Common UK medications banned abroad

Packing essentials like painkillers, hay fever tablets or even CBD oil might seem harmless before you head on holiday – but did you know that taking certain medicines overseas could leave you facing big fines, arrest, or even jail time?

Some countries have very strict rules on medications that are freely available over the counter in the UK. Here’s what travellers need to know before packing:

Find out if you can take your medication on holiday (Credit: Image by Michal Jarmoluk from Pixabay)

Antihistamines

Drug: Popular allergy medicines and inhalers, used by millions for hay fever and blocked noses.

Country rules:

• Japan has some of the world’s toughest anti-stimulant drug laws.

• Even common antihistamines can be treated as illegal stimulants, risking arrest if you arrive carrying them.

• Always check if your specific brand or ingredient is allowed before travelling.

Codeine painkillers

Drug: Codeine and co-codamol (codeine with paracetamol) – sold without prescription in UK pharmacies.

Country rules:

Codeine is banned or tightly controlled in over 25 countries, including some surprising European destinations:

Tip: Speak to your GP before you travel and check embassy advice to see if paperwork is required.

Sleeping pills

Drug: Prescription medications such as temazepam and others.

Country rules:

• In the UAE, these are strictly controlled.

• Even with a UK prescription, you must get prior approval from the UAE Ministry of Health.

• Carrying them without paperwork can lead to arrest.

CBD oil and cannabis-based products

Drug: CBD oil, even if labelled THC-free.

Country rules:

• Completely banned in places like Singapore, Japan, China, and the UAE.

• Carrying CBD could lead to arrest, deportation, or long prison sentences.

• In China, bringing CBD products can carry up to seven years in jail.

It’s safest to avoid travelling with CBD or cannabis-based items entirely.

ADHD medication

Drug: Stimulant-based treatments for ADHD.

Country rules:

• Completely banned in Japan, even if you have a prescription.

• You’ll need special government clearance before travelling, which can take weeks.

Travelling abroad with medicines from the UK - what the government says

Before you go, check with your doctor or pharmacist to see if your medicine contains any controlled drugs.
If it does, look up the rules for your destination country – you can do this by contacting the embassy.
Don’t forget: you’ll need proof the medication is yours, such as a prescription or a doctor’s letter. Here is the full advice.

How to stay safe when travelling with medication

✅ Check what you can legally take in or out of the UK on this UK government page.
✅ Contact your destination’s embassy for the most up-to-date local rules – embassy contact details can be found here.
✅ Always carry your prescription and a doctor’s letter explaining why you need the medication.
✅ Consider getting the letter translated into the local language.
✅ Take enough medication for your entire trip – British prescriptions are not valid abroad.

Strict drug rules abroad aren’t about catching out tourists – they’re designed to prevent misuse and keep everyone safe. But if you don’t check in advance, your holiday could turn into a nightmare.

• Always check with your medical professional when it comes to medication when travelling. This guide is not medical advice.

 

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