This is a bit of news that's worth sharing with any visitors you've got coming in the next few months.



All tourists and residents entering the UAE will now need approval to bring personal medicines across the border, the Ministry of Health has announced.



However, it's easy to get permission – all it takes is a simple online form, and it's completely free.



To bring personal medicines to the UAE, a doctor's prescription, passport or Emirates ID copy and some other verification details need to be submitted using the Ministry of Health website.



It will then by reviewed by officials and approved within one working day, with the medicines then checked on entry by an inspector.



Passengers can take one month of controlled or semi-controlled medicine into the country or three months of non-controlled medicine.



Any medicine that does not meet the requirements will be seized at the airport, although there will be no punitive action from the authorities.



Dr Ameen Hussain Al Amiri, assistant undersecretary for Licencing and Public Health Policy, told Gulf News: “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.”

For more information, go to http://www.mohap.gov.ae/en/services/Pages/361.aspx.