A medicine that’s routine at home can be restricted — or banned outright — somewhere else. Some painkillers, sleeping tablets, ADHD medicines and cough syrups cause the most trouble at borders. A few minutes of checking before you fly saves you from confiscation at customs, or worse, running out halfway through a trip.
Before you go: a checklist
- Check every medicine against your destination’s rules — including over-the-counter ones. The country’s health ministry or embassy website is the final word.
- Carry your prescription or a doctor’s letter that lists each medicine by its generic (chemical) name, the dose, and why you take it. Brand names differ between countries; generic names don’t.
- Keep medicines in their original, labelled packaging. Loose tablets in a pill box are harder to explain at customs.
- Pack them in your hand luggage, with a few extra days’ supply in case of delays. Checked bags get lost.
- Take only what you need for the trip, and check the quantity limit — many countries cap personal imports.
- Apply for permits early if a medicine is controlled where you’re going. Approval can take weeks.
- Plan your dose times across time zones before you leave, especially for insulin or time-critical medicines — ask your doctor if you’re unsure.
Rules for some popular destinations
These summaries are taken from official sources, checked on 13 October 2026. Rules change, so open the link and confirm before you travel.
Singapore
Up to three months’ supply is allowed if the medicine needs no approval and isn’t prohibited. Medicines containing controlled substances need approval from the Health Sciences Authority — apply at least two weeks before arrival. Carry a copy of your prescription or doctor’s letter and keep medicines in labelled pharmacy packaging. HSA: travelling with personal medications.
Japan
Less than one month’s supply needs no special procedure. For more, you need a certificate called Yunyu Kakunin-sho before you enter Japan. Medicines containing controlled substances need advance permission, and some medicines can’t be brought in at all, even with a prescription. Embassy of Japan guidance · MHLW controlled-substance permits.
United Arab Emirates
Narcotic, psychotropic and controlled medicines need a permit from the Ministry of Health and Prevention, applied for online. Carry your prescription and medical report for any medicine you bring. MOHAP: permit to import medicines for personal use.
How Rx101 helps on the road
- Fly Mode checks your medicine list against medicines banned, withdrawn or severely restricted in more than 150 countries, and warns you before you pack. Treat it as an early warning, then confirm with the official source.
- A travel pack of your medicines, ready to show at customs alongside your prescription.
- Time-zone aware reminders. Choose whether doses follow local time or stay on home time.
- Reminders ring offline and in airplane mode, so a long flight doesn’t mean a missed dose.
- Country-aware emergency numbers, one tap away wherever you land.
Questions people ask
Can I carry prescription medicines on an international flight?
Usually yes, for personal use, in your hand luggage with the prescription or a doctor’s letter and the original packaging. Some medicines are controlled or banned in certain countries, so check your destination’s official rules first.
How much medicine can I take to Singapore?
According to Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority, up to three months’ supply if the medicine needs no approval and is not prohibited. Medicines with controlled substances need approval at least two weeks before arrival.
Do I need a permit to bring medicine into Japan?
For more than one month’s supply you need a Yunyu Kakunin-sho certificate before entering Japan. Medicines containing controlled substances need advance permission, and some cannot be brought in even with a prescription.
How do I take medicines on time when I change time zones?
Plan dose times with your doctor before you leave, especially for insulin or time-critical medicines. In Rx101 you can choose whether reminders follow local time or stay on home time.
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Rx101 helps you follow the plan your doctor gave you. It is not medical advice — always check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping or changing a medicine.