When you need a doctor’s letter
- You carry prescription medicines, especially injectables, inhalers or syringes.
- You carry controlled medicines (strong painkillers, sleeping or anxiety medicines).
- You carry larger quantities for a long stay.
- Your destination asks for documentation, such as the UAE, Singapore, Japan or Thailand for controlled medicines.
What the letter must include
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Patient | Full name as on passport, date of birth, passport number |
| Condition | Diagnosis or reason for treatment |
| Medicines | Generic name, brand name, strength, dose, frequency and total quantity |
| Trip | Destination and travel dates |
| Doctor | Name, qualification, medical registration number, clinic address, phone, email |
| Validation | Signature, clinic stamp and date |
Template to take to your doctor
To whom it may concern, This is to certify that [Full name as on passport], born on [DD/MM/YYYY], passport number [XXXXXXXX], is under my medical care for [diagnosis]. For the duration of travel to [country] from [date] to [date], the patient requires the following medicines for personal use: 1. [Generic name] ([Brand]) [strength] — [dose], [frequency] — total quantity: [number] 2. [Generic name] ([Brand]) [strength] — [dose], [frequency] — total quantity: [number] These medicines are prescribed for the patient's personal treatment only. Dr. [Name], [Qualification] Medical Registration No.: [Number] [Clinic address] · [Phone] · [Email] Signature & stamp: Date:
Tip
Carry the original plus a photocopy, and keep a digital copy on your phone. For controlled medicines, some countries also need a permit applied for before travel.
Frequently asked questions
Does a doctor’s letter need to be in English?
English is widely accepted. For some countries a translation may help, and for controlled medicines within Schengen Europe a specific certificate format is used.
Is a prescription enough, or do I need a letter?
For ordinary medicines a prescription is usually enough. For controlled medicines, injectables or large quantities, a detailed doctor’s letter is strongly recommended.
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
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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