On Oct. 27, The National published an article on travelers in the UAE and questions surrounding their future ability to bring prescription drugs and medication into the country. The Ministry of Health and Prevention has rolled out a new online registration system which now requires all visitors to register their medication before traveling.

The UAE’s restrictions and checks on travelers’ prescription drugs are described by Federal Law No. 14 of 1995 and Federal Law No. 4 of 1983. The new system — introduced at the latest Gitex Technology conference — is being implemented in order to streamline the mandatory verification process and mitigate issues upon arrival.

The strict regulations have caused issues for travelers to the UAE in the past. On Jan. 5, The Independent published a piece on travelers’ experiences with bringing to medication to the UAE. The article was in response to the detainment of 61-year-old British man Perry Coppins in Dubai for carrying a large supply of anti-anxiety medication. Coppins was jailed for this offense for five weeks while awaiting trial, where he faces a potential four-year jail sentence.

At the time of arrival, Coppins was in possession of more than three-month’s worth of anti-anxiety medication. Dr. Ameen Hussain Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary for Licensing and Public Health Policy at the Ministry of Health & Prevention, told Gulf News that travelers will be able to bring up to one month’s supply of supervised medicines with a prescription as well as a maximum three-month supply of other medications into the UAE.

“There is no punitive action,” said Dr Al Amiri to Gulf News. “If it is a small quantity of non-narcotic medication, the authorities will decide if they want to allow. In case of other kinds of control medication it will be seized at the port of entry without prior approval.”

The National’s recently published guide aims to show travelers how to use the new online Import of Personal Medication service to register their medication before their journey. Before using the system, travelers should check the Ministry of Health & Prevention’s official list of prohibited and controlled drugs that is available at the e-service website.

Travelers who need to confirm their prescriptions should create a profile on the website and generate a new application where entries for personal use drugs and the details of the prescriptions can be entered. Travelers should have a copy of their prescriptions and a letter from a doctor stating the necessity for the medication. The request will be considered by the department for up to five working days, until an approval is issued to the provided email. This approval is mandatory and must be provided upon arrival.

NYU Abu Dhabi students who carry prescription medication should check the ministry’s official list of controlled drugs or consult the Health and Wellness Center about their prescriptions and steps they should take in the future when entering the UAE.