Travelling abroad with controlled drugs

This leaflet is designed to help you plan for a trip abroad whilst you are taking controlled drugs. Although the advice is correct at the time of writing, please ensure that the Law has not been updated by either looking it up on the Home Office website (address below) or checking with your doctor or nurse. This information relates to the relevant requirements in this Country but you will also need to check the requirements of the Country you are visiting. This can usually be found on the website of their Embassy in this Country.

Travelling for less than three months

Providing you are travelling for less than 3 months, all you will need is a covering note from your doctor stating:

• your name, address and date of birth
  
• your destination and dates of travel
  
• the name, strength, dose and total amounts of the controlled drugs being carried.
  

Please remember to request this letter in plenty of time before your planned date of travel.

Travelling for longer than three months

If you are travelling for over 3 months or are carrying more than 3 months' supply of medication abroad, you will need to provide a completed application form for a personal export/import license and a letter from your prescribing doctor; you will need to apply at least 10 working days in advance of your date of travel

The application form can be downloaded from the Home Office website, as follows:

www.drugs.homeoffice.gov.uk/drugs-laws/licensing/personal

Or by post from the following address:
The Home Office
Drugs Licensing Section
6th Floor Peel Building
2 Marsham Street
London, SW1P 4DF
Telephone 0207 0350484

The license will normally expire 1 week after your return date so, if your return is delayed, you will need to contact the Home Office by phone in order to arrange for a new license.

Transporting your drugs

All controlled drugs should be kept in their original packaging and carried in your hand luggage, along with your covering letter or license. Drugs should be kept cool and protected from light at all times.

Other considerations

For safety reasons, you should not fly within 10 days of abdominal surgery or within 4 weeks of chest surgery. In order to reduce the risk of blood clots (DVT), ensure you drink plenty of water, get up and walk around every hour and keep your legs moving, even when sitting down. If you know that you are at increased risk, then take advice from your doctor regarding the use of protective stockings

Some types of chemotherapy and radiotherapy may increase your risk of sunburn. Ensure you use a high factor sun cream, avoid the midday sun and cover up with clothes and a hat.

Ensure you use insect repellent, particularly if you are prone to infection, for example, after chemotherapy. If this is the case, discuss with your doctor whether it is advisable to take some antibiotics with you, in case you need them

It can be difficult and expensive to get travel insurance if you have cancer. You can get advice from Cancerbacup on Telephone 0808 800 1234.