There are a million and one preparations you need to take when going on holiday, but a trip to a travel clinic can help with quite a few of them, as they can provide tailored advice, antimalarial medication and vaccinations for the country you plan to go to.
One of the most important questions that we get asked is simple: “Can I take my medication with me on holiday?”
The answer can depend on a lot of factors, and it is not necessarily a guarantee that certain types of prescription medications can be taken to your destination, as the rules can vary from country to country.
If you have a regular prescription medication and your winter holiday is long enough that you are going to need to take your regular dose, get in touch with your doctor or visit your local pharmacist for advice.
With that in mind, here is what you need to know when it comes to travelling with prescription medication.
Why Might It Be Difficult To Travel With Prescription Medications?
Every country has differing criteria when it comes to prescription medications, and some medicines that can be bought over the counter or are commonly prescribed in the UK may be considered to be controlled substances abroad.
For example, some stronger painkillers may contain codeine, an opiate and analogue to morphine or heroin that is a controlled substance because of its potentially addictive qualities. It is heavily regulated in many countries and can be illegal to bring into others, such as Mexico, China or the United Arab Emirates.
Even in countries where it is legal, there are strict rules surrounding how much you can carry, how you can travel with it and what proof you need that you have a prescription for it.
Finally, some medications are stored in liquid form, such as inhalers and liquid diet foods, which can be larger than the 100ml limit for liquids allowed in hard luggage.
Contact Your Doctor Ahead Of Time
You should try to get in touch with your doctor or pharmacist at least a month ahead of travel, to ensure that you are fit to travel, discuss any medication needs, ensure you have enough for your journey and make accommodations to alter your prescription if necessary to follow the law of your destination country.
Some medications, such as medicinal cannabis or cannabidiol (CBD) products, are illegal in many countries, which in some cases can and has led to prison time. In other cases, medication has been seized and can be difficult, if not impossible, to get back.
They will also ensure that you have a copy of your prescriptions and a doctor’s note detailing the medications that have been prescribed for you to help you pass customs and border control, as well as ensure you can get additional medication when at your destination.
Finally, if you are intending to remain in your destination country for a long time, they can help with the process of acquiring a personal license to carry more than a three-month supply and if your situation counts as “exceptional circumstances” for the purpose of acquiring an exemption.
They can also help if you need to contact a foreign office ahead of time, as some countries have specific requirements for documentation, such as requiring it to be translated into the destination country (as is the case in Mexico) or requiring specific import certificates to be approved (as with the Yunyu Kakuin-sho for non-narcotic medication in Japan).
Keep Your Documents And Original Packaging
It is highly recommended to get a copy of your prescription, a note from your doctor if it is a controlled substance, and ensure all of the packaging and patient information that came with your prescription are taken with you.
When it comes to airport security, the avoidance of doubt is critical to ensure that you smoothly make it through customs, and the more information you provide about your condition, your prescription and the specifics of your medication will help streamline your travel experience.
It is also extremely helpful to have in case you need to replenish your medications whilst on holiday. Having the original packaging and the prescription will ensure that you not only get the right prescription medication but also the right dosage, as the latter can vary between countries.
Store Medications In Hand And Hold Luggage
Unless you legally cannot do so, try to treat your medications like your cash or other important items whilst on holiday. Make sure you keep some of it with you, some of it in your hand luggage, and some of it in your hold luggage to ensure that even if you lose or misplace one set, you will have spare medication to get by until you reach a pharmacy.