Traveling with Medications
TIPS TO ENSURE YOU CAN TRAVEL WITH YOUR MEDICATIONS
Updated December 2023
Are you traveling with medications? You may be wondering…
- How do I pack them? Is my carry on or checked bag better?
- Is there a limit on how much I can bring?
- Are controlled substances ok?
- What about liquid medications?
Read below for answers to those questions and more!
Do some planning before you leave to ensure you can travel with your prescription medications. This involves a few things.
- Get organized and decide what to bring
- Check if there are any restrictions
- Get the medications
- Pack wisely
1. GET ORGANIZED AND DECIDE WHAT TO BRING
This sounds obvious but start by figuring out what you need to bring and how much. This includes prescription items, any essential medical supplies (such as an EpiPen, diabetic test strips, etc.) and even over-the-counter items.
We have some tools that can help make this easy. Use our medication list template to organize and document what you are bringing. Also check out our packing list, which can help you think through what you may need to bring.
2. CHECK IF THERE ARE ANY RESTRICTIONS
A number of countries have very strict laws about importing medications. Entering a country with a restricted medication, even if legally obtained in the United States, could be illegal and could result in your detention or arrest overseas. Medications commonly restricted include, but are not limited to, controlled substances (such as pain and ADHD meds), injected medications, HIV drugs, and some over-the-counter (OTC) cold medications.
Research drug importation restrictions for their destination(s). Check with the embassy of the country you are entering but know they may have limited information. You can also check restrictions by country here from the International Narcotics Control Board and find out if you will need additional documentation.
For certain medications, such as controlled substances and HIV medications, it may be prudent to obtain and carry a letter from the prescribing physician on letterhead stationery, appropriately signed and dated, stating medical necessity. The International Narcotics Control Board website can help you determine what documentation you need.
Please note- Never hide medications in luggage. It is a bad idea and not worth the risk.
3. GET THE MEDICATIONS
Bring plenty of medicine for your trip. If possible, bring a few extra days’ worth in case of delays. Don’t be excessive. Carrying medications in amounts above reasonable personal-use quantities (example: over 30 days’ supply) may invite questioning and detention by border control officers.
Coordinate with your pharmacist to ensure you have adequate supply for your trip. Pro tip – the sooner you let the pharmacist know about your trip, the better they can help you.
Can’t I just get my medication abroad? It depends on what your medication is, where you are going and if you can locate a reliable source. Counterfeit medications are common in some countries so it is safer and easier to just get it before leaving.
4. PACK WISELY
Here are some tips to get your medications through customs:
- Keep medications in their original, labeled, pharmacy packaging when possible.
- Understand that although liquid medications are not restricted to 3.4 ounces, they may be subject to further screening and inspection.
- Avoid using pill boxes in transit. They makes it difficult for customs officials to identify the medication. Pill boxes should be packed empty and then filled at the destination.
- Keep medications in carry-on luggage instead of checked luggage in case checked luggage is lost or delayed or customs requires an explanation or documentation of need.
- Have documents ready and available for TSA if needed.
Resources
Travax guide (Name)
CDC (name and link)
US State Department
At Odyssey, we believe in making it as convenient as possible for you to get the care you need for travel. You already have enough on your plate to prepare for your trip. This part should be easy! We have been doing this for over 8 years. We know what you need and will answer your questions. We also are 5-Star rated on Google and provide excellent customer service to all international travelers in Washington State.
Are you ready check this part of your trip off your list? Then book an appointment with us now!
Marisa GronholzAugust 6, 2023We needed some last minute meds for international travel and this was so easy and the whole process was so thorough and professional and a great experience all around. I highly recommend!
haji mirkabJuly 14, 2023Lisa was a very excellent to communicate with her and I will see her back again.
Robert BruggnerJuly 1, 2023I had a wonderful experience with Odyssey Travel Health. Lisa provided thoughtful health recommendations for my upcoming trip and was convenient to chat with via a Telehealth visit. Much appreciated and highly recommended!
Ruchira ChoudhariJune 15, 2023My husband and I received a limited travel consultation, and we were both very pleased with the service. Lisa was extremely helpful in assisting us with finding a suitable pharmacy for the yellow fever vaccine, prescribing antimalarials and altitude sickness medicines. We appreciated her dedication to ensuring that we were well-informed about the necessary medications for our trip. Additionally, she was prompt in responding to our messages, which we found very reassuring.
Kaeli CreightonMay 26, 2023Lisa at Odyssey Health was so easy to work with. She was able to get my fiancé and I in the same day I called to ensure we were prepared for our upcoming trip. She was personable and thorough.
M MMarch 28, 2023Odyssey Travel Health was really easy to use and had excellent customer service. The online forms were very easy to fill out and Lisa was very knowledgeable. Even though I'm not local, she was able to send my prescriptions to a pharmacy near me. Since they're a small business, their customer service is excellent. I highly recommend Odyssey Travel Health!