If you are planning to travel internationally, you may have questions as to whether you can travel with or locally obtain your prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medication(s). Each country has its own regulations governing what constitutes a controlled medication, and some require specific paperwork in order to bring controlled, prescription medication into the country.
While most people don’t have their medications checked when going through customs, it certainly is a possibility. If you are stopped and questioned, the best plan is to have your medicines in their original containers and ensure that you have signed, dated documentation (on letterhead) from your doctor, containing the details outlined below:
a. Your name, date of birth, passport number and the length of time you will spend in each country
b. The (generic) name and dosage of each medication
c. The amount of medication you are carrying
d. The duration of use for the medication
e. The medical condition that the medication is intended to treat
We recommend that you photocopy all documentation and give a copy to a traveling companion or keep a copy separate from your medication, in case it becomes necessary to replace any prescriptions while you’re abroad.
If you have questions about whether your prescription medication is legal and accessible in your destination country or countries, you can you contact On Call International (overseas insurance and emergency assistance provider for all UT Austin travelers) to seek additional guidance. To do so:
- Log in to the On Call Plan Information Portalwith the UT Group ID 100143CPPD21.
- Select “Pre-Trip Itinerary Review.” This will lead you to a form where you can indicate your destination and your specific questions/concerns, and they will schedule time to meet with you.
For non-prescription (OTC) medications, you should bring an amount that is consistent with the length of your trip, and keep it in its original container. Traveling with excessively large amounts would give the appearance that you may sell the supply, and unlabeled medication could present as an illicit substance. Either scenario could create a significant problem for you when passing through customs and border control.
We do recommend traveling with your preferred OTC medications (in your carry-on luggage) to treat the most common ailments our travelers experience:
- Stomach/gastrointestinal distress
- Pain (e.g., headaches, muscle strain)
- Cold and flu symptoms
- Seasonal allergies (if applicable)
For ALL medication, be sure that you adhere to TSA guidelines for traveling with medication.
