Can I Take My Medicine Abroad? - Scientific Bridges

Have you ever thought that bringing medicine along with you on an international flight is legal? How about when you really do need to bring your own medicine because of a serious sickness or chronic health conditions? Trust me, you’re not the only one having this dilemma. In fact, it is one of the most popular questions being searched online. Sadly, finding an international regulation is difficult. Some countries may independently change regulations without giving clear guidelines publicly.

In short, yes you can bring your medicine abroad, with some qualifiers. Here are some tips and advice on how to take your medicine with you on any international flight without worrying about violating the country’s law you’ll be visiting.

1-Bring just enough medicine

Travellers are allowed to bring medicine supplies for 30 days. This only applies for medicine not containing controlled substances. Make sure to bring extras if possible, in case you’ll be facing some flight delay.

2-Be certain about type of medicine

Controlled medicine is regulated internationally due to its high risk of easily being manipulated for substance abuse. Controlled substances are narcotics such as methadone and psychotropics (drugs that affect the brain and body nervous system) such as zolpidem.

For lists of medicine regulation by country around the world, you can check on The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) website. For an easy view list of drugs used for personal use, check out The International Society of Travel Medicine (ISTM) website. Do note that these websites serve as references only and may not be updated and may not contain information of certain countries. Check with the country’s embassy for confirmation.

3- Medicine documents

Bring all supporting documents for your medicine. This could be a supporting letter from your healthcare providers (containing information of the medicine generic name, brand name and dosage) and copy of original prescriptions. Apply an import permit or license for some controlled medicine or if it’s exceeding the amount permitted into the country you will be visiting. Your doctor will assist on how to get these documents.

4-Pack smart

Be sure to bring your medicine in its original package and labelled containers, clearly labelled with your full passport name, doctor’s name, generic and brand name, and exact dosage. This will help you avoid

It is advisable to bring your medicine in hand luggage. You will never know if you need to use it in case of an emergency. Consider packing a little bit extra of the medicine into your suitcase, just in case of losing your hand carry luggage.

For medicine in liquid form, there is no need to put it in a zip lock bag just as other non-medication liquid like your travel size toiletries. Prepare to let the security officer at the early screening checkpoint know you are bringing this liquid medication. Further inspection on medical liquid sometimes will be done by the authority and you may be asked to open the liquid container.

Bringing medicine onboard could be a bit of a hassle but that does not mean impossible. Early trip planning and research on the country destination would help passengers know what to expect from the country they will be visiting in terms of medicine and healthcare options available there. Consider asking your doctor before going on trips if you are not sure how to adjust your medication according to the time zone of the country you will be travelling to. Travelling by plane should be a worry-free experience for everyone. Having medicine onboard for flight and along the trip for those who are vulnerable and with chronic conditions would help provide them big relief knowing their health is always optimal. Know about yourHajj Vaccination package.