In short: Most everyday medicines can be taken abroad without any paperwork, but you should keep them in their original labelled packs, carry them in your hand luggage, take enough for the whole trip plus extra, and bring a copy of your prescription or a letter from your prescriber. Medicines containing controlled drugs (for example some ADHD medicines, strong painkillers, benzodiazepines and medical cannabis) need extra planning: UK rules allow you to carry up to three months' supply on your person, but the country you are visiting may have stricter rules or need permission in advance.

This guide, written by a Ready Health prescribing pharmacist, explains what to check before you travel and how to avoid problems at the border.

Why plan ahead when travelling with medication?

Packing your tablets is only part of it. Before you go, it helps to think about:

whether your medicine is legal, restricted or banned in the countries you will visit or pass through
whether you will have enough supply for the whole trip, including possible delays
how to keep temperature-sensitive medicines (such as insulin and some injections) within the right range
whether travel vaccines or antimalarial tablets could interact with medicines you already take
how to keep taking doses on time across time zones

How should I pack and carry my medicine?

Keep medicines in their original pharmacy packaging with the dispensing label showing your name.
Carry essential medicines in your hand luggage, so you are not without them if a suitcase is delayed or lost. If you have a large supply, you can split a back-up supply across bags, but keep at least several days' worth with you.
Controlled drugs must be carried on your person (in your hand luggage) when you leave or re-enter the UK.
Liquid medicines and gels over 100 ml are usually allowed through airport security if they are needed during the journey, but you may be asked for supporting evidence. Check with your airline and departure airport.
Bring a copy of your prescription or a list of your medicines, with generic (non-brand) names, because brand names differ between countries.
Pack sharps, such as needles and pen injectors, with a letter explaining why you need them, and ask your airline about any rules in advance.
Use an insulated bag or cool pouch for medicines that need to be kept cool, but do not let them freeze. Never put insulin in checked baggage, as the hold can get very cold.

What are the UK rules for travelling with controlled drugs?

Controlled drugs are medicines covered by the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001. Examples include morphine, oxycodone, codeine-containing prescription medicines, tramadol, diazepam and other benzodiazepines, pregabalin, gabapentin, methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine and prescribed cannabis-based medicines. Your pharmacist or prescriber can tell you if any of your medicines are controlled.

Under current Home Office guidance:

You can carry up to three months' supply of a prescribed controlled drug when leaving or returning to the UK, as long as it was lawfully prescribed for you and you carry it on your person.
You should carry a letter from your prescriber or a copy of your prescription. It should include your name, your travel dates, the medicines, strengths, doses and quantities, and the prescriber's signature and professional details.
A Home Office personal licence is only needed in exceptional circumstances, for example if you genuinely need more than three months' supply. Contact the Home Office Drug and Firearms Licensing Unit well before you travel if this applies to you.
If you are a UK resident and you are prescribed a controlled drug while abroad, contact the Home Office before bringing it back into the UK.

Prescriptions for many controlled drugs are normally limited to around 30 days' supply at a time in the UK, so speak to your prescriber early if you will be away for longer.

What about the rules in the country I am visiting?

UK rules only cover leaving and re-entering the UK. Every country sets its own rules, and some are much stricter. For example, some countries do not allow certain stimulant ADHD medicines, strong opioids or cannabis-based medicines at all, and others require you to apply for permission before arrival. Medicines bought freely over the counter in the UK, such as some codeine-containing painkillers, can also be restricted elsewhere.

To check:

Read the FCDO foreign travel advice for each country, including any you transit through.
Contact the embassy or high commission of the country you are visiting for its current rules on medicines and controlled drugs.
Allow plenty of time if a permit or advance approval is required, as this can take weeks.

Other practical tips

Enough supply: Take enough for your trip plus a few extra days. Ask for repeat prescriptions in good time.
Time zones: For medicines that must be taken at set intervals (such as insulin, some epilepsy medicines and the contraceptive pill), ask a pharmacist how to adjust your timings.
Heat and humidity: Store medicines out of direct sunlight and away from hot cars and beaches. Inhalers and some tablets can be damaged by heat.
Travel insurance: Declare existing medical conditions and medicines. A GHIC or EHIC helps with state healthcare in many European countries but is not a replacement for insurance.
Buying medicines abroad: Be cautious. Falsified medicines are more common in some regions, and strengths and ingredients can differ.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a doctor's letter to travel with medicine?

It is not required for most everyday medicines, but it is strongly recommended for controlled drugs, injectable medicines, sharps and large quantities. Some countries require one. Ask your prescriber well ahead, and note there may be a charge for letters.

Can I take my ADHD medication abroad?

Many ADHD medicines are controlled drugs. You can usually carry up to three months' supply out of the UK with a prescriber's letter, but some countries restrict or ban certain stimulants, so check with the embassy of your destination before you book.

Can I carry medicines in checked luggage?

It is allowed for most medicines, but it is safer to keep essential medicines and all controlled drugs in your hand luggage.

Can I have my medicines posted to me abroad?

Posting medicines internationally is often restricted, and controlled drugs cannot normally be posted. Plan your supply before you go.

Key takeaways

Keep medicines in original labelled packs, in your hand luggage, with a copy of your prescription.
Controlled drugs: up to three months' supply can usually be carried without a Home Office licence; a letter from your prescriber is recommended.
Always check the rules of every country you visit or transit through; some ban or restrict common UK medicines.
Plan supply, storage and timings early, and declare medicines to your travel insurer.

Sources and further reading

Last reviewed: October 2026 by Shamir Patel, Independent Prescribing Pharmacist, Ready Health. This article is general information and does not replace advice from your own clinician. Rules can change, so always check official guidance before you travel.

Planning a trip from Wigan, Standish, Chorley or Bolton? A travel health consultation at Ready Health can review your vaccines, malaria prevention and how your regular medicines fit with your travel plans.

Travelling Abroad with Medication: UK Rules and Tips