Trying to refill your prescription while traveling abroad isn’t as simple as walking into a local pharmacy. Even if you have the exact same medication, the rules change depending on where you are. One country may accept your U.S. prescription. Another might demand a new one signed by a local doctor. And some places won’t allow certain drugs at all-even if they’re legal at home. If you’re flying to Europe, Canada, China, or the Middle East with chronic medication, you need a plan. Not a guess. Not a hope. A real, step-by-step strategy.
Why You Can’t Just Walk In and Ask for a Refill
Most people assume pharmacies everywhere operate like those in the U.S. or Australia. They don’t. A prescription written by your doctor in Perth is just a piece of paper in most other countries. It has no legal weight unless it meets that country’s specific rules. In the European Union, things are easier. If you’re traveling between member states-say, from Germany to Spain-you can usually get your medication filled as long as the prescription includes the generic drug name, dosage, quantity, and your doctor’s signature. Brand names don’t matter. What matters is the active ingredient. But even then, the pharmacy might not stock the exact version you’re used to. You might get a different tablet shape or color. That’s normal. As long as the active ingredient matches, it’s safe. Outside the EU, it gets messy. In Canada, U.S. prescriptions are not valid. Not even close. You need a Canadian doctor to review your medical history and write a new prescription. This is called “cosigning.” It’s not a transfer. It’s a rewrite. And it takes time. U.S. pharmacies won’t send your prescription directly to Canada. They’re not allowed to. That’s not a policy-it’s federal law. In China, the rules are stricter. Many medications that are over-the-counter in Australia or the U.S. are classified as controlled substances there. Even common painkillers like tramadol or certain sleep aids require special documentation. You’ll need a letter from your doctor explaining your diagnosis, why you need the medication, and that you’re traveling temporarily. Without it, customs can seize your pills. And if you try to buy them locally without a local prescription? You could be arrested.What You Need Before You Leave
Start preparing at least two weeks before your trip. Waiting until you’re at the airport is too late.- Original prescriptions with your doctor’s signature and stamp. Digital copies won’t cut it. Carry the physical copy.
- Generic names only. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to write down the generic (non-brand) name of every medication. For example, write “metformin” not “Glucophage.”
- Doctor’s letter. This should be on official letterhead and include: your name, diagnosis, medication names (generic), dosage, reason for use, and a statement that you’re traveling and need to continue treatment. Add your doctor’s contact info.
- Medication in original bottles. Never transfer pills to a different container. Keep them in their labeled pharmacy bottles. This proves they were legally prescribed.
- 90-day supply maximum. No matter where you’re going, don’t bring more than a 90-day supply. That’s the unofficial limit most countries accept for personal use. Exceeding it raises red flags.
How to Handle Different Destinations
Traveling Within the European Union
Your best-case scenario. The EU has a mutual recognition system. You can use your prescription from any member country. But here’s the catch: not every pharmacy knows this. Bring a printed copy of the EU standard prescription form from the European Commission website. Show it to the pharmacist. If they hesitate, ask to speak to the manager. Most will comply once they see the official guidelines.Going to Canada
You cannot transfer a U.S. prescription to Canada. Period. But you can get a Canadian doctor to write a new one based on your existing prescription. Here’s how:- Call a Canadian pharmacy that works with international patients (like those listed on PharmacyChecker.com).
- Provide them with your original prescription, doctor’s letter, and medical history.
- They’ll contact a Canadian physician who will review your case and issue a new prescription.
- The pharmacy fills it and ships it to you, or you pick it up in person.
Visiting China, the Middle East, or Other Strict Countries
These regions have some of the tightest drug controls in the world. Many antidepressants, ADHD meds, and even some opioids are banned or require special permits.- Check the U.S. State Department’s travel site or your country’s equivalent for a list of restricted medications.
- Apply for a medical import permit if required. Some countries allow you to apply online before arrival.
- Carry your doctor’s letter in English and a certified translation in the local language.
- Never try to buy medication locally unless you have a local prescription. Even if it looks identical, it could be counterfeit or illegal.
What Happens at Customs
Border agents don’t care about your doctor’s name. They care about paperwork. If you’re carrying medication, be ready to explain it.- Keep all medications in your carry-on. Checked luggage can get lost.
- Have your doctor’s letter and original prescriptions in a separate folder.
- Don’t hide anything. If you’re caught with undeclared medication, you could face fines or detention.
