medications

You may be surprised at some items on the list – and you may struggle to get it on the plane

A GP and travel expert has warned people about six medications you might not be able to take with you on holiday, depending on where you fly to. Addressing the over-looked issue, Saga Travel Insurance spoke to GP Doctor Deborah Lee from Dr Fox Online Pharmacy, who revealed that there are some surprising medications you won’t want to pack.

Many countries will only allow you to bring a maximum of three months’ worth of treatment with you when travelling. However, some countries may have more specific restrictions depending on the type of medication.

Dr Lee says: “The vast majority of commonly prescribed medicines are completely safe to travel with. But some are more strictly regulated.” So what medications do you need to be careful with?

Six medications you may not be able to fly with

1. Codeine

Doctor Lee notes that “despite being available over the counter in the UK in the form of co-codamol (codeine with paracetamol), this opioid painkiller is banned without proof of prescription in some countries, being classed as a narcotic.”

This means that if you are travelling to “countries such as Saudi Arabia or Greece”, they will require you to have a prescription to carry any form of codeine-containing medications into the country and may have limits on the amounts you can take

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Talking about another popular destination, they added: “Japan has very strict rules and restrictions on narcotics and will require you to apply to import and export your medication as well as have a medical certificate for them from Japan’s Narcotics Control Department.”

2. Sleeping pills

The doctor shares that the UK has a “large variety of prescription and over-the-counter sleeping pills available. However, many sleeping pills require a prescription in popular European travel destinations (such as France, Germany, and Spain) and are banned in several Middle Eastern and Asian countries, including Japan and the UAE.”

3. ADHD medications

According to the British Medical Journal (BMJ), there’s been an 18% rise in ADHD prescriptions year-on-year in the UK since the COVID-19 pandemic. Just like the UK, “you need a prescription to access this type of medication in most of the world, and you may be required to present your prescription on entry to other countries.”

4. CBD oil

A report from the Centre for Medical Cannabis indicated that the UK’s CBD market was expected to be worth £1 billion in 2025, a massive increase from its £300 million market value only five years ago.

“CBD is the non-psychoactive chemical derived from cannabis. In recent years it has become an incredibly popular remedy for pain relief and relaxation and is available over the counter in the UK, though there is limited medical research to show their benefits.

“Some countries have incredibly strict anti-cannabis laws which also extend to CBD oils. Singapore, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and China, all have bans on CBD oils. In Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Denmark, and Brazil, the only legal CBD oils are those for medical purposes and these require a prescription”, Lee says.

5. Decongestants

Pseudoephedrine, an ingredient found in popular over-the-counter decongestants like Vicks and Sudafed, is banned in countries like Japan and the UAE. In others, like Australia, you may need a prescription or special permit to bring pseudoephedrine-containing products with you.

6. Vapes and e-cigarettes

Although vape pens and similar devices are not prescription medications, many people use them as aids to quit smoking. Some countries, such as Belgium, France and the UK have banned disposable vapes that contain nicotine. “However, vaping is strictly banned in Singapore, India, Australia, and Qatar”, the expert cautions.

Taking medicine out of the UK

According to GOV.UK, “you must carry medicine containing a controlled drug with you in your hand luggage when entering or leaving the UK. It may be taken away from you at the border if you cannot prove it was prescribed for you.”

Bringing medicine back to the UK

If you’re a UK resident who has been prescribed medicine while you were abroad, you need to contact the Drug and Firearms Licensing Unit (DFLU). If you’re not a UK resident, you will need to carry a letter of proof that the medicine was prescribed for you.

The letter must include:

• your name
• the dates you are travelling to or from the UK
• a list of your medicine, including how much you have, doses and the strength
• the signature of the person who prescribed your drugs

You’re allowed to bring up to a three-month supply of your medication. Your doctor or pharmacist can advise you if your medication contains a controlled substance.

You can also check the drugs listed on the packaging of your medicine and search for them on the controlled drugs list. The list does not give names of medicines, only drugs that are used in medicines.

Don’t let a dicky tummy, sunburn or travel sickness ruin your holiday this summer, with nutritional therapist and pharmacist Deborah Grayson’s top tips

There’s a lot to think about when it comes to summer holidays – whether you’re jetting off to the Mediterranean, road-tripping across the UK, or packing for a long-haul getaway. But one of the most important things is sometimes the first to be overlooked – your health. As a pharmacist with more than 30 years’ experience, I’ve helped countless holidaymakers caught off-guard by sunburn, food poisoning or an unexpected allergic reaction.

One in eight holidaymakers get ill abroad, according to statistics. And nearly half of us fear a medical emergency abroad. But the good news is that with a few smart, proactive steps, you can avoid most common travel ailments and keep your summer trip on track. So whether you suffer from travel sickness, struggle with jet lag, or just want to avoid the classic sunburn-blister-sore-feet trifecta, here are 10 essential summer health hacks to help you feel your best, wherever you’re headed.

How to build the ultimate travel first aid kit

You don’t need to carry half a pharmacy with you, just pack the essentials. Make sure you have plasters and antiseptic wipes, as well as antihistamines (for bites, allergies or hay fever), and rehydration salts for heat or stomach bugs. Pop a pack of paracetamol or ibuprofen in your kit, as well as anti-diarrhoeal medication like loperamide.

