Flying from country to country can be a tedious task on its own. However, apart from the usual cultural differences, a major obstacle that presents itself is the set of rules and regulations followed by various countries. This also means that these varied rules are also imposed on flyers and travellers. The US is a tough country to penetrate, thanks to the scrutiny of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
If you are concerned about how you should travel to USA with prescription medicines, here’s what can help you:
Pre-travel Arrangements
Much like different countries ascribing to various rules, even different carriers follow separate guidelines. Always ensure to check the regulations set by your carrier before embarking on your journey. Also go through the policies of the airports and security before packing your medicines lest you have to face the embarrassment of having your stuff dumped in the airport bin.
With the digital world, everything has become convenient. You can avail the services of the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) to directly know the eligibility of your travel. Simply supply your biographic information and then check your ESTA application online, this will put all your worries to rest.
Should You Check-in or Hand Baggage the Medicines?
Under normal circumstances, it is usually advised for you to carry your medicines with you. Instead of checking in your medication, select a luggage bag that will accommodate all your medicines and can be used as a cabin luggage.
Does it Have to Undergo Mandatory Screening?
Surprisingly, the answer is no. If you refuse to have your luggage carrying the medicine screened at the airport, you can ask the security personnel to conduct a physical check of the contents of the luggage. Most items are restricted and controlled from their place of origin so check with your travel partner about what will be allowed to pass through.
Does One Have to Take Any Special Care?
Your doctor’s valid prescription or a letter/note written (in English only), counts as a legitimate reason for you to carry the medicines. For added ease, carry the medicines in their original packaging of marked containers. However, the medicine has to be acceptable for distribution in the USA and should follow the strict FDA requirements. Since the medicines are being brought from another country, FDA does not accept any form of personal importation of essential goods under the Personal Importation Policy (PIP). Any medication that is unapproved by the FDA is implicitly tagged as harmful and will not make it through.
Is There a Limit on the Medicine Quantity?
There is no limit in the quantity of medicines that you carry if the medicine is in the solid or pill form. However, that does not mean that you can carry more than what is required. Furthermore, carrying liquid drugs could attract some hassles. As per the TSA rules, liquids are only allowed up to 3.4 ounces. Fortunately, this rule is lax when it comes to ‘necessary liquids’ such as medicines. Thus, you can carry medicines in reasonable quantities.
Can Medicines be Mailed to the USA?
If, on a rare occasion, you have had an “Oops!” moment wherein your medicines were taken right at the airport, the alternative may seem like having the medicine delivered to you. Consult your doctor and ask them to write you a note stating that you are under their care and therefore are in need of the medicines you are asking for. The reason why the medicines are being imported (lost, stolen, over, etc.) should also be mentioned on the note along with other circumstantial information. Send this letter to the CBP officer for reference.
Basically, it is not very complicated to travel to USA with prescription medicines. Just follow the due process and your medicines can pass through the airport in no time!
Love traveling.
