Even for seasoned vacationers, navigating worldwide customs (and even home TSA) could be considerably nerve-racking. Will the slices of Italian prosciutto tucked between your T-shirts make it via? Will you get in hassle for the banana on the backside of your carry-on? While these sorts of conditions could be disappointing or hectic, in addition they have a sure comedic high quality about them.
Less humorous? When the factor taken at customs is your prescription remedy. Whether you utilize it for a continual situation like excessive ldl cholesterol or ulcerative colitis, or you have got one thing like an EpiPen in case of an emergency, having these medicines with you in your journey is a necessity. Here’s what you want to know to be certain that your meds make it to the ultimate vacation spot.
1. Make certain it’s authorized
Before reserving something associated to your journey, be certain that your medicines are authorized within the nation you need to go to. Some medicine available within the U.S. are against the law to have in different international locations. “A classic example is stimulants prescribed to people with ADHD,” says Eddy Bajrovic, who holds a bachelor of medication, bachelor of surgical procedure and is the medical director of Travelvax Australia, a journey medication service. “Stimulants are illegal in quite a number of countries, including Japan.”
Start by visiting the International Narcotics Control Board web site, which supplies lists by nation detailing what’s and isn’t allowed. You might additionally test straight with the foreign embassy of the nation you may be coming into. Remember: Don’t simply affirm your meds are secure to carry into your ultimate vacation spot—additionally test any international locations the place you have got layovers. And if a rustic you need to go to doesn’t enable your prescription remedy, it’s up to you whether or not you continue to need to journey there or not. “You have to decide if you can manage without your medications for the trip,” says Bajrovic. Your well being care supplier might be ready to talk about your choices with you. For instance, there could also be one other remedy that isn’t a managed substance that you would take as an alternative whereas touring.
2. Pack a health care provider’s be aware
Even if a medicine is authorized, you’re going to need to observe just a few “best practices” to make sure you don’t hit any snags. For one factor, avoid tossing your meds right into a travel-friendly pill case, as they will make it tough for authorities to establish the medicine. (You can nonetheless carry one with you, although! They’re nice for carrying just a few drugs once you’re out and about, when you’ve reached your vacation spot.) “Generally speaking, have the medication in its original packaging, whether it’s a box or a bottle, since it has a sticker on it saying who prescribed it, your name, and dosage instructions,” Bajrovic says. “And it’s probably a good idea to carry a copy of the written prescription as well, or, if you don’t have that, at least a letter from your doctor saying you’re carrying X medication for X disease or condition.” This could be particularly essential should you take an injectable remedy for circumstances like ulcerative colitis or kind 2 diabetes, because you’ll be touring with a needle. In the letter out of your physician, be certain that the remedy is described by its generic identify, since completely different international locations have completely different model names.
3. Bring the correct amount
You don’t need to carry too little or an excessive amount of of your remedy. “Most countries allow you to bring up to a three-month supply, but if it’s a narcotic or stimulant or psychotropic medication, you might only be allowed to bring in 30 days,” says Bajrovic. His recommendation: Take sufficient for the size of your journey with just a few days additional in case of a flight delay.
4. Be open about what you have got
This could sound apparent, however when going via customs, you need to declare any remedy you might be carrying. “A lot of people don’t mention it if it’s something basic like blood pressure medication or an anti-inflammatory for arthritis, but if it’s something that might be illegal and you aren’t entirely sure, you must declare it,” says Bajrovic. A couple of you need to completely converse up about: medical marijuana, sure decongestants, and amphetamines. “If something is illegal—even if you didn’t know—and don’t declare it, you can be arrested,” he says.
5. Don’t neglect about home flights
Even should you aren’t touring internationally, you should still want to take just a few precautions should you’re bringing more than 3.4 ounces of a liquid medication through TSA. Let the agent know at safety, as they could want to do some further screening earlier than permitting you thru.
While doing all this superior work can appear to be quite a bit, it beats the choice: not having your remedy with you in your journey (or worse, getting fined or detained due to one thing in your suitcase).