I have traveled a lot and know that bringing in your normal medication is not a problem. However, this will be the first time we travel to Europe for a total of 6.5 weeks. This means a lot of medication between the two of us. Any issues if customs checks? Should everything be in the original bottles? Thats a lot of extra space.
Any insight?
Thx
Lots of recent discussions on the forum about this subject.: helpful tips: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/packing/medications-22683da3-3f34-4149-9c3a-5164628eb266
Thanks Janis for the link.
USA TSA: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/travel-tips/can-you-pack-your-meds-pill-case-and-more-questions-answered#
US CBP: https://help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-1160?language=en_US
Title: Traveling with Medication Prescription medications should be
in their original containers with the doctor's prescription printed on
the container. It is advised that you travel with no more than
personal use quantities, a rule of thumb is no more than a 90 day
supply. If your medications or devices are not in their original
containers, you must have a copy of your prescription with you or a
letter from your doctor. A valid prescription or doctors note is
required on all medication entering the United States.
However, as the TSA notes:
"...states have individual laws regarding the labeling of prescription medication with which passengers need to comply."
This would include not putting controlled substances in vape cartriges is you are entering Russia. Having a prescription apparently does not work.
This would include not putting controlled substances in vape cartriges is you are entering Russia. Having a prescription apparently does not work.
Well, it doesn't work with TSA in the US either, to be honest.
Yes, lots of discussion. Basically in the unlikely event of someone checking, if you can show that you will be there for the time period (return ticket) and the amount fits the time period plus maybe some safety stock (if you have a 90 day supply, don't bring it all) and you have documentation (prescription labels) then they have no issues with you having those for personal use.
Staying for a week and bringing 6 months worth...that's a problem. If you take any pain meds, Opiates or Opioids, then document better and watch quantities. There are some drugs, stimulants mainly, that are prescribed in the US, that are illegal in Europe...and of course Cannabis related products.
Thx everyone.
I've found that customs officers know what they are looking at. If you have legitimate prescriptions, nine times out of ten they won't even mention them. For that one out of ten, just be honest and have a list of the prescriptions you take, and why, from a doctor.
I worked at CBP for a while. The U.S. is one of the strictest for limiting what you can bring into the country. If you are honest about what you have, you might have something confiscated that isn't allowed. Here, you are only in trouble if they ask (generally more than once), and you aren't truthful.
In the previous discussion (link posted by Janis above) a lot of folks went to the effort of pealing the label off their prescription containers. Our pharmacist just gives us another label which we put on the ziploc baggies. Saved time and work. Have a great trip!
Some pharmacies, especially the chains, have duplicate labels on the information they give with the prescriptions. Mine does (Walgreens.) Easy to cut out and take with you.
