Can I carry codeine through Dubai?

Have a question? Ask our expert Simon Calder

Dubai airport: the UAE’s list of ‘controlled’ medicines includes some drugs available over the counter in other countries (Getty)

Q I will shortly be in transit through Dubai airport on my way from Brisbane to Manchester. I will not be leaving the airport.

Should I be concerned about having codeine on my person and in my hold luggage? I have a copy of the prescription from my doctor.

Might there also be a problem with over-the-counter sleep aids?

Name withheld

A The United Arab Emirates, of which Dubai is part, has strict drugs laws. They do not differentiate between substances that are intended to be imported into the country or are simply being taken through by transit passengers. Nor is there any distinction over whether the medicines are in cabin baggage or hold luggage.

The UAE maintains a list of medicines defined as “controlled”, which includes some drugs that are available over the counter in other countries – including codeine. Passengers can apply in advance for permission, through the registration and drug control department of the UAE ministry of health: I have made a short link, bit.ly/DubaiDrugs, to take you there. It requires you to provide supporting documents.

The time taken and the decision made is in the lap of the authorities. I recommend that anyone taking prescription medicine who is planning a long-haul trip checks out the rules at the destination and any en-route stops before booking a long-haul trip; in your case it might have been wise to avoid the UAE and its strict rules.

Having said that, every day many travellers to and through the UAE break many of the country’s rules (for example the law forbidding unmarried couples to share hotel rooms), whether unwittingly or deliberately. While transit baggage is screened, this is primarily for security purposes rather than to look for contraband.

For prescription medicines that do not appear on the controlled list, you can bring in up to three months’ supply as a visitor if you have the original prescription or a letter from your doctor.

But I would be circumspect about bringing any over-the-counter medicine without a medical explanation of why you need it.

Every day our travel correspondent Simon Calder tackles a reader’s question. Just email yours to s@hols.tv or tweet @simoncalder