travelling to Singapore with opioids

[Mongolia2020]

Any problems going to Singapore (stopover) en route to Europe with 30 days worth of methadone, if in original container and with drs letter?Do I need to declare at customs?Thanks in advance for any advice.

[Joolsg]

hsa.gov.sg/personal-medicat...

You'll need to go through Singapore online approval process.

Better to ask and make sure- just in case. Singapore is extremely strict.

[Joolsg]

I looked it up to check as it's a popular stop off destination. I may stopover en route to Australia next year.They require you to request approval for methadone and Buprenorphine at least 10 days before travel.

You'll need to submit proof that you have been legally prescribed the med.

[Mongolia2020 in reply to Joolsg]

Thanks so much Joolsg. I did look it up myself also, but with some people ( on other sites) saying they don’t declare their RLS medication when they travel ( including methadone), I thought I’d ask the question.

[Joolsg in reply to Mongolia2020]

I wouldn't take ANY chances in some countries. Singapore is notorious for clamping down on irregularities- especially where opioids are concerned.

[TheDoDahMan in reply to Joolsg]

Then I guess the question is whether a doctor's letter and original pill container are accepted by Sing authorities as proof. (Lord Almighty, I hate "the authorities" power over us when it comes to what they allow us to put into our own bodies.)

[Joolsg in reply to TheDoDahMan]

I've just researched travelling to Spain for 5 days with my Buprenorphine pills.I need a doctor's letter PLUS a waiver from the Spanish Medicines Authority.

The reality is that most people don't realise they need special 'waivers' and, unless Customs stop & search, most people will be fine.

But if they do stop & search & find the meds & you don't have the correct paperwork- lord knows what would happen. Especially in the ultra strict countries.

[TheDoDahMan in reply to Joolsg]

You wouldn't think they'd hassle a person for carrying only enough for personal use - it's not like there would be a question of smuggling drugs for profit. Sometimes I think the authorities don't believe you own your own body.

[Joolsg in reply to TheDoDahMan]

I know. But I wouldn't take any chances travelling to certain countries.I know that getting a waiver to take Buprenorphine into Japan is nigh impossible. So that's off my 'bucket list'.

[Madlegs1]

Same as entering NZ.

You declare it on the entry visa application.

For customs, it is with your carry on bag. And you declare it if asked.

Simples.😎

[Mongolia2020 in reply to Madlegs1]

Thanks Madlegs

[amrob123]

There's a link to Singapore Health Science Authority found on the Smart Traveller website (Australian gov't) which may be helpful.

smartraveller.gov.au/destin...

I recently went through a similar process for a stopover in Dubai. That required specific information on a doctor's letter, also batch number of medications etc.

You can't be too careful in some countries!

[Mongolia2020 in reply to amrob123]

Thanks Amrob