The UK Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for Portugal, warning holidaymakers that UK prescriptions are not recognised in the country. The guidance, issued ahead of the summer holiday season, highlights strict rules around dispensing certain medications, including antibiotics.
Key Rules for Travelling with Medication
According to the Foreign Office, anyone bringing medication to Portugal must keep it in its original container with the prescription label. The advice states: "UK prescriptions are not recognised in Portugal. Carry enough medication for your visit."
Travellers are urged to ensure they pack enough essential medication to last the entire trip, accounting for possible travel delays or lost luggage. Those planning to fly with oxygen, insulin, or other injectable medicines should contact their airline to make appropriate arrangements.
Potential Border Control Scrutiny
Travel Health Pro, referenced by the Foreign Office, warns that medications for recognised health conditions may face intense scrutiny by foreign officials at border controls. This can result in delays, disruption, or confiscation of medicines if the correct paperwork and permissions are not arranged, particularly for medications containing controlled drugs.
The organisation adds: "On rare occasions, travellers who have been found to have drugs that are illegal at the destination or transit country have been imprisoned."
Controlled Drugs and Hand Luggage
The GOV.UK website advises that anyone travelling abroad must carry medicine containing a controlled drug in their hand luggage when entering or leaving the UK. The advice outlines: "If you're taking medicine out of the UK, ask your doctor or pharmacist whether your medicine contains a controlled drug. If it does, check the rules for the country you're going to with the embassy before you travel. You'll need to prove it's yours with either a prescription or letter from your doctor."
The Foreign Office also notes that the legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can differ in other countries. Holidaymakers are advised to follow guidance from Travel Health Pro, which cautions that some countries may not allow entry of certain types of medicines, including over-the-counter ones available in the UK.
