Codral original legal in UAE?

[hal55]

I'm leaving tomorrow for the UK with a one night stopover in Dubai. I've been told various, alarmist things about taking medication into that country and even the pharmacist and travel agent hasn't been any help. I phoned the UAE embassy, who directed me to a surprisingly short list of controlled substances which doesn't mention Psuedoephedine or Codeine. Another list though that I found on the net does list Codeine phosphate, but ONLY in dosages of 8mg whereas the Codrals are 6mg, and that list may not even be official. Since my wife and I are both travelling for 3 weeks I want to take 2 packets with me (I'm taking some now for a minor, but stubborn to get rid of cold) but obviously don't want to run foul of immigration. Can anyone say definitively whether these are legal, not legal, or even "grey area" I don't have time to go back to the GP and get a letter unless absolutely necessary.

Thanks,

Hal Littlewood

 

[Travel Guru]

I cant say whether it is or isnt, but flying into Abu Dhabi on Monday there was no mention and the quarantine/customs was extremely lax to say the least, so carry codeine in myself wasnt an issue.

Enjoy your stopover, its hotter than hell over here at the moment.

TG

 

[MAX_1]

Codeine on its own is regarded as narcotic and certainly would cause anyone carrying any amount a detention and charges if caught, in any country around the world.
Codeine in combination form, eg in Codral Original Cold Tablets, Panadeine, Nurofen Plus etc are products that don't normally grab the attention of Customs , except if the quantity exceeded normal patient usage. eg 20 boxes. 2 boxes would be a normal quantity.
As a precaution , I would request my pharmacist to dispense the product and label the box with details.
In Aust, most of these items can only be sold to a customer once the product has been subjected to a national software program called Project Stop. You would be asked for Photo ID , usually a drivers license and this with the name of the medication is entered into the software program that would immediately alert the pharmacist of previous purchases to that ID.
If purchases are out of the ordinary a Don't sell recommendation is flagged. The lowdowns that turn these medications into street drugs use numerous tricks to procure such medications,including armed hold ups and night time smash and grab raids.
There are alternative products to use speak to your pharmacist.

 

[adrian]

I'm leaving tomorrow for the UK with a one night stopover in Dubai. I've been told various, alarmist things about taking medication into that country and even the pharmacist and travel agent hasn't been any help. I phoned the UAE embassy, who directed me to a surprisingly short list of controlled substances which doesn't mention Psuedoephedine or Codeine. Another list though that I found on the net does list Codeine phosphate, but ONLY in dosages of 8mg whereas the Codrals are 6mg, and that list may not even be official. Since my wife and I are both travelling for 3 weeks I want to take 2 packets with me (I'm taking some now for a minor, but stubborn to get rid of cold) but obviously don't want to run foul of immigration. Can anyone say definitively whether these are legal, not legal, or even "grey area" I don't have time to go back to the GP and get a letter unless absolutely necessary.

Thanks,

Hal Littlewood

I had a similar question earlier this year, when I was travelling HKG-DXB-LHR. I had planned to stopover in Dubai for the night, but when I couldn't get any accurate information on what I was allowed to enter with, and with a handful of online news stories suggesting their customs can be very strict, I turned my stopover into a connection. Not suggesting that you do the same though.... It was just too complicated for me.

 

[docjames]

(Mods feel free to move if this is too off topic).

What are the dress codes for women in UAE (specifically Abu Dhabi + Dubai)? mrsdoc is a bit concerned with impending 3 night stay in October.

Obviously not going to walk around in a bikini (!), but just some general guidelines - does hair need to be covered, do clothes need to be wrist and ankle length, or is modest casual dress (maybe mid length sleeves, 3/4 pants) acceptable etc?

 

[MAX_1]

Here is a guideline.


Clothing

• Lightweight summer clothing is suitable for most of the year, but sweaters or jackets may be needed for the winter months, especially in the evenings. Compared with certain parts of the Middle East, Dubai has a very relaxed dress code. However, care should be taken not to give offence by wearing clothing which may be considered revealing, for example low-cut dresses, very short skirts, or tight jeans.
  Men should always wear a shirt or top in public. At the pool or on the beaches, trunks, swim-suits and bikinis are quite acceptable. Good quality sunglasses are advised, and photochromatic lenses for those who wear spectacles. Hats, or some protection for the head, are advisable when in direct sunlight

 

[docjames]

Thanks Max, sounds straight forward (pretty much what we'd wear in most places anyway).

 

[Zulaiha]

(Mods feel free to move if this is too off topic).

What are the dress codes for women in UAE (specifically Abu Dhabi + Dubai)? mrsdoc is a bit concerned with impending 3 night stay in October.

Obviously not going to walk around in a bikini (!), but just some general guidelines - does hair need to be covered, do clothes need to be wrist and ankle length, or is modest casual dress (maybe mid length sleeves, 3/4 pants) acceptable etc?

UEA is pretty relax about clothing certainly need no head cover, that I am sure of, buttttttttttttttttt there are lots of workers or local people everywhere that likes to stares that way that made me feel a bit uncomfortable. That is why I ALWAYS wear "polite" outfit, no tank tops, no shorts. 3/4 and short slevees are OK.

 

[docjames]

Thanks Zulaiha, local info always excellent!

 

[JohnK]

This thread reminded me of the tourist who was arrested in Greece a number of years ago for carrying tablets containing codeine.

This is an old(ish) article on UAE but could also be relevant today.

Tourists warned of UAE drug laws

Travellers to the United Arab Emirates are being warned about its severe drug laws which have seen dozens detained for apparently minor offences.

Fair Trials International said arrests were being made over tiny quantities of drugs and over-the-counter medicines.

 

[Nigelinoz]

According to this rather lengthy list cold tablets are restricted which probably means you would need a prescription or doctors letter.
Restricted Medication - Embassy of the United States
This might also be of interest.
http://www.dubai-online.com/essential/customs.htm