Rules for Travelling to the USA with Prescription Medicines

by Petr Novák, ? This article’s information was last verified on this date. If you notice any errors, let us know in the comments. Thank you! :-) Updated 01/15/2025 FAQs

Are you traveling to the USA and need to bring medications with you—whether prescription or over-the-counter? The import of medications into the United States is only allowed if it complies with the rules set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Strict regulations apply, especially to medications containing controlled substances or substances with a potential for abuse, requiring declaration and appropriate documentation.

1. Table of Contents

   1. How to Travel to the USA with Medications
   2. Permitted and Prohibited Medications in the USA
   3. Confirmation for Medication Use During Travel to the USA

   How to Travel to the USA with Medications

   When traveling with medications to the United States, follow these rules established by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

   💊 Medications Should Be in Original Packaging

   All medications must be kept in their original pharmacy packaging with accompanying package inserts or instructions from your physician. If the original packaging is unavailable, you must provide a copy of the prescription or a medical certificate explaining your condition and why the medication is necessary.

   💊 Bring Only the Amount Needed for Your Stay

   Travel with only the amount of medication required for your stay in the United States. The general recommendation is not to carry more than a 90-day supply.

   If your stay exceeds 90 days, you can have additional medication shipped to you. In such cases, you must prove the medications are for personal use during your stay. Proof can include a copy of your visa, passport, a doctor’s statement, and an English copy of the prescription.

   More information can be found on the FDA website.

2. Permitted and Prohibited Medications in the USA

   It is prohibited to bring medications containing narcotics or substances with a high potential for abuse into the United States, regardless of whether they are legal or prescribed in other countries.

   ⚠️ List of Medications Prohibited in the USA

   If a medication is not approved by the FDA, it cannot be legally brought into the country. Such medications will be confiscated during customs inspections. A complete list of controlled drugs and substances can be found on the U.S. Department of Justice website.

   In the USA, some drugs may be marketed under different trade names. Verify the active ingredients of your medication. For assistance, consult a travel medicine center.

   ⚠️ Categories of Controlled Substances in the USA

   Controlled substances in the United States are divided into Schedules I-V, based on their potential for abuse. The following rules apply to the import of controlled substances:

   • Schedule I: Import is prohibited for personal use as these substances are not recognized for medical use in the USA.
   • Schedule II: Import is allowed under strict conditions. You must have a doctor’s certificate, the medication in its original packaging with a package insert, and a supply not exceeding 90 days. All medications must be declared at customs.
   • Schedule III: The same conditions as Schedule II apply.
   • Schedule IV: The same conditions as Schedule II apply.
   • Schedule V: The same conditions as Schedule II apply, but a doctor’s prescription is sufficient instead of a formal certificate.

   Commonly regulated medications in the USA include Rohypnol, GHB, and substances like Phentermine.

   ⚠️ Traveling with Medications Containing Controlled Substances

   If you need to bring medications containing potentially addictive substances (e.g., sleeping pills, antidepressants, stimulants, or sedatives) into the USA, follow official instructions.

   Declare all such medications to a customs officer and ensure they are stored in their original pharmacy packaging. Travel only with an amount that corresponds to your medical needs (e.g., chronic pain) and personal consumption. Provide a written statement in English from your physician confirming the medications are prescribed under medical supervision and are necessary for your travel.

   Before departure, ensure you arrange travel insurance for the USA with sufficient coverage. For medical care, a minimum coverage limit of $100,000 is recommended.

3. Confirmation for Medication Use During Travel to the USA

   Request a certificate confirming the use of your prescribed medications from your attending or general physician. Below is an example of the document format.

   📝 Sample Certificate for Importing Medications to the USA for Personal Use

   May 28, 2025

   Name of the patient: [Full name of the patient]
   Date of birth: [Patient’s date of birth]
   Sex: [Gender]

   To Whom It May Concern,

   My patient [Full name of the patient] has [name of the medical condition] and requires the following medications and devices to treat [his/her] condition:

   • [List of medications, including specific details, e.g., Dasselta 5mg tablets]
   • [List of medical devices, e.g., syringes]

   The above medications and supplies are for the patient’s personal use and must stay with the patient at all times. If you have any questions regarding the treatment of this patient, please contact me at [physician’s phone number].

   Sincerely,
   [Physician’s name and stamp]
   [Name and address of the medical office]