Everything you need to know about travelling with medicines

Can I take medication away with me?

The simple answer is – yes.  

The more complicated answer is that you need to know what medication you can take in your hand luggage, what medication you can only take in your checked baggage, and what medications are restricted in other countries. 

What medication can I take in my hand luggage?

You’re allowed to carry the following in your hand luggage: 

• Essential medicines - this includes any liquid or aerosol medicines over 100ml like dietary foodstuffs and inhalers 

• Medical equipment, but only if it’s essential for your journey 

You will need to carry proof that the medication is prescribed to you, e.g., a letter from your doctor or a copy of your prescription, if it’s both: 

• In liquid form (this includes aerosols) 

• In a container larger than 100ml 

You do not need to show proof if the medication is either: 

• In tablet form 

• A liquid in a container that’s 100ml or smaller 

If you have a prescription for any medication you’re taking away with you, it’s strongly recommended that you carry a copy of your prescription. 

Airport staff might open the containers to screen any liquids you have with you when you go through security. Medical equipment is always screened separately, and you will be asked to remove any from your bags. 

You should always try to transport your medicines in their original packaging, together with their patient information leaflet. Always make sure you have enough for your trip, including extra for unexpected delays, damage, or loss. 

What do I need to know about travelling with controlled drugs?

Controlled drugs are certain prescribed medicines, often strong painkillers or opiate substitutes, that have additional laws around their use. 

If you're taking any medication out of the UK, you need to ask your doctor or pharmacist whether your medicine contains a controlled drug before you travel. 

If it does, you should check the rules for the country you’re visiting with their embassy before you travel. You will also need to prove the medication is yours with either your prescription or a letter from your doctor, while some cases require a personal licence. 

If you’re entering or leaving the UK with controlled drugs, there are specific rules you need to follow. They depend on the type of controlled drug, the length of your trip, the amount of medicine that you need to take with you. 

What medication can I take in my checked luggage?

You can take any other medication you need to take with you in your checked luggage. 

The same conditions and considerations regarding packaging, controlled drugs, and proof of ownership apply. 

 Remember that it’s strongly encouraged that that any essential medication is in your hand baggage, not your checked luggage. 

What do I need to know about travelling with liquid medication?

If the amount of liquid medicine you’re taking with is less than 100ml, the same conditions that apply to hand or checked baggage apply. 

If you’re travelling with liquid medicine over 100ml, you will need to contact your airline and all airports you travel through. Exemptions can be made, but you will need written proof from a healthcare professional that supports your need to carry the liquid medicine.  

Pharmacy2U can help you with this documentation through our same-day Medical Letters service. 

Find out more | https://medical-letters.pharmacy2u.co.uk/products/category/4?p=1&h=f2cede6340 

Can I take flight anxiety or travel sickness medication on a plane?

Yes, you can take medication for flight anxiety or travel sickness on a plane with you. The same conditions to hand or checked baggage apply, so make sure you’re familiar with the rules before you travel. 

Can I take diabetes medication and equipment abroad with me?

Yes, you can. The same rules and restrictions detailed above applies to any diabetes medication and equipment you need to take with you. 

Can I take weight loss medication abroad with me?

Yes, you can, but there are rules and recommendations to follow. 

You should check you have enough doses left in your current pen to last you for the duration of your trip. 

The UK Government recommends that people should carry physical proof that the medication is prescribed to you, either in letter form or a signed prescription. Pharmacy2U can help with this, using the Medical Letters service above. 

You should always pack your medication in your hand luggage and keep it in its original packaging. You can also use a small cool bag to keep your weight loss pens cool while travelling if they’re yet to be opened. If you’ve started using your pen, you can transport it at room temperature, but you should take care to keep it away from heat or bright lights. 

Make sure there is somewhere to store your medication safely at your destination. 

Can I bring medicine I was prescribed abroad back to the UK with me?

If you’re a UK resident who has been prescribed medicine while abroad, you will need to contact the Drug and Firearms Licensing Unit (DFLU) before you travel. 

If you’re not a UK resident, you will need a letter to prove that the medicine was prescribed for you. The letter must contain: 

• Your name 

• The dates you are travelling to and/or from the UK 

• The names of your medication, including quantity, doses, and strength 

• The signature of the doctor or pharmacist who prescribed the medication 

You can only bring up to 3 months' supply of medicine with you. 

What do I need to know about flying internationally?

Some medication that is prescribed or bought over the counter in the UK, can be banned or restricted abroad. 

Countries like India, Turkey, Pakistan, and United Arab Emirates have strict lists of medications that you can’t bring in with you. You should always check with the embassy of any country you’re travelling to before you travel. Restrictions may include: 

• What medicines you can take out of the UK 

• What medicines can be taken in the country or countries you’re visiting  

• The type and/or amount of medicine that you can into your destination  

Some countries also refuse entry to individuals who are HIV positive. You should check with the embassy of your destination before you travel. If you are travelling anywhere from the UK with HIV medication, you should carry a letter with the contact details of your specialist doctor and a list of all the medicines you are travelling with. This is to be shown if you’re questioned at customs, need to get medical care abroad, or need to replace lost or damaged medicine. 

Pharmacy2U Health & Wellness Travel Shop 

Pharmacy2U is here to help you get travel ready with our Health & Wellness Travel Shop. 

You can also double check you’ve got everything you need with our Travel Health Checklist.