Planning, packing and paperwork for medicines when travelling, as the NHS and TravelHealthPro describe

How should medicines be packed and carried?

TravelHealthPro describes keeping medicines in their original pharmacy packaging. It advises carrying a copy of the prescription and a letter from the prescriber. The same guidance describes carrying medicines in hand luggage, with some extra supply in the hold luggage. TravelHealthPro also says airline rules should be checked, particularly for liquids, because limits apply to the amount that can be carried in hand luggage. It adds that travellers should check that their medicines are permitted in the countries they will visit.

What does a letter from the prescriber do?

TravelHealthPro suggests asking the prescriber for a letter that lists the medicines by their generic names. Generic names are the official names of the active ingredients, rather than the brand names on the box. TravelHealthPro says such a letter can be helpful during border control checks. It says the letter can also help if medicines need replacing or medical help is needed. Home Office advice on controlled drugs describes a letter that gives the traveller's name, the travel dates, the destination and the medicines with their quantities.

Can liquid medicines go in hand luggage?

Airport limits on liquids in hand luggage can affect liquid medicines. NHS 111 Wales says essential medicines in amounts of more than 100ml can be taken in hand luggage with approval arranged in advance with the airline and airport. It says a letter from a doctor or a prescription should be carried as well. Because airline rules differ, TravelHealthPro advises checking them ahead of travel.

What applies to controlled drugs and country rules?

Controlled drugs are medicines that are covered by drug laws, such as morphine, diazepam and codeine. GOV.UK has a page on travelling with medicine that contains a controlled drug. It also has a separate page on bringing such medicine into the UK. GOV.UK says that, for leaving the UK, a person should be able to prove the medicine is theirs, with a prescription or a letter from the clinician. GOV.UK describes personal licences for some controlled drugs, which are applied for through the Home Office. GOV.UK says the rules in other countries can differ, so the embassy of the country to be visited can be contacted. It warns that travelling with a medicine that is illegal in another country could lead to a fine or prison.

What do the sources say about insulin?

TravelHealthPro advises carrying insulin in hand luggage, because it may freeze in the aircraft hold. It discourages obtaining insulin overseas. The reason given is that the names, brands, strengths and quality of insulin vary considerably around the world.