Unsure of the law
Question
I am going away on holiday and I concerned about the drug laws abroad. I'm currently on painkillers and wanted to know if it's legal to take them into other countries?
Answer
The drug laws vary a lot from country to country, and some practice zero tolerance for possession of any illegal drug. You are doing the right thing trying to find out if you will be within the law.
Prescription painkillers are not illegal drugs in the UK and if you have a prescription for these medicines you should be fine, but to be sure you need to do more investigation. You should contact the embassy of the country you're going to for the definitive answer.
If you have a medical need for a drug then you should be able to take it with you, but it's a good idea to confirm this with your doctor (GP), especially since you might need a letter from your GP confirming your prescription. If you don't have a prescription you may want to ring NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 to find out your options.
It's a good idea to check out what's going on in your destination before travelling. It's best to be prepared with travel insurance and to find out how to access a doctor in that country should you become ill. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office provides travel advice by country and can give you advice about choosing travel insurance.
You should also get yourself a European health service card (EHIC); it entitles you to basic free medical treatment in most European countries that have reciprocal agreements with the UK. This shouldn't be a replacement for proper medical insurance, however, so get some good comprehensive travel insurance as well.
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