How to Get Enough Medication Before International Travel: A Step-by-Step Guide

Running out of your medication halfway through a trip isn’t just inconvenient-it can be dangerous. For millions of travelers managing chronic conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, anxiety, or ADHD, a missed dose can mean hospitalization, severe symptoms, or even legal trouble. The good news? With the right planning, you can avoid all of it. The bad news? Rules vary wildly from country to country, and what’s legal in the U.S. might get you arrested abroad.

Know What’s Allowed Where

Before you pack your suitcase, check if your medications are even legal in your destination. This isn’t a suggestion-it’s a requirement. Countries like Japan, the UAE, and Thailand have strict lists of banned substances, and many of them include common U.S. prescriptions.

For example, alprazolam (Xanax) is illegal in Japan without special permission. Codeine-containing cough syrups are banned in the UAE and can lead to a five-year prison sentence. Even pseudoephedrine, found in cold medicines like Sudafed, is prohibited in Japan and restricted in several European countries. And if you’re taking ADHD meds like Adderall or Vyvanse? You’re in a gray zone-some countries allow them with a doctor’s note, others ban them entirely.

The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) maintains a free, up-to-date database of country-specific medication rules. Go to their website and search for your destination. Don’t rely on Google or travel blogs-those can be outdated. The INCB database was updated in January 2025 and now includes direct embassy contacts for 87 countries. If your country isn’t listed, don’t guess. Call the embassy directly.

Start Early-At Least 8 Weeks Before

Getting your meds ready isn’t a last-minute task. Some countries require official paperwork, translations, or permits that take weeks to process. The CDC and the International Society of Travel Medicine both recommend starting at least 8 to 12 weeks before departure.

Here’s what to do:

1. Make a full list of every medication you take-brand name, generic name, dosage, frequency, and reason for use. Include vitamins, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs.
2. Call your doctor and ask them to write a letter on official letterhead. The letter should confirm your diagnosis, list your medications, and state the dosage you need for your trip. Include the generic names-some countries don’t recognize brand names.
3. Ask for an International Certificate for Medicinal Products (ICMP). About 68% of U.S. pharmacies can provide this. It’s a standardized document that helps customs officials understand your meds. It costs $25-$40 per prescription.
4. Contact the embassy of your destination country. Ask: “What documentation is required for [medication name]?” Get their response in writing via email.

Don’t skip step two. In 2024, 63% of travelers who had issues in Asia didn’t have a doctor’s letter. One traveler was held for four hours at Bangkok Airport just because they didn’t have a signed note for their anxiety medication.

Bring Enough-Plus a Buffer

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) says you can bring no more than a 90-day supply for personal use. But here’s the catch: what if your trip is 100 days? Or your flight gets delayed? Or you lose your bag?

Always bring enough for your entire trip plus at least 7 extra days. If you’re going for 14 days, bring 21 days’ worth. If you’re going for 6 months, bring 7 months. Pharmacies in other countries may not carry your exact brand or dosage. In Germany, a 10mg tablet of your medication might be sold as a 5mg tablet-making it hard to match your dose without a doctor’s guidance.

Don’t try to refill abroad unless you’ve confirmed it’s legal and available. Many travelers assume pharmacies everywhere are the same. They’re not. In Thailand, you can’t buy ADHD meds without a local prescription-even if you have a U.S. one.

Pack Smart-Never Check Your Meds

Always carry your medications in your carry-on. Checked luggage can be lost, delayed, or stolen. If you need insulin, EpiPens, or needles, you need them with you at all times.

Here’s how to pack:

• Keep everything in original prescription bottles. Even if you’re not in the U.S., this is your best protection. Some states (California, New York, Texas, Florida, Illinois) legally require this for controlled substances-even on domestic flights.
• Bring a copy of your doctor’s letter and ICMP in your carry-on, separate from your meds.
• If you have liquid meds (like insulin or liquid painkillers), declare them at TSA security. You’re allowed more than 3.4 ounces if they’re medically necessary. Just say, “These are for my medical condition.”
• Don’t put pills in pill organizers unless you also carry the original bottles. TSA and foreign customs don’t recognize unlabeled pills.

Delta Air Lines reported a 37% increase in medication-related calls from 2024 to 2025. The top three issues? Liquid limits, needles, and lack of documentation. You can avoid all three with simple prep.

Watch Out for Transit Countries

If you’re flying through Dubai, Singapore, or Tokyo on your way to your final destination, you’re subject to those countries’ rules too-even if you don’t leave the airport.

One traveler was detained in Dubai for carrying codeine in their checked bag, even though their final destination was Kenya. They had no idea Dubai banned it. Another was stopped in Singapore for carrying melatonin, which is illegal there.

Check the rules for every country on your route. Use the INCB database for transit points too. Don’t assume your final destination’s rules apply everywhere you pass through.

What About CBD and Cannabis Products?

Even if you’re using CBD oil legally in your state, it’s not legal everywhere. In 2024, 19 countries-including South Korea, Malaysia, and Japan-banned all CBD products, even those with zero THC.

The U.S. federal government allows CBD, but international borders don’t care. If you bring CBD into a country where it’s banned, you could face fines, detention, or worse. Leave it at home.

What If You Get Stopped?

If you’re questioned by customs:

• Stay calm. Don’t argue.
• Hand over your doctor’s letter, original bottles, and any permits.
• Don’t say, “It’s just for anxiety.” Say, “This is my prescribed medication for [condition]. Here’s the letter from my doctor.”
• If they confiscate your meds, ask for a receipt. Contact the nearest U.S. embassy immediately.

The U.S. State Department’s 2024 Travel Warning Database recorded 72 cases of travelers detained for medication violations. In most cases, the person had the right paperwork but didn’t present it clearly. Preparation saves you from panic.

Resources to Keep Handy

- INCB Country Regulations Database - Free, official, updated January 2025.
- CDC Yellow Book - Updated annually. Covers medication risks by region.
- U.S. State Department Travel Advisories - Check the “Health” section for each country.
- MedPassport - A digital tool that stores your meds, prescriptions, and embassy contacts. Costs $49/year.
- INCB Emergency Line - +41 22 917 92 92 (24/7, English available).
- Delta Accessibility Line - 404-209-3434 (for questions about flying with meds).

Don’t wait until the airport to figure this out. The system is complex, but it’s not impossible. Thousands of people travel with chronic conditions every year without incident. They just planned ahead.