KatieMI

We're going for a vacation in Germany and Belgium this August. There are two people with serious food allergies in our family, and we have to carry EpiPens and asthma inhalers with us all the time; I also would like to have with me things like Ibuprofen, kids Tylenol, OTC sleeping pills (not melatonin), valerian (herbal supplement) and peppermint oil pills just in case. I'm not going to take more than one small bottle of each, and nothing narcotics/opioids containing.

We got "chef cards" translated into German, French and Flemish to use in restaurants, but I'm still concerned about meds. I'd heard about that they have to be in original bottles and prescriptions have to carry original label. Should we do anything else, or it is OK tosimply take all this stuff in carry-on bag?

janisj

"<i>I'd heard about that they have to be in original bottles and prescriptions have to carry original label. Should we do anything else, or it is OK tosimply take all this stuff in carry-on bag?</i>"

Totally OK. TSA at the US end only 'suggests' original labels, but even that is not required. Original bottles are not necessary. Even those weekly medication boxes or just plastic baggies would be OK. If anything is liquid it needs to be kept separate so the screeners can check it out if they choose to.

OTC and prescription meds can be taken in to both of those countries.

Rastaguytoday

For liquids, the TSA has strict rules about how much to bring.

Read this link.

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtrav...rial_1059.shtm

Arriving in Germany shold not be a problem. Nothing to declare, go right through the green exit.

crckwc1

I've taken OTC and prescription meds into Germany several times with no problems. I put prescription meds into plastic snack bags with the prescription label taped on the bag (probably unnecessary but makes me feel better). The OTC meds are in very small containers and labeled. Both OTC and prescriptions are in carryon. No one -- neither here nor in Germany nor in any other European country -- has ever challenged me on this. I think you'll be ok with the labeled prescription Epipens and liquids if you show them separately at screening.

logos999

Prescription meds are cheap in Germany compared to the US. (If you can get a German physician to prescribe them to you)
Many common $100 per pack of 100 meds sell for less than 15 Euro. If you don't need to pay for them yourself of course, you don't need to care anyway. Many OTCs however are rather expensive.

doug_stallings

There are certain countries in the world that have very strict regulations about common prescription and nonprescription drugs (Dubai, for example). Germany is not among those countries. I see no problems, but you can also easily buy all the non-prescription meds you need there. You should not be concerned, though as a general rule, one should always travel with prescription medications in their original containers. Carrying a copy of the prescription itself can be helpful in case it needs to be replaced for some reason.

nytraveler

You are very limited in terms of liquids in your carry-on - would probably have to put these in your checked luggage. For the Epi-pens I would carry a copy of the Rx with you just in case.

Carrying your own meds in tablet or capsule form isn't an issue but I would keep in the bottle with Rx info on it.

janisj

Doug: "<i>one should always travel with prescription medications in their original containers.</i>"

That isn't always possible -- and TSA doesn't mention doing so on their website.

LOTS of folks (and probably most on medicare) get their meds by mail order and in very large quantities w/o an option for smaller containers..

KatieMI

Thank you for your help, fellow travelers! It really helps - at least I know I won't have to run somewhere to get some Tylenol for headache and I don't have to translate prescriptions.

I'm not concerned about Epi, because the actual volume in it is only 0.3 ml. TSA people require to keep the whole thing in original hard container (because of easy popping out needle) and in carry-on luggage - but we have to do anyway.

doug_stallings

I see absolutely nothing on your list that's going to cause you problems, either in terms of liquid volume or customs issues, so I'm not really sure why people are peppering you with needless warnings. You may find that security in Germany will have different standards than USA security, and I have heard of situations where security officers in Europe confiscated items that would not have been confiscated in the U.S., but that will be on your way home, when, presumably, having the items in your possession isn't such an important thing, and I don't see anything terribly expensive or exotic on your list.

Pack the non-essential meds (oil of peppermint, valerian) in your checked luggage if you want, though if they are pills, they are not considered liquids.

Ackislander

The only problem with an Epipen is that not all officials are familiar with it.

We were stopped at Heathrow _exiting_ the country, not entering, because our teenage son -- dressed like a teenager -- was carrying an Epipen kit for his bee allergies. This rang the chimes of the security officer on duty, and we were pulled from the line because all the security officer saw was teenage boy in jeans carrying hypodermic needle.

Despite my showing them the prescription label, they held us aside while they called a supervisor because the label was "illegible". It was about as clean as you would expect something in a teenager's pocket to be, but it was not illegible. But it never is a good idea to get angry in situations like that, so we waited quietly.

The supervisor couldn't come from that security area but was a Big Supervisor from somewhere else at Heathrow. Time marched on, and I sent his mother and sister ahead to the gate area. The clock ticked. While we were waiting, the officers decided to explore my tin of talcum powder, Floris No. 89, thank you, with long needles to make sure there was no false bottom. I don't know if they touched the powder to their tongues to see if it was cocaine. Finally, the Big Supervisor arrived, checked the prescription and sent us on our way. We arrived at the plane just as the doors were closing.

Lessons learned: (1) have the prescription for any prescription drug that could be or looks like it might be abused, including "drug paraphernalia", however innocent. (2) encourage your teenagers to dress in ways that don't attract attention.

Anecdotal? Highly. YMMV. I hope it does!

PatrickLondon

Just one footnote - things that may be OTC somewhere else may be on prescription in Germany. I once discovered this in relation to Imodium (and you imagine just why it wasn't the best answer to get when I asked the pharmacist!). The opposite might also be true, I suppose.

janisj

"<i>You are very limited in terms of liquids in your carry-on - would probably have to put these in your checked luggage.</i>

Nope - liquid prescription meds and even things like saline solution are not limited to the same 3oz per bottle as non-medical liquids/toiletries. They can exceed the 3 oz limit and do not have to fit in the 1 qt baggie.

All <i>essential</i> meds should be in one's carry on, not in checked luggage.

Shanna

I took some medication that needed refrigeration a couple years ago into Italy in my carry-on. I used those little freeze bags where you give a twist to get them cold. Carried some spares for the return trip. Went thru US departure without notice. Coming back at Milan security looked at them, talked about it, let me through no problem. I had the original prescription that said "must be refrigerated." I have previously brought things to security's attention - placed them in a separate container so they can be examined if needed - no one cared. I think security isn't worrying about things that are obviously not home-made - that is commercially made and recognizable as such. I've also taken things like vitamins, OTC sleep aids, and pain killers, sometimes in the bottles if they're small, but usually in those little day-containers - unidentifiable as to what they are but never had a problem with them either. The ony issue I had lately was leaving Frankfurt with small, snub-nosed scissors which are TSA approved. The Germans were concerned with the length of them - had to be under 6 centimeters long. They were okay. I use them to cut open the plastic - ah jeez what are they called - long skinny plastic things that make a loop - I use them to lock my suitcase but they need to be cut off - sorry, it's the middle of the night. I'm awake but my brain has obviously gone to bed. The rules vary so much, flying has become a real pain.

janisj

Shanna: cable ties

roncorn

I am traveling to the Czech Republic, Germany and France in August. I require CBD Oil to treat Trigeminal Neuralgia. CBD Oil is a derivative of the Cannabis plant. I have a letter from my doctor stating that this medication is required. Will there be a problem traveling to these countries?

janisj

welcome to Fodors roncom. This thread is more than 6 years old. You should probably start a new thread with your own specific questions.