognised therapeutic use in the UAE; the crack/freebase base has no medicinal preparation and cannot be prescribed.
Documentation: No prescription documentation exists for crack/freebase cocaine.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Delta-8-THC

Legal status: Controlled — delta-8-THC (Δ8-THC) is caught as a tetrahydrocannabinol under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021, whose Table No. 1 covers cannabis, cannabis extracts and THC; delta-8 is controlled as an isomer of THC. Distinct only in name from cannabis, a Table 1 narcotic. Trafficking is capital-eligible; the capital reach of a pure delta-8 isomer is left to confirmation.
Consequences if caught: Zero tolerance; possession and trafficking are serious offences; trafficking is death-eligible (life imprisonment common in practice).
If prescribed / medical: No recognised medical use; delta-8-THC is not a prescribable medicine.
Documentation: No lawful personal import; a controlled narcotic tetrahydrocannabinol.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Diazepam

Legal status: Controlled psychotropic (MOHAP Controlled Drug, CD) under Federal Decree-Law 30/2021, corresponding to the 1971 Convention Schedule IV psychotropic tier for diazepam. Capital exposure attaches to trafficking or promotion under Decree-Law 30/2021; the diazepam-specific capital threshold is left to confirmation.
Consequences if caught: Personal possession/use carries imprisonment plus mandatory deportation for non-nationals; trace amounts prosecuted. Trafficking or promotion is death/life-eligible.
If prescribed / medical: Prescribable controlled medicine (MOHAP CD); import requires a prior MOHAP/EDE eDrug import permit — up to a 3-month supply with attested prescription and medical report.
Documentation: Federal Decree-Law 30/2021, psychotropic Tables 5–8; MOHAP Annex to Travellers' Guidelines lists diazepam as a permit-required Controlled Drug (Psychotropic Schedule IV).

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

DMT

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with UAE MOHAP / your embassy
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not named by a reachable UAE source. Zero-tolerance regime under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021: possessing, importing, or transporting narcotics/psychotropics outside regulated medical use is criminalised, and 'I didn't know' is not a defense. First-time possession starts at 3 months' imprisonment plus a AED 20,000 fine, and can carry detention, deportation, and a travel ban.
If prescribed / medical: Not confirmed — verify with MOHAP / your embassy before travel.
Documentation: MOHAP import permit (apply ~2 weeks before travel) + the prescription + an attested medical report + original packaging; declare at customs. Without a permit but with a prescription and medical report you must still declare at customs — officers may allow entry or confiscate the medicine and detain you.

Source · Updated 2026-06-25

DOM

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with UAE MOHAP / your embassy
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not named by a reachable UAE source. Zero-tolerance regime under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021: possessing, importing, or transporting narcotics/psychotropics outside regulated medical use is criminalised, and 'I didn't know' is not a defense. First-time possession starts at 3 months' imprisonment plus a AED 20,000 fine, and can carry detention, deportation, and a travel ban.
If prescribed / medical: Not confirmed — verify with MOHAP / your embassy before travel.
Documentation: MOHAP import permit (apply ~2 weeks before travel) + the prescription + an attested medical report + original packaging; declare at customs. Without a permit but with a prescription and medical report you must still declare at customs — officers may allow entry or confiscate the medicine and detain you.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

DXM

Legal status: Semi-controlled cough medicine. Dextromethorphan (DXM)-containing cough compounds appear on the UAE Ministry of Health's list of registered controlled/semi-controlled products; DXM is handled as a regulated (semi-controlled) medicine rather than a scheduled narcotic/psychotropic, so import and purchase are restricted and must be declared.
Consequences if caught: Undeclared or unpermitted import/supply of DXM cough products can lead to seizure, fines or detention; because DXM is not a scheduled narcotic, there is no trafficking (capital) exposure.
If prescribed / medical: Cough-suppressant status: semi-controlled medicine — dispensed under pharmacy control, with a prescription typically required for the controlled/semi-controlled compounds.
Documentation: Travellers should carry a prescription and declare DXM cough medicine; semi-controlled products need proper documentation to import.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Ephedrine

Legal status: Regulated as a chemical PRECURSOR (1988 UN Convention Table I — a methamphetamine precursor), NOT as a scheduled narcotic; a precursor (1988 Table I) and restricted controlled medicine under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021; import needs MOH pre-approval.
Consequences if caught: No confirmed capital exposure — Decree-Law 30/2021's death/life tier attaches to trafficking scheduled narcotics/psychotropics, not precursors. Bringing it without an MOH permit → seizure, detention, prosecution.
If prescribed / medical: Also a pharmacy/prescription decongestant-bronchodilator medicine subject to sales limits; carry documentation for a personal supply.
Documentation: MOHAP import permit (apply ~2 weeks before travel) + the prescription + an attested medical report + original packaging; declare at customs. Without a permit but with a prescription and medical report you must still declare at customs — officers may allow entry or confiscate the medicine and detain you.

Source · Updated 2026-07-13

Etizolam

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with UAE MOHAP / your embassy
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not named by a reachable UAE source. Zero-tolerance regime under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021: possessing, importing, or transporting narcotics/psychotropics outside regulated medical use is criminalised, and 'I didn't know' is not a defense. First-time possession starts at 3 months' imprisonment plus a AED 20,000 fine, and can carry detention, deportation, and a travel ban.
If prescribed / medical: Not confirmed — verify with MOHAP / your embassy before travel.
Documentation: MOHAP import permit (apply ~2 weeks before travel) + the prescription + an attested medical report + original packaging; declare at customs. Without a permit but with a prescription and medical report you must still declare at customs — officers may allow entry or confiscate the medicine and detain you.

