Can I send medicine to the United Arab Emirates?
Yes, with conditions.
Controlled medicines need an EDE permit before shipping, for up to three months' supply. Check with EDE before sending any other medicine.
For every Onvoyo box: Onvoyo can't carry prescription drugs. Over-the-counter medicine and vitamins follow the destination's own rules.
More rules for the United Arab Emirates
Allowed with conditions
- Controlled medicines (narcotic and psychotropic)
- Residents need a permit from the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) before importing them through a shipping company. Apply online with UAE PASS, a prescription issued within the last three months, and a medical report issued within the last year. The permit is free, takes about one working day, and covers up to three months' supply.
- Other medicines and medical equipment
- On Dubai Customs' list of goods that need a permit from the relevant authority. Check with EDE before shipping any medicine, and send only personal quantities with the prescription.
Quantity limits
- Controlled medicines
- Up to three months' supply, with an EDE permit for shipments to residents.
Before you ship to the United Arab Emirates
- Tax-free limit
- Dubai exempts cross-border e-commerce purchases worth up to AED 1,000 (about $272) from customs duty since August 3, 2026, up from AED 300. The rule covers goods bought online and handled by companies registered with Dubai Customs. Tobacco, e-cigarettes, nicotine liquids, alcohol, and food containing alcohol are excluded. No official low-value exemption is published for gifts or your own belongings, and the VAT rules set no low-value exemption for imports, so a small personal box can still owe 5% VAT and possibly 5% duty.
- Receiver ID
- Emirates ID or passport needed. GCC customs procedures ask individuals importing for personal use to show a national ID, passport, or residence visa. Give the courier the receiver's Emirates ID details or a passport copy before the box ships. No tax number is needed for a personal shipment, but a UAE mobile number is essential for delivery.
- Transit
- 2-4 business days from Europe, Asia, or the Gulf; 3-5 from North America
Questions
Can I send medicine to the United Arab Emirates?
Yes, with conditions. Controlled medicines need an EDE permit before shipping, for up to three months' supply. Check with EDE before sending any other medicine.
Can I send medicine to the UAE?
Controlled medicines need a permit from the Emirates Drug Establishment before they ship, for up to three months' supply. Other medicines are on the list of goods that need a permit, so check with EDE first and include the prescription.
Ask about a specific item
Official sources
- 1.
- 2.
Emirates Drug Establishment
Issue of Permit to Import Medicines for Personal Use (opens in a new tab) - 3.
Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE)
Import an agricultural consignment (opens in a new tab) - 4.
The Official Portal of the UAE Government (u.ae)
Customs duty and tariff (opens in a new tab) - 5.
UAE Ministry of Culture
Federal Law No.11 of 2017, on Antiquities (opens in a new tab) - 6.
- 7.
Dubai Customs
Clearance of Personal Effects (opens in a new tab) - 8.
- 9.
General guidance, not legal advice. Customs in the United Arab Emirates makes the final decision on every box.