P&O Cruises passengers heading to Japan or the United Arab Emirates are being warned to check their medications carefully, as common painkillers containing codeine could lead to severe penalties. The cruise operator, which carries up to 600,000 British travellers annually, has issued guidance on its website highlighting strict drug regulations in these destinations.
Codeine, a controlled substance often combined with paracetamol in products like co-codamol, is banned for personal import in both Japan and the UAE. According to P&O Cruises, penalties can be severe if banned substances are found when entering these countries. The company advises that an import certificate from the relevant authorities would be required, though this does not guarantee permission.
The NHS notes that codeine is a potent opioid painkiller used for moderate pain that standard paracetamol cannot relieve. P&O Cruises states: 'Codeine, for example, is banned and no products containing codeine, which may include paracetamol, may be imported or sold in the United Arab Emirates.'
Passengers are urged to carry a prescription for all medications and keep them in original labelled bottles. For controlled or injectable drugs, a doctor's letter is advisable. In the UAE, a medical report is also required for syringes or other medical equipment. The company recommends contacting the relevant embassy with any uncertainties before travel.