Source · Updated 2026-07-13

Fentanyl

Legal status: Prohibited — Table No. 1 narcotic (Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021)
Consequences if caught: Listed among the 134 narcotic substances in Table No. 1. Import, export, transport, possession, and acquisition are criminalised except for controlled medical/scientific use (Arts. 10–11). Personal use/possession (Art. 41): a minimum of 3 months' imprisonment or a AED 20,000–100,000 fine, escalating on repeat offences (6 months, then 2 years). Trafficking or possession with intent to traffic/promote (Art. 58 / Schedule 10, by weight): the death penalty or life imprisonment; where the weight exceeds 1,000 g, life imprisonment plus a fine of at least AED 200,000. (Executions for drug offences are reportedly rare in practice; courts more commonly impose life imprisonment.) Foreign nationals convicted are subject to deportation (Art. 75).
If prescribed / medical: Permitted only under controlled medical/scientific authorisation (Arts. 10–11); a foreign prescription alone is not an exemption. Obtain a MOHAP import permit in advance.
Documentation: MOHAP import permit (apply ~2 weeks before travel) + the prescription + an attested medical report + original packaging; declare at customs. Without a permit but with a prescription and medical report you must still declare at customs — officers may allow entry or confiscate the medicine and detain you.

Source · Updated 2026-06-25

Gabapentin

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with UAE MOHAP / your embassy
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not named by a reachable UAE source. Zero-tolerance regime under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021: possessing, importing, or transporting narcotics/psychotropics outside regulated medical use is criminalised, and 'I didn't know' is not a defense. First-time possession starts at 3 months' imprisonment plus a AED 20,000 fine, and can carry detention, deportation, and a travel ban.
If prescribed / medical: Not confirmed — verify with MOHAP / your embassy before travel.
Documentation: MOHAP import permit (apply ~2 weeks before travel) + the prescription + an attested medical report + original packaging; declare at customs. Without a permit but with a prescription and medical report you must still declare at customs — officers may allow entry or confiscate the medicine and detain you.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

GBL

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with UAE MOHAP / your embassy
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not named by a reachable UAE source. Zero-tolerance regime under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021: possessing, importing, or transporting narcotics/psychotropics outside regulated medical use is criminalised, and 'I didn't know' is not a defense. First-time possession starts at 3 months' imprisonment plus a AED 20,000 fine, and can carry detention, deportation, and a travel ban.
If prescribed / medical: Not confirmed — verify with MOHAP / your embassy before travel.
Documentation: MOHAP import permit (apply ~2 weeks before travel) + the prescription + an attested medical report + original packaging; declare at customs. Without a permit but with a prescription and medical report you must still declare at customs — officers may allow entry or confiscate the medicine and detain you.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

GHB

Legal status: Controlled psychotropic under Federal Decree-Law 30/2021, listed as a Psychotropic Schedule IV substance (GHB). Capital exposure attaches to trafficking or promotion under Decree-Law 30/2021; the GHB-specific capital threshold is left to confirmation.
Consequences if caught: Personal possession/use carries imprisonment plus mandatory deportation for non-nationals; trace amounts prosecuted. Trafficking or promotion is death/life-eligible.
If prescribed / medical: Prescribable only in rare specialist use; import requires a prior MOHAP/EDE eDrug import permit — up to a 3-month supply with attested prescription and medical report.
Documentation: Federal Decree-Law 30/2021, psychotropic Tables 5–8; MOHAP Annex to Travellers' Guidelines lists GHB as permit-required (Psychotropic Schedule IV).

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Heroin

Legal status: Prohibited — Table No. 1 narcotic (Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021)
Consequences if caught: Listed among the 134 narcotic substances in Table No. 1. Import, export, transport, possession, and acquisition are criminalised except for controlled medical/scientific use (Arts. 10–11). Personal use/possession (Art. 41): a minimum of 3 months' imprisonment or a AED 20,000–100,000 fine, escalating on repeat offences (6 months, then 2 years). Trafficking or possession with intent to traffic/promote (Art. 58 / Schedule 10, by weight): the death penalty or life imprisonment; where the weight exceeds 1,000 g, life imprisonment plus a fine of at least AED 200,000. (Executions for drug offences are reportedly rare in practice; courts more commonly impose life imprisonment.) Foreign nationals convicted are subject to deportation (Art. 75).
If prescribed / medical: Permitted only under controlled medical/scientific authorisation (Arts. 10–11); a foreign prescription alone is not an exemption. Obtain a MOHAP import permit in advance.
Documentation: MOHAP import permit (apply ~2 weeks before travel) + the prescription + an attested medical report + original packaging; declare at customs. Without a permit but with a prescription and medical report you must still declare at customs — officers may allow entry or confiscate the medicine and detain you.

