A woman puts her medication in her suitcase, ready for her holiday.

Taking medicines abroad – what you need to know

What to do before you go and how to travel safely with medication on holiday.

Published - 17 Dec 2025

How to travel with medicines

Do you know the rules on travelling with medication? According to a new survey of UK passport- holders conducted by Saga Travel Insurance, more than half didn’t know if they could take their medications on holiday and almost as many were worried about how to travel with prescribed drugs.

Saga surveyed 500 UK adults and found that:

44% feel anxious about taking medication through an airport
33% leave medications at home because of this worry
49% don't think guidelines on travelling with medications are clear enough.

Preparing to travel with medication

Book in any travel fitness check-ups well in advance of departure, especially if you need a fit to fly note. Make sure you have ordered ample medication for the duration of your stay including extras for loss or delays to your journey. Find out the nearest pharmacy to where you are staying should you fall ill on holiday or need emergency supplies.

Restrictions for travelling with medications

Stay up to date with government advice on travelling abroad with medications. If your medication contains a controlled drug, check with the embassy first and enclose a letter from your doctor to prove its your prescription. If you are travelling for more than three months, you may need a licence to import or export controlled substances. The UAE, India, Saudi Arabia and Japan impose strict bans. Europe, Turkey and Australia also have tough restrictions, so check the drug regulations at your destination before you go.

Checklist for travelling with medication

Carry a list of medications stating their strength, quantities and dosage. Include your prescription and the directions for use in case you need any medical help while travelling.
Keep meds in their original packaging with your name clearly visible.
Make sure all medications are in date for the length of your stay.
Carry medicines in your hand luggage where you can easily access them and pack extra supplies in your suitcase.
Check for restrictions on carrying liquids over 100ml.
Check the directions for storage as medications and devices may be heat or cold sensitive. Insulated pouches and cool bags can be useful when in transit.

Do I have to declare my medication at the airport?

If you are flying with medication, you should be prepared to show your prescription, medications and any medical equipment when passing through airport security. You should inform the airline if you have any specific medical needs.

Travelling with specific medical conditions

Follow your GP or consultant’s advice if you have certain health issues such as a heart condition or high blood pressure. People with diabetes may also need a letter from a healthcare professional to carry needles and syringes. ADHD and autism medications may have to be declared on entry. If you are travelling with implanted devices such as spinal cord stimulators or pacemakers, you’ll need to carry the instructions for use and alert airport staff if you can’t pass through certain body scanners. Being scanned with a hand wand may be preferable. These devices can set off alarms in supermarkets too, so always have your documentation to hand.

Can I bring my prescription medicine abroad?

You should be ready to show proof of your prescription if you’re entering countries with medication. There may be restrictions on pharmaceuticals such as sleeping pills, antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs and decongestants containing pseudoephedrine. Controlled drugs may be restricted or banned including strong painkillers like codeine, fentanyl patches for chronic pain or testosterone for HRT. Be aware that use of vapes, disposables and e-cigarettes may be banned or restricted and CBD oil is banned in countries with anti-cannabis laws or restricted for medical use only.

Insurance for medicines on holiday

Your travel insurance should cover you if your medication is lost or stolen but you will need to know the name of it to get a replacement. Be aware that in certain countries it might go under another name.

Stay well with Saga

If you need health cover for your holiday Saga Travel Insurance can cater for most pre-existing health conditions and there’s no upper age limit for travel. Cancellation cover is up to £20,000 and you can have up to £20 million for medical expenses. You can use the 24/7 Saga GP Service to book a phone call or video for any health concerns while you are away. It’s also easy to make a medical claim online, should you need help or repatriation on holiday.

Who underwrites Saga Travel Insurance?

Saga Travel Insurance is designed for people over 50 and is underwritten by Astrenska Insurance Limited, with claims administered on their behalf by Collinson Insurance Services Limited.