Medical Supplies

Prescription medication for legitimate health conditions may come under intense scrutiny by foreign officials. In some countries, drugs that are legal and readily available in Canada will be considered illegal, require a prescription, or arouse the suspicions of local officials and customs and immigration authorities. Take appropriate precautions when travelling with such supplies. It is always best to contact the Foreign Government Offices Accredited to Canada of the country you plan to visit to confirm the status of your medication.

Travelling with Prescription or Over-the-Counter Medication & Syringes

Pack an extra supply of your medication in case you are away for longer than expected.

Carry a copy of the original prescription, and ensure that both the generic and trade names of the drug are included in case your medication is lost or stolen. A doctor's note describing why you are taking the medication is also recommended.

If you are taking a less common medication, check to ensure that it is legal and readily available in the country you intend to visit.

If you require syringes for a medical condition such as diabetes, carry a supply to last your entire trip, as well as a medical certificate that states that they are for medical use. Syringes are usually prohibited in carry-on luggage due to security concerns. Contact your airline before departure to verify their carry-on regualtions.

How Should I Pack My Medication?

Leave all medicine in its original, labelled container to avoid problems with customs officials. Do not try to save luggage space by combining medications into a single container.

Travel to the U.S.

Canadian visitors to the United States should be aware that their personal medication may be subject to U.S. drug importation laws and regulations.

In general, personal importation of a 90-day (three month) supply of medication is allowed, but only if the drug is not available in the United States. U.S. Customs officials have relaxed their policy on importation of prescription drugs through the mail from Canada. However, all packages are still carefully scrutinized. For further information, please visit the Web site of the US Food and Drug Administration.