What Are the TSA Rules for Taking Medication Through Security?

Travelers commonly bring prescriptions, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and medical devices on flights. While it might seem like a no-brainer to bring the medications or medical devices you use every day, traveling with medication can become complicated if you’re unprepared.

Airport security screenings, differences in laws across countries, and keeping your medications accessible and properly stored can be hurdles. Misunderstandings can cause delays or potential confiscation of medications at security and customs screenings.

Knowing the rules can help you prepare and avoid travel delays or medication challenges. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) offers clear guidelines to get through screening, but international travel requires more research. Here’s what you need to know about taking medications through security, whether traveling within the U.S. or taking an international trip.

TSA Medication Rules

You can pass through TSA checkpoints with medically necessary liquids over the standard 3.4-ounce limit, but you must declare them before going through security. Some medications, such as injectables, require additional screening.

For domestic U.S. travel, TSA allows:

• Prescription medications (solid or liquid)
• OTC medications
• Medically necessary liquids over 3.4 ounces
• Medical accessories, such as pill organizers, syringes, and inhalers

Prescription or original container labeling is not required, but it is helpful. You can carry medications in a pill organizer or unlabeled container when flying domestically, but if you’re concerned about misunderstandings, a label can help clarify that it’s medically necessary.

TSA doesn’t require a doctor’s letter or copy of your prescription, though bringing these details can help prevent issues, especially if your medication is injectable or contains liquids over 3.4 ounces.

Hot Tip:

Beyond security concerns, it’s a good idea to carry a copy of your prescription in case you need to replace medication during your trip.

Separate medications from your other carry-on items at the TSA security checkpoint. If you carry liquid medication, inform a TSA officer at the beginning of the screening process.

Medications are typically screened using X-rays, but you can request a visual inspection if you prefer that your medication not be X-rayed. Medically necessary liquids are exempt from size limits but may require additional screening, such as explosives testing.

As long as your medication is screened appropriately, you can bring as much solid or liquid medication as you need.

Domestic Travel Tips for Medications

Use these practical tips to get through airport security with medications as smoothly as possible:

• Bring medications in your carry-on bag. Essentials such as medications should never be in your checked luggage, which could be delayed or lost. Medications should be accessible in your carry-on bag during travel delays or layovers.
• Separate medications from other liquids. Pack liquid medications separately from other liquids so TSA agents can easily identify and screen them. If you carry liquid medication or a medically necessary liquid over 3.4 ounces, let a TSA officer know upfront.
• Use a clear bag. A clear bag isn’t required for medications, but it can make it easier to inspect while keeping your items organized.
• Bring extra medication. Pack a few extra days’ worth of medication in case of travel delays so you don’t have to scramble to refill prescriptions or go without.

Hot Tip:

If you’re concerned that lost baggage may prevent you from accessing your medications, consider using a card that offers lost or delayed baggage coverage, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card or The Platinum Card^® from American Express.

International Travel Rules for Medications

International medication rules vary widely, and failing to comply can lead to delays, confiscation, or even legal trouble. Always research the medication laws for your destination before you travel. Although you can carry medication in a pill organizer within the U.S., many countries require the original prescription bottle and may require a doctor’s letter or permit. Medications considered routine in the U.S. may be highly regulated or banned in other countries.

Different Countries Have Different Laws

Legal and common medications in the U.S. may be classified differently in another country with its own drug regulations. Travelers must comply with local laws, even with a valid U.S. prescription.

For example, a U.S. OTC pseudoephedrine (a common decongestant) is prohibited in Japan. Stimulant medications for ADHD (such as Adderall or Ritalin), anti-anxiety medications (such as Xanax), or painkillers may be strictly controlled or prohibited in some countries.

Japan, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates are known for strict medication rules.

Always check the medication rules for the countries you visit or transit through. You can start by visiting the government’s official website. A destination country may require preapproval or registration for some medications, such as narcotics and psychotropics. Be ready to submit an application or approval form for certain prescription drugs. You may be limited in how much you can bring; a 30-day supply is typical.

Language barriers can make bringing medication tricky, as officials may not be familiar with U.S. drug names or packaging. An unlabeled medication container may raise suspicion. To avoid confusion, it’s best to travel with your original prescription bottle when going abroad.

