COMMON everyday medications that are legal in Australia may get you fined or even jailed in some countries.
Even over-the-counter medications such as nicotine gum, childrens pain relief and cold and flu tablets are banned in some countries, comparison website comparethemarket.com.au has warned.
The website has analysed drug laws across a number of popular travel destinations to reveal what common medications may be illegal, require a prescription, or need certified approval from a doctor.
Last year, the most common country for Australians to be arrested on illegal drug-related charges was the US, closely followed by Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, China and the Philippines.
Website spokesperson Abigail Koch said even medications that are legal in Australia can attract heavy fines overseas or, in extreme cases, jail sentences in prison environments that might be much harsher than at home.
In these instances, travel insurance may not cover you if you are carrying or using drugs that are classified as illegal overseas, she said.
If you have a medical condition, it is important to talk to your doctor to see if there are alternative medications you can take, and to get a doctors letter or prescription before travelling.
Its also crucial to disclose any pre-existing medical conditions and current medical treatments to your travel insurer, and ensure youre covered for any health issues that may arise while travelling.
Prohibited in the United Arab Emirates: common contraceptive pills, some nicotine lozenges, childrens Advil or Panadol, anything that contains codeine, Valium or Ritalin. The UAE does not allow medicines to treat HIV/AIDS and hepatitis. When travelling to the Gulf countries, be wary of what medications are packed in your suitcase, as possession of any drugs classified as illegal can lead to imprisonment. There are 70 banned medicines. Travellers may be allowed to carry 30 days of some treatments if they have prior permission from the UAE Ministry of Health, a valid prescription and a valid certificate from the Australian health authority.
Prohibited in the United States: addictive narcotics such as sleeping pills and antidepressants without a doctors letter. These drugs should also be in their original packaging with no more than a 90-day supply.
Prohibited in Thailand: codeine and drugs to treat ADHD.
Prohibited in Hong Kong: sleeping tablets and medication to treat anxiety and medications used in treating certain conditions, such as erectile dysfunction, without a doctors note.
Prohibited in Singapore: anti-anxiety pills, sleeping pills and strong painkillers without a licence. Singapore has had a chewing gum ban since 1992 and prohibits medicinal chewing gums such as nicotine. Common medicines, such as those used to treat diabetes or high cholesterol, are banned if you have more than three months supply.
Prohibited in Japan: some cold and flu tablets. Other medicines containing codeine or morphine need a Narcotic Certificate before entering the country.
Prohibited in China: sleeping pills, medication for ADHD, and strong painkillers without a prescription. Before holidaying in China, make sure you have a doctors note for every medication you are carrying as any amount above a seven-day supply of medication will need to be verified by a prescription. This note should outline what the drug is being used for and the quantities required. Its also important to bring a copy, as customs may want to keep a copy of your prescription.
Prohibited in Greece: codeine without a prescription. European countries vary when it comes to rules surrounding medication, but Greece has special rules around codeine, which is allowed only with a prescription stating what it is, how much is taken and that it is for personal use only.
Prohibited in South Korea: narcotic medications without prior approval and a prescription. Medications that are classified as a controlled substance (narcotic) require approval from the Narcotic Control Division of the Korean Food and Drug Administration before arriving in South Korea and a letter or a prescription from a doctor is needed.
Prohibited in Russia: codeine without a doctors letter. Other medications Australians can buy over the counter, including cold and flu medication, may also need a prescription.
If you plan to take medication overseas, the Australian governments Smart Traveller website recommends you read the travel advice and check with the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country you'll be visiting to make sure your medicine is legal there.
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