Travelling Abroad with Prescribed Medication

July 22, 2025

So, you are all packed and ready to go on your holiday. You have checked your documents, counted your travel money and made sure your phone is charged, but have you checked whether your prescribed medication is legal in the country you are visiting?

If you are someone who takes medication for a health condition, even a mild or well-managed one, it is completely understandable to feel a little unsure about how to travel with it. That is why we have put together this guide with everything you need to know before setting off, to help you enjoy your trip with peace of mind.

Why Do I Need to Check My Medication Before Travelling Abroad?

For many of us, taking prescribed medication is just part of our daily routine. But what a lot of people do not realise is that some medications that are widely available in the UK may be restricted or even banned in other countries.

In fact, taking certain medications abroad without checking the rules could lead to them being confiscated at customs. In more serious cases, it could result in fines, denial of entry, or even imprisonment in some countries. In extremely rare cases, harsher penalties may apply depending on local law – which is why checking ahead is so important.

It is always best to do your research before you travel. It does not take long, and it could save you a lot of worry once you arrive.

What Do I Need to Do Before I Take My Medication Abroad?

Before travelling abroad, it is important to check the regulations that may apply if you are taking your prescribed medication with you. Be sure to check the rules for taking the medication out of the UK as well as any restrictions in the country you are visiting and returning home from.

If you are unsure, you can check the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) travel advice and the GOV.UK website for advice on travelling with medicines. If you are still in doubt, it is a good idea to contact the Embassy or Consulate of the country you are visiting.

Getting a Doctor’s Note:

Even if a doctor’s note is not legally required, it is a good idea to take one with you, just in case your medication is questioned at the airport or by customs officials when you arrive.  

It is recommended that the doctor’s note contains the following information (but check specific requirements for the country you are travelling to):

• Your full name
• The medication’s generic name (not just the brand name)
• The condition it is being used to treat
• Dosage needed
• How often you take the medication

If possible, get your doctor’s note translated into the language of the country you are visiting, this can prevent any miscommunication. It may also come in useful if you need to seek medical attention during your trip and are asked for a list of your medications and medical conditions.

Also, for certain destinations, particularly if you are travelling with controlled drugs or larger amounts of medication, your doctor’s note may need to be certified or notarised by a relevant authority. This can usually be confirmed by the country’s Embassy.

How Should I Pack My Medication?

Most people choose to keep their medication in their hand luggage, so they can access it easily during the flight – and in case their suitcase is delayed or lost. Keep your doctor’s note (if recommended) and a copy of your prescription with it, and always carry medication in its original packaging.

If you are travelling with more than three months’ worth of medication, you may need a personal licence from the Home Office. This applies to some controlled drugs and needs to be arranged well in advance of your trip.

If your medication includes liquids or gels larger than 100ml, even if they are medically necessary, you must declare them at airport security and check current hand luggage rules beforehand. The same goes for needles or syringes, you can usually bring them, but it is important to double-check airline and security guidelines and carry a doctor’s letter just in case.

It is also a good idea to check the expiry date of your medication before packing, to make sure it is still valid for the duration of your holiday. If you’re travelling with insulin, remember it needs to be kept cool, many people use cold packs for this, and it should always stay in your hand luggage. If you are crossing time zones, you may need to adjust when you take your medication, so it’s best to speak to your doctor before you travel.

Common Medications That are Banned Abroad?

As we mentioned earlier in this guide, it is important that you take some time to research the laws and regulations of your chosen holiday destination.

Some medications that are widely available on prescription in the UK can contain ingredients that are classed as illegal in other countries. For example:

• Common painkillers; CodeineandTramadol are banned in Japan, Indonesia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to name a few.
• Medications to treat anxiety, such as Diazepam and Lorazepam, are restricted in popular holiday destinations including Greece, Japan, and the UAE. If you take these please check before you travel. Diazepam is commonly prescribed for people with a fear of flying – even if they don’t have a diagnosed condition – so it’s especially worth checking the rules before you travel if you take it. 

Not only should you be aware of prescribed medication, over-the-counter medication may also be restricted or banned in some destinations.

For example, Loperamide – also known as Imodium – which is commonly used to treat diarrhoea and short-term irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is illegal in Pakistan and India.

Vicks nasal inhalers, allergy, or cold and flu medications, which are widely available to pick up in UK stores without a prescription, may also be illegal in the country you are travelling to. For example, Pseudoephedrine, which is commonly found in these types of medicines, is banned in Japan.

It is extremely important to check official listings of banned products before entering a country to ensure you are not caught out at the border, even herbal remedies may be restricted in some countries, so check before you pack them.

Travel Insurance for Existing Medical Conditions

If you or anyone named on your policy has an existing medical condition, it’s essential that this is declared when buying your travel insurance. This helps ensure your cover is appropriate for your needs, and reduces the risk of claims being declined later on.

Even if a condition is well managed—such as type 2 diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure—it still needs to be disclosed. Travel insurance policies are based on the medical information provided at the time of purchase. If a relevant condition or medication isn’t declared, it could affect whether you’re covered if something unexpected happens during your trip. Claims related either directly or indirectly to that condition may not be covered. For example, if you haven’t declared high blood pressure and you have a heart attack abroad, your medical or repatriation costs may not be covered, because having high blood pressure increases your risk of a heart attack.

You can declare medical conditions during the quote process, if you are unsure what needs to be declared, it is always best to double check with the travel insurer. This helps us understand your situation and offer a policy that reflects your health needs.

Please check your policy wording carefully for details on what is and isn’t covered, including any exclusions that may apply.

Remember to Get Your EHIC or GHIC

For UK travellers,having a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) can be incredibly helpful if you need medical treatment while abroad. These cards provide access to necessary healthcare in many European countries, sometimes for free or at a reduced cost.

As of 2021, the EHIC is being replaced by the GHIC. If you still have a valid EHIC, you can use it until it expires, after which you will need to apply for a GHIC.

For more information and to apply for a free Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), visit the official National Health Service (NHS) website. Keep in mind, the GHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance, as it does not cover things like private healthcare, mountain rescue, or repatriation.

This blog is intended for general guidance and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Please consult your GP and check official travel guidance before you travel.