FAQs
You must carry medicine containing a controlled drug with you in your hand luggage when entering or leaving the UK. It may be taken away from you at the border if you cannot prove it was prescribed for you.
Do I need to declare medication at customs UK? ›
In all cases, medicines must have been lawfully prescribed and dispensed to you and must be carried on your person, when you enter or leave the UK. We recommend you carry a letter from your doctor or prescribing clinician. You may need to show this at the border.
Do pills have to be in original bottles when flying? ›
TSA does not require medications to be in their original, labeled, prescription containers.
Do you have to declare prescription drugs at customs? ›
If you're prescribed medication abroad, review U.S. Customs & Border Patrol's list of restricted and prohibited items to certify that medication obtained abroad may be brought back into the country. Declare all medication and associated items at customs. Carry medication obtained abroad in its original container.
Can I take my medication out of the country? ›
Check with your destination's embassyExternal Link and embassies of countries that you have layovers in to make sure your medicines are permitted. Many countries allow a 30-day supply of certain medicines, but also require the traveler to carry a prescription or a medical certificate from their health care provider.
Can I carry medicines in international flight to UK? ›
You must carry medicine containing a controlled drug with you in your hand luggage when entering or leaving the UK. It may be taken away from you at the border if you cannot prove it was prescribed for you.
How do I pack medication for a flight UK? ›
Keep your medicines and equipment in the original packaging with labels and information leaflet. If your medicine needs to be kept cool you can use a thermos flask, cool pack or insulated pouch. Carry your medicine in your hand luggage: suitcases in the hold can become delayed or lost in transit.
What medications are not allowed in Europe? ›
Medicines that fall under the Opium Act
- strong painkillers;
- sleeping pills and drugs to reduce anxiety, such as Valium or Seresta;
- medication for ADHD, such as Ritalin or Concerta;
- medicinal cannabis.
You can bring your medication in pill or solid form in unlimited amounts as long as it is screened. You can travel with your medication in both carry-on and checked baggage. It's highly recommended you place these items in your carry-on in the event that you need immediate access.
Will TSA check my pills? ›
Medications in pill or other solid forms must undergo security screening. You can facilitate this screening by clearly labeling medication. Medication can undergo a visual or X-ray screening and may be tested for traces of explosives.
Medicines, medical equipment and dietary requirements
You're allowed to carry the following in your hand luggage: essential medicines of more than 100ml, including liquid dietary foodstuffs and inhalers. medical equipment, if it's essential for your journey.
Can you take prescription medication on a plane UK? ›
You can simply carry your medication in your hand luggage with the letter from your doctor. If you are not sure if you need a letter or personal licence your doctor can advise you.
Can you bring pills in a Ziploc bag on a plane? ›
You may place medications in 3.4 ounce (100 milliliters) or smaller containers in a one-quart size clear zip-top plastic bag along with your other personal liquid and gel items. If your prescription medications come in larger containers or bottles, you will need to pack them separately in your carry-on bag.
Will customs seize prescription drugs? ›
According to Prescription Justice, “federal law gives the FDA authority to destroy your personally imported medication, but not without notifying you first, and providing you with appropriate due process and opportunity to obtain your prescription drug order.”
Can I travel internationally with Tylenol? ›
While it is advisable to take a variety of over-the-counter medications with you abroad for symptoms such as pain (Tylenol, Advil, etc.) or stomach distress (Pepto-Bismol, Tums, etc.), some U.S.-based cold medications contain restricted ingredients.
Can I bring medicine back to the US? ›
In general, you should have with you a valid prescription or doctor's note—written in English—to bring medication to the U.S. The medication should be in its original container with the doctor's instructions printed on the bottle.
Do you have to declare prescription drugs at the airport UK? ›
Medicines, medical equipment and dietary requirements
You'll need to carry proof that the medication is prescribed to you (for example a letter from your doctor or a copy of your prescription) if it's both: in liquid form. in a container larger than 100ml.
What needs to be declared at UK customs? ›
Goods you must declare in advance – you or your appointed customs agent must submit a full declaration before you travel to the UK and:
- their value is over £873.
- they weigh more than 1,000kg.
- they are excise goods.
- they need a licence.
- they are restricted goods.
What medication should I be careful bringing?
- ADHD/ADD medications (*Adderall, Concerta, Ritalin) *considered illegal narcotics in many European countries.
- Pain medications (Vicodin, Oxycontin, Demerol)
- Anxiety medications (Xanax, Ativan, Valium)
Also, anything you bring back that you did not have when you left the United States must be "declared." For example, you would declare alterations made in a foreign country to a suit you already owned, and any gifts you acquired outside the United States.
