What are the penalties for undeclared xanax / alprazolam in United Arab Emirates?

imprisonment up to 48 months. Source: Federal Customs Authority (FCA).

ITEM RULE · TRAVELING

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Xanax / Alprazolam 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates

Q: Can I bring Xanax / Alprazolam to United Arab Emirates?

Xanax / Alprazolam prohibited; penalties for import 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

Q: Is xanax / alprazolam allowed in transit through United Arab Emirates?

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.

PROHIBITEDVERIFIED · 2026-04-25MEDIUM CONFIDENCE

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Xanax / Alprazolam prohibited; penalties for import

ANSWER

Can I bring Xanax / Alprazolam into United Arab Emirates?

PROHIBITEDVERIFIED · 2026-04-25MEDIUM CONFIDENCE

Xanax / Alprazolam prohibited; penalties for import

QUANTITY / LIMITS

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

DECLARATION

Required at the destination customs authority

SOURCE

fca.gov.ae

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Full 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

PENALTIES

Imprisonment up to 48 months
Criminal penalty

ENFORCEMENT

Active — Customs actively enforces this rule.

TRANSIT EXCEPTION

Permitted in transit. 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.

PRACTICAL ADVICE

Do not bring xanax / alprazolam to this country.

OFFICIAL SOURCES · VERIFIED 2026-04-25

fca.gov.ae

RULE DETAILS

QUANTITY LIMITS

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

CUSTOMS AUTHORITY

Federal Customs Authority (FCA)

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AIR TRAVEL IS SEPARATE

This page covers destination customs rules in United Arab Emirates. Whether you can carry xanax / alprazolam through security, in carry-on, or in checked baggage depends on airline and screening rules — see air travel rules.

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