Prescription medications for legitimate health conditions may be under scrutiny by foreign officials when traveling on business. In some countries, legal drugs that are legal and readily available in your country may be considered illegal, require a prescription, or may be suspicious of local officials, customs and immigration authorities. It is always best to contact the foreign government offices in your country of the country you are visiting on business to confirm the status of your medication.
Tips for business traveling abroad with prescription or over-the-counter medication:
- The limit of two pieces of hand luggage does not apply to medical supplies, equipments and mobility aids.
- Make sure you pack all medications in their original and labeled containers before putting them in your carry on bag to facilitate airport security and customs control. Prescription medications are exempted from liquid restrictions, but must be presented to the control officer separately from your carry-on baggage.
- Do not try to save space in the bag by combining medication in a single container.
- Use the family / special needs security line. The screening officers are well trained to offer additional help.
- Pack additional medication incase you are going away far longer than expected..
- Keep a copy of the original prescription and make sure that both the generic and commercial names of the drug are included in the case of loss or theft. A medical certificate describing why you are taking the medicine is also recommended..
- Do not buy medicines outside your country unless advised by a professional health care practitioner. Watch out for counterfeit medicines or those that may not meet the standards of your country.
- If you carry unusual medication, check that it is legal and readily available in the country you are visiting. Contact the foreign government office of the country you wish to visit before going on a business trip to ensure that the medical supplies you wish to bring are brought into the country.
- Inquire what you can take with you on an airplane to determine what you can and should not pack in your carry-on baggage.
Other important tips you should take note when business travelling
- Keep your medication cool and dry when traveling for business. Hot or humid conditions may cause them to deteriorate.
- Read the instructions carefully before taking any medication.
- Avoid sharing medication with fellow travelers. They may have allergies that you do not know about, and you yourself may need them late.
- Carry medicines in your hand carry-on. Our SafeTote Rx XL tote bag is perfect for carrying all of your medications. Illness can strike at any time and luggage can go astray.
- Always remember that travelling to a malaria-infected area for business, any fever could be malaria..
- This guide is not intended for pregnant women or children under 12 years old. Most medications are not suitable for these travelers. Discuss alternatives with your travel doctor or GP.
- Compile instructions, medications and your personal authorization information, which is included at the beginning of this manual, together.
- Keep a written record of which medications you are taking and their dosage to show to a doctor if necessary.
- Always keep medicines out of the reach of children.