Before you travel
When taking your medicines and medical devices out of Australia, follow these simple rules:
- Talk to your doctor or travel medicine specialist about any medicines or medical devices you are taking with you. This includes over-the-counter and complementary medicines. Make sure you only take them for your personal use.
- If you or your doctor have any doubts about what you can take to your destination, you should contact the Embassy or Consulate of the countries you are visiting. Some medicines widely available in Australia, like those containing codeine, require permission to bring into other countries.
- Carry a letter from your doctor detailing any prescription medicines you are taking with you. The letter should include the name of the medicine, how much you are taking and that it is for your personal use. The Department of Human Services Travelling with PBS medicines web page provides a template letter you can give to your doctor.
- Take your medicines in the original packaging so they can be easily identified.
Take enough for your whole trip
You should always take enough of your medicines and medical devices with you plus some extra in case of a delay or unexpected circumstances. This is because it can be hard to get replacement medicines overseas for a range of reasons, such as:
- Your prescription may not be valid overseas
- Doctors and other medical professionals may not speak your language
- Your medicines may be restricted in other countries
- Your medicines may be unavailable, particularly in rural areas and less developed countries.
If you are going to be away for an extended period of time you should talk to your doctor about options for accessing medicines or medical devices overseas.
Medicines to be careful with
Some medicines prescribed in Australia may be restricted or banned in other countries. Be careful if you need to travel with:
- Medicines containing codeine
- Strong painkillers prescribed from a pain specialist or hospital
- Prescribed medicines of addiction
- Controlled drugs – ask your doctor or pharmacist.