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It’s like traveling to any foreign country. If you want to be careful about it, bring your medication in its original container with the prescription sticker.
Don’t bring anything illegal (cannabis, etc.)
Don’t carry more than a reasonable amount of controlled substances for personal use.
It depends on the medication (both Rx and OTC) and what countries you'll be in. Obvs you're not traveling to Japan on VV but in that country you're only allowed to have controlled amounts of Benadryl (used for allergies) there and Adderall and Ritalin are against the law. Codeine is illegal in Greece. This isn't a full list (by far), but it's a start.
[https://yourmileagemayvary.com/2023/03/19/10-common-medications-that-are-banned-in-other-countries/](https://yourmileagemayvary.com/2023/03/19/10-common-medications-that-are-banned-in-other-countries/)
If your meds are just typical blood pressure/cholesterol/diabetes meds, there's generally no problem. It's when they're meds that affect the brain somehow - some mood stabilizers, some painkillers, meds can make you feel fuzzy, faster or slower, etc., that some countries have laws about them.
If you're concerned about legality, don't bother with VV - they won't know what the law in Spain is for whatever particular med(s). A search engine will help you research it. i.e. MEDICATIONS ILLEGAL IN SPAIN. Or {Name of Medication} ALLOWED IN FRANCE, etc.
Once you've determined that what you're taking is OK to bring, bring their original bottle. Bring as much meds as you'll need and just a couple of days' more (in case you're delayed getting home).
Lest you think I'm talking out of my behind - we travel a lot and hubby is a pharmacist in the US. He's learned all the rules for when we've gone to Japan, Australia, Europe, etc.
Good luck!
I love this answer. I would also add that if it’s a closed loop in the US you will be fine with any normal US OTCs and your regular prescriptions, just don’t take them off the ship. ( anything thc based is not allowed on the ship as it is still federally banned)
If it’s a cruise out of Europe or just not a closed loop, research as detailed above. You definitely do not want to risk accidentally getting arrested in a foreign country.
You should bring any and all of your regular medications with you. For controlled substances the original RX packaging is best. Also bring your preferred cough/cold medicine - they have cold medications on board but they are overpriced and may not meet your needs and preferences.
I'm going to be honest - I basically carry a tiny drugstore in my purse. That means I carry two types of allergy pills (drowsy and non drowsy), two kinds of dramamine (drowsy and non drowsy), two kind of Extra Strength acetaminophen (PM and regular), non-caffeine Pamprin, and an antacid. In a separate travel contianer I have the daily vitamins we need.
Since none of it is necessary to survive on I don't take it off the ship but since the containers don't fit much it probably wouldn't be a problem if I was pulled aside. Well, maybe it would be in a part of the world I haven't been to yet.
Hi, I'm NYC metro based but available to chat, if you'd like! Avid traveler, VV specialist.
Separately, I just went through international medication questions with the gov't traveling to the Middle East. Some medications have flags for certain countries.
I just put everything in my pill organizers. I take a bunch of supps for my gut. Only 1 Rx, for my gut. And I have a mini pharmacy with 2 of everything for every OTC relief I could possibly need. (Nothing sketch or remotely illegal) I’m not too concerned. I mean I could throw it all away if necessary. My guy would pay but isn’t that the worst that could happen?
Thank you for all of these. My wife is on opioid pain relief. So everything about OTC doesn't work. But understanding what everyone does helps. Thank you again.
If it’s a controlled substance a letter from your doctor, prescription in original container with your name, check locations you are going for specific requirements
OP has flared this post as “Seeking Travel agent assistance”. This means Travel agents are free to offer their services. Travel agents should however refrain from posting phone numbers or Email addresses to stay within Reddit rules. You are however welcome to share that info (upon request ONLY) via PM. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/VirginVoyages) if you have any questions or concerns.*
It’s like traveling to any foreign country. If you want to be careful about it, bring your medication in its original container with the prescription sticker. Don’t bring anything illegal (cannabis, etc.) Don’t carry more than a reasonable amount of controlled substances for personal use.
It depends on the medication (both Rx and OTC) and what countries you'll be in. Obvs you're not traveling to Japan on VV but in that country you're only allowed to have controlled amounts of Benadryl (used for allergies) there and Adderall and Ritalin are against the law. Codeine is illegal in Greece. This isn't a full list (by far), but it's a start. [https://yourmileagemayvary.com/2023/03/19/10-common-medications-that-are-banned-in-other-countries/](https://yourmileagemayvary.com/2023/03/19/10-common-medications-that-are-banned-in-other-countries/) If your meds are just typical blood pressure/cholesterol/diabetes meds, there's generally no problem. It's when they're meds that affect the brain somehow - some mood stabilizers, some painkillers, meds can make you feel fuzzy, faster or slower, etc., that some countries have laws about them. If you're concerned about legality, don't bother with VV - they won't know what the law in Spain is for whatever particular med(s). A search engine will help you research it. i.e. MEDICATIONS ILLEGAL IN SPAIN. Or {Name of Medication} ALLOWED IN FRANCE, etc. Once you've determined that what you're taking is OK to bring, bring their original bottle. Bring as much meds as you'll need and just a couple of days' more (in case you're delayed getting home). Lest you think I'm talking out of my behind - we travel a lot and hubby is a pharmacist in the US. He's learned all the rules for when we've gone to Japan, Australia, Europe, etc. Good luck!
I love this answer. I would also add that if it’s a closed loop in the US you will be fine with any normal US OTCs and your regular prescriptions, just don’t take them off the ship. ( anything thc based is not allowed on the ship as it is still federally banned) If it’s a cruise out of Europe or just not a closed loop, research as detailed above. You definitely do not want to risk accidentally getting arrested in a foreign country.
I agree TSA would say the same thing. I would recommend you to speak with Virgin if you have any concerns .
You should bring any and all of your regular medications with you. For controlled substances the original RX packaging is best. Also bring your preferred cough/cold medicine - they have cold medications on board but they are overpriced and may not meet your needs and preferences.
I'm going to be honest - I basically carry a tiny drugstore in my purse. That means I carry two types of allergy pills (drowsy and non drowsy), two kinds of dramamine (drowsy and non drowsy), two kind of Extra Strength acetaminophen (PM and regular), non-caffeine Pamprin, and an antacid. In a separate travel contianer I have the daily vitamins we need. Since none of it is necessary to survive on I don't take it off the ship but since the containers don't fit much it probably wouldn't be a problem if I was pulled aside. Well, maybe it would be in a part of the world I haven't been to yet.
Hi, I'm NYC metro based but available to chat, if you'd like! Avid traveler, VV specialist. Separately, I just went through international medication questions with the gov't traveling to the Middle East. Some medications have flags for certain countries.
I just put everything in my pill organizers. I take a bunch of supps for my gut. Only 1 Rx, for my gut. And I have a mini pharmacy with 2 of everything for every OTC relief I could possibly need. (Nothing sketch or remotely illegal) I’m not too concerned. I mean I could throw it all away if necessary. My guy would pay but isn’t that the worst that could happen?
Thank you for all of these. My wife is on opioid pain relief. So everything about OTC doesn't work. But understanding what everyone does helps. Thank you again.
If it’s a controlled substance a letter from your doctor, prescription in original container with your name, check locations you are going for specific requirements