Source · Updated 2026-06-25

HHC

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with UAE MOHAP / your embassy
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not named by a reachable UAE source. Zero-tolerance regime under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021: possessing, importing, or transporting narcotics/psychotropics outside regulated medical use is criminalised, and 'I didn't know' is not a defense. First-time possession starts at 3 months' imprisonment plus a AED 20,000 fine, and can carry detention, deportation, and a travel ban.
If prescribed / medical: Not confirmed — verify with MOHAP / your embassy before travel.
Documentation: MOHAP import permit (apply ~2 weeks before travel) + the prescription + an attested medical report + original packaging; declare at customs. Without a permit but with a prescription and medical report you must still declare at customs — officers may allow entry or confiscate the medicine and detain you.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Hydrocodone

Legal status: Hydrocodone is a controlled narcotic in the tables of Federal Decree-Law 30/2021; it is not marketed in the UAE. Where an act is committed with intent to traffic or promote, narcotic-table opioids are death-eligible (no published gram threshold), so aggravated hydrocodone trafficking is capital.
Consequences if caught: Trafficking with intent is death-eligible under Decree-Law 30/2021; prescribed personal use is not capital, but importing without prior approval can be treated as a narcotics offence.
If prescribed / medical: Dispensed only as a controlled narcotic under prescription; there is no ordinary retail supply.
Documentation: Traveller trap: MOHAP/EDE prior import approval is required for controlled or narcotic medicines even with a prescription; carry an attested prescription/medical report and original packaging.

Source · Updated 2026-07-13

Ketamine

Legal status: Controlled psychotropic (MOHAP Controlled Drug, CD) under Federal Decree-Law 30/2021, corresponding to the 1971 Convention Schedule II psychotropic tier. Capital exposure attaches to trafficking or promotion under Decree-Law 30/2021; the ketamine-specific capital threshold is left to confirmation.
Consequences if caught: Personal possession/use carries imprisonment plus mandatory deportation for non-nationals; trace amounts prosecuted. Trafficking or promotion is death/life-eligible.
If prescribed / medical: Prescribable controlled medicine (MOHAP CD, anaesthetic); import requires a prior MOHAP/EDE eDrug import permit — up to a 3-month supply with attested prescription and medical report.
Documentation: Federal Decree-Law 30/2021, psychotropic Tables 5–8; MOHAP Annex to Travellers' Guidelines lists ketamine as a permit-required Controlled Drug (Psychotropic Schedule II).

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Khat

Legal status: Illegal — BOTH controlled; Catha edulis is named on the narcotic schedule under Federal Law No. 14 of 1995, and the alkaloids are scheduled. Mechanism: NAMED (plant + alkaloid). The death penalty exists for trafficking, but khat cases draw life/long imprisonment plus deportation in practice — below the realistic capital tier.
Consequences if caught: Zero tolerance; possession has drawn life sentences and deportation. Never transit khat through UAE airports.
If prescribed / medical: Khat is traditional plant material with no recognised medical use and no lawful prescription route.
Documentation: No lawful personal-import route; the plant is named on the narcotic schedule and seized at the border.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Kratom

Legal status: Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is controlled/prohibited in the UAE — listed under the federal narcotics schedules (Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021); import and possession are penalised. The plant and its active constituents are scheduled, mitragynine being the principal alkaloid; the exact schedule text (separate alkaloid versus plant) is left to confirmation.
Consequences if caught: Narcotics offences under Federal Decree-Law 30/2021 carry imprisonment, heavy fines and deportation for foreigners; undocumented import is aggressively enforced at entry.
If prescribed / medical: No lawful medical route — kratom has no UAE marketing authorisation and is not prescribable.
Documentation: No lawful personal-import route; kratom is a scheduled narcotic and carrying it risks arrest at the border.

Source · Updated 2026-07-13

Lorazepam

Legal status: Controlled psychotropic (MOHAP Controlled Drug, CD) under Federal Decree-Law 30/2021, corresponding to the 1971 Convention Schedule IV psychotropic tier for lorazepam. Capital exposure attaches to trafficking or promotion under Decree-Law 30/2021; the lorazepam-specific capital threshold is left to confirmation.
Consequences if caught: Personal possession/use carries imprisonment plus mandatory deportation for non-nationals; trace amounts prosecuted. Trafficking or promotion is death/life-eligible.
If prescribed / medical: Prescribable controlled medicine (MOHAP CD); import requires a prior MOHAP/EDE eDrug import permit — up to a 3-month supply with attested prescription and medical report.
Documentation: Federal Decree-Law 30/2021, psychotropic Tables 5–8; MOHAP Annex to Travellers' Guidelines lists lorazepam as a permit-required Controlled Drug (Psychotropic Schedule IV).

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

LSA (Morning Glory)

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with UAE MOHAP / your embassy
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not named by a reachable UAE source. Zero-tolerance regime under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021: possessing, importing, or transporting narcotics/psychotropics outside regulated medical use is criminalised, and 'I didn't know' is not a defense. First-time possession starts at 3 months' imprisonment plus a AED 20,000 fine, and can carry detention, deportation, and a travel ban.
If prescribed / medical: Not confirmed — verify with MOHAP / your embassy before travel.
Documentation: MOHAP import permit (apply ~2 weeks before travel) + the prescription + an attested medical report + original packaging; declare at customs. Without a permit but with a prescription and medical report you must still declare at customs — officers may allow entry or confiscate the medicine and detain you.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

LSD

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with UAE MOHAP / your embassy
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not named by a reachable UAE source. Zero-tolerance regime under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021: possessing, importing, or transporting narcotics/psychotropics outside regulated medical use is criminalised, and 'I didn't know' is not a defense. First-time possession starts at 3 months' imprisonment plus a AED 20,000 fine, and can carry detention, deportation, and a travel ban.
If prescribed / medical: Not confirmed — verify with MOHAP / your embassy before travel.
Documentation: MOHAP import permit (apply ~2 weeks before travel) + the prescription + an attested medical report + original packaging; declare at customs. Without a permit but with a prescription and medical report you must still declare at customs — officers may allow entry or confiscate the medicine and detain you.

