Travelling with prescription drugs? Extreme caution required as Brit thrown into an Egyptian jail...

 

 

 

A lady travelling with 290 Tramadol painkilling tablets, thought to be a repeat subscription surplus and prescribed for someone else. The drugs, destined she says. for a male already in Egypt who has a bad back.

 

The traveller has been detained at an Egyptian airport, and is now possibly facing a life in jail facing charges for trafficking prohibited drugs. 

 

So without picking up on that specific case, what are the general rules for the importation of medications?

 

We suggest you fully research each individual country on any travel itinerary, before you buy tickets.. the example below is the for the USA, but even now conditions and restrictions may change.

 

Can I travel with medications and medical devices, such as needles or oxygen tanks?

Thinking of travelling to the USA and need to take prescription medications and other prescribed devices into the USA? There  are legal restrictions and travellers are advised to check with the US authorities before travel.

 

As a rule of thumb Prescription medications should not be decanted into dosage or blister packs but still be in their original containers with the NHS Chemist label ie Doctors prescription physically attached to the resealed container. 

 

Only take 'personal use quantities' and in any case no more than 90 days worth.  And ensure the packs are visible on top of your luggage, and not concealed under clothes in your travel bag. In some cases its not possible to have the medications in their original containers so ensure you 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 U.S.A. The FDA is responsible for pharmaceutical admissibility determinations. If you have any questions as to whether a specific pharmaceutical may be imported into the United States, please contact the FDA, Division of Import Operations and Policy, at (301) 796-0356.  Contact FDA.

 

Travelling with medical devices such as needles or oxygen tanks that could pose a security or safety concern to others, it is imperative you include a certified copy of the prescription for those items from your doctor. You should also contact the Transportation Security Administration about any additional requirements they may have.

JULIAN BRAY +44(0)1733 345581, Journalist & Broadcaster, Aviation Security & Airline Operations Analyst/expert, ... Travel & Holiday Guru www.aviationcomment.com,  ... http://www.freelancedirectory.org/user.php?user=8121  ... www.freelancedirectory.org?name=Julian.Bray.aviation.comment,   ... Aviation / Travel / Maritime & Cruise Industries, NUJ, EQUITY, LIVE ISDN LINK, Broadcast ISDN COOBE ++44 (0)1733 345020 ... SKYPE: JULIAN.BRAY.UK e&oe Old faithful NOKIA: 07944 217476