How do you travel internationally with prescription drugs?
Asked by: Palma Hammes | Last update: March 11, 2025Score: 4.1/5 (50 votes)
- Keep medicines in their original, labeled containers. ...
- Bring copies of all written prescriptions, including the generic names for medicines.
Do pills have to be in original bottles when flying internationally?
If you're traveling internationally, the U.S. Department of State recommends keeping your medications in their original container with the label intact. If you're staying stateside, you can consider bringing only what you need in a pill organizer.
How do I pack my medication for an international flight?
All passenger items must undergo security screening. It is recommended that medication be clearly labeled to facilitate the screening process. You may bring medically necessary liquids, medications and creams in excess of 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters in your carry-on bag.
Can you travel internationally with prescription pills?
If you don't have the original container, bring a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor explaining your condition and why you need this medication. Travel with no more than you need for your personal use during your stay. A rule of thumb: Bring no more than a 90-day supply of medication.
What medication can I not take to Europe?
- strong painkillers;
- sleeping pills and drugs to reduce anxiety, such as Valium or Seresta;
- medication for ADHD, such as Ritalin or Concerta;
- medicinal cannabis.
Packing prescriptions for travel
Do you have to declare prescription drugs at customs?
Declare all drugs, medicinal, and similar products to the appropriate CBP official; Carry such substances in their original containers; Carry only the quantity of such substances that a person with that condition (e.g., chronic pain) would normally carry for his/her personal use; and.
What generic drugs are banned in Europe?
Some of the drugs that are affected by the European ban include the antihistamine fexofenadine (Allegra), the seizure medicine levetiracetam (Keppra), the blood-pressure pill nebivolol (Bystolic) and the antidepressant venlafaxine (Effexor). There are hundreds more.
Can you fly with pills in a Ziploc bag?
Official answer. You can take prescription medications on a plane. They can be placed in a clear plastic bag for screening or in your checked-in luggage. But you may have to undergo additional security checks and you should be prepared for these.
Do I need a doctor letter to take medication abroad?
You should take enough medication with you to allow for extra doses in case your return home is delayed. You should carry your medication, covering letter from your doctor and your personal licence, if needed, in your hand luggage. You should: Keep medicines in their original packaging clearly labelled.
Will customs seize prescription drugs?
Prescriptions medications unavailable or illegal abroad
Customs agents will confiscate medications that are illegal, if discovered.
Do vitamins need to be in original containers when flying internationally?
Do vitamins need to be in original containers when flying? The TSA does not require medications be kept in their original prescription bottles, but some states may have individual laws regarding the labeling of prescription medication with which passengers need to comply.
What medication can you not fly with?
Opiates, such as Morphine, Codeine, Lortab, Percodan, Oxycontin. Muscle relaxants, such as Soma, Sonata, Flexeril. Anicholinergics, such as Levsin, Bnetyl, Transderm Scop. Sedating antihistamines, such as Benadryl, Chlorpheniramine, Zyrtec.
Can I take unmarked medication on a plane?
Can you take unmarked pills on a plane? You can take unmarked pills with you on a plane in carry-on and checked baggage. Your medication does not have to be in its original packaging.
Does customs look through pill bottles?
Medically required liquids will be subject to additional screening that could include being asked to open the container. You can bring your medication in pill or solid form in unlimited amounts as long as it is screened.
How do I get a medication passport?
It is also useful to request a medication passport from your GP or pharmacy. If you lose your medication while traveling, a doctor can prescribe the correct replacement for you. This is not an official travel document.
How do I travel internationally with prescription drugs?
Check with your destination's embassyExternal Link and embassies of countries that you have layovers in to make sure your medicines are permitted. Many countries allow a 30-day supply of certain medicines, but also require the traveler to carry a prescription or a medical certificate from their health care provider.
Do you have to declare prescription medication?
Taking your prescription on your flight
Please contact us 2 months before your flight to let us know what medication you may need and how long you are going away for. You may need a letter signed by the GP stating what medication you are on and why you need it.
Do prescription drugs have to be in original containers?
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) doesn't ask you to keep your medicines in their original prescription bottles. But each state may have its own rules. If you aren't bringing your medicine in its original bottle, bring a copy of the prescription or a letter from your doctor.
What is not allowed in a carry-on bag?
With the exception of balls, many pieces of sporting equipment, such as baseball bats, golf clubs, ski poles, hockey sticks, lacrosse sticks, martial arts weapons, hiking poles, and tent spikes/poles, are prohibited from carry-on luggage and must be transported in checked baggage.
Do you have to declare vitamins at customs?
You can put prescription vitamins and medication of any kind (pills, gels, liquids, etc.) of any quantity in your carry-on bag, but they must be declared to TSA.
Is ibuprofen banned in Europe?
Ibuprofen and dexibuprofen medicines have been authorised in the EU through national approval procedures and have been available for many years under a wide range of trade names. They are available on prescription and over the counter.
Can I bring prescription medication into Italy?
According to the Ministry of Health, foreigners entering Italy are allowed to bring personal medications for a period of 30 days, but it is recommended that travelers also bring a copy of their prescription with them.
Is Zyrtec banned in any countries?
Restricted in Japan
In Japan, over-the-counter medicines like Sudafed and Vicks, common in the UK, are strictly prohibited 1. This also extends to decongestant products containing pseudoephedrine such as Vicks, Zyrtec, Advil, and Tylenol.