Are your prescription drugs illegal abroad?

For many, taking prescription medication has become part of a daily routine and not something that is usually given a second thought – until it comes to travelling abroad. It’s hard to believe some medications which are widely available in the UK are banned in certain countries and those who attempt to enter a country with banned medication could face a fine, imprisonment or even the death penalty.

Understandably passengers with an existing medical condition, who take prescribed medication, may be concerned about travelling abroad – however you needn’t be, here are some key precautions you should take before travelling.

Are your prescription medication banned?

Whilst some medications will not cause a problem, it is best to check with the embassy of the country you are travelling to for any restrictions.

The local laws and customs vary dramatically between countries and some examples include:

Rebecca Kingsley

6th May 2019

Category:

International Travel, Lifestyle, Medical

People have been imprisoned for testing positive to codeine and temazepam following a urine sample on arrival. Passengers have also been imprisoned for testing positive to traces of poppy seeds (which you could have eaten earlier that day). In order to carry Diazepam and Tramadol through the border you are required to seek permission for the UAE’s Ministry of Health and carry your most recent prescription.

If you are carrying Codeine, or other opioid analgesics classed as controlled drugs, into Thailand you must obtain a permit issued by the Food and Drug Administration at least two weeks before you are due to travel. The application can be found in the Thai Embassy website and takes 3-5 working days to process. According to the Thai Embassy, all medications should contain the correct labels and be in their original packaging, accompanied by a Doctor’s note or your most recent prescription.

Over the counter medications including; Vicks inhalers, allergy or cold and flu medication (containing Pseudoephedrine) and medication used for sinus problems are all banned in Japan. Some common painkillers containing Codeine and ADHD medication are also prohibited. Carrying such medications into Japan could result in imprisonment or deportation so you should speak to the Japanese Embassy or Consulate before travelling. If you are planning to travel to Japan with permitted medication you should carry a copy of your prescription AND a letter from your Doctor outlining the medical reason for the medication.

The majority of common medications are allowed into Singapore, as long as you are not carrying more than three months supply and have a prescription or a Doctor’s note. If you are carrying more than three months supply or medication containing controlled drugs i.e. sleeping medication, anxiety tablets and some painkillers you are required to obtain a licence. Application forms can be found on the Singapore Government website and should be completed at least 10 working days before you are due to travel. To complete the application, you will need to provide a Doctor’s note or prescription stating the dosage and amount of medication you will be carrying, a copy of your flight details/travel itinerary and a copy of your passport.

All prescription medication should be accompanied by a Doctor’s note or prescription which can be sent to the Turkish Tourism Office for translation. For more information you should contact your nearest Turkish Embassy or Consulate.

The popular cough medicine, Benylin is banned in Zambia. This is due to the ingredient called Diphenhydramine which is a mild sedative. Officials may ask to see a copy of your prescription when entering Zambia so have this to hand.

Be careful not to pack too much medication as authorities will check you are only carrying the required amount for your trip.

Sleeping tablets, painkillers and anti-depressants may be banned so make sure you check with the embassy before booking your holiday. Some over the counter cough and cold medications are classed as controlled substances in Qatar and require a prescription.

Any medication should be accompanied by your latest medical report or a prescription.

If you are unsure if your prescription medication is legal in the country you are planning to travel to, you should contact the country’s Embassy or Consulate prior to travel. It is also worth noting the Foreign and Commonwealth Office update their information on the latest laws and customs, including travelling with medication.

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Obtaining a Doctor’s Note

If you are required to take prescribed medication you should consult your GP or Practise Nurse and make them aware of your travel plans before booking your holiday.

The country you are planning to travel to or the distance of travel may not be suitable for some conditions, likewise if your Doctor declares you are not fit to fly you should consider alternative transport and alert your travel insurance provider. Flying or any travel against medical advice will void any policy.

It is important to note you may need to pay for a Doctor’s letter as this service is not provided under the NHS, so allow for this extra cost. The letter should include the generic name of the medication and not just the brand name, as well as the name of the medical condition you are taking the medication for and the dosage, your travel itinerary and your personal details.

It may be worth having the letter translated into the language of the country you are travelling to so communication with officials will be quicker and easier.

Carrying your medication

Although it is not legally required in all countries, to avoid suspicion, your medication and the associated equipment (syringes, needles, etc.) should be kept in the original packaging and correctly labelled.

Carrying your medication and accompanying Doctor’s note or prescription in your hand luggage will make proceeds easier if questioned by customs, but always keep a spare supply in your suitcase in case your hand luggage goes missing. It is also worth noting, some medications should be kept cold so invest in an ice pack or a medication chill bag (available online).

What are controlled medications?

Controlled medication falls under the Misuse of Drug Legislation and require additional legal controls. Examples include; strong painkillers including diamorphine and those containing opioids, anti-anxiety medications and hormone medication containing anabolic steroids.

If you are planning to travel with more than a three month supply of a controlled medication you will need to apply for a personal licence issued by the Home Office. This licence will allow you to take a controlled medication in and out of the UK, however you should still check with the countries Embassy or Consulate. You should apply for a personal licence at least ten working days before you are due to travel and provide a supporting letter from your Doctor stating the name and reason of medication, your personal details and travel itinerary.

Do you need to tell your travel insurance about your medication?

All medical conditions will need to be declared to your travel insurance provider during the quotation period. We recommend looking for a policy that will ask for the names and medical reasons for your medication, so you have a separate note of all your medication and why you take them – that way your insurer will be able to accurately assess any risks.

It is worth noting, although you have declared your medication and medical conditions with your travel insurer you will still need to obtain a Doctor’s note and a copy of your prescription when travelling.

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