Source · Updated 2026-06-25

MDA

Legal status: Controlled — MDA is a scheduled narcotic under Federal Decree-Law 30/2021 on Narcotics. NAMED/scheduled mechanism. CAPITAL available (caught): trafficking is death-eligible under the anti-narcotics law, though long imprisonment is more common in practice.
Consequences if caught: Trafficking death-eligible; trace amounts prosecuted; zero tolerance.
If prescribed / medical: Scheduled narcotic with no recognised medical use; no lawful prescription route.
Documentation: No lawful personal import; even trace amounts prosecuted.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

MDMA

Legal status: Prohibited psychotropic under Federal Decree-Law 30/2021, listed as a Psychotropic Schedule I (prohibited) substance with no lawful medical route. Trafficking or promotion is death/life-eligible under Decree-Law 30/2021; the exact MDMA capital threshold is left to confirmation.
Consequences if caught: Personal possession/use carries imprisonment plus mandatory deportation for non-nationals; trace amounts prosecuted under the zero-tolerance regime. Trafficking or promotion is death/life-eligible.
If prescribed / medical: No lawful import route; MDMA is a prohibited psychotropic with no MOHAP eDrug-permit dispensing channel.
Documentation: Federal Decree-Law 30/2021, psychotropic Tables 5–8 (Psychotropic Schedule I, prohibited); MOHAP Annex to Travellers' Guidelines lists MDMA as prohibited.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

MDPV

Legal status: Controlled. UAE Federal Decree-Law 30/2021 carries detailed controlled tables covering synthetic cathinones/NPS and MDPV is a 1971 Convention Schedule II psychotropic; the specific by-name entry is left to confirmation. Capital exposure is via the trafficking regime (discretionary); the specific MDPV threshold is left to confirmation.
Consequences if caught: Illegal; zero-tolerance enforcement with trace amounts prosecuted, and trafficking is capital-eligible (discretionary). Do NOT carry.
If prescribed / medical: MDPV has no recognised medical use and no lawful prescription route in the UAE.
Documentation: No lawful personal-import route; trace amounts prosecuted, do not carry.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Memantine

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with UAE MOHAP / your embassy
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not named by a reachable UAE source. Zero-tolerance regime under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021: possessing, importing, or transporting narcotics/psychotropics outside regulated medical use is criminalised, and 'I didn't know' is not a defense. First-time possession starts at 3 months' imprisonment plus a AED 20,000 fine, and can carry detention, deportation, and a travel ban.
If prescribed / medical: Not confirmed — verify with MOHAP / your embassy before travel.
Documentation: MOHAP import permit (apply ~2 weeks before travel) + the prescription + an attested medical report + original packaging; declare at customs. Without a permit but with a prescription and medical report you must still declare at customs — officers may allow entry or confiscate the medicine and detain you.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Mephedrone (4-MMC)

Legal status: Controlled — NAMED / TREATY-floor. Mephedrone is captured by the UAE MOHAP controlled-substances schedules under Federal Decree-Law 30/2021, which list narcotic/psychotropic substances 'and their derivatives' and explicitly schedule many NPS/cathinones. Capital is reachable at judicial discretion — the Decree-Law permits death for aggravated trafficking, with no substance-specific capital weight.
Consequences if caught: Zero-tolerance controlled substance: aggravated trafficking can be capital at judicial discretion (no fixed threshold). Extreme risk.
If prescribed / medical: Controlled psychotropic with no recognised medical use and no lawful prescription route.
Documentation: No personal-carry or import route; trafficking carries death exposure.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Mescaline

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with UAE MOHAP / your embassy
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not named by a reachable UAE source. Zero-tolerance regime under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021: possessing, importing, or transporting narcotics/psychotropics outside regulated medical use is criminalised, and 'I didn't know' is not a defense. First-time possession starts at 3 months' imprisonment plus a AED 20,000 fine, and can carry detention, deportation, and a travel ban.
If prescribed / medical: Not confirmed — verify with MOHAP / your embassy before travel.
Documentation: MOHAP import permit (apply ~2 weeks before travel) + the prescription + an attested medical report + original packaging; declare at customs. Without a permit but with a prescription and medical report you must still declare at customs — officers may allow entry or confiscate the medicine and detain you.

Source · Updated 2026-06-25

Methadone

Legal status: Methadone is a controlled narcotic under Federal Decree-Law 30/2021; it is death-eligible where the act is committed with trafficking intent or by an organised gang, with no published gram threshold; prescribed use is non-capital.
Consequences if caught: Trafficking of narcotic-table opioids is death-eligible; prescribed personal use is non-capital but strictly controlled.
If prescribed / medical: Prescribed as a controlled narcotic (OST access limited).
Documentation: MOHAP prior import approval is required even with a prescription; carry an attested prescription/medical report dated within 3 months, roughly a 3-month maximum supply.

