Indian Embassy lists banned items, medicines, customs rules

By the Editorial Team · Monday, November 2, 2026

The Indian Embassy and Consulate in the UAE have issued a warning advising Indian nationals to carefully check their luggage and comply with UAE regulations on restricted items, including certain medications, food products, and cash declarations. Failure to adhere to these rules can result in severe penalties such as fines, detention, or deportation, making it essential for travellers to obtain necessary permits and carry proper documentation before entering the UAE.

The Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi, along with the Consulate General of India in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, has issued a cautionary advisory to Indian nationals travelling to or residing in the United Arab Emirates. The advisory, released on October 26, 2026, highlights the importance of reviewing luggage to ensure compliance with UAE laws related to prohibited and restricted items, including certain food products, medications, and cash declarations.

The advisory underscores that items freely available or legally sold in India may be subject to bans, restrictions, or controls under UAE regulations. This applies not only to residents but also to transit passengers entering the UAE. Violations, whether intentional or inadvertent, could lead to severe consequences such as confiscation of goods, substantial fines, detention, deportation, or even criminal prosecution.

Special emphasis is placed on the regulations governing medicines containing narcotic, psychotropic, and other controlled substances. Medicines such as specific sleeping pills, strong painkillers, and psychiatric drugs may fall under controlled or semi-controlled categories as defined by the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE). Indian travellers in possession of these medications are advised to verify whether their medicines are listed by the EDE and, when necessary, to secure an official Import Permit for Personal Use of Medicine prior to travel. Additionally, travellers should carry valid prescriptions or detailed medical reports for all medicines, particularly those with controlled substances.

To facilitate compliance, the EDE provides an online portal (www.ede.gov.ae) through which travellers can apply for import permits. This measure aims to avoid complications at UAE ports of entry and ensure that necessary documentation is in place.

The advisory also reminds travellers about customs regulations pertaining to cash and other valuables. Individuals entering or leaving the UAE must declare if the combined total of cash, financial instruments (including bearer cheques), precious metals, and precious stones exceeds AED 60,000 or its equivalent in other currencies. Such declarations must be made directly to UAE Customs authorities upon arrival or departure.

The Indian diplomatic missions stress the importance of awareness and adherence to these rules to prevent any inconvenience or legal repercussions during travel to or from the UAE. Indian nationals are urged to consult the relevant lists and official UAE websites before packing or carrying belongings to ensure full compliance with customs and import regulations.

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