Tourists who take a first-aid kit with them on a trip should check it again for prohibited substances. Ukrainians who take some common medicines abroad can get into serious trouble – and even go to jail.
What is allowed in some countries may be prohibited in some popular destinations? Several resorts have strict medication rules, even for some over-the-counter medications. According to The Sun, at least six countries may be penalized for importing tourists.
Greece
All drugs and supplements containing opiates are prohibited in Greece. For example, the common antitussive drug Codeine is not allowed to be imported into the country.
Egypt
One of the drugs that can cause trouble for tourists in Egypt is Tramadol. The drug is prohibited from being brought into the country, and a doctor’s note will be required to bring it across the border and take it. For example, in 2017 a British traveler was jailed after 300 Tramadol tablets were found in her suitcase, claiming she did not know it was banned.
Indonesia
Bali is a heavenly vacation spot for wealthy tourists, which can also punish guests for transporting certain medicines. Codeine is banned in Indonesia, as are drugs for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and some sleeping pills.
“While your local pharmacist can advise you on what medicines you need and how best to take them while on holiday, it’s also important to check what restrictions apply to where you’re going. You can do this using the FCO’s Checklist for Overseas Travel. In some cases, if the restrictions are not followed, your medication may be confiscated. But what if you have a chronic illness and you run out of medication? It can affect your health,” Lloyds Pharmacy pharmacist Michael Wong was quoted as saying by the publication.
Qatar
This year, tourists will go to Qatar for the World Cup. We remind you that the country has strict rules regarding many cough and cold medicines. For each of them, a certificate about the need to take these drugs or a prescription is required.
Singapore
In Singapore, travelers need a medical certificate to take sedatives, hypnotics, and strong painkillers.
Japan
You should leave cold medicine at home if you are planning a trip to Japan. Medicines such as Sudafed and Vicks are banned in Japan due to their pseudoephedrine content.