It’s one of the most common mistakes UK travellers make and one of the easiest ways to land in serious trouble abroad.

Customs officers are warning travellers to think twice before packing prescription medicine in their hand luggage especially if it’s not properly documented. From painkillers and anti-anxiety tablets, certain drugs that are legal in the UK are tightly controlled or even banned in other countries.

What many don’t realise is that carrying these medicines without the right paperwork could lead to delays, fines, or even arrest at your destination.

Ski Vertigo reached out to senior UK customs officer Paul Greenwood, who shared exactly what travellers need to know before they fly and why a simple pill packet could ruin your entire trip.

“It’s something we see far too often,” says Greenwood. “Travellers show up with medication that’s totally fine in the UK but when they land in countries like the UAE, Japan or Indonesia, they can get stopped immediately. And if they can’t prove what it is and why they have it, they could be arrested.”

One Missed Detail Could Be A Nightmare Abroad

Most people pack medication without thinking whether it’s pain relief, sleep aids, or treatment for long-term health conditions. But in many countries, even a common prescription drug can be considered a controlled substance, requiring formal approval or documentation.

The problem? If you’re caught without proof even by accident you may be treated the same as someone carrying illegal drugs.

“It’s not about intent,” Greenwood explains. “Customs officers aren’t trying to catch people out but they have to enforce the law. If a medicine is banned or restricted, and the traveller can’t prove it’s medically prescribed, they’re in breach of that country’s drug laws.”

How to Travel Safely With Prescription Medicine

To help travellers avoid getting into trouble at the border, Greenwood shared a few simple but essential tips. Always carry a copy of your prescription either a printed letter from your GP or a repeat prescription slip and keep all medicine in its original packaging, clearly showing your name and dosage. Only pack what you need, as large quantities can raise suspicion, and always check the rules for your destination, since some medicines that are legal in the UK including basic cold or allergy tablets may be banned elsewhere.

It’s also best to keep your medicine in your hand luggage so it’s easy to access if you’re asked about it. “It’s not about scaring people,” Greenwood says. “But if you pack medicine without checking the rules or bringing the proof, you’re taking a big risk and it’s such an easy one to avoid.”

What to Remember:

Painkillers with codeine, tramadol, or strong sedatives are commonly restricted.

ADHD medications like Ritalin and Adderall contain stimulants that may be banned.

Some anti-anxiety drugs or sleeping pills require a permit in certain countries.

Countries with the strictest rules include the UAE, Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, and Egypt.

Expert Tip

A spokesperson from Ski Vertigo added:

“It’s the last thing most people think about when packing, but it can cause huge problems at the border. Whether you’re going away for a week or a season, take a minute to check the medicine rules for where you’re flying. Carry your prescription, and keep everything labelled. It could be the difference between a smooth arrival and a ruined holiday.”

For most travellers, prescription medicine is part of everyday life. But on international journeys, it can quickly become a legal issue if you’re not prepared. Before your next trip, check your meds, get your paperwork, and don’t assume that what’s safe in the UK will be accepted everywhere.

A few minutes of planning could save you days of stress or worse, time in a holding room at customs.