Taking medication abroad
What you can carry, what needs documentation, and the checks worth doing before you travel with prescription or controlled medicines.
The short answer. Carry prescription medicines in their original labelled packaging, in your hand luggage, with a copy of the prescription or a doctor’s letter. For controlled drugs the rules are stricter and you may need a Home Office licence. Always check the destination country’s own rules — some ban medicines that are routine here.
The rule people break without realising: a medicine being legal on prescription in the UK tells you nothing about whether it is legal to bring into another country. Codeine, some cold and flu remedies, ADHD medication and certain sleeping tablets have all caused serious problems for travellers. Check the embassy of the country you are going to.
Ordinary prescription medicines
For most medicines and most destinations this is straightforward. Keep them in the original packaging with the pharmacy label showing your name, carry them in your hand luggage, and take a copy of your repeat prescription or a doctor’s letter.
Take more than you need — enough for delays and lost bags. Split the supply between two pieces of luggage if you are travelling with someone, so a missing bag is not a missing course of treatment.
Controlled drugs: the stricter category
Some medicines are controlled drugs under UK law — strong opioid painkillers, some ADHD medicines, certain sedatives and some epilepsy treatments among them. Three rules apply.
- Carry a letter. It should give your name, the medicine’s generic name, dose, total quantity, the condition treated, and confirmation it was prescribed for you
- Check the quantity limits. GOV.UK sets personal limits; above them, or for trips of three months or more, you may need a Home Office licence
- Allow time. A licence application is not same-day. Apply weeks ahead
A licence covers taking the medicine out of the UK and bringing it back. It does not give you permission to enter another country with it — that is entirely the destination’s decision, which is why the embassy check matters.
Airport security and liquids
Essential medication is exempt from the usual liquid restrictions, including liquids above 100ml, needles, syringes and EpiPens. Declare them at security, keep them in original packaging, and carry your documentation. Expect a separate check and allow a few extra minutes.
Your pre-travel checklist
| Check | Where to look |
|---|---|
| Is my medicine a controlled drug? | GOV.UK controlled drugs guidance |
| Do I need a Home Office licence? | GOV.UK — depends on quantity and trip length |
| Is it legal at my destination? | The embassy or consulate of that country |
| Do I have enough, plus extra? | Your pharmacy — order early |
| Original labelled packaging? | Do not decant into pill organisers for travel |
| Doctor's letter? | Travel medication letter |
| Refrigeration needed? | Tell the airline; take a cool bag |
| Time zone dosing plan | Ask a pharmacist before you go |
Common questions
Do I need a letter to take medication abroad?
Not always, but it is strongly advisable for prescription medicines, and close to essential for controlled drugs, injectables or anything you carry in hand luggage above normal liquid limits.
What counts as a controlled drug?
In the UK, medicines including strong opioid painkillers, some ADHD medicines, certain sedatives and some epilepsy treatments. GOV.UK publishes the list, and the rules for carrying them abroad are stricter than for ordinary prescriptions.
Do I need a Home Office licence?
Possibly, if you are travelling with controlled drugs for three months or more, or carrying quantities above the personal limits. GOV.UK sets out when a licence is needed and how to apply — allow several weeks.
Can I take medication in my hand luggage?
Yes, and for essential medication you should. Security allows medicines in the cabin, including liquids above the usual limit, with supporting documentation such as a prescription or doctor’s letter. Keep the original labelled packaging.
Which countries have strict rules?
Rules vary enormously and some medicines routine in the UK are banned elsewhere. Codeine, some cold remedies, ADHD medication and certain sleeping tablets cause problems in various countries. Check the destination country’s embassy — they are the authority on their own rules.
What if my medication needs refrigeration?
Tell the airline in advance. Take a cool bag and ice packs (which are permitted with medication), and confirm your accommodation has a fridge. Never put essential medication in the hold.
Related
Sources. The airline and clinical facts on this page were checked against these primary sources on 24 August 2026. Airline policies change without notice — always confirm with your airline before you book or travel.
Need a travel medication letter?
A GMC-registered UK GP can confirm in writing what you are carrying, why, and that it was prescribed for you — the letter security and border officials ask for.
Get startedReviewed by a GMC-registered GP. Full refund if a certificate cannot be issued on clinical grounds.