The short answer
Carry medicines in their original packaging, in hand baggage, with the prescription. Read the destination’s customs page before you pack food, medicines or gifts, and declare anything the page says you must. When in doubt, declare. This is general information about rules that differ by country and change often. It is not medical advice: ask a doctor about your medicines.
Key terms in plain English
- Declare: tell the border authority that you are carrying something, usually on a form or at a point in the airport.
- Controlled medicine: a medicine that a country regulates more tightly, which may need paperwork. The official page says which.
- Prohibited or restricted goods: things you cannot bring, or can only bring with conditions.
Medicines
- Keep each medicine in its original packaging, with the label, in hand baggage.
- Carry the prescription, and a short letter from the doctor listing the medicines, if the official page suggests it.
- Check the country’s page about medicines before you travel. The UK’s page is Take medicine in or out of the UK.
- Do not carry medicines for other people unless the official page allows it.
Food and gifts
Many countries restrict meat, dairy, fruit, plants, seeds and some packaged foods, and some ask you to declare them. Sweets, spices and home-made items may also be covered. Read the page before you pack:
- United Kingdom: banned and restricted goods
- Canada: Bring personal goods into Canada
- Australia: Can you bring it in?
- Germany: Travel: customs rules
- India, for the way home: Customs
Cash
Border authorities ask visitors to declare cash and valuables above a limit that differs by country. The pages above say what applies. Do not guess.
Checklist
- To do: List every medicine, with its name and what it is for
- To do: Keep medicines in original packaging, in hand baggage
- To do: Carry the prescription and the doctor’s note
- To do: Read the destination’s customs page for medicines
- To do: Read the page for food, plants and gifts
- To do: Read India’s customs page for the way home
- To do: Declare anything the page says you must
Common mistakes
- Packing food “just in case”. Some food is restricted, and declaring is better than hiding.
- Mixing medicines into one pill box. Original packaging helps if you are asked.
- Carrying medicines in checked baggage. If it is lost, so are they.
- Forgetting the way home. India’s customs rules apply to gifts you bring back.
- Relying on a friend’s experience. Rules change.
Things that change
Customs lists change, and so do the medicines that are controlled. Check the page for the date of your trip.
Verify before you act
Use the pages above. For anything about your health, speak to a doctor.