- Be polite and clear. Say: “I have a prescription for this medication. Here’s my doctor’s letter and the original bottles.”
What NOT to Do
- Don’t mail your prescription to a foreign pharmacy unless you’ve confirmed they accept international mail. Many won’t.
- Don’t buy medication online from foreign websites. The FDA warns that 96% of online pharmacies selling to Americans are illegal. You could get fake, expired, or toxic drugs.
- Don’t rely on your hotel or tour guide to help you find a pharmacy. They don’t know the rules.
- Don’t assume your insurance covers foreign pharmacies. Most don’t. Budget for out-of-pocket costs.
What to Do If You Run Out
If you lose your medication or it runs out early, don’t panic. Here’s what works:- Call your home pharmacy. Ask if they can fax or email your prescription to a local pharmacy in your destination country. Some U.S. pharmacies will do this for EU countries.
- Use a service like PharmacyChecker or MedAire. They connect travelers with verified international pharmacies that can help with cosigning or sourcing medication.
- Visit a local hospital or clinic. Explain your situation. Many will write a new prescription if you show your original documentation.
Who Can Help You
There are no government agencies that handle international prescription transfers. But a few private organizations do:- PharmacyChecker - Verifies international pharmacies and helps facilitate cosigning between U.S. and Canadian providers.
- MedAire - Offers travel health consultations ($150 per session) and can help you prepare documentation for high-risk countries.
- International Society of Travel Medicine - Has clinics worldwide that specialize in traveler health and medication access.
The Bottom Line
There’s no universal system for transferring prescriptions across borders. The EU makes it easy. Canada makes it bureaucratic. China makes it risky. And the U.S. doesn’t help at all. Your best defense? Preparation. Know your medications. Know the rules. Know your documents. And never assume anything. If you’re taking medication for a chronic condition and plan to travel outside your home country, treat it like a visa application. Start early. Gather everything. Double-check. And keep copies of everything-digital and paper. Because when you’re in a foreign country with no meds and no plan, no one’s coming to save you. You have to save yourself.Can I transfer my U.S. prescription to a pharmacy in another country?
No, U.S. pharmacies cannot legally transfer prescriptions to foreign pharmacies. The DEA’s 2023 rule allowing electronic transfers only applies within the U.S. For international transfers, you must get a new prescription from a licensed doctor in the destination country. In Canada, this is called cosigning. In the EU, your original prescription may be accepted if it includes the generic drug name and is properly signed.
How much medication can I bring when traveling internationally?
Most countries allow you to bring a 90-day supply for personal use. This is the unofficial limit enforced by customs agencies like U.S. CBP and EU border authorities. Bringing more than that increases the risk of seizure, fines, or legal trouble. Always keep your medication in original bottles with your name and prescription label on it.
Is it legal to buy prescription drugs online from another country?
No, it’s not legal under U.S. federal law, and it’s risky everywhere. The FDA estimates 96% of online pharmacies selling to Americans operate illegally. You could receive counterfeit, expired, or contaminated drugs. Even if the website looks legitimate, there’s no guarantee the medication is safe or approved in your destination country. Use only verified pharmacies like those listed on PharmacyChecker.com.
What if my medication isn’t available in the country I’m visiting?
If your exact medication isn’t available, ask a local pharmacist or doctor for an equivalent based on the generic name. For example, if your brand-name drug isn’t sold there, they may substitute a different brand with the same active ingredient. Always confirm with a medical professional before switching. Carry your doctor’s letter to help explain your medical need.
Do I need a letter from my doctor to travel with prescription meds?
Yes, especially for controlled substances or when traveling to countries with strict drug laws like China, the UAE, or Japan. The letter should be on official letterhead, include your diagnosis, medication names (generic), dosage, and a statement that you’re traveling and need the medication for personal use. Translate it into the local language if possible. This reduces delays and helps avoid legal issues at customs.
Phil Thornton
November 30, 2025 AT 09:12Just flew to Germany last month with my insulin. Brought the original bottles, doctor’s letter, and the EU prescription form. Walked in, showed everything, pharmacist nodded, handed me the meds. No drama. Just do the prep work.
Pranab Daulagupu
November 30, 2025 AT 16:55As someone who’s had to navigate this in India with antidepressants, I can confirm: generic names are non-negotiable. Local pharmacists don’t care about brand names-they care about the IUPAC. Carry the chemical name too. Saved me when my brand was banned.