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Travelling with medicines and medical devices

Are you planning to travel with medicines and medical devices? It’s important that you understand the rules and requirements before you travel.

decorative - drawing of a medicine packet, a suitcase and an airplane

Australia has rules about bringing in medicines and medical devices for your own use or the use of someone you are caring for. The countries that you’re visiting may also have rules that you need to follow.

Entering Australia

Under the traveller’s exemption, many medicines and medical devices can be brought into Australia, as long as you follow these simple rules:

  1. Only bring medicines or devices that are for you or an immediate family member travelling with you
  2. Don’t sell or supply the product to another person
  3. Keep the product in its original packaging
  4. Carry a prescription or a letter from your doctor
  5. Don’t bring more than a 3-month supply
  6. Take any remaining products with you when you leave Australia, and make sure you always
  7. Comply with requests and directions from customs officers

For more information about travelling into Australia with medicines and medical devices, please visit tga.gov.au.

Visit Entering Australia for more information about bringing in your medicines or medical devices.

Leaving Australia

Before you leave Australia, here are some tips to travel safely with your medicines and medical devices.

  1. Talk to your doctor
  2. Check with your destination country if your medicine or device is allowed there, and if there are any restrictions
  3. Carry a prescription or a letter from your doctor
  4. Keep the product in its original packaging
  5. Take enough for your whole trip
  6. Carry medicines and devices in your hand luggage

For more information about travelling out of Australia with medicines and medical devices, please visit tga.gov.au.

 

Visit Leaving Australia for more information about travelling with your medicines or medical devices.

Helpful links for travellers

Many different Australian Government organisations have a role in overseeing travelling with medicines and medical devices.

For further information, you may wish to contact one of the following organisations:

If you’re wanting to have a medicine or device sent to you in Australia from overseas, you can legally import a three month supply (at the maximum dose recommended by the manufacturer) of most therapeutic goods for personal use under the Personal Importation Scheme.

Individuals should discuss the use of any ‘unapproved’ medicine imported from overseas with your treating health practitioner to determine if the product is suitable for you.

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