Cabin bag or checked bag?
Solid medicines such as tablets, capsules and blister packs can travel in either bag. Liquid medicines above the usual cabin liquid limit are generally allowed when medically necessary, but may be screened separately — tell security staff before screening.
- Keep your daily prescription medicines and a day or two of essentials (motion sickness tablets, ORS, pain reliever) in your cabin bag.
- Pack your full travel medical kit in your checked bag if you prefer to travel light.
- Never keep your only supply of critical medicines in checked baggage.
Documents to carry
- A copy of your prescription or a doctor’s letter with your name (as on your passport), generic medicine names and doses.
- Medicines in original, labelled packaging — avoid loose tablets in unmarked boxes.
- For controlled medicines (strong painkillers, sleeping pills, some ADHD or anxiety medicines), check whether your destination needs a permit or advance approval.
TravelMed kits include a signed prescription
Every TravelMed kit comes with a signed doctor’s prescription listing the medicines inside, so you can show it if asked at security or customs.
How much can you carry?
Carry a quantity that clearly matches personal use for the length of your trip. Many countries use limits of about 30 to 90 days’ supply for personal medicines, and controlled medicines often have stricter limits.
| Destination | Key rule for personal medicines |
|---|---|
| Japan | Pseudoephedrine/ephedrine products prohibited; over one month’s supply of some medicines needs a Yunyu Kakunin-sho |
| UAE | Controlled medicines up to 3 months’ supply with prescription; optional MOHAP pre-approval |
| Singapore | Up to 3 months’ supply without approval unless it contains controlled substances |
| Thailand | Psychotropics up to 30 days with prescription; narcotic medicines need a Thai FDA permit |
| Schengen Europe | Carry prescription; narcotic/psychotropic medicines need a doctor’s certificate |
At customs abroad
- Declare medicines if the country asks you to, especially controlled ones.
- Keep documents easy to reach, not buried in your suitcase.
- If you are unsure about a medicine, leave it at home or check with the embassy before you fly.
Frequently asked questions
Are tablets allowed in cabin baggage in India?
Yes. Tablets, capsules and blister packs are allowed in cabin baggage. Keep them in original packaging and carry the prescription for prescription medicines.
Do I need a doctor’s letter to carry medicines abroad?
It is strongly recommended for prescription medicines and essential for controlled medicines or injectables. The letter should list generic names, doses and your diagnosis.
Can customs confiscate my medicines?
Yes, if a medicine is banned in that country, exceeds personal-use limits or has no supporting prescription. Checking the destination’s rules beforehand avoids this.
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Chitarth Rajasekaran
Founder & Medical Director · MBBS, MS Ortho, DNB Ortho, MRCS (Edin), Fellow in FIJR, FISS
A practising surgeon and frequent traveller, Dr. Chitarth founded TravelMed after a family trip abroad was derailed by a minor illness.
Read his storySources
- CDC — Traveling abroad with medicine
- HSA Singapore — Travelling with medications
- UAE MOHAP — Permit to import medicines for personal use
- U.S. Embassy Japan — Importing medication
This article is general information for travellers and is not a substitute for personal medical advice. Medicine-import rules change — always confirm with the destination’s official health authority or embassy.
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