(Image credit: Getty Images) By Donna LeValley
published 14 July 2024
in Features
When you embark on international travel with medications, especially prescription drugs, it pays to know the rules. Of course, you probably won’t be sentenced to years in a hard labor camp, as Brittney Griner was in 2022 after she entered Russia with medical marijuana. ( She was released months later.) But prescription drugs that are perfectly legal in the US may be illegal to bring into another country.
And if you thought medications containing controlled substances were the only types you needed to be careful about traveling with, you’d be wrong — very wrong. Being prepared and in compliance with your destination’s regulations is key to having a trouble-free trip.
Medicines commonly prescribed or available over the counter in the United States might be unlicensed or considered controlled substances in other countries. When traveling internationally with your medicines, you need to be aware of potential regulations before departing on your trip. Subscribe to Kiplinger’s Personal Finance
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Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more – straight to your e-mail. Before you travel with medications You should contact the consulate or embassy of your destination , and embassies of countries that you have layovers in to make sure your medicines are permitted. Authorities overseas may ask for evidence to prove the medication is yours. To avoid having your medication confiscated ask your doctor for a letter stating: what the medicine is, your dosage and that it’s for personal use. The U.S, State department recommends that travelers should: Keep medicines in their original, labeled containers. Check that they are clearly labeled with your full name, health care provider’s name, generic and brand name, and exact dosage. Make sure the name on your prescription matches the name on your travel documents and identification. Bring copies of all written prescriptions, including the generic names for medicines. For extra safekeeping leave a copy of your prescriptions at home with […]
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