stop over in Middle East

[divingdancer]

Hi Guys

I want to travel from London to Jo'burg to visit my daughter and have been looking at flight prices. Unfortunately, I'm skint at the moment so have to shop around for a reasonably priced flight.

BA of course is pricey so I compared with Emirates and Etihad. Both airlines had stopovers of over an hour in the middle east. My question is that when I checked the list of drugs they ban, half my meds were listed. Now obviously I don't want to get hauled off to some prison just for carrying my usual pain relief. Does anyone know what the situation is with stop overs and drugs.

I'm taking amitryptilene and tramadol for Fibromyalgia.

Divingdancer

[moeve]

Are you sure it applies to transit passengers with Dr. notes? Check with customs if this also applies to you.

[divingdancer]

moeve

UK customs or the transit country customs?

(sorry to sound dense!)

Amanda

[PeoDeMIA]

Generally speaking, you will not have to pass through customs while "in transit", however, depending on the length of your layover you may want to clear customs/immigration to take advantage of some sightseeing and shopping.

I think the problem would be with passing through security. Although I've never had problems in the US, Europe, or Asia; if a country or their airline specifically prohibits certain drugs/medications, then you may run into a problem going through security as many airports require you to re-clear security even if you haven't formally entered the country prior to your departing flight.

I highly doubt that the purportedly banned drugs/medications apply to prescription medications contained in a standard prescription bottle with a pharmacy label that lists the patient name and prescribing physician. I would suggest a quick phone call to the airline.

[divingdancer]

Thanks for the replies. I have emailed the airline but not had a response so I'll phone them.

thanks

amanda

[moeve]

Sorry didn't see the post... I meant the customs or embassy of the country in question (probably Dubai or one of the other Emirates right)