Xanax / Alprazolam → United Arab Emirates

Xanax / Alprazolam prohibited; penalties for import

Details

Alprazolam (Xanax) is a Schedule IV controlled substance in the US but faces much stricter treatment internationally. The UAE, Japan, and Singapore require prior government authorization before importing benzodiazepines including alprazolam. Travelers have been arrested at UAE airports for possessio. Enforcement in United Arab Emirates carries fines from AED 50,000 to AED 500,000 and imprisonment up to 10 years in aggravated cases under Federal Customs Law No. 1 of 2003; Federal Law No. 14 of 1995 on Narcotics.

Quantity limit

Zero — alprazolam is unscheduled in UAE and not permitted for personal import without special MOHAP approval

Transit

Transit permitted. MOHAP transit guidance allows passengers transiting DXB airside to carry a personal supply of prescribed benzodiazepines including alprazolam (up to 30 days) in original pharmacy packaging with prescription. A formal MOHAP permit is not required for sterile airside transit only.

Leaving with this item

Alprazolam is a controlled benzodiazepine subject to personal-export limits when leaving United Arab Emirates.

Practical advice

Do not bring xanax / alprazolam to this country. If unsure, declare on arrival — declared goods at worst attract duty or surrender, while undeclared goods found in screening are seized and fined.

Customs authority

Federal Customs Authority (FCA) · https://www.fca.gov.ae