The United Arab Emirates has strict rules governing the importation of medicines, including prescription and controlled substances. Some medications that are easily obtainable elsewhere may be considered controlled or restricted under UAE law. Because of this, anyone travelling with personal medication, including gender-affirming hormone therapy, must follow the country’s import regulations carefully. Even when the medication is for personal use and legally prescribed, travellers may be asked to show documentation or explain the purpose of the medicine.
Steps to Follow Before Travelling / Entering UAE
1. Check the classification of your medication.
- Contact MOHAP or check their official published list of controlled and restricted medicines.
- If the medication is controlled or semi-controlled, you likely need a permit.
2. If required, apply for a permit via MOHAP (online).
- MOHAP offers an Issue of Permit to Import Medicines for Personal Use e-service for travellers/residents who need to bring controlled/prescription medicines.
- The request is free of charge.
- Processing can take a few working days – plan ahead.
3. Prepare and carry all required documents when travelling:
- Printed permit / approval (if required).
- Prescription and Transition Pack (in English or Arabic).
- Passport (visitor) or Emirates ID (resident).
- Medication in original packaging/bottles, labeled clearly with ingredients and dosage.
- A travelling with medication letter.
4. Limit the quantity to no more than what is needed for your stay (or treatment period).
- For prescription-only medicines (non-controlled) travellers usually allowed up to a three months’ supply.
- For controlled/narcotic medicines the quantity allowed often depends on duration of stay and must be declared.
5. Be ready to declare your medication at customs/port of entry if required.
- Sometimes customs officers or health inspectors may request to see documentation, verify active ingredients, or ask why you carry these medications.
Staying in the UAE Long-Term
If you're staying in the UAE long-term and will need to pick up more medication, you can use your Transition Pack to work with your local healthcare provider to get a prescription.
Special Considerations
Gender-affirming care involves medications that are prescription-only and may be on the controlled list. It's important to determine classification ahead of time.
Because hormone therapy is often considered non-standard, having a travelling with medication letter from GenderGP stating the purpose (gender-affirming care) may help reduce risk of misunderstanding at entry.
If you plan to stay long-term in the UAE and need ongoing supply, consider:
Checking whether your specific medication is available/pharmaceutically registered in UAE. According to regulations, many common medicines used worldwide are available in UAE pharmacies and hospitals.
If medication is not locally available: you may need regular re-authorization/ import-permits through MOHAP if you are resident.