Travel in the USA and Canada with Prescription Meds

[Puttingtheraintravel]

Hi. I’ll be travelling into the USA and Canada with medication that will last me for the duration of my trip. Does anyone know if I need to fill out any further forms to make sure I don’t have any trouble at the airports? If so, where can I find the links. I’ve looked everywhere and can’t find anything so just looking for some advice. Thank you in advance!

[AgedCrone]

Do try asking your Airline they might help or advise who to ask.

British Airways (and Virgin I think) have travel clinics that will give advice….. but whatever you do, declare everything you are taking, because US customs and immigration take importing any sort of medication very seriously.

Always keep any drugs in your cabin baggage & take your prescription with you.

Happy Holidays!

[Puttingtheraintravel in reply to AgedCrone]

Thank you. I was going to put some of my tablets in my hold luggage but I will now make sure they are definitely in my hand luggage! And I was going to ring airlines but I hadn't thought that they might know the answer to this question! Thank you.

[Gilliancheche]

When I travelled to the US I took a letter from rheumatology and a letter from Sciensus (both free unlike GP letters) plus a copy of my prescription everything packed in hand luggage so no chance of losing it all. Had no issues. Did the same for Dubai and Abu Dhabi but they do have lists of which medication is allowed that you need to check too. Have a good trip!

[Puttingtheraintravel in reply to Gilliancheche]

OMG!! I cannot explain to you how helpful this is! Thank you so much. I'm going to message my rheumatologist to get a letter!

[SEAgran3]

I carry a letter from my GP, and carry drugs as hand luggage

[Tia53]

I've been to the USA and Caribbean several times in the last 5 years and take MTX injections along with my letter from my consultant.I've never been asked about the medication or gad to show the letter but glad I have it just in case! 😊👍

[Puttingtheraintravel in reply to Tia53]

This is great, thank you!

[Monkeysmum]

You might find this web page useful - has lots of links as well as overall advice.

fda.gov/consumers/consumer-...

I can’t comment on Canada as I haven’t been there (would like to though!) but I have taken methotrexate + etanercept injections to USA twice over last few years. Neither time was I asked to declare any medications at the USA side, but like others above I had letters from rheumatology for both medications explaining why I needed to bring them just in case (I never get to see the prescriptions as they are sent direct from the hospital to sciensus). The only time I have had to show these letters was actually on the UK side when handing them over to security for the hand luggage check. I don’t know what medications you are taking but one thing to be aware of is that codeine is considered a controlled substance in the USA so would be likely to be subject to more scrutiny, so on this basis I have decided to leave mine at home both times as I only take it occasionally for very bad flares.

Have a great time!

[Puttingtheraintravel in reply to Monkeysmum]

OMG! Thank you so much. I'm getting the general consensus that I need to get a letter from my rheumatologist, so I'll be sure to get that asap! And no, I don't take Codeine, so that's all good!

[Tiverland]

I’ve travelled many times to Canada and USA leave all meds in boxes and take an up to date prescription. Carry in hand luggage. Never had problems

[Puttingtheraintravel in reply to Tiverland]

Thank you!!!!