Bringing medication on tour? Whether you take daily prescriptions or carry occasional-use meds, a little preparation can go a long way in making sure everything goes smoothly at the airport and throughout your trip.
Best practices
If you take medication regularly, be sure to pack enough for each day of your tour, plus a few extra days’ worth in case of travel delays. Always pack your medications in your carry-on bag, not your checked luggage, to avoid any issues if your bags are delayed or lost.
Here are a few more tips to keep things simple:
- Keep prescriptions in their original containers with labels attached
- Travel with a copy of your prescription
- Bring a note from your doctor stating that the medication is necessary and prescribed under medical supervision
These steps can help prevent delays or questions at airport security and customs when you reach your destination.
Medication laws abroad
Every country has its own rules about what medications are allowed. Some prescriptions that are common at home may be restricted or even prohibited in other countries.
Before you travel, we recommend:
- Contacting your doctor or pharmacist for guidance
- Reaching out to the embassies of the countries you’ll be visiting to inquire about your specific medications
- Starting this research a few months in advance, in case you need to switch medications or get additional documentation
Traveling with refrigerated medication
If your medication needs to stay cool, please let us know by updating your health notes in the “Traveler details” section of your online account (U.S. travelers/Canadian travelers) or mobile app (U.S. travelers/Canadian travelers). We’ll make sure your hotel rooms have a refrigerator or arrange for safe storage at the front desk.
To keep your medication cool while flying or in transit, consider bringing a travel-friendly medicine cooler or insulated case and alert the airline prior to your departure.
Next steps:
- Pack medications in your carry-on
- Bring original packaging, a copy of your prescription, and a doctor’s note
- Research medication laws in your destination countries
- Update your health notes if you need refrigeration
- Purchase a travel cooler for temperature-sensitive meds