How to travel with prescription drugs internationally?

Keep medicines in their original, labeled containers. Ensure that they are clearly labeled with your full name, health care provider's name, generic and brand name, and exact dosage. Bring copies of all written prescriptions, including the generic names for medicines.



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Ask your doctor for a letter on their letterhead explaining your medical treatment and necessity, translated into the host country's language, if necessary. Pack enough medication to last the length of your trip and no more than personal-use quantities.

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It is also useful to request a medication passport from your GP or pharmacy. If you lose your medication while traveling, a doctor can prescribe the correct replacement for you. This is not an official travel document.

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Medication is usually screened by X-ray; however, if a passenger does not want a medication X-rayed, he or she may ask for a visual inspection instead. This request must be made before any items are sent through the X-ray tunnel.

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As mentioned, you don't need to have your pills in their original bottles under TSA guidelines. However, when traveling out of the country, having those pills in their original prescription bottles may make the customs process smoother and simpler.

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At the point of entry into Mexico, you must report to the customs authorities and present the medical prescription issued by the competent authority. Said document must bear the name of the doctor who authorizes the prescription, his/her signature, contact details (telephone, address) and professional registration.

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TSA has no restrictions on bringing vitamins in pill form and powder supplements in your checked luggage or carry-on bags. You can pack these items in their original packaging or transfer to pill organizers. You won't need to declare or show them to TSA agents when going through security.

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When drugs are confiscated in airports, TSA officers usually refer to law enforcement to secure the confiscated substances and store them in a warehouse known as a crime laboratory. Here, the drugs will be tested, organized, and shelved for trials.

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Firearms, ammunition, and fireworks are prohibited, as are all knives and safety razors (including pocket knives and Swiss Army knives). Straight razors and replacement blades for straight razors are also not allowed. Most tools also cannot be packed in carry-on luggage, as they have the potential to cause harm.

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Place all prescriptions in their original packaging and remember to pack them in your carry-on luggage, with copies of the prescription. Consider carrying a doctor's note explaining a need for the prescription drugs you have packed - in English and, if possible, in the language of your destination(s).

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You can ask the prescribing professional for a prescription that is valid in EU and EEA countries. The prescription is called a 'Medical prescription for purchasing medication abroad'. You will get a printout of the prescription in English.

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All passenger items must undergo security screening. It is recommended that medication be clearly labeled to facilitate the screening process. You may bring medically necessary liquids, medications and creams in excess of 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters in your carry-on bag.

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Even if your medications can be purchased over the counter from a pharmacy or supermarket, carry them in a clear plastic bag, in the original packaging, and tell the security officer that you have them with you.

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