These Common U.S. Medications Are Banned Overseas—What to Know Before Packing Meds for Your Next Trip

Key Points

• Some common U.S. medications, like Sudafed and Benadryl, are banned or restricted in some countries.

• International drug laws vary widely, so travelers must research destination-specific rules and carry original packaging and documentation.

• Ignoring these rules can lead to confiscation or even more serious consequences, which is why it’s essential to prepare before flying.

You’ve finally settled in and gotten comfy in your airplane seat…only to realize your everyday meds might not fly overseas. International medication laws are murkier than most travelers expect. Even common over-the-counter drugs like Sudafed are banned in countries such as Japan. Meanwhile, products containing codeine—an opioid often found in cough suppressants and pain relievers—are classified as controlled substances in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and are strictly prohibited without prior approval.

“Even a seasoned traveler like myself has fallen victim to traveling with items that might get flagged internationally,” says Katy Nastro, a travel expert at Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights). “We tend to take for granted the fact that we can fly across the country with our day-to-day prescriptions or over-the-counter (OTC) meds without the blink of an eye because they aren’t subject to additional screening.” However, when you go abroad, the rules change.

Whether you’re traveling with prescriptions or just a bottle of Tylenol, here’s what you need to know before packing your meds.

Know commonly banned medications.

As previously mentioned, not all medications allowed in the U.S. are permitted abroad. This holds true for both OTC and prescription drugs. Of course, this list is not exhaustive—you should research the specific laws of your destination before you go.

Pseudoephedrine

Also known by the brand name Sudafed, this common nasal decongestant is banned in Japan and Mexico.

Codeine

Often found in cough syrups and combination pain medications, this opioid is controlled or outright banned in countries including the UAE, Japan, Greece, and Indonesia. Travelers may need prior approval, a doctor’s note, or face penalties for possession—even with a valid U.S. prescription.

Diphenhydramine

Best known as the active ingredient in Benadryl, this common antihistamine is restricted in Japan and Zambia. Travelers may need a doctor’s note, and in some cases, the medication can be confiscated.

ADHD Medications

Medications such as Adderall and Ritalin require advanced approval in countries like the UAE, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea. These stimulants are often classified as controlled substances, and travelers may need to submit documentation or apply for special permits well before departure.

Do your homework.

According to Quinn English of FreeQuinnt Flyer, the biggest mistake travelers make is skipping the research. “Just because a medication is either OTC where you live or you got it legally with a prescription does not mean you can legally bring it into the country you are traveling to,” he says.

On a recent trip to Japan, English and his wife took extra care: They looked up local laws, carried written prescriptions from their doctors, and brought only what they needed for the duration of the trip. Even so, he was surprised by how different access to medication was on the ground; you may need to chat with a pharmacist before getting your meds rather than just grabbing them off the shelf.

Keep everything in the original packaging.

It might be tempting to toss your pills into a cute travel organizer or dump some Advil into a mint tin, but that could cause problems in transit. Both experts agree—it’s not worth the risk. “I always suggest keeping medication in its original packaging,” says English.

Nastro specifically cautions against bringing pill organizers on international flights. “Optics matter,” she says, noting that even harmless medications can raise red flags if they’re not clearly labeled. “This can create more of a headache when navigating questions than the medications are meant to help.” She adds, “Always travel with the original prescription bottle on your person so they can be easily examined and can help answer immediate questions related to the condition.”

Obtain requisite documentation.

For added protection—especially if your medication is essential or might raise questions—be sure to travel with a copy of your written prescription and/or a doctor’s note. “Depending on where you are traveling to and with what medications, you may need paperwork specific to that country,” says Nastro. In some cases, she notes, “a certificate is required by the country you intend to travel to.”

To avoid surprises, Nastro recommends consulting the U.S. Embassy website for your destination, in line with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). She also points to other valuable resources, including the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) and the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), which may be able to route medication-specific questions to the appropriate local authority.

Be aware of the potential consequences.

While the exact consequences vary depending on the country and the medication in question, they can be serious. In the best-case scenario, you might face confiscation or a fine; in more extreme cases, travelers have been detained or even arrested.

Remember, says English, “You are a visitor in someone else’s country, so it is important to respect their customs as well as their laws.” With that in mind, he adds, “Err on the side of caution.”

Other Tips for Traveling Internationally With Medications

Follow the four Ps.

When it comes to traveling with prescriptions, Nastro recommends remembering what she calls the four Ps: Packaging (leave it in the original bottle), Prescription (make sure it’s legible), Provider (getting a note from your provider can’t hurt), and Approved (confirm before travel that your medications are legal—or know what’s needed to get them approved).

Plan ahead.

“If you are crossing multiple time zones and need to take your medication at the same time every day, talk to your doctor about how to manage that,” says English.

Communicate with your provider.

“Talk to your provider about any potential side effects of taking your medication at altitude, or even if side effects may occur when you are severely jet-lagged,” says English. “The last thing you want is to have an adverse reaction when you are far away from home.”

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