What does the law say about bringing in a controlled substance?
Article 10 of the Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021 (Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances) prohibits importing, exporting, transferring, bringing in, possessing or acquiring the controlled substances in its schedules, and Article 11 does the same for another set of schedules, except in authorised cases.
Penalties for those acts are set by Schedule 10 under Articles 57 and 58, and rise with the quantity involved. The death penalty or life imprisonment applies where the intent is trafficking or promotion.
Is there a special rule for people entering the UAE?
Yes. Article 42 bis applies to a person who is neither a citizen nor a legal resident, found on entering by land, sea or air in possession of a narcotic or psychotropic substance for personal use. The fine is AED 5,000 to AED 1,000,000, excluding cases authorised for medical purposes.
The Council of Ministers sets the fine by the type and weight of the substance and the number of seizures, and the circumstances in which the person is barred from entering.
What about prescribed medication?
Article 12 prohibits personal use except for treatment under a prescription from the treating physician. Taking more than the prescribed dose is covered by Article 41.
A medicine that is routine in your home country can be controlled here. Carry the prescription and doctor's letter, and check before travelling.
What happens next if I am arrested?
The case follows the normal path: police, prosecution, court. A foreigner convicted of any offence under the narcotics law shall be deported, subject to two exceptions (Article 75).
See our guides on drug offences, personal use and deportation.
What should I do first?
Declare and carry prescriptions
Doctor's letter and original packaging.
Do not give statements about ownership without advice
Intent is central.
Ask for an interpreter
Before answering.
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Detention can move quickly.
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Frequently asked questions
Is there a fine for entering with a drug for personal use?
For non-resident non-citizens, Article 42 bis provides a fine of AED 5,000 to AED 1,000,000.
Is a prescription enough?
Only if it covers what you carry and take, and the law's exception applies (Articles 12 and 41).
Is deportation likely?
Article 75 says the court shall order deportation of a foreigner convicted of any offence under the law, with two exceptions.
What if it is more than personal use?
Articles 57 and 58 set penalties by quantity under Schedule 10, with the heaviest penalties for trafficking or promotion.
Related guides
Airport Criminal Cases overview
The main points, the process and your first steps.
Read the overviewAirport Arrest
Why people are stopped at UAE airports on arrival, departure or in transit, and what your rights are.
Read the guidePersonal Use
What the law says about using drugs, or having them for personal use, the penalties for first and repeat offences, and when treatment can replace a sentence.
Read the guideSources
Source: Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021 (Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances), official English text on the UAE Legislation portal, checked 9 October 2026. The portal lists the law as active and last updated on 1 October 2025. The Arabic text prevails over translations.
This page is general information, not legal advice.