Source · Updated 2026-07-13

Methamphetamine

Legal status: Controlled psychotropic under Federal Decree-Law 30/2021, listed as a Psychotropic Schedule II substance (metamfetamine). Capital exposure attaches to trafficking or promotion under Decree-Law 30/2021 (death or life for trafficking/promotion); the methamphetamine-specific capital threshold is left to confirmation.
Consequences if caught: Personal possession/use carries imprisonment plus mandatory deportation for non-nationals; trace amounts prosecuted. Trafficking or promotion is death/life-eligible.
If prescribed / medical: Theoretically a controlled medicine only; not practically dispensed. Any lawful medical import would require a prior MOHAP/EDE eDrug import permit with attested prescription and medical report.
Documentation: Federal Decree-Law 30/2021, psychotropic Tables 5–8; MOHAP Annex to Travellers' Guidelines lists metamfetamine (Psychotropic Schedule II).

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Methaqualone (Quaaludes)

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with UAE MOHAP / your embassy
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not named by a reachable UAE source. Zero-tolerance regime under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021: possessing, importing, or transporting narcotics/psychotropics outside regulated medical use is criminalised, and 'I didn't know' is not a defense. First-time possession starts at 3 months' imprisonment plus a AED 20,000 fine, and can carry detention, deportation, and a travel ban.
If prescribed / medical: Not confirmed — verify with MOHAP / your embassy before travel.
Documentation: MOHAP import permit (apply ~2 weeks before travel) + the prescription + an attested medical report + original packaging; declare at customs. Without a permit but with a prescription and medical report you must still declare at customs — officers may allow entry or confiscate the medicine and detain you.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Methylone

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with UAE MOHAP / your embassy
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not named by a reachable UAE source. Zero-tolerance regime under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021: possessing, importing, or transporting narcotics/psychotropics outside regulated medical use is criminalised, and 'I didn't know' is not a defense. First-time possession starts at 3 months' imprisonment plus a AED 20,000 fine, and can carry detention, deportation, and a travel ban.
If prescribed / medical: Not confirmed — verify with MOHAP / your embassy before travel.
Documentation: MOHAP import permit (apply ~2 weeks before travel) + the prescription + an attested medical report + original packaging; declare at customs. Without a permit but with a prescription and medical report you must still declare at customs — officers may allow entry or confiscate the medicine and detain you.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Methylphenidate

Legal status: Scheduled psychotropic (Table No. 5) under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021; a controlled medicine requiring a MOHAP import permit.
Consequences if caught: First possession/use ≥3 months or a fine (rehab diversion possible). Trafficking of a scheduled psychotropic is death/life eligible; methylphenidate is a licit medicine but carrying it without a MOHAP permit risks arrest.
If prescribed / medical: Prescription ADHD/narcolepsy medicine (e.g. Ritalin/Concerta) via controlled channels; carry the original prescription and any required import permit.

Source · Updated 2026-07-13

Mitragynine

Legal status: Mitragynine, the principal alkaloid of kratom, is controlled/prohibited in the UAE: kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is listed under the federal narcotics schedules (Federal Decree-Law 30/2021), and the alkaloids are scheduled with the plant as its active constituents (exact schedule text and any drug-specific capital tier left to confirmation).
Consequences if caught: Import or possession of a scheduled narcotic is penalised under Federal Decree-Law 30/2021, with imprisonment and heavy fines; enforcement at the border is strict.
If prescribed / medical: No lawful medical route — kratom and its alkaloids are scheduled narcotics with no authorised UAE product.
Documentation: No lawful personal-import route; kratom is prohibited to import.

Source · Updated 2026-07-13

Modafinil

Legal status: Controlled medicine ('CD' category on the MOHAP/INCB travellers list — below the narcotic/psychotropic schedules); needs a MOHAP import permit + prescription + attested report.
Consequences if caught: Undeclared/unpermitted import: seizure, fine, arrest/detention, possible deportation. No capital exposure (controlled-medicine offence, not scheduled-drug trafficking).
If prescribed / medical: Obtain a MOHAP import permit + carry the prescription and an attested report before travel.
Documentation: MOHAP import permit (apply ~2 weeks before travel) + the prescription + an attested medical report + original packaging; declare at customs. Without a permit but with a prescription and medical report you must still declare at customs — officers may allow entry or confiscate the medicine and detain you.

Source · Updated 2026-07-13

Morphine

Legal status: Morphine is a controlled narcotic listed in the drug tables of Federal Decree-Law 30/2021 and is death-eligible where the act is committed with trafficking or promotion intent or by an organised gang; a per-gram capital floor is not published.
Consequences if caught: Unauthorised possession draws imprisonment; trafficking or promoting narcotic-table opioids such as morphine (or organised-gang offences) is death-eligible.
If prescribed / medical: Available on prescription as a controlled narcotic for severe and cancer pain under strict records.
Documentation: TRAVELLER TRAP — MOHAP prior import approval is required for controlled narcotics even with a prescription; carry an attested prescription and original packaging.