Hot Tip:

Bringing a copy of your prescription translated into the local language or stating what the medication is and why you need it can clarify your medication at customs checkpoints.

Countries With Specific Medication Restrictions

Some countries have particularly strict medication rules, even for drugs that are common and legal in the U.S. Failure to comply with medication restrictions may lead to detention, fines, or confiscation.

Here’s a look at some countries with notable medication restrictions:

Hot Tip:

If your medication is banned at your destination, speak with your doctor about substitutes or alternative treatment options.

Tips for International Travel With Medication

Keeping your medication organized and properly documented can help avoid customs confusion. Use these tips to make international travel with medications easier:

• Pack medications and documents in your carry-on. Essential medications and documents should always be close at hand. Packing medications in your checked bag increases the risk that they’ll be lost or stolen, and you could need them if you face travel delays or a long layover.
• Keep your medication in its original packaging and retain prescription labels. If you’re bringing OTC medication, keep it in its manufacturer’s packaging. Prescriptions should have a label with your name, the prescribing doctor’s name, the medication name, and dosage information. These details can help confirm the legitimacy of the medication.
• Bring a doctor’s letter for some medications. Injectables, controlled substances, or large quantities of medication may require a note with the list of medications with brand and generic names, how they are administered, and how they are necessary for treatment.
• Translate documents if needed. If you’re traveling to a country where English isn’t a common language, a translated prescription or doctor’s letter can help clarify information for customs agents. It’s also helpful in emergencies if a local medical professional needs to review what you’re taking.
• Look up country-specific medication rules. Because medication rules vary depending on where you’re going, you should look up the regulations for any country you’ll visit, either in transit or as a destination. Start with the country’s embassy or consulate website. Some countries may require prior approval or registration to bring certain medications or restrict how much you can bring.
• Don’t mix medications with purchases abroad. If you’ve purchased OTC or prescription medication at your destination, keep those purchases separate from medications you brought from home. Formulations and dosage standards vary, and could make it difficult to identify the original drug.
• Add emergency contacts, doctor information, and embassy details to your phone. You might not need to contact the embassy for medications, but you’ll be glad you have emergency information handy if you need help.
• Carry travel insurance or use a credit card with emergency medical coverage. If your medication is lost or stolen, or you need medical attention while traveling, a travel insurance policy or credit card with travel insurance coverage can connect you with the resources you need and reimburse your expenses.

Traveling With Regulated Medications and Medical Devices

Some medications or devices require special consideration, including cannabis products, controlled substances, and medical devices.

Traveling With Marijuana and CBD

Although marijuana is legal in many U.S. states and may be used medically by prescription, it’s still risky to bring marijuana through airport security or across international borders. Marijuana is still illegal under federal law and is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance.

TSA doesn’t allow marijuana on planes, regardless of state law, even if you’re flying between legal states. While TSA’s focus isn’t on searching for marijuana, agents are required to report it to local law enforcement if it’s discovered during screening. It may be confiscated, and you may face legal consequences depending on the state.

CBD products are federally legal and can be brought through TSA checkpoints, but must be accurately labeled to contain less than 0.3% THC. Products must comply with TSA’s liquid rules if they’re an oil, tincture, or lotion.

International Travel With Marijuana and CBD

U.S. medical marijuana cards don’t make it legal to carry cannabis into other countries. Some countries, including Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore, have strict anti-drug laws. You could face serious legal consequences, including arrest, fines, and travel bans for bringing marijuana into a foreign country. Don’t assume CBD is legal in your destination, as some countries ban all cannabis-related substances and may criminalize possession for even trace amounts.

Bottom Line:

It’s best to leave cannabis products at home when flying. Speak with your doctor about alternative medications before traveling if you rely on cannabis for medical treatment.

Traveling With Controlled Substances

Highly regulated drugs such as ADHD stimulants, opioids, anti-anxiety medications, and some sleep aids, including Adderall, Ritalin, Xanax, Ativan, Ambien, and Oxycodone, can present challenges when traveling. TSA doesn’t prohibit flying with controlled substances, but they must be legally prescribed and for personal use.

