Careful packing: Where your prescription could get you in trouble
When traveling, especially internationally, sometimes the pre-travel checklist feels like it's a mile long.
Not only do you need to do the obvious things like making sure your passport is still valid and verifying whether you need a visa, but you may also need to seek written approval from a country's government to bring certain medications abroad.
I must admit I didn't realize this was a thing until one of my TPG colleagues flagged this requirement she discovered when packing for her family's trip to Japan. Japan is just one country that strongly regulates travel with medicine.
Here's what you need to know about taking your medications to a variety of popular destinations that regulate travel with medicine.
Japan
Japan requires advance permission to enter with a variety of medications, including many common over-the-counter medicines openly sold in U.S. drugstores.
The Japanese government labels such drugs as "controlled substances," divided into six categories, including stimulants. Travelers who need these medications must apply for a "Yunyu Kakunin-sho" (or an import certificate), which should be declared and submitted to customs when entering.
Up to two months of approved over-the-counter medicines and four months of vitamins are permitted. Note that disposable contact lenses are also monitored, and those with a two-month supply or greater require an import certificate.
Travelers should also bring a copy of their prescription, along with a note stating the purpose of the medicine, if applicable.
Type of medicine: All medications containing stimulants, including over-the-counter allergy and sinus medications, plus Adderall listed here
How to apply: Apply online for an import certificate through the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
Amount of medicine: Up to one month of allowable over-the-counter medication and up to a two-month supply of allowable vitamins
Cost: N/A
Processing time: N/A
More information: Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare; Japan's Application for Import Confirmation; Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle; Japan Narcotics Control Department
Other Asian countries
- Thailand: Certain medications, including those containing codeine and drugs to treat ADHD, require a permit issued by the Ministry of Public Health.
- Hong Kong: Certain medications — including those with stimulants, such as sleeping pills and anxiety medication — require an import license and import certificate issued by the Department of Health.
- Singapore: Certain medications, including anxiety medication, sleeping pills and painkillers, require advance approval, per the Singapore Health Sciences Authority.
- China: Per various tourist organizations, including China Highlights, visitors must "provide written documentation from a medical institution to prove the necessity of the medicine," including sleeping aids, ADHD medication and painkillers.
- South Korea: Medicines classified as "narcotics" require advance approval via the Korean Food and Drug Administration.
Australia
Australia has a traveler's exemption for persons traveling to Australia to enter with certain prescribed medications, including Adderall. The Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care directs travelers to either secure a prescription for the medicines they're carrying or seek a letter from their doctor specifying that the medicines they've been prescribed are for their personal use.
"Your doctor's letter must specify the name of the medicine and dosage. Ensure the medication remains in its original packaging with the dispensing label intact," per the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. "This will assist with identifying each substance at the border. Be ready to declare all medication to the Australian Border Force upon arrival."
Type of medicine: Certain prescription medicines, including Adderall
How to apply: N/A
Amount of medicine: Up to three months' worth of medicine and medical devices
Cost: N/A
Processing time: N/A
More information: Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
United Arab Emirates
Travelers to the UAE must apply for approval to carry controlled medication into the country. All other medication, including prescriptions for uncontrolled medication and over-the-counter medication, does not need prior approval. However, the government urges travelers to carry documentation for all medicine, including documentation explaining medical reasons for taking the medication and any other supporting documents.
To determine if your prescription is considered controlled, check with your doctor.
Type of medicine: Controlled medicine, including narcotics and psychotropics
How to apply: Online through the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Health & Prevention
Length of time: Maximum three-month supply for narcotics and controlled medicines; six-month supply for prescriptions
Cost: Free
Processing time: One business day
More information: United Arab Emirates Ministry of Health & Prevention
Europe and Schengen countries
The Schengen Area includes most European Union countries. If you are traveling to this area, a Schengen certification for medicines that fall under the Opium Act, including narcotics, is required. Specific medicines bound by the act include strong painkillers, sleeping pills, anxiety drugs, ADHD medication and medical cannabis.
Since specific requirements vary by each country within the Schengen Area, you should contact the appropriate health agency of the country in question. For example, the Netherlands Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport provides instructions for travelers to the Netherlands to help obtain this certificate, including a link to the application and a list of prohibited medications that fall under the aforementioned Opium Act. Information can also be found via the relevant U.S. Embassy and or Consulate.
Also note that some countries, including Greece, require further authorization for specific medicines, such as codeine without a prescription, via Greece's National Organization for Medicines.
Bottom line
Regardless of where you are traveling, it's a good idea to keep medicines in their original prescription packaging; this shows the purpose of the medicine and that it's for you and only you. As noted, it's also helpful to pack any accompanying doctor's note.
Related reading:
- Everything you need to know about State Department travel advisories
- When and how to renew your passport, according to the State Department
- I stayed at an IHG voco hotel for the first time — here are 7 reasons I'd stay again
- Everything you need to know about traveling with medication
- The best travel insurance policies and providers
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.