Advice on travelling with medicines
Make sure you know the rules about what you can and can’t bring into Australia, or take with you to other countries.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration and the Department of Home Affairs have joined forces to issue advice about regulations for travellers bringing medicines and medical devices into Australia.
The video explains that items are allowed under a traveller’s exemption provided they are for personal use or for an immediate family member travelling with you.
Key requirements include keeping items in their original packaging, having supporting documentation from a doctor, and limiting quantities to a three-month supply.
The guidelines also stress that products cannot be sold and that remaining items must be taken out of the country upon departure.
You can view the video here.
It is also important for Australian travellers to understand the rules concerning taking medicines to other countries.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Smartraveller website advises that taking medication and medical devices overseas can be difficult.
It notes that you may have trouble finding some things you need overseas, and you may also have trouble taking what you need with you on your flight or cruise.
Crucially, it advises that some medication could be illegal at your destination, and that locally bought medication may be of poor quality or counterfeit, or some just hard to find.
The key advice is to plan ahead and get the information you need before you go.
Before you travel, make sure you:
See your doctor or travel clinic for medical advice
Get travel insurance
Learn about Australian laws
Learn about the local laws around medication
Find out any cultural considerations about your medication or condition
Pack enough medication to stay in good health on your trip
Check whether your airline or cruise ship have restrictions on your medical equipment or mobility aids
Make emergency plans in case things go wrong.
Details can be found here.
