Planning a Trip With Medications and Confused About What to Pack?
New TSA-Compliant Medication Packing Tool Helps Travelers Avoid Airport Delays and Customs Issues!
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60-Day Medication Travel Checklist
Stay organized and comply with TSA and Customs when traveling overseas with prescription and over-the-counter medications
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📋 Research & Medical Approvals
60 Days Before
Check medication legality in destination country
Critical
Look up local drug restrictions on your destination’s embassy website (www.usembassy.gov). Verify if your medication is allowed, requires a permit, or is banned.
Apply for medication permits if required
International
Contact the destination’s embassy or Ministry of Health to request special authorization. Submit permit application (typically 2-6 weeks to process).
Schedule doctor visit for travel letter
Make appointment with your doctor to obtain a travel letter for controlled substances, liquid medications over 3.4oz, injectable meds, medications requiring refrigeration and medical devices. Include medical condition, medication names, dosages, and necessity statement.
Request 3-month medication supply
For non-narcotic medications only, if your destination country permits it, you can bring up to 90 days of medication. If limited to 30-day supply, you will need to visit a doctor and pharmacy at your destination. Note: Your US based prescription is NOT valid overseas.
📝 Finalize Permits & Prepare Backup Plans
45 Days Before
Verify special permits & follow up
International
If you applied for permits, follow up on status. Get prescriptions and doctor’s note translated for non-English-speaking countries if possible.
Research local pharmacy & medical contacts
Locate English-speaking doctors or pharmacies at your destination. Research local emergency phone numbers and US Embassy contact information.
Purchase travel-friendly medication storage
Buy TSA-compliant travel cases for pills/liquids. (can use plastic pill containers for domestic travel; must carry original prescription bottles for overseas travel). Purchase portable medical cooler if medication requires refrigeration. Ensure you have the right power adapters for devices.
📄 Documentation & Packing Preparation
30 Days Before
Print & organize travel documents
Print multiple copies of prescriptions and doctor’s letter. Keep one set for carry-on, another in checked bag. Store digital copies on phone.
Verify documentation for injectables & devices
If carrying needles, syringes, controlled or liquid medication, ensure you have doctor’s note explaining necessity. Check airline policies for medical devices.
Obtain copies of prescriptions with generic names
International
Ensure prescriptions contain generic names as brands differ abroad. Consider translation into destination country’s language.
⚠️ Final Preparations
14 Days Before
Verify sufficient medication supply
Critical
Confirm you have enough medication for entire trip. If not, ask pharmacy for vacation override (insurance should cover). Pack extra days in checked bag.
Test battery-powered medical devices
Ensure all medical devices are functioning properly. Lithium-ion batteries must be packed in carry-on luggage.
Create medication passport
One-page summary with name, DOB, blood type, allergies, medical conditions, medications (brand & generic), doctor contact, emergency contacts.
Prepare customs declaration if needed
International
Complete customs paperwork before departure if traveling with restricted medications. Print customs declaration form if required.
🎒 Final Packing & Last-Minute Checks
3 Days Before
Pack medications in carry-on
Critical
NEVER pack medications in checked luggage due to risk of loss, theft, or extreme temperatures. Exception: Pack a week’s worth of backup meds along with copies of your doctor’s letter and prescriptions just in case you lose your carryon.
Use original labeled bottles for international travel
International
Avoid transferring pills into unmarked containers for international travel. Pill organizers are fine for domestic US flights only.
Plan for time zone medication adjustments
Adjust medication schedule according to doctor’s advice for multiple time zones. Consult pharmacist if unsure about dose spacing.
Carry travel insurance policy details
Pack copy of travel insurance policy with medical coverage details. Ensure international coverage if traveling abroad.
✈️ Day of Travel
Travel Day
Double-check carry-on medications
Critical
Verify all medications, prescriptions, and doctor’s letter are in carry-on. Place medications in easily accessible pouch for security. Medical devices and their batteries can be in a separate case that does not count toward your carry on limit if nothing else (such as a personal item) is placed in that case.
Arrive early if carrying controlled medications
Leave earlier than usual if carrying injectable meds or anything needing explanation at TSA. Be prepared to show prescriptions & doctor’s letter.
Set medication reminders for disrupted schedule
Set phone reminders to take medications if routine is disrupted by flight schedules. Bring refillable water bottle (empty through security).
Know your rights if medications are questioned
If customs confiscates medication, ask to speak to US embassy or local health authority. You have rights as a legitimate medical patient.
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Testimonials
I didn’t even know I needed a doctor’s letter for my insulin pen until I used this checklist! This saved me from what could’ve been a nightmare at the airport.
— Donna M., after using the checklist for her Italy trip
I was nervous about our upcoming 3-week trip to Japan. Between us we take so much medication. I’m not sure I would have been able to start my planning without it, — Joe and Liz Pinchot, St. Louis, MO
Want More Travel Tools Like This?
Visit The Keen Insider for more expert resources on flying with medications, everyday travel items, and must-know airport rules.