Medicines and travel

Key points about medicines and travel

  • There are lots of things to remember when travelling and people often forget about their medicines – things like storage, knowing what to do if you run out of medication or if you miss a dose.
  • If you're travelling overseas, many countries have different regulations about medicines.
  • Here are a few tips on how to manage your medicines while you travel.
blue unaunahi tile generic
Print this page

  • Try to carry your medicines and medical equipment (needles, syringes and so on) in their original, correctly labelled packages. 
  • Take a written list of your medicines with you. Ask your pharmacist for an updated list. This may be needed at customs or if you need to get medical help while you are away.
  • Check that the expiry dates of your medicines will be valid while you will be away.
  • Take enough medicines with you to last while you will be away.
    Pack an extra supply in case you are away for longer than expected,  or if you lose any medicine so you won’t run out.
  • Have a plan of what to do if you miss a dose. 
    Usually medicines can be taken if you remember them within a certain period of time, but don’t take too much at once. Go over your list of medicines with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist and ask what to do if you miss doses.
  • Know what to do if you have side effects. 
  • Go over your list of medicines with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist and ask on what to do if you have side effects.

Storage

Some medicines are fine to be kept at room temperature (below 25°C) while others may need to be stored in the fridge.  Ask your pharmacist about storing your medicines correctly while you travel. You may need to store some medicines in a thermos flask or cool bag.

  • Check the rules for all the countries you're going to and passing through. Different countries have different rules about the medicines they allow and the amount you can take in.
  • Travel with a copy of your prescription and a letter from your GP with the details of your medicines, including generic name (not just the brand name) and what the medicine is for. This will be useful at customs and if you need medical help while you're away.
  • If you'll be changing time zones, talk to your doctor or pharmacist to plan when you should take your medicine. 

  • Carry your medicines in your hand luggage with a copy of your prescription but check your airline's regulations before travelling.
  • Pack a spare supply of medicines in your suitcase or hold luggage, along with another copy of your prescription, in case you lose your hand luggage. 

The following links provide further information on medicines and travel. Be aware that websites from other countries may contain information that differs from New Zealand recommendations.

Can I bring my medication into NZ?(external link) New Zealand Customs Service
Traveling safely with medicines(external link) Safe Medication, US
Can I take my medicine abroad?(external link) NHS choices, UK
Managing medications while traveling(external link) Epilepsy Foundation, US

Resources

5 questions to ask about your medications(external link) Health Quality and Safety Commission, NZ, 2019 English(external link), te reo Māori(external link)

Free helplines

Healthline logo

Text 1737 Helpline logo

Logo with link to Māori Pharmacists website

Credits: Sandra Ponen, Pharmacist, Healthify He Puna Waiora. Healthify is brought to you by Health Navigator Charitable Trust.

Reviewed by: Angela Lambie, Pharmacist, Auckland

Last reviewed:

Page last updated: