Traveling With Medications Abroad: Rules, Documents and Packing

The CDC’s advice is practical: keep everything in your carry-on in case checked bags are delayed, and bring enough for the whole trip plus extra for unexpected delays.

Rules on controlled substances vary widely. Medicines such as ADHD stimulants, strong opioid painkillers, some sleep and anxiety medications and even certain cold remedies may be limited, require an advance permit or be banned outright. Japan, for example, prohibits some common ADHD stimulants, such as Adderall, and some cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine, and requires advance paperwork for larger quantities of many medicines.

Check with the embassy of every country you’ll enter, including layover countries if you’ll pass through immigration. The International Narcotics Control Board publishes country requirements for travelers carrying controlled medicines. If a medicine isn’t allowed, ask your doctor about an alternative well before departure.

Carry a letter from your doctor on letterhead listing your condition, each medication by generic and brand name, and the dosage. It’s especially important for controlled substances and injectables such as insulin or epinephrine auto-injectors. A translation can help in countries where English isn’t widely spoken.

Keep your health insurance card and a list of your doctors’ contact details with you. Our travel document checklist helps you gather it all in one place.

TSA allows medically necessary liquids, gels and aerosols in reasonable quantities above the usual 3.4-ounce limit, but you must declare them to the officer at the checkpoint. TSA recommends, but doesn’t require, that medications be labeled. Insulin and its supplies should be clearly identified.

Pill organizers are fine for TSA, but foreign customs officers may expect original containers, so carry the labeled bottles too. Pack a small kit of everyday remedies as well; our travel first aid kit guide lists what to include.

Usually not easily. US prescriptions generally aren’t valid abroad, so you’d need to see a local doctor. The CDC also warns that counterfeit medicines are common in some countries. Bring everything you need from home and buy medicine locally only in an emergency, from a reputable pharmacy.

If you’re planning a long trip or have complex prescriptions, start with a clinician visit 4 to 6 weeks before departure; our travel health and vaccines guide explains what to cover.

CBP advises keeping medicines in their original containers with a valid prescription or doctor’s note in English, and bringing no more than a 90-day supply. Controlled substances must also meet DEA requirements. Declare medications if asked, and avoid buying medicines abroad to bring home. Our guide to US customs when returning home covers the rest.