If you have a pre-existing health condition or disability that requires you to take prescribed medicine on holiday, this will be high on your list of priorities when packing to go on your next holiday abroad.
However, have you considered the fact that your medications may be restricted in your destination of choice? Many countries have different rules on medicines than we do here in the UK, which means that taking certain medications overseas with you can be problematic.
Since approximately half of the UK population take some form of prescribed medication, there are roughly 21 million people who may encounter problems visiting some areas of the world.
We’ve summarised the advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCDO) so that you can take your medications with you on holiday in confidence.
What kind of medicines might be restricted overseas?
In 2017, a British woman travelling to Egypt was detained for four weeks after airport officials found prescription painkillers in her luggage. As an opioid analgesic, the medicine is commonly prescribed in the UK, but in Egypt and many other destinations, it is subject to strict laws. Being unaware of these laws abroad is no defence against the penalties, so preparation is essential.
The list of medications restricted overseas is too long to include in full, but here are a few examples.
- Not that you will be planning to pick up a cold in Qatar, but if you are travelling there with over-the-counter cold or cough remedies, it’s important to be aware that these are controlled drugs.
- If you are caught with Lemsip or Sudafed in Japan or any other medicine that contains the decongestant pseudoephedrine, you could be looking at detainment or instant deportation from the country.
- If you need to take strong painkillers, medication for anxiety or sleeping tablets to Singapore, you will need a licence.
- Possessing codeine, sleeping tablets or medication for ADHD in Indonesia is illegal and carries heavy penalties for anyone caught by the authorities.
It can seem challenging to know exactly which medicines may be controlled in which countries. Thankfully though, you can ensure you don’t break the rules by taking a few simple precautions ahead of your next holiday.