Tourists visiting Dubai warned they must get approval to bring in prescription medication or they could face jail

Travellers visiting the United Arab Emirates must now submit an online form declaring the medication they are carrying. Photo / Getty Images

Tourists visiting Dubai are being warned they could face jail if they fail to get permission to bring prescription medication into the country.

The Ministry of Health in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has issued a new law that means all visitors and residents entering the country must gain online approval to carry medication for personal use, prior to entering the country, MailOnline Travel reports.

And if travellers fail to declare the medicines they intend to take into the UAE, it will be confiscated and tourists could find themselves being prosecuted.

Talking to the Gulf News, Dr Ameen Hussain Al Amiri, assistant undersecretary for Licencing and Public Health Policy at the ministry said: "In order to carry personal medication, both control and regular medication, it is now mandatory for all passengers entering UAE to get this prior approval from the ministry to carry their prescription-based medication. We are doing this to control drug threats that hinder the economy and public health."

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade's SafeTravel advice for the UAE does not mention the new rule, but advises Kiwi travellers that "some prescribed and over-the-counter medicines that are readily available in New Zealand are considered controlled substances".

"If a traveller arrives with certain medication and without the required documentation and prior approval from the UAE Ministry of Health, they will not be allowed into the country and may be prosecuted. For more information, contact the UAE Embassy, Wellington."

Herald Travel has contacted the UAE Embassy in Wellington for further information.

In the UK, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office updated its advice to Brits intending to travel to Dubai, urging them to make sure they fill out the electronic form if they need to take medication to the holiday hot spot.

The government department said: "Following changes in October 2018, the UAE Ministry of Health announced the requirement for all tourists and residents entering the UAE to complete an electronic form to obtain online approval to carry medication for personal use, prior to entering the country.

Dubai is a popular tourist destination in the United Arab Emirates. Photo / Getty Images

"The Ministry of Health has also published a user guide explaining how to complete the application and the supporting documents required.

"The British Embassy is currently requesting further information on this process and whether it is required for all types of medication.

"If you arrive in the UAE without this permission and the required documentation, the medication will not be allowed into the UAE and you may be prosecuted under UAE law."

If the medication is allowed to be taken into the country, visitors can take three months supply or only a month's supply if it is classed as a controlled substance.

The UAE is known for having strict, zero-tolerance laws when it comes to drugs and certain substances are banned from the country.

These include medications that contain codeine or similar narcotic-like ingredients as well as anti-anxiety drugs such as diazepam and some over-the-counter cold remedies.

Earlier this year a British man was arrested and later released in the United Arab Emirates after a customs officer refused to believe his prescribed anti-anxiety medication was for his own use.

Perry Coppins, a former soldier, tried to explain to the officer at the port of Fujairah that he had to have enough to last him a six-month voyage at sea, but was arrested before the charges were dropped.

Additonal reporting by nzherald.co.nz