Travelling overseas should be as hassle-free as possible. If you are on any type of medication that you need even when you are abroad, you must secure it before you travel so that you don’t encounter any problems and have the required medication for the duration of your travel. Whether they are prescription or over-the-counter drugs, you have to make sure of several things before the day of your trip so that you don’t have to worry about a thing and just enjoy exploring a different country.
Plan ahead of time
As early as six weeks before traveling, research what medications you can take legally to the country and how much of them you can take. Laws vary depending on the country you are going to, so consult the most reliable source for information. One of these is the embassy of the said country in your origin country. They will be able to help you and provide you with the list of medications allowed or otherwise in their country.
Put clear labels
Make sure to store your meds in their original containers bearing your name. It should match the name on your passport. The product information insert should also be there. If you lost it, you could ask your local pharmacist to print a new one for you. Whether you purchase your meds personally or buy antibiotics online, you should always keep them in their original packages.
Carry pertinent documents
Ask your physician to write a letter with their official letterhead indicating the medications that you need, their doses and the reasons why you need them. Bring original prescriptions with your name clearly written as well. To make it a lot easier, you can translate it to the language of your country of destination.
Assess and change your travel plans, if necessary
If your medications and their doses are non-negotiable, and the country of your destination restricts their entry, you may want to rethink your travel plans. If your meds are adjustable and changeable to the allowed doses, then you can do so, provided you allow enough time for your body to accept the adjustment before your flight.
Prepare for questioning
You have to be aware of your medications’ active ingredients and other pertinent information that immigration and customs may ask you. Bring with you the original prescriptions in your carry-on bag for quick access. If you bring medications that they prohibit entry into their country, they can either confiscate them or worse, they may hold your departure, depending on the substance and amount that you are bringing. Always keep extra copies of documents in case one of them gets lost or misplaced. Not knowing which medications are illegal in your country of destination could land you in big trouble. A lot of travelers ended up in foreign prisons because they neglected to check if their medications are illegal in their countries of destination. Knowledge of the law is an essential part of travelling, especially if your drugs are among the prohibited substances.
