What you need to know about traveling abroad with medications

Most travelers plan to bring some sort of medication when they go abroad. Whether you need to take prescription medications or simply want to carry your vitamins, supplements or over-the-counter cold medication, it’s important to know the rules about taking these substances into the country you are visiting.

While Japan and the United Arab Emirates have some of the most restrictive regulations of any country around the world, many other nations still also ban or limit some medications including narcotics, sedatives, amphetamines and even some common over-the-counter remedies. For example, in Singapore sleeping pills, strong painkillers and anti-anxiety medication all require a license, while in Qatar many cough and cold remedies are considered controlled substances and must be accompanied by a prescription.  In Costa Rica you are only allowed to bring enough medication to cover your stay and you must have a doctor’s note confirming that the amount is indeed correct.

Travelers are thus advised to verify the rules of the country they are visiting and plan ahead in case substitutions or dosing adjustments need to be made.  Sources of information include the embassy of your destination country (the State Department website lists contact information for foreign embassies in the United States), travel medical insurance companies and travel clinics that specialize in immunizations for travel abroad, or even your physician or pharmacist.

Know the generic and chemical names along with the amounts of all active ingredients in each medication or supplement as it is the active ingredients that determine permissibility, not brand names.

Carry all medications, vitamins and supplements in their original, clearly marked container if possible. Keep copies of your original or reprinted prescriptions or even get a formal note from your physician on his or her official letterhead. If possible have this information translated into the language of the country you are visiting to ensure clarity.

Don’t forget about specialized equipment used to administer medications such as an EpiPen as some countries require documentation for those items as well.

Finally, be sure to check the Transportation Security Administration website for up-to-date rules on packing and carrying medications through U.S. airports. The standard rules for liquid carry-ons and the new regulations regarding powders don’t apply to medications, but you do need to inform the TSA screeners and have proper documentation when you pass through security so the items are not confiscated.