Generally, personal prescription medication should travel with you, not in shipped luggage. Most countries regulate imported medication strictly, and unaccompanied medication in freight is often held by customs, requiring import permits that private individuals cannot easily obtain.
However, there are exceptions depending on the medication type and destination. Over-the-counter items like paracetamol or vitamins are generally acceptable in small personal quantities in shipped personal effects to most destinations. Prescription medication, controlled substances and anything containing codeine, pseudoephedrine or similar regulated compounds should never be placed in unaccompanied baggage.
Generally acceptable in personal effects (small quantities): unopened vitamins and supplements, basic first aid supplies, plasters and bandages, unopened over-the-counter items in original packaging.
Never ship: prescription medication, controlled drugs, anything containing codeine or opiates, insulin or refrigerated medication (temperature-sensitive), liquid medications over small quantities, medical cannabis products (illegal in most destinations regardless of UK legality).
Country-specific extremes: The UAE, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and Japan have particularly strict medication import rules. Items legal in the UK can be controlled substances there. Japan bans some common UK cold remedies entirely. Always check the destination embassy guidance before travelling with or shipping any medication.
1. Carry it with you in hand luggage, in original packaging, with the prescription label visible and a copy of your prescription or a doctor letter.
2. Check destination allowances as most countries allow 1-3 months of personal prescription supply carried by the traveller with documentation.
3. Arrange local supply for long-term relocations by registering with a doctor at your destination before your UK supply runs out.
4. Ask us about borderline items if you are unsure whether a specific item can go in your shipped personal effects. Call 0800 096 38 39 and we advise honestly. If it cannot ship, we will tell you.