Source · Updated 2026-07-13

MXE

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with UAE MOHAP / your embassy
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not named by a reachable UAE source. Zero-tolerance regime under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021: possessing, importing, or transporting narcotics/psychotropics outside regulated medical use is criminalised, and 'I didn't know' is not a defense. First-time possession starts at 3 months' imprisonment plus a AED 20,000 fine, and can carry detention, deportation, and a travel ban.
If prescribed / medical: Not confirmed — verify with MOHAP / your embassy before travel.
Documentation: MOHAP import permit (apply ~2 weeks before travel) + the prescription + an attested medical report + original packaging; declare at customs. Without a permit but with a prescription and medical report you must still declare at customs — officers may allow entry or confiscate the medicine and detain you.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Nicotine

Legal status: Nicotine is legal in the United Arab Emirates in tobacco and in nicotine-replacement therapy, and the nicotine DELIVERY product is notable for reversal: the UAE previously banned e-cigarettes, but from mid-April 2019 the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA) legalised their sale and use under mandatory technical standards (UAE.S 5030-1/2:2018). Vapes and e-liquids are now lawful but must be registered and conform to ESMA/MOHAP requirements.
Consequences if caught: Sale and personal use of registered, standards-compliant vapes are lawful for adults 18+ where smoking is permitted; selling to minors and unregistered/non-conforming imports are penalised and subject to seizure. This regulated status contrasts with neighbouring Gulf states that still ban vapes.
If prescribed / medical: Nicotine-replacement therapy is a regulated medicine; consumer vaping is a standards-regulated retail product, not a prescription item.
Documentation: Devices and e-liquids sold in the UAE must be registered and carry ESMA-approved labelling and conformity certification.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Nitrous Oxide

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with UAE MOHAP / your embassy
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not named by a reachable UAE source. Zero-tolerance regime under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021: possessing, importing, or transporting narcotics/psychotropics outside regulated medical use is criminalised, and 'I didn't know' is not a defense. First-time possession starts at 3 months' imprisonment plus a AED 20,000 fine, and can carry detention, deportation, and a travel ban.
If prescribed / medical: Not confirmed — verify with MOHAP / your embassy before travel.
Documentation: MOHAP import permit (apply ~2 weeks before travel) + the prescription + an attested medical report + original packaging; declare at customs. Without a permit but with a prescription and medical report you must still declare at customs — officers may allow entry or confiscate the medicine and detain you.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Oxycodone

Legal status: Oxycodone is a controlled narcotic under Federal Decree-Law 30/2021 (narcotic tables) — a strong opioid; trafficking committed with intent to traffic or promote is death-eligible, so aggravated oxycodone trafficking is within the capital tier (no published gram threshold).
Consequences if caught: Unauthorised possession is prosecuted; narcotics trafficking committed with trafficking intent or by an organised gang is death-eligible under Decree-Law 30/2021 — oxycodone as a narcotic-table opioid is within that capital tier (lesser custodial sentences typical for prescribed-traveller cases).
If prescribed / medical: Dispensed as a controlled narcotic on prescription.
Documentation: TRAVELLER TRAP: MOHAP/EDE prior import approval is required for controlled/narcotic medicines even with a prescription — carry an attested prescription/medical report and original packaging.

Source · Updated 2026-07-13

PCP

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with UAE MOHAP / your embassy
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not named by a reachable UAE source. Zero-tolerance regime under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021: possessing, importing, or transporting narcotics/psychotropics outside regulated medical use is criminalised, and 'I didn't know' is not a defense. First-time possession starts at 3 months' imprisonment plus a AED 20,000 fine, and can carry detention, deportation, and a travel ban.
If prescribed / medical: Not confirmed — verify with MOHAP / your embassy before travel.
Documentation: MOHAP import permit (apply ~2 weeks before travel) + the prescription + an attested medical report + original packaging; declare at customs. Without a permit but with a prescription and medical report you must still declare at customs — officers may allow entry or confiscate the medicine and detain you.

Source · Updated 2026-06-25

Peyote

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with UAE MOHAP / your embassy
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not named by a reachable UAE source. Zero-tolerance regime under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021: possessing, importing, or transporting narcotics/psychotropics outside regulated medical use is criminalised, and 'I didn't know' is not a defense. First-time possession starts at 3 months' imprisonment plus a AED 20,000 fine, and can carry detention, deportation, and a travel ban.
If prescribed / medical: Not confirmed — verify with MOHAP / your embassy before travel.
Documentation: MOHAP import permit (apply ~2 weeks before travel) + the prescription + an attested medical report + original packaging; declare at customs. Without a permit but with a prescription and medical report you must still declare at customs — officers may allow entry or confiscate the medicine and detain you.

