India-UAE flights: Poppy seeds, black magic items on banned list

The Embassy of India in the UAE has issued an advisory warning Indian nationals against carrying prohibited food products, medicines and other restricted items while travelling to the country.

The advisory, issued on Monday, October 26, cautions Indian nationals travelling to or residing in the UAE, including transit passengers, that certain goods freely available or legally permitted in India may be banned or regulated under UAE law.

Violations, even involving small quantities or unintentional possession, could result in confiscation of goods, heavy fines, detention, deportation and, in serious cases, criminal prosecution.

Food items prohibited in the UAE

The embassy has specifically warned Indian travellers against carrying poppy seeds (khus-khus), Qat (khat) leaves, betel leaves (paan), betel nuts (supari), Niswar (smokeless tobacco) and Gutkha.

These products are prohibited from being brought into the UAE and must not be packed in either checked-in or hand baggage.

Rules for carrying medicines into the UAE

The advisory highlights strict UAE regulations governing narcotic, psychotropic and controlled medicines.

Certain sleeping pills, strong painkillers and psychiatric medications fall under controlled or semi-controlled categories. Travellers carrying such medicines have been advised to check the list published by the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) and obtain the necessary permit before travelling.

An Import Permit for Personal Use of Medicine can be obtained through the EDE’s official website. Applicants must log in using their digital identity, complete the online application and upload a prescription or detailed medical report.

The application process generally takes about one working day and is free of charge.

The embassy cautioned that carrying controlled or narcotic medicines without a valid prescription or permit, or in quantities exceeding the permitted limit, could result in confiscation, arrest, prosecution and imprisonment, even if the medicines were legally prescribed in India.

Other banned and restricted items

Apart from food products and medicines, the advisory identifies several other categories of prohibited goods. Narcotic and psychotropic substances, counterfeit currency, pirated goods, gambling tools and equipment, three-layer nylon fishing nets, and items associated with black magic, witchcraft or sorcery are completely banned. Hazardous and radioactive-contaminated materials are also prohibited.

Several goods require prior approval from the relevant UAE authorities before they can be brought into the country. These include weapons, ammunition, explosives, fireworks, live animals, plants, seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, publications, recorded media, broadcasting devices, wireless transmitters, communication and GPS equipment. Alcoholic beverages, e-cigarettes, electronic hookahs, vehicle tyres, cosmetics, certain electrical appliances, nuclear and radioactive materials, and rough diamonds also fall under this category.

Cash exceeding Dirham 60,000 must be declared

Indian nationals carrying cash, financial instruments such as bearer cheques, precious metals or precious stones with a combined value exceeding Dirham 60,000 must declare them to UAE Customs authorities at the port of entry or exit.

The embassy has advised travellers to check their baggage before departure and ensure they are not carrying prohibited or restricted goods without the required authorisation. Passengers have also been cautioned against carrying luggage on behalf of others unless they are fully aware of its contents.

Travellers have been urged to consult the official websites of the Federal Customs Authority, Dubai Customs, Abu Dhabi Customs and the Emirates Drug Establishment for updated lists of banned and restricted items before travelling.

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