Article Highlights:

  • 47% of travelers purchase OTC and prescription medicine at airport pharmacies, underscoring how commonly they’re needed on the go.
  • According to a Global Rescue survey, 9% of travelers forget to pack prescription medications.
  • 1 in 10 travelers has had medication confiscated during international travel.
  • Many island nations have stricter rules on OTC and prescription drugs than the US or Canada, with penalties including fines or deportation.
  • Documentation and preparation are essential; always travel with original containers and a doctor’s prescription.

 

For international travelers, packing prescription drugs and over-the-counter (OTC) medicine is as essential as a passport. Yet every year, thousands forget to include these crucial health items or unknowingly bring banned substances across borders. Nearly half of all travelers buy medications during their trips, often at airport pharmacies. A Global Rescue survey found that 9% of travelers have forgotten prescription medications, and a BuzzRx study reported that 1 in 10 had medications confiscated, with 1 in 9 canceling their trips as a result.

Understanding OTC and prescription medicine rules is especially important when visiting island nations. These geographically isolated destinations often have stricter or unusual drug regulations due to public health, import restrictions and limited pharmaceutical infrastructure. Here’s what travelers need to know when visiting island nations across the seven seas.

 

A medicine bottle with a warning label on a kitchen counter.
Always travel with original medicine containers and a doctor’s prescription.

OTC Drugs in North Atlantic Island Nations

Iceland – OTC drugs in Iceland, such as painkillers and cold medicine, are available at pharmacies and some licensed stores. Prescription drugs require a valid prescription, and travelers should bring them in their original packaging with documentation. Importing medicines containing codeine (common in US painkillers) is restricted and requires approval. Penalties for unauthorized import can include fines or confiscation.

The Azores (Portugal) – As part of Portugal, EU pharmaceutical laws apply. OTC medicines are tightly regulated and not sold in supermarkets like in the US. Prescription drugs require documentation. Narcotics or psychotropics, even if prescribed, require prior authorization from the Portuguese Infarmed agency.

The Canary Islands (Spain) – Spain also enforces strict drug controls. OTC medicine is available only in pharmacies. Narcotics, including ADHD medications like Adderall, are considered controlled substances and are often banned without prior approval. Fines or legal trouble may follow improper import.

 

Prescription Medicine Rules in the South Atlantic

Tristan da Cunha – This remote British territory has no pharmacy, and travelers must bring all their medicines with them. OTC and prescription drugs should be packed in original containers with accompanying prescriptions. With limited medical services, confiscated medications could become a serious health risk.

Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha – The broader territory has limited healthcare infrastructure. UK regulations apply, and controlled substances must be declared. Documentation is essential, and unapproved substances may be confiscated or denied entry.

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands – Uninhabited except for research staff, visitors must bring all medications. Prescription and OTC medicine should be declared, and customs enforcement is strict. All narcotics require UK Home Office approval.

 

Over the Counter Medicine Regulations in the North Pacific Island Nations

Japan – Japan is notoriously strict. OTC drugs containing pseudoephedrine (found in Sudafed) and prescription drugs with stimulants are prohibited. Even carrying a few pills can result in arrest. Travelers must check the Ministry of Health’s YAKKAN SHOMEI list and apply for permission when needed.

The Aleutian Islands (USA) – As part of the United States, the Aleutians follow FDA rules. OTC and prescription drugs are widely available. Still, travelers from other countries must declare all medications and avoid carrying large quantities.

The Philippines – The FDA regulates both OTC and prescription medicine. Narcotics and psychotropics require import permits. Possession of banned substances, even with a prescription, can result in arrest or deportation. OTC medicine like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is legal, but quantities may be questioned.

 

Prescription Drug and Travel to South Pacific Island Nations

Australia – Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has a strict policy. Travelers can carry up to three months’ supply of prescription or OTC drugs, provided they are declared and accompanied by a prescription. Codeine is prescription-only. Violations can incur fines or seizure.

New Zealand – Like Australia, New Zealand permits a three-month supply of OTC and prescription drugs with proper documentation. Controlled substances must be declared. Medicines like melatonin are available only by prescription.

Fiji – Prescription drugs must be declared and carried with prescriptions. Codeine and tramadol are controlled. Some OTCs common in the US may not be available or allowed. Fines or deportation can result from violations.

Samoa, Tonga, Niue, Cook Islands, French Polynesia – These Polynesian nations vary, but most follow New Zealand or French guidelines. OTC drugs are restricted to pharmacies. Any controlled substances require documentation and prior approval. French Polynesia treats codeine as a controlled drug, requiring authorization.

Papua New Guinea – Strict controls exist around prescription drugs, especially narcotics. Even OTC drugs like ibuprofen may be questioned. Visitors should bring enough medicine for their stay with clear labeling and a doctor’s note.

Solomon Islands – OTC medicines are available only in pharmacies. Importing prescription medicine requires prior notification and documentation. Unauthorized medication may be confiscated, and penalties include fines or denial of entry.

 

OTC Medicine Laws on Island Nations in the Indian Ocean

Mauritius – Travelers may bring personal supplies of OTC or prescription drugs with a doctor’s note. Codeine-containing medicines are banned unless approved by the Ministry of Health. Failure to declare can lead to seizure or fines.

The Maldives – Controlled substances like benzodiazepines or opioids require import approval. OTC medicine is permitted in small amounts, ideally in original packaging. Undeclared prescription drugs can be confiscated at customs.

 

OTC and Rx Rules in the Seven Seas Island Nations of the Arctic Ocean

Greenland (Denmark) – As part of the Kingdom of Denmark, Greenland follows Danish law. Travelers should declare prescription drugs and carry a copy of their prescription. OTC medicines are limited in remote areas, so bringing a sufficient supply is advised.

Victoria Island (Canada) – Canadian laws apply. OTC drugs like acetaminophen and ibuprofen are widely available. Prescription drugs must be accompanied by documentation. Narcotics are tightly regulated, and undeclared medicines may be seized.

 

The Global Rescue Connection

According to the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey, trip-takers consistently list forgetting to pack prescriptions and over-the-counter medicine as one of the top 10 travel mistakes. The survey found that 9% of travelers have forgotten to pack prescription medicines before a trip, despite being one of the last items we pack and one of the most important.

While many OTC medications are easily accessible in the United States, travelers should do their homework to understand the legal status of these drugs in their destination countries. Carrying a supply of necessary medications, consulting with Global Rescue’s medical operations team or a healthcare provider or looking for local equivalents can help ensure a smooth travel experience. Even if a medicine is legal, travelers should always keep it in the original container and have a copy of a prescription.

Be aware that customs agents may confiscate any medications that are not allowed, even if you have a prescription from a doctor, especially if the medication is not legally recognized in that country.