Quick Tips for Traveling With Your Prescription Medication

A traveler going abroad with a preexisting medical problem should carry a letter from the attending physician, describing the medical condition and any prescription medications. Any medications being carried overseas should be left in their original containers and be clearly labeled.

The original prescription bottle with label should include;

A. Name of patient, either yourself of whomever you are traveling with.
B. Prescribing physicians name and contact phone information
C. Pharmacy filling prescription
D. Directions for medication
E. Quantity of full prescription
F. Generic name of medication


Some Foreign countries require documentation from your doctor for prescriptions that are controlled substances or class C prescriptions, in the U. S.

Examples of a class C prescription are pain medicine, such as Percocet or Codeine and anti anxiety medication,such as Ativan or Valium. Examples like these medications MAY or MAY NOT be considered illegal narcotics in a foreign country.

The United States Government as well as most other major countries governments have
resources or websites for travel tips.

This link for travel tips from the U.S. State Department.



List of Foreign Consulate to contact before travel with prescription medications. Travelers should check with the foreign embassy of the country they are visiting to make sure any required medications are not considered to be illegal narcotics.



One way to identify if your medication prescription is a controlled substance;

Ask yourself this question; Do I have to go to the pharmacy with a new prescription each time I get this medication filled?

If your prescription has refills listed in the bottom right hand corner of the prescription bottle, your medication is probably not a controlled medication. If you are still not sure, check with the prescribing doctor or pharmacist.

Remember to carry this documentation with you.


Healthy Travels,

Nurse G