Don’t forget travel sickness tablets, and hydrocortisone cream for rashes or bites. If you have prescribed medications, keep them in their original boxes with your name clearly labelled. Keeping these in a bag in your hand luggage ensures you’re covered if your main suitcase goes missing.

Beat travel sickness before it starts

Motion sickness happens when your inner ear and eyes send conflicting signals to your brain – often triggered in cars, boats or planes. Prevention is far more effective than waiting until you’re nauseous. Antihistamines such as cinnarizine or hyoscine patches are proven remedies and available over the counter. For natural alternatives, ginger capsules or acupressure wristbands may help some people. I also recommend facing forwards in a moving vehicle, avoiding reading or scrolling, and crack a window where possible.

Stay one step ahead of jetlag

There’s nothing worse than losing the first day or so of a long-awaited holiday due to jet lag. While you can’t avoid it altogether, there are some things you can do to minimise the effects. If possible, try to adjust your sleep schedule a few days before you fly. Drink plenty of water on the flight, and avoid alcohol. If it’s an overnight flight, avoid eating a heavy meal. Get some sunlight as soon as you arrive to help reset your internal body clock. Melatonin supplements may be useful for short-term sleep regulation but speak to a pharmacist first.

Stay hydrated – especially on your flight

Cabin air is dry, and dehydration not only leaves you feeling groggy but can worsen jet lag, headaches, and increase your risk of DVT (deep vein thrombosis). Drink a glass of water every hour during your flight and avoid caffeine or alcohol, both of which dehydrate you. Consider oral rehydration salts if you’re flying long haul or suffer from conditions that make you more prone to dehydration. Pack a refillable water bottle (you can fill it after security) and use hydrating facial mists or moisturiser to combat dry skin.

Prevent sunburn

It’s tempting to start a holiday by spending hours in the sun lying on the beach or by the pool. But a trip away can easily be ruined by sunburn, which isn’t just painful but can increase your risk of skin cancer and can lead to sunstroke. Always use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, reapplying every two hours and immediately after swimming. Don’t forget areas like ears, feet, scalp, and the back of the neck. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, UV-protective sunglasses, and stay in the shade between 11am and 3pm when the sun is strongest.

Protect against bites and stings

Mosquitoes, midges and other biting insects can cause allergic reactions or transmit illness depending on where you’re travelling. Use an insect repellent containing DEET, especially around sunrise and sunset. Wear loose, light-coloured clothing, and sleep under a mosquito net if needed. If you’re bitten make sure to clean the area, apply hydrocortisone cream, and take oral antihistamines to reduce swelling and itching. If the area becomes red, hot or painful – or you develop a fever – seek medical advice.

Avoid holiday tummy troubles

Food poisoning and traveller’s diarrhoea can ruin any trip. In many hot countries, bacteria multiply more quickly, especially in street food or undercooked meats. Stick to bottled or filtered water (including when brushing teeth) and avoid ice cubes unless you know the source. Peel fruits yourself and be cautious with salads washed in local water. Pack antidiarrhoeal tablets and rehydration salts. If symptoms last more than 48 hours, or there’s blood in the stool, seek medical help.

Plan ahead for pre-existing conditions

If you have a long-term condition, speak to your GP or pharmacist at least 2-4 weeks before you travel. Get any vaccinations you need and ensure you’re fit to fly, particularly for long-haul trips. Take a basic health summary or EHIC/GHIC card (for EU countries) and always declare conditions on travel insurance. If you’re flying with mobility issues, allergies or need medical equipment like oxygen or needles, inform your airline in advance. And remember – pharmacies abroad don’t always stock the same brands or doses. Being prepared gives you peace of mind.

Mind your medication in the heat

Many people don’t realise that extreme heat can reduce the effectiveness of some medications, particularly for blood pressure, thyroid conditions or diabetes. Tablets like nitroglycerin and insulin are especially sensitive and should be kept below 25°C, away from direct sunlight or car glove boxes.

For those on temperature-sensitive meds, pack a cool bag or insulated pouch, especially on day trips. Additionally, store your medication in carry-on luggage rather than checked bags, as luggage holds can get extremely hot. A travel-sized thermometer in your kit can help you keep an eye on conditions if you’re somewhere very hot.

Deborah Grayson is a pharmacist with 30 years’ experience, and a nutritional therapist. She runs Digestion With Confidence: digestionwithconfidence.co.uk

FILL YOUR FIRST AID KIT

Take steps now to make sure you have everything you need for every kind of holiday health challenge

Kwells 300mcg travel sickness tablets, £3.99 for 12 (Boots)

O.R.S hydration tablets, £6.49 ( orshydration.com )

Navigate Carnaby travel bloom washbag, £23 (dunelm.com)

Sea-Band Nausea relief Ginger Capsules, £6.69 for 20 (Superdrug)

Skincalm Bite & Sting Relief 1% Cream Hydrocortisone – 10g, £4.65 ( amazon.co.uk )

Bioré Aqua Rich UV Invisible Face Mist SPF 50, £17.99 (Superdrug)

La Roche Posay UVMune 400 Dermo-paediatrics Invisible Spray SPF50+, £25.50 (lookfantastic.com)

Regatta x Orla Kiely water bottle, £38 ( regatta.com )