You can’t travel with these common medicines

While cold and flu tablets or sleeping pills may be part and parcel of your travel toiletries kit, some over-the-counter drugs freely available in Australia could land you in jail overseas.

Take Codral Original Cold & Flu tablets, for instance. The new formula introduced after Australia’s restrictions on codeine and pseudoephedrine does not contain those two substances. But older packets of Codral Original Cold & Flu tablets do, and they are both substances strictly outlawed in Japan.

Japan is actually one of many countries with strict policies on allowing similar non-prescription medicines into the country. Some countries have hardline attitudes towards these types of drugs, even though they may be legal and freely available in Australia.

When travelling, it is important to carry any medications, including vitamins, in their original packaging with the original prescription, and a letter from a doctor specifying the medication, what it is used for, and any dosage instructions. Additionally, it is wise to double-check with the embassy of the country being visited to ensure that the medication is not restricted.

Not doing so could void your travel insurance overseas and, worse, could mean you’re locked up for indefinite periods. Regulations and laws concerning medication, both prescription and over-the-counter, can vary between countries.

According to CHOICE, these are the countries travellers should be wary of when packing any medicines, over-the-counter or otherwise.

China

You’ll need a doctor’s note for any medicine you take into China. Any amount of medication above a seven-day supply also needs to be verified by a prescription that outlines what the drug is being used for as well as the recommended dosage. You’ll also need a copy of the prescription, as customs may want to keep one for themselves.

You may need documentation to prove the necessity of some medicines such as sleeping pills, strong painkillers and ADHD medication in China.

Otherwise you can bring in a ‘reasonable amount of medication for personal use’, which shouldn’t exceed seven days’ worth.

Fiji

When travelling to Fiji, prescription medications or medicines considered a controlled drug, such as pethidine, codeine or morphine, will require a prescription from your doctor saying that it’s being used under a doctor’s direction.

Greece

Greece takes a particularly hardline stance against medicines containing codeine and you’ll only be able to enter with a prescription outlining the active ingredients of the medicine, its use and its recommended dosage.

Hong Kong

Possession of sleeping tablets and medications used to treat conditions such as erectile dysfunction or anxiety are illegal without a doctor’s note.

Indonesia

Some medications commonly prescribed in Australia, such as strong painkillers, sleeping pills and ADHD medications, are illegal drugs in Indonesia.

However, more common medications such as paracetamol, antidiarrheals and antibiotics should not be a problem. If you are concerned about carrying your medication, you can contact the Indonesian embassy for a Certified Letter of Approved Medicines. However, this document does not guarantee that you will be exempt from any legal checks or consequences that may arise.

Japan

Japan has very strict rules on what’s allowed to pass in and out of the country. ADHD drugs containing dexamphetamine or cold and flu drugs containing pseudoephedrine are strictly banned and could land you in jail. Any medicines containing codeine or morphine also need a medical certificate.

If you’re planning to travel with medication, make sure you check with the Japanese Embassy.

Malaysia

You can bring medication into Malaysia as long as it’s only for personal use and the supply doesn’t exceed one month’s use. If you’re bringing anything unusual such as syringes, strong painkillers or prescription sleeping pills, make sure you have a letter of explanation from your doctor.

New Zealand

You’ll need to declare any prescription medication to New Zealand customs, and medication must be carried in its original packaging, with the prescription or a letter from your doctor. You can take no more than three months’ supply into New Zealand (a six-month supply of oral contraceptives is the exception).

Russia

Over-the-counter medicines such as those containing codeine and pseudoephedrine may need to be accompanied by a doctor’s note or prescription.

Singapore

Banned substances include anti-anxiety pills, sleeping pills and strong painkillers, unless accompanied by a valid medical certificate. Carrying more than a 90 day supply of a diabetes or high cholesterol medication is also prohibited.

If you’re only going through Singapore’s transit zones, you don’t need approval to carry medication, but if you’re planning to stay there, check with Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority. If approved, you can carry up to three months’ supply of personal medication. 

Also, did you know you’re not allowed to bring chewing gum into Singapore unless it’s Singapore-registered medicinal chewing gum, such as nicotine gum or oral dental gum?

South Korea

You’ll need to check any medications with the Narcotic Control Division of the Korean Food and Drug Administration before you pack them. The administration may approve medicines carried into the country by travellers as long as they have a letter or prescription from a doctor.

Thailand

Thailand has very strict drug laws. Restrictions include drugs that contain codeine, and medications used to treat ADHD as they are classed as narcotics or psychotropic substances under Thai law. If you’re in any doubt, check with the Thai embassy. 

The Food and Drug Administration of Thailand has a list of controlled substances, some of which may be allowed into the country if you follow the correct procedures and don’t bring in more than 90 days’ supply.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The UAE is one of the toughest countries on medicines. Any drugs included in the 70 banned drugs in the UAE could lead to imprisonment in many Gulf countries. In addition to potentially addictive medicines, nicotine replacement lozenges, Advil, children’s Panadol and contraceptive pills are also on the UAE blacklist.

Take note of any medications containing codeine, Valium or Ritalin, or medicine used to treat HIV/AIDS and hepatitis. For medicines deemed absolutely necessary, travellers are allowed to carry enough medication to last 30 days, as long as it is accompanied by a valid certificate.

United States

Addictive narcotics such as antidepressants or sleeping pills are not allowed without a doctor’s note. Any potentially addictive medicines need to be accompanied by a medical certificate and should remain in a limited supply in their original packaging. Check the US Customs and Border Protection advice before you travel if you’re concerned.

Vietnam

Psychotropic medicines are restricted in Vietnam. This may include medicines that treat addiction, anxiety, depression, insomnia and other medical conditions. 

Some medications may be hard to find, and some may even be counterfeits. Bring all of your regular medication with you in its original packaging along with the original prescriptions.

Have you ever entered any of these countries with these medications in your bag? Did you go through this process, or were you unaware that they were illegal?

Also read: Nine medications you must pack