Source · Updated 2026-06-25

Phenibut

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with UAE MOHAP / your embassy
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not named by a reachable UAE source. Zero-tolerance regime under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021: possessing, importing, or transporting narcotics/psychotropics outside regulated medical use is criminalised, and 'I didn't know' is not a defense. First-time possession starts at 3 months' imprisonment plus a AED 20,000 fine, and can carry detention, deportation, and a travel ban.
If prescribed / medical: Not confirmed — verify with MOHAP / your embassy before travel.
Documentation: MOHAP import permit (apply ~2 weeks before travel) + the prescription + an attested medical report + original packaging; declare at customs. Without a permit but with a prescription and medical report you must still declare at customs — officers may allow entry or confiscate the medicine and detain you.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Pink Cocaine / Tusi

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with UAE MOHAP / your embassy
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not named by a reachable UAE source. Zero-tolerance regime under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021: possessing, importing, or transporting narcotics/psychotropics outside regulated medical use is criminalised, and 'I didn't know' is not a defense. First-time possession starts at 3 months' imprisonment plus a AED 20,000 fine, and can carry detention, deportation, and a travel ban.
If prescribed / medical: Not confirmed — verify with MOHAP / your embassy before travel.
Documentation: MOHAP import permit (apply ~2 weeks before travel) + the prescription + an attested medical report + original packaging; declare at customs. Without a permit but with a prescription and medical report you must still declare at customs — officers may allow entry or confiscate the medicine and detain you.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Poppers

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with UAE MOHAP / your embassy
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not named by a reachable UAE source. Zero-tolerance regime under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021: possessing, importing, or transporting narcotics/psychotropics outside regulated medical use is criminalised, and 'I didn't know' is not a defense. First-time possession starts at 3 months' imprisonment plus a AED 20,000 fine, and can carry detention, deportation, and a travel ban.
If prescribed / medical: Not confirmed — verify with MOHAP / your embassy before travel.
Documentation: MOHAP import permit (apply ~2 weeks before travel) + the prescription + an attested medical report + original packaging; declare at customs. Without a permit but with a prescription and medical report you must still declare at customs — officers may allow entry or confiscate the medicine and detain you.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Pregabalin

Legal status: Pregabalin is a scheduled controlled medicine in the UAE under Federal Decree-Law 30/2021 and the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE)/MOHAP controlled-medicines lists, requiring an import permit even with a prescription — an abuse-driven control that treats pregabalin far more strictly than an ordinary prescription medicine.
Consequences if caught: Importing without the required permit can lead to arrest and prosecution; pregabalin is treated as a controlled substance at the border.
If prescribed / medical: Dispensed as a scheduled controlled medicine on prescription.
Documentation: A prescription alone does not clear entry — obtain an EDE/MOHAP import permit before arrival and carry an attested prescription or medical report dated within 3 months, up to roughly a 3-month supply.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Psilocybin

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with UAE MOHAP / your embassy
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not named by a reachable UAE source. Zero-tolerance regime under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021: possessing, importing, or transporting narcotics/psychotropics outside regulated medical use is criminalised, and 'I didn't know' is not a defense. First-time possession starts at 3 months' imprisonment plus a AED 20,000 fine, and can carry detention, deportation, and a travel ban.
If prescribed / medical: Not confirmed — verify with MOHAP / your embassy before travel.
Documentation: MOHAP import permit (apply ~2 weeks before travel) + the prescription + an attested medical report + original packaging; declare at customs. Without a permit but with a prescription and medical report you must still declare at customs — officers may allow entry or confiscate the medicine and detain you.

Source · Updated 2026-06-25

Quetiapine

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with UAE MOHAP / your embassy
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not named by a reachable UAE source. Zero-tolerance regime under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021: possessing, importing, or transporting narcotics/psychotropics outside regulated medical use is criminalised, and 'I didn't know' is not a defense. First-time possession starts at 3 months' imprisonment plus a AED 20,000 fine, and can carry detention, deportation, and a travel ban.
If prescribed / medical: Not confirmed — verify with MOHAP / your embassy before travel.
Documentation: MOHAP import permit (apply ~2 weeks before travel) + the prescription + an attested medical report + original packaging; declare at customs. Without a permit but with a prescription and medical report you must still declare at customs — officers may allow entry or confiscate the medicine and detain you.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Salvia divinorum

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with UAE MOHAP / your embassy
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not named by a reachable UAE source. Zero-tolerance regime under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021: possessing, importing, or transporting narcotics/psychotropics outside regulated medical use is criminalised, and 'I didn't know' is not a defense. First-time possession starts at 3 months' imprisonment plus a AED 20,000 fine, and can carry detention, deportation, and a travel ban.
If prescribed / medical: Not confirmed — verify with MOHAP / your embassy before travel.
Documentation: MOHAP import permit (apply ~2 weeks before travel) + the prescription + an attested medical report + original packaging; declare at customs. Without a permit but with a prescription and medical report you must still declare at customs — officers may allow entry or confiscate the medicine and detain you.

Source · Updated 2026-06-25

Scopolamine (Devil's Breath)

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with UAE MOHAP / your embassy
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not named by a reachable UAE source. Zero-tolerance regime under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021: possessing, importing, or transporting narcotics/psychotropics outside regulated medical use is criminalised, and 'I didn't know' is not a defense. First-time possession starts at 3 months' imprisonment plus a AED 20,000 fine, and can carry detention, deportation, and a travel ban.
If prescribed / medical: Not confirmed — verify with MOHAP / your embassy before travel.
Documentation: MOHAP import permit (apply ~2 weeks before travel) + the prescription + an attested medical report + original packaging; declare at customs. Without a permit but with a prescription and medical report you must still declare at customs — officers may allow entry or confiscate the medicine and detain you.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Synthetic Cannabinoids (K2 / Spice)

