Travelling With Methadone United Arab Emirates (dubai)

Updated

I have a letter from my doctor detailing my dose and length of stay (8 days)
But I just read about their Ministry of Health saying that even with prescription methadone is on the 'banned' list. And could land me in jail?

Has anyone ever flown into Abu Dabhi or Dubai /UAE with their liquid doses?

Any ideas on what to do? I will not try and smuggle my own medication into a country. .Its an extremely long flight.

17 Replies

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1

I need to know this too!! I'm going for 2 weeks in the end of January and I am prescribed liquid methadone. I will not be able to function for 2 weeks with out it. I am reading that I need a letter from the ministry of health saying that I am allowed to take it into Dubai with me. Of course I'll have all the documentation from my Dr's but I am super nervous about being denied entry or having my medication seized. Please keep me in informed about what happens to you!! {edited for privacy}

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2

This would be really useful. I have a friend who worked for the airline based there. Codeine is illegal. Anything with codeine is illegal. Basically she said all ex pats working there DO NOT buy medications abroad and bring them in. It's super risky.

Sorry can't help but you need to contact an embassy or something. You could end up in the height of trouble.

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3

In 2014 the UAE embassy posted a notice stating that individuals may bring up to a 3 month's supply of prescribed medicine as long as you provide a doctor's letter or a copy of the original prescription. However - they also go on to note that narcotic medicine (e.g. methadone) can only be brought into the UAE with prior permission from the director of medicine and pharmacy control... How you obtain this permission, I don't know. But these guidelines were said to be written for individuals who are bringing medicine in through the airport, boarder crossings, or post mail. So I second post #2 in that you should probably contact the embassy/airport there in Dubai just for good measure.

I hope this helps!

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4

We went the ordinary route and contacted ministry of health with all required documents
They never replied and never returned my letter of travel pass. I went with my lock box and all of my document from my doctor.

Nobody even questioned me at the airport. My lock box was unlocked but closed as it went through the scanner
Nobody ever said a word (3 connecting flights and lock box in carryon)

I walked straight through customs and they never spoke a word to me. In my opinion they are looking for bombs and terrorist items
Not your medication. Hope this helps. And good luck.

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5

I hope you are right. I'm worried they with think my methadone is a bomb or some other illegal drug and take a closer look. The feel like you just got lucky.... (I had a purse one time with handles that looked like brass knuckles and they went through my bag). Also wondering if I do check my methadone would it be better to have my bottles tossed loosely with my cosmetics or nice and neat in my box with the doctors note (in the end the note doesn't really matter does it, if they don't allow the stuff?) I even asked my doctor for a script for methadone pills just for my trip to make it easier to get in, and I was denied. I must admit it's sad I'm wanting to spend good money in their country and I have to be worried about going to jail for something I'm legally prescribed.

Also, I heard the embassy was rude and hung up on someone else calling about Methadone. I'd be nervous letting them know I was coming in advance, especially if you never heard back. You sure are lucky.

How nervous were you going there? What about drug dogs? Can they smell methadone? I heard they can.

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6

Why are you even commenting on something you have zero experience with then?
Are you a post junkie on any old site? Su

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7

To the man that Actually travelled with his lockbox..please tell me what airport you went thru and what documents you had..i must travel to uae and im on 2 week takehomes..please help me..hopeful

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8

DXB and honestly friend don't even worry about documents. They are looking for bombs not medicine. I had 3 layovers and tossed my lockbox up on the belt unlocked. Not one single airport even opened it

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9

Hopeful,

So I can ONLY speak to my personal experience at DUBAI INTL AIRPORT, (DXB). A fellow traveler possessed all the requisite safeguarding to transport a TEN DAY supply of liquid methadone dispensed from a legal USA drug treatment facility. She was refused admittance although every possible precaution was taken. So for those who make it sound like you're in possession of some Kids candy is sorely mistaken. If that was his experience may I submit it was a rare deviation of every single screening procedure normally adhered to. Conversely, those with absolutely zero experience in these matters should probably refrain from SPECULATING on these matters. So let's keep it real...

P.S Although weapons and implements of danger are the primary focus in these volatile times, believing that is the exclusive purpose for these screenings is ludicrous and DANGEROUS. For anyone who's experienced cold turkey withdrawal of methadone should always be EXTRA VIGILANT NOT TO PUT THEMSELVES IN A POSITION WHERE THAT COULD EVER HAPPEN...

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10

NCOUNTR: So what ever happened with your trip and the Methadone and all? And I was going to suggest that if it ever comes up again, maybe you could see if your doctor could prescribe you tablet Methadone just for the trip. I am on tablet Methadone myself actually. I think a prescription bottle of pills might go over better than a bunch of bottles of pink liquid. Anyway, was wondering whatever happened with all that.

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11

Travel with all of your doctors letters and your ID, keeping all records at hand and you will be fine. It is the drug "mules" they are trying to scare.... your small self dose is NOT going to be a priority to them. They will not seize your medication. Don't let these worries ruin a beautiful trip. I had all of my medications and papers at hand, and just as the other person that went said.... you are not their concern. In the extremely weird event someone should want to talk to you.... go and be calm, it's fine, they won't hold you at gunpoint and yank your meds away. Just have all of your paperwork. You are a visitor with necessary medical needs. You are not carrying enough to distribute or sell. You are not smuggling it in your stomach.... you will be fine. Truly. Think about the wonderful things you are going to see and enjoy and pack up all of your necessary paperwork and meds and be on your way...don't give it any more thought, really. Have a super fun trip!

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12

I was all worked up and worried over absolutely nothing. I was nervous through Canada and arriving at dxb in dubai. Not once did anyone even open my box on the conveyor. It did not alarm. They are looking for bombs. Not medication

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13

NCOUNTR: Well great! Glad it all worked out. Understandable for you to be nervous tho. I would have been too!

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14

What legal documents did she have..did they detain her or refuse entry? Or confiscate her meds? What was her experience? And how do you know she had the proper documents? Just wondeting..and im still nervous..i absolutely cannot kick...185mg per day since 2002...
Ive weened down slowly on my own to under 50..
but i would die if i had to kick in saudi arabia!

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15

Also, ive wondered if it was different because she was a woman? I am woman also..perhaps as women we are held to higher scrutiny..i would be travelling Alone too! Im very nervous..

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16

Can I take methadone to Dubai? I am going from 22/12/17 for 5 days for Christmas. I need to know whether I can take my prescribed amount with me?

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17

Re: Sarah (# 16) Expand Referenced Message

Yes. You can. Just keep it in your carry on. Let them scan it at customs. They wont say a word. They are looking for bombs. Not medication

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