How to Handle Prescription Transfers Between Countries: A Practical Guide for Travelers

Trying to refill your prescription while traveling abroad isn’t as simple as walking into a local pharmacy. Even if you have the exact same medication, laws, naming conventions, and pharmacy systems vary wildly from country to country. What works in the U.S. might not work in Canada, the EU, or even Thailand. If you’re planning a trip and rely on regular medication, you need a clear plan-because running out mid-trip isn’t an option.

Why Prescription Transfers Between Countries Are So Complicated

There’s no global system for transferring prescriptions. Each country has its own rules, and many don’t recognize foreign prescriptions at all. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) generally bans importing prescription drugs for personal use. But here’s the catch: they often don’t stop you if you’re bringing in a 90-day supply for yourself. Enforcement is inconsistent. One border agent might let you through with your pills; another might confiscate them.

Meanwhile, the European Union has a much smoother system. If you’re traveling within the EU, your prescription is legally valid in any member country. But even there, problems pop up. Your medication might be sold under a different brand name. Or the dosage might not match what you’re used to. The pharmacy might not stock it at all.

Canada is another story. U.S. pharmacies won’t transfer prescriptions directly to Canadian ones. Instead, you need what’s called a “cosigning” process-a Canadian doctor reviews your medical history and writes a new prescription based on your U.S. one. It’s not a transfer. It’s a restart.

What You Can and Can’t Do in the U.S.

In 2023, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) updated rules for transferring controlled substances between U.S. pharmacies. Now, one-time electronic transfers are allowed for Schedule II-V drugs. But this only applies within the U.S. No international transfers are permitted. If you’re moving from a U.S. pharmacy to one in another country, you’re on your own.

Your U.S. pharmacy won’t send your prescription abroad. They’re not allowed to. And if you ask, many pharmacists will tell you it’s “against policy.” That’s not always true-it’s just that most aren’t trained to handle international requests.

The best thing you can do is get a fresh prescription from your doctor before you leave. Make sure it includes:

• The generic name of the medication (not just the brand)
• The exact dosage and frequency
• The total quantity you’ll need for your trip
• Your doctor’s signature and contact info

Transferring Prescriptions to Canada

Canada is one of the most common destinations for Americans seeking lower drug prices. But you can’t just walk into a Canadian pharmacy with your U.S. prescription and expect them to fill it.

Here’s how it actually works:

1. Call a Canadian pharmacy that accepts international prescriptions (like those listed on PharmacyChecker.com).
2. Send them your original U.S. prescription, your medical history, and your doctor’s contact info.
3. The pharmacy forwards your info to a Canadian physician.
4. The doctor reviews your case and issues a new Canadian prescription.
5. The pharmacy fills it and ships it to you.

This process takes 5-10 business days. Don’t wait until the last minute. And don’t assume your U.S. pharmacy will help. Most won’t. You’ll need to handle this yourself.

Traveling Within the European Union

If you’re traveling between EU countries, you’re in the best position. Your prescription is legally valid anywhere in the bloc. But here’s what you need to do to avoid trouble:

• Carry the original prescription, not just a copy.
• Make sure it lists the generic drug name-not the brand name. For example, write “metformin” instead of “Glucophage.”
• Include the dosage, quantity, and prescribing doctor’s details.
• Bring a letter from your doctor explaining why you need the medication.

Even with all this, don’t assume the pharmacy will have your exact medication. If they don’t, they can substitute it with another brand or formulation-unless it’s a controlled substance. In that case, they might not be able to fill it at all.

Challenges in the Middle East, Asia, and Other Regions

Countries like China, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE have some of the strictest rules. Many don’t allow foreign prescriptions at all. Some require:

• A notarized letter from your doctor
• A detailed diagnosis statement
• Proof the medication is for personal use only
• Approval from local health authorities

In China, even common medications like Adderall or Xanax are classified as controlled substances-and illegal without special permits. If you’re caught with them without paperwork, you could face serious legal trouble.

Before traveling to any non-Western country, check with their embassy or consulate. Some countries publish lists of approved medications. Others require you to apply for an import permit in advance. Don’t guess.

What to Pack: The Travel Medication Checklist

No matter where you’re going, bring these five things:

1. Original prescriptions-in English, with generic names and doctor’s signature.
2. Doctor’s letter-on letterhead, explaining your condition and why you need the medication.
3. Medication in original bottles-with pharmacy labels intact. Never repack pills into daily organizers for international travel.
4. 90-day supply maximum-even if you’re staying longer, bring only what you need for 3 months. Excess can raise red flags.
5. Digital copies-email yourself PDFs of prescriptions and letters. Save them on your phone and cloud storage.

What to Do If You Run Out

If your medication runs out and you can’t get a refill:

• Call your U.S. doctor. They can often fax a new prescription to a local pharmacy if you’re in a country with good medical infrastructure.
• Visit a local clinic or hospital. Bring your original prescription and doctor’s letter. Many doctors will write a new one based on your documentation.
• Use verified international pharmacy services like PharmacyChecker or MedAire. They can help connect you with licensed pharmacies abroad.
• Avoid buying medication on the street or from unverified online sellers. Counterfeit drugs are common in many countries.

Real Stories: What Happens When You Don’t Plan

One woman from Florida lost her prescription while visiting Italy. She couldn’t find a pharmacy that would fill it because the brand name didn’t match local stock. She ended up paying $200 for a local doctor’s visit just to get a new prescription.

A man from Chicago tried to refill his blood pressure medication in Canada. His U.S. pharmacy refused to transfer it. He flew back to the U.S. just to get a new script. That trip cost him $800.

Another traveler was detained at a Dubai airport because his ADHD medication wasn’t on the approved list. He spent 12 hours in custody before his doctor faxed the necessary paperwork.

These aren’t rare cases. They happen every day.

Bottom Line: Plan Ahead, Don’t Guess

There’s no easy shortcut for international prescription transfers. The system is broken. But you can still get your medication safely if you plan ahead.

Start at least 3-4 weeks before your trip. Contact your doctor. Get your prescriptions in order. Research the rules of your destination. Use trusted resources like the FDA’s personal importation guidelines or the European Commission’s cross-border prescription portal.

If you’re going to Canada, use PharmacyChecker. If you’re going to the EU, carry generic names. If you’re going to Asia or the Middle East, contact the embassy. And never, ever assume your U.S. pharmacy will help you with international transfers-they won’t.

Your health depends on it. Don’t leave it to chance.