Following on from earlier post, can anyone detail a time when they were identified as having medication by the authorities when traveling and wether they were asked or not asked for further information / documentation and if so, what was / was not sufficient to avoid further enquiries?
Info on what meds, where and circumstances would be helpful to guide members in the future.
Hi, I may have replied to the earlier post. So far, I have never been stopped or questioned when travelling with medication (carrying prescription and labelled dispensing packaging).
My advice is always try to research/check the requirements for the country you are visiting. Look on their official tourist and/or customs/immigration sites. Laws and regulations vary widely.
For example, earlier this year I visited Singapore and Malaysia; both had well documented procedures and guidelines.
Singapore - has a health agency website where you can enter medication and it will inform you what is required. You can even print out an official letter headed document detailing your personal medication. In my case, for this trip, I could bring in 3 months supply, for personal use.
Malaysia - has a health ministry page with documented guidance. In this instance, I found out, I could bring in one months supply, for personal use.
Some may say I am over cautious but I always think, when stood at a border, it’s worth been able to prove you’ve done your due diligence.
Thanks AAJJTt. That’s useful to know - I was not aware so much info was easily available on line from the relevant Health Authority. Definitely worth checking before traveling. The vast majority of time you will not be checked and so not important but in the rare occasion you may be checked it might be critical.
Travel to Europe, US or Australia. I wouldn’t give it much thought, other than take the items I mentioned. Less familiar parts of the world, I always check.
To me, regulation on importing medication while travelling seems to be on the increase. I don’t really recall seeing much about it on sites like the FCO until more recent years. That said, perhaps I’ve only just started to pay more attention as I get older and pick up conditions and medication.
I always took enough supplies with me, the longest I stayed abroad was 6 weeks however this was a few years ago now and my GP was quite happy to supply me knowing I was leaving this country plus I would take a full list of my medications etc., and never had a problem in any country I visited but things may have changed now. Last time I went abroad was in 2012.
Thanks for that info.
Were you ever stopped and asked to show any proof / documentation that medication was proscribed? What I’m looking for is examples where what was taken as support was / wasn’t sufficient. If we are never stopped and asked it doesn’t really matter what we do / do not have in support.
Thanks
I really cannot remember at any time being stopped, my meds were always in my carry on bag, in their pharmacy paper bags normally with their prescriptions attached apart from those currently in use. As I mentioned before, the last time I travelled was on a cruise to Iceland etc., so things may have changed since then but if you state they are for personal use only and not intended for resale it should be ok. You will be carrying your travel insurance, are health conditions listed on that? I can't remember but may be worth while taking a look if you need reassurance.
Hi
When asked re Drs note and meds I always get a list signed off by my Dr.
It is OK if you can take the prescribed orig packing around the med but i take B12 solgar and the Dr writes that on my list.
Don't take items unless you have a Dr's note signed off. You are hoping that you wont get asked. Enjoy your trip.
cheers JOY
Never been stopped for carrying prescribed medication but I always carry my repeat prescription forms and new boxes of medication - so they can see the prescribing details on the front. My current GP also gives me a letter with all my prescriptions listed. So far never been asked to provide evidence of prescription and always carry in both my carry on luggage and in my suitcase - in case case is lost or delayed - this has never happened to me yet. Travel frequently to the Middle East, South Africa and USA often staying for a s long as 3 months. Never had any problems.
Just got back from Hungary 3 days ago, Greece earlier in the year...Never ever stopped or questioned about it...I take my meds and the labels for each one with my name in it as a proof...Never an issue
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