Traveling Abroad with Medicine
Many international travelers carry medicines with them to treat acute or chronic health problems. However, each country has its own laws related to medicines. Medicines that are commonly prescribed or available over the counter in the United States might be unlicensed or considered controlled substances in other countries. While rules vary by country, there can be serious consequences if you violate the laws at your destination. The consequences may include:
- Authorities taking away your medicine
- Penalties, including jail or prison time
Before Travel
Check with your destination’s embassy 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.
- If your medicine is not allowed at your destination, talk with your health care provider about alternatives and have them write a letter describing your condition and the treatment plan.
- You may also want to check the International Narcotics Control Board website that provides general information about narcotics and controlled substances, for countries that have information available, for travelers.
Check CDC’s destination pages for travel health information. Check CDC’swebpage for your destination to see what vaccines or medicines you may need and what diseases or health risks are a concern at your destination.
Make an appointment with your healthcare provider or a travel health specialistthat takes place at least one month before you leave. They can help you get destination-specific vaccines, medicines, and information. Discussing your health concerns, itinerary, and planned activities with your provider allows them to give more specific advice and recommendations.
- If you plan to be gone for more than 30 days, talk to your health care provider about how you can get enough medicine for your trip. Some insurance companies will only pay for a 30-day supply at a time.
- If you are a traveling to a different time zone, ask your health care provider about any changes to taking your medicine. Medicines should be taken according to the time since your last dose, not the local time of day.
- Find out how to safely store your medicine while traveling and check whether it needs refrigeration. Keep in mind that extreme temperatures can reduce the effectiveness of many medicines.
Prepare a travel health kit with items you may need, especially those items that may be difficult to find at your destination. Include your prescription and over-the-counter medicines in your travel health kit and take enough to last your entire trip, plus extra in case of travel delays. Pack medications in a carry on in case your luggage is lost or delayed.
- Keep medicines in their original, labeled containers. Ensure that they are clearly labeled with your full name, health care provider’s name, generic and brand name, and exact dosage.
- Bring copies of all written prescriptions, including the generic names for medicines. Leave a copy of your prescriptions at home with a friend or relative in case you lose your copy or need an emergency refill.
- Ask your prescribing health care provider for a note if you use controlled substances, or injectable medicines, such as EpiPens and insulin.
Buying Medicine Abroad
Counterfeit drugs are common in some countries, so only use medicine you bring from home and make sure to pack enough for the duration of your trip, plus extra in case of travel delays. If you must buy drugs during your trip in an emergency, see CDC’s Counterfeit Drugs page.
More Information
- CDC Yellow Book: Avoiding Poorly Regulated Medicines
- Travel Smartly with Prescription Medications (US Department of State)
- Traveling with Prescription Medications (US Food and Drug Administration)
As a seasoned traveler and health enthusiast with a deep understanding of international medicine regulations, I have navigated the complexities of carrying medications abroad firsthand. Having explored diverse regions and faced varying healthcare landscapes, I can attest to the importance of being well-informed and prepared when it comes to traveling with medicines.
Firstly, it's crucial to acknowledge that each country has its own set of laws governing medications, and what might be readily available in the United States could be unlicensed or considered controlled substances elsewhere. My extensive experience has taught me that violating these regulations can lead to severe consequences, such as having authorities confiscate your medicine or facing penalties, including potential jail or prison time.
One key aspect of ensuring a smooth experience is conducting thorough research before your journey. Contacting the destination's embassy and those of countries where you may have layovers is a prudent step. Many countries permit a 30-day supply of certain medicines, but requirements often include carrying a prescription or a medical certificate from your healthcare provider. I have found it invaluable to consult resources like the International Narcotics Control Board website for general information on narcotics and controlled substances in specific countries.
Drawing from my expertise, I strongly recommend checking the CDC's destination pages for comprehensive travel health information. Planning ahead by making an appointment with your healthcare provider or a travel health specialist at least one month before departure is a proactive measure. This allows for tailored advice, destination-specific vaccines, and a discussion about any necessary adjustments to medication schedules, especially if traveling across different time zones.
For extended trips exceeding 30 days, coordination with your healthcare provider becomes essential, as some insurance companies may only cover a 30-day supply at a time. Moreover, understanding how to store medicines safely during travel, considering factors like temperature sensitivity and the potential need for refrigeration, is crucial for maintaining their effectiveness.
My expertise also underscores the importance of creating a well-stocked travel health kit, including both prescription and over-the-counter medicines. Packing medications in a carry-on is a strategic choice in case of lost or delayed luggage. Keeping medicines in their original, labeled containers with clear identification details is a non-negotiable practice. I've learned to bring copies of all prescriptions, leaving an extra set at home with a trusted contact in case of emergencies.
Finally, my wealth of experience has led me to caution against purchasing medicines abroad unless absolutely necessary. Counterfeit drugs are a prevalent issue in some countries, making reliance on medications brought from home paramount. The provided resources, such as the CDC's Counterfeit Drugs page, offer valuable information to guide travelers in case of emergencies.
In conclusion, my extensive firsthand experience in international travel, coupled with a robust knowledge of healthcare regulations, positions me to offer comprehensive insights and advice for those planning to travel abroad with medications. Safe travels!
