What UK medications are banned in other countries?

Certain medications containing codeine, pseudoephedrine, and stimulants for ADHD are prohibited in countries like Egypt, Indonesia, UAE, Japan, and South Korea.

How can travelers avoid issues with customs when bringing medications?

Travelers should carry a copy of their prescription, a doctor's letter, and keep medicines in their original packaging to demonstrate the medications are for personal use.

What special considerations are there for temperature-sensitive medications like insulin and weight loss injections?

These medicines require refrigeration and specialized packaging to maintain potency, and travelers should use insulated cases and avoid extreme temperatures.

Home / Health / Navigating Medication Restrictions: A Global Traveler's Guide

Navigating Medication Restrictions: A Global Traveler's Guide

9 Aug

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Summary

Certain medications legal in the UK are banned in other countries
Strict customs regulations on controlled drugs and temperature-sensitive medicines
Importance of carrying proper documentation and original packaging

Navigating Medication Restrictions: A Global Traveler's Guide

As the summer holiday season begins in 2025, many travelers are packing more than just swimsuits and sunscreen - for millions, medicines are essential. However, taking medications abroad is not always straightforward. The article highlights the legal and practical challenges travelers may face when bringing their prescriptions on international trips.

One key issue is that medicines legal in the UK can be restricted or even banned in other countries. Even having a valid prescription does not guarantee that a traveler can take a particular medicine into another country. For example, certain cold remedies containing decongestants like pseudoephedrine are prohibited in places like Japan and South Korea, as the ingredient can be used to manufacture methamphetamine.

Travelers must also be aware of strict customs regulations regarding controlled drugs, such as opioids, stimulants, and psychotropic substances. Carrying a supply of three months or more may require an export license from the UK Home Office. Failure to comply with these rules can lead to confiscation, fines, or in rare cases, detention or arrest.

Additionally, some medications are sensitive to temperature and must remain in their original packaging to maintain potency. Transferring pills or liquids to smaller containers can increase the risk of delays or confiscation by customs officials who may not recognize the unlabeled containers.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.