Carrying Controlled Drugs When Travelling - Guidance for Patients

The rules concerning travellers who are carrying prescribed drugs controlled under Schedules 1, 2, 3 and 4 Part 1 of The Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 have changed. Until 31st December 2007, those travelling for a period of up to 28 days were automatically covered under the provisions of a Home Office general, or blanket, licence - irrespective of the amount of drug they had been prescribed to cover such a period. For periods longer than 28 days the patient needed to apply for and be in possession of an individual licence.

As from 1st January 2008 the validity of this Home Office general licence has been extended to a period of up to three months. Any person whose absence from the UK is likely to be longer than three months will, in normal circumstances, be expected to make arrangements to have their medication then prescribed by a practitioner in the country they are visiting.

Travellers in possession of prescribed controlled drugs are strongly advised to carry a letter of confirmation from their doctor or drug worker. Such a letter should include the patient's personal details together with the dates of their departure and return and the drug and amount to be carried.

Further information is available on www.drugs.homeoffice.gov.uk.