You can pack controlled substances in your carry-on luggage, but it’s best to keep your medication in its original prescription bottle, carry a doctor’s letter (especially for large quantities), and alert TSA agents to its presence as you go through security screening.

Traveling internationally with controlled substances is where it gets tricky, as some countries may ban or heavily restrict these medications, even for visitors with a valid prescription. As with any medication, research each country’s rules with the embassy or consulate to find out if you can bring your medication, and if you’ll need to submit an approval form before traveling.

Hot Tip:

If you have an emergency abroad and need to visit a doctor or replace medication, a card that offers emergency assistance can be helpful. These include the Chase Sapphire Reserve^®, the Amex Platinum card, and the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.

Traveling With Medical Devices and Supplies

You can typically travel with medical devices and supplies, though you may need to take extra steps or documentation, especially when crossing international borders.

TSA allows travelers to bring medical devices and supplies, including syringes, injectable medications, medical gels or ice packs, and devices worn on the body. Medical devices typically don’t count against your baggage limit with airlines. For example, you can bring a CPAP machine or an FAA-approved portable oxygen concentrator.

When you go through security with a medical device, tell agents upfront, and ask for a visual inspection if you don’t want your device X-rayed. Use original cases or clearly labeled bags for supplies such as syringes and glucose monitors.

Traveling with medical devices internationally can vary by destination. What TSA and U.S. airlines permit may not be the same as abroad. You should check destination rules in advance, bring documentation (translated if needed), and keep everything in your carry-on. Bring adapters if you visit a country with different voltage standards and outlet types.

Hot Tip:

If you are traveling with an injectable GLP-1, such as Wegovy, Ozempic, Zepbound, or Mounjaro, you may be able to keep your medication vial or pen at room temperature in your carry-on instead of using an insulated bag. These medications typically only require refrigeration prior to first use, which you should consider when planning your travel dates. Consult the manufacturer’s instruction leaflet included with the medicine for storage details.

What To Do if Something Goes Wrong

Whether you’ve lost or forgotten your medication, or it’s confiscated at security or customs, traveling without medication can become a travel crisis.

If you are traveling without necessary medication, contact your doctor or pharmacy to request a refill or guidance. If you have documentation, your insurance company, hotel concierge, local U.S. embassy, or local clinic may be able to help you get a replacement. Bringing digital copies of your prescription and a doctor’s letter can simplify replacement.

Be calm and cooperative, and ask for written clarification if your medication is confiscated at customs. Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate to understand your options, including visiting a local provider who can issue a prescription.

If your medication is lost or delayed in checked baggage, contact the airline and immediately file a baggage claim. A credit card with travel insurance coverage may help reimburse the replacement costs or connect you with assistance services.

If you can, always travel with a backup supply and store digital copies of your prescriptions, dosage instructions, and doctor’s contact information in your phone and email.

Checklist: What To Pack When Flying Internationally With Medication

• Prescription medications in original containers
• Over-the-counter medications in labeled packaging
• Doctor’s letter for injectables or controlled substances
• Digital and printed copies of prescriptions
• Translated documentation (if traveling to non-English-speaking countries)
• Clear plastic bag for easy inspection
• Backup supply (if allowed)
• Ice packs or thermal pouches (for temperature-sensitive meds)
• Power adapters or batteries for medical devices
• Pill organizer (for daily use after clearing customs)

Resources for Traveling With Medication

Regulations may change, so you should always check official sources before traveling. Confirm your medication is allowed at your destination and determine if you need to take any special steps or request approval.

Considering the following resources:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Traveling Abroad With Medicine
• TSA: Disabilities and Medical Conditions
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection: Traveling With Medication
• U.S. State Department: Your Health Abroad

Final Thoughts

Whether you bring a week’s worth of vitamins or a bag of prescriptions and medical supplies, knowing the medication rules before traveling can save you time and stress.

Pack medications in your carry-on, use original containers when traveling internationally, and bring documentation for anything questionable, especially controlled substances, liquids over 3.4 ounces, or sharp devices such as insulin pumps or syringes. If unsure, check with TSA, your airline, and the destination country’s embassy before you fly.

Don’t overlook the peace of mind a travel credit card can provide. From lost baggage coverage to emergency medical assistance, your card benefits could offer a backup plan that keeps your medication dosage on track.