Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
08 June 2018 08:40
Holidaymakers are urged to check rules on carrying medicines
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has warned holiday-goers that some commonly-prescribed medicines are "controlled drugs" in certain countries.
Holidaymakers are urged to check rules on carrying medicines into the countries they're visiting.
Risk of fine or imprisonment
Travellers who fall foul of local rules could face a fine or even imprisonment for bringing illegal medicines into certain countries.
A survey by the FCO showed that only a third of adults take time to check the travel rules on medicine transportation before embarking on a long-haul trip.
With almost half the UK population on prescribed medication, that means around 21 million UK travellers could face problems on their travels.
Certain medicines which can be bought over-the-counter in the UK but which contain pseudoephedrine, like Sudafed and Vicks, are banned in Japan. Others which are commonly used to treat colds must be accompanied by a prescription in Qatar.
Failing to check and comply with the rules may lead to imprisonment in countries such as Greece and the UAE, the FCO warns.
GP checks
Anyone travelling this summer should remember to visit their GP at least four to six weeks before jetting off to confirm whether their prescribed medication is allowed in the country they're travelling to, particularly in the cases of codeine, Diezepam and Tramadol.
Travellers can also check the Foreign Office's website travel advice pages for extra information and lists of medications banned in different countries.
The FCO has issued a list of tips for taking over-the-counter and prescribed medicines abroad.
Travellers should carry medicine in its original packaging as issued by the pharmacist and keep it in their hand luggage. They should also carry an official letter-headed note from the prescribing physician for controlled drugs and injection medications.
Holidayers should also take out the appropriate health insurance for the duration of their trip, including repatriation and the appropriate cover for any pre-existing illnesses they may have, says the FCO.
You can find the best travel insurance for your pre-existing condition with World-First, to ensure you're safely covered for your trip.
14 June 2018
A new, low-cost portable device to help protect communities in Columbia from contaminated water has been developed by British engineers.
[more...]
12 June 2018
As we near the opening match of football's grandest celebration on Thursday, fans are beginning to arrive in enthusiastic droves in Moscow.
09 June 2018
Scientists are trialling blood tests to find out the risk expecting mothers have of delivering prematurely.
08 June 2018
A new lung cancer drug which is said to stretch life expectancy by a year is being introduced to the NHS.
06 June 2018
As pollen counts hit their highest level this week, hay fever sufferers are likely to suffer.
05 June 2018
Care home demanded to make improvements amid "serious concerns"
30 May 2018
Academics have announced their plans to examine suicide risk in men, as well as the ways to reduce it.
Visitors of music festivals have been warned to ensure they have had their measles jab amid concerns of outbreaks of the highly infectious disease around the country.
25 May 2018
Two popular sunscreens become significantly less effective once the wearer has been in sea water, a watchdog has warned.
24 May 2018
A recent report by Cancer Research UK claims young people who are exposed to just one extra junk food TV advert per week consume up to 18,000 extra calories every year.
Eating one egg a day may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and strokes, according to a new study.