Legal status: Controlled. UAE Federal Decree-Law 30/2021 carries detailed controlled tables covering new psychoactive substances, and synthetic cannabinoids are controlled as scheduled substances incorporating the synthetic cannabinoids added to Schedule II of the 1971 Convention. Capital exposure is via the trafficking regime (discretionary death penalty); the synthetic-cannabinoid-specific threshold is left to confirmation.
Consequences if caught: Illegal; zero-tolerance enforcement with trace amounts prosecuted, and trafficking is capital-eligible (discretionary). Do NOT carry.
If prescribed / medical: These synthetic cannabinoids have no recognised medical use and no lawful prescription route in the UAE.
Documentation: No lawful personal-import route; trace amounts prosecuted, do not carry.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

THC-P

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with UAE MOHAP / your embassy
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not named by a reachable UAE source. Zero-tolerance regime under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021: possessing, importing, or transporting narcotics/psychotropics outside regulated medical use is criminalised, and 'I didn't know' is not a defense. First-time possession starts at 3 months' imprisonment plus a AED 20,000 fine, and can carry detention, deportation, and a travel ban.
If prescribed / medical: Not confirmed — verify with MOHAP / your embassy before travel.
Documentation: MOHAP import permit (apply ~2 weeks before travel) + the prescription + an attested medical report + original packaging; declare at customs. Without a permit but with a prescription and medical report you must still declare at customs — officers may allow entry or confiscate the medicine and detain you.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Tobacco

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with UAE MOHAP / your embassy
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not named by a reachable UAE source. Zero-tolerance regime under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021: possessing, importing, or transporting narcotics/psychotropics outside regulated medical use is criminalised, and 'I didn't know' is not a defense. First-time possession starts at 3 months' imprisonment plus a AED 20,000 fine, and can carry detention, deportation, and a travel ban.
If prescribed / medical: Not confirmed — verify with MOHAP / your embassy before travel.
Documentation: MOHAP import permit (apply ~2 weeks before travel) + the prescription + an attested medical report + original packaging; declare at customs. Without a permit but with a prescription and medical report you must still declare at customs — officers may allow entry or confiscate the medicine and detain you.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Tramadol

Legal status: Tramadol is a scheduled controlled narcotic/psychotropic in the UAE under Federal Decree-Law 30/2021 and the MOHAP/EDE controlled-medicines list, requiring an import permit even with a prescription; the law permits death for narcotics trafficking, though application to tramadol specifically is left to confirmation and traveller cases typically draw lesser custodial sentences.
Consequences if caught: Importing without the required permit can lead to arrest and prosecution; the tramadol-specific capital exposure is left to confirmation, with custodial sentences typical in traveller cases.
If prescribed / medical: Dispensed as a scheduled controlled narcotic/psychotropic on prescription.
Documentation: A prescription alone does not clear entry — obtain a MOHAP/EDE eDrug import permit before arrival and carry an attested prescription/medical report dated within 3 months, up to roughly a 3-month supply.

Source · Updated 2026-07-13

Xanax (Alprazolam)

Legal status: Controlled psychotropic (MOHAP Controlled Drug, CD) under Federal Decree-Law 30/2021, corresponding to the 1971 Convention Schedule IV psychotropic tier for alprazolam. Capital exposure attaches to trafficking or promotion under Decree-Law 30/2021; the alprazolam-specific capital threshold is left to confirmation.
Consequences if caught: Personal possession/use carries imprisonment plus mandatory deportation for non-nationals; trace amounts prosecuted. Trafficking or promotion is death/life-eligible.
If prescribed / medical: Prescribable controlled medicine (MOHAP CD); import requires a prior MOHAP/EDE eDrug import permit — up to a 3-month supply with attested prescription and medical report.
Documentation: Federal Decree-Law 30/2021, psychotropic Tables 5–8; MOHAP Annex to Travellers' Guidelines lists alprazolam as a permit-required Controlled Drug (Psychotropic Schedule IV).

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Xylazine

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with UAE MOHAP / your embassy
Consequences if caught: This specific substance was not named by a reachable UAE source. Zero-tolerance regime under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021: possessing, importing, or transporting narcotics/psychotropics outside regulated medical use is criminalised, and 'I didn't know' is not a defense. First-time possession starts at 3 months' imprisonment plus a AED 20,000 fine, and can carry detention, deportation, and a travel ban.
If prescribed / medical: Not confirmed — verify with MOHAP / your embassy before travel.
Documentation: MOHAP import permit (apply ~2 weeks before travel) + the prescription + an attested medical report + original packaging; declare at customs. Without a permit but with a prescription and medical report you must still declare at customs — officers may allow entry or confiscate the medicine and detain you.

Source · Updated 2026-06-25

Zolpidem

Legal status: Zolpidem is a controlled medicine in the UAE, listed on the controlled-medicines schedule administered by the health authorities (now the Emirates Drug Establishment), consistent with its 1971 Convention Schedule IV psychotropic status; it is prescription-only.
Consequences if caught: Carrying this controlled hypnotic without a valid permit is treated severely; supplies have been seized even from passengers merely transiting Dubai or Abu Dhabi without authorisation.
If prescribed / medical: Zolpidem is prescribed short-term for insomnia as a controlled psychotropic medicine.
Documentation: A traveller needs a prescription, a medical report and an Emirates Drug Establishment permit (applied for online in advance), with quantity limited to a three-month supply.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Drug laws and enforcement change and vary by country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with the destination’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 authorityand 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 consulatein the destination immediately — notthe 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 →

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