Herbal/natural products such as tobacco, poppy/opium seeds/powder, betel leaves and some herbal highs are illegal in the UAE. The penalties for trading, trafficking, smuggling, possessing drugs and presence of drugs in the blood stream even in residual amounts are severe.
Airport regulations in the UAE
If you're travelling to or transiting through any UAE airport: Carry liquids, aerosols and gels in a transparent, re-sealable plastic bag with a maximum capacity of 1l. The contents of each container must not exceed 100ml.
100ml. All liquids, gels and aerosols, pastes, lotions, creams, drinks and other items of similar consistency must be in containers with a capacity no greater than 100ml. Those carried in containers larger than 100ml will not be accepted, even if the container is only partially filled.
- Items should be packed inside one clear, re-sealable plastic bag, within your hand baggage. - Each item can't be more than 100ml and the total can't exceed one litre. - Exemptions will be made for medication, baby milk/foods and special dietary requirements to be used during your trip.
10 kg of special-purpose food such as children's food is allowed. 20 litres of drinks and syrups including water. 5 kg of juice concentrates.
You are free to bring any non-prescription, non-controlled medication into Dubai. This includes medicine such as Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, travel sickness medication, and Calpol.
Bringing medication into the UAE
You must also carry the prescription for the quantity (max 3 months' supply) of the medicine that you are bringing into the UAE. All other medication (prescription for uncontrolled medication and over the counter medication) does not need prior approval from MoH.
Liquids in hand luggage FAQs
Aerosols and roll on deodorants are classed as liquids, so any containers larger than 100 ml will need to go in your luggage in the hold. Containers smaller than 100 ml are accepted if in a clear plastic bag.
The UAE embassy advice says: “Individuals may bring medicine into the country for their personal use. Up to three months' supply of a prescription item can be brought into the country by a visitor and 12 months' supply by a resident if they can produce a doctor's letter or a copy of the original prescription.”
Flammable liquids and solids such as lighter refills, lighter fuel, matches, paints, thinners, fire-lighters, lighters that need inverting before ignition, matches (these may be carried on the person), radioactive material, briefcases and attache case with installed alarm devices.
Economy: customers are permitted one piece of carry-on baggage, either a handbag or laptop bag, that may not exceed 55 x 38 x 20cm and must weigh no more than 7kg. First Class and Business Class: customers are allowed two pieces of carry-on baggage: one briefcase plus either one handbag or one garment bag.
Checked Bags: Yes
Portable chargers or power banks containing a lithium ion battery must be packed in carry-on bags.
For International travel, it's always advised to keep 2/3rd of money is $ & 1/3rd in Dirham (or local currency). Reason: $ is easy to handle and readily convertible to local currency. You should keep Indian currency for travel to & from airport in India.
Economy: customers are permitted one piece of carry-on baggage, either a handbag or laptop bag, that may not exceed 55 x 38 x 20cm and must weigh no more than 7kg / 15 lbs. First Class and Business Class: customers are allowed two pieces of carry-on baggage: one briefcase plus either one handbag or one garment bag.
Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels and aerosols. Common travel items that must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash and lotion.
As a traveller, you need to consider that makeup in liquid, aerosol, or gel form may be taken as hand luggage on a flight. Following the regulations, most airlines and airports allow passengers to bring small amounts of liquid, gel, or cream cosmetics in containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).
The amount of medicine that you can bring into UAE:
For regular medicines which aren't on the controlled list, known as prescription-only medicines, you must carry your valid medical prescription and the amount of medicine you carry cannot exceed more than 3 months of treatment.
You have to put your carry on liquids in a clear, sealable plastic bag that has to be a certain size. This information (and info about the liquids) will be on your airline website. Any liquids/gels/deodorants etc you put in the bag must be in containers no larger than 100 ml. You can take panadol etc in your carry on.
Tourists don't have to be fully covered up at the airport. There isn't a particularly strict Dubai airport dress code. Women can wear long dresses, tops, shirts, t-shirts, pants, hoodies, sweaters, and jeans. It's best to avoid wearing any sleeveless shirts, sleeveless dresses, mini-skirts, and short shorts.
Paracetamol is not featured on the Ministry of Health's list of controlled drugs, so you would be able to take it to Dubai. You should always carry any medication in its original packaging so it is easily identifiable. Make sure to only take what is required for your trip.
Paracetamol is not featured on the MoH's list of controlled drugs4, so you should be able to take it into Dubai. However, if you are ever unsure then check with your doctor. Codeine is a controlled drug in the UAE, so you will need permission to take co-codamol (paracetamol and codeine) into the country.
If you plan on visiting either, remember to wear loose-fitting and conservative clothing, so avoid shorts and keep ankles covered. Women should also cover their head and arms before entering. You can bring a shawl of your own, but some mosques also let visitors borrow abayas.