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The summer holidays have arrived and thousands of people will be jetting off in search of some much needed sunshine. However, holidaymakers must be aware how different rules apply in the country they are travelling to.
Travellers must particularly be careful with any over the counter medicines they have purchased in the UK. Well Pharmacy has warned five medications that could cause you the most issues.
As our sister site Mirror Online reports, these are opioids, antihistamines, codeine, sleeping pills and fixed dose combinations. George Sandhu, Well Pharmacy’s Deputy Pharmacy Superintendent, believes it is crucial that UK holidaymakers know exactly what they are taking abroad and how safe it is.
He said: “It is important that holidaymakers understand that over-the-counter medications must be stored correctly and in date when taken abroad. Whilst the United Kingdom offers a variety of over-the-counter medications, there are various laws around the world which differ from our own.
He continued: “British holidaymakers should be aware of the dangers when travelling with prescribed medication and make sure that they always carry a doctor’s note with their medicines. If holidaymakers find medicines that are out of date whilst packing their suitcase, then they should take them to their nearest community pharmacy to be disposed of safely.
“If any patients are in doubt about their medications before travelling then speak to your pharmacist who will be able to offer advice.” More than 25 countries operate a ban on opioids, which include over-the-counter medicines like codeine in European hotspots including Germany as well as further afield in Australia.
Nations in the Middle and Far East are stringent in their drug policies with Japan operating a strictly enforced anti-stimulant drug laws which bans the importation of antihistamines. Inhalers such as those sold by Vicks, which help with allergies and sinus issues, are not allowed in Japan.
The United Arab Emirates has a zero tolerance for an array of over-the-counter medications that are sold daily in the United Kingdom. Sleeping pills such as temazepam are illegal in the Emirati states and any holidaymakers from the United Kingdom could see themselves jailed if caught with the products.
Those suffering with toothache or a headache whilst travelling in India will have to remedy the situation without their usual medicines. The world ’s most populous nation placed a ban on fixed-dose combinations (FDC’s) at the end of last year – including amoxicillin and paracetamol.
Anyone found to have broken the law could be sentenced to a minimum of six months in jail and 10,000 rupees (£93.53) fine. Greece has always been a popular getaway for Brits eager to enjoy a bit of culture whilst topping up their tan, but it operates a very stringent policy on which medications are able to be brought into the country.
Whilst Brits would be able to travel with up to five different prescribed medicines for personal use, no more than two boxes of the medicine are allowed. If more medicine is required, then permission must be acquired on arrival into the country from the Greek National Organisation for Medicines. Whilst the authority might offer permission, they will not allow codeine to enter their borders if it is purchased over the counter as the drug is a controlled substance.
Mexico is ramping up preparations ahead of co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup with thirteen matches scheduled to be played in the country. Whilst the tournament begins in less than two years’ time, Brits should make themselves aware of the paperwork required to take their medication with them.
The country won’t have an issue in allowing prescribed medications into the country so long as they are for personal use. However, a mountain of paperwork will be required from your doctor stating exactly what amount of medication is required, how much a daily dose is and how much you’re bringing to the country.
Tourists are not allowed to bring in more medication than required for the length of their stay and Brits should note that the entire prescription must be written in Spanish. Spain is the United Kingdom’s most popular travel destination but if citizens forget their prescriptions or medical report – the drugs will be seized.
More than 17 million British sunseekers opted to head to the Iberian Peninsula last year so it is crucial that Brits are aware of custom laws in Spain ahead of their summer holidays.
