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<\/p>\nSummer holidaymakers heading to Portugal have been issued a warning that UK prescriptions are ‘not recognised’ in the country<\/p>\n
People travelling with medication need to be aware of new guidance being issued(Image: georgeclerk via Getty Images)<\/p>\n
With summer holiday season upon us, Brits have been issued fresh guidance on taking medication abroad as millions get ready to head to the airport for sun-soaked getaways. There are a series of rules and regulations on bringing medicines in or out of the UK that all travellers must be aware of.<\/p>\n
The UK Foreign Office<\/a> has updated its advice for travel to Portugal, informing holidaymakers that the legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries. It warns that there are “strict rules” around dispensing certain medications in Portugal, including antibiotics.<\/p>\n The Foreign Office added: “UK prescriptions are not recognised in Portugal. Carry enough medication for your visit.”<\/p>\n Anyone bringing medication to Portugal is instructed to keep it in its original container with the prescription label. The Foreign Office also advised that holidaymakers follow guidance issued by Travel Health Pro<\/a>, which advises that some countries may not allow the entry of certain types of medicines – including ones available over the counter in the UK.<\/p>\n Travellers<\/a> are urged to ensure they pack enough of any essential medication to last the whole trip, including factoring in possible travel delays or lost luggage. If planning to fly with oxygen, insulin or other injectable medicines, it’s advised to contact the airline to make appropriate arrangements.<\/p>\n Our ChronicleLive Daily newsletter is free. You can sign up to receive it here<\/a>. It will keep you up to date with all the latest breaking news and top stories from the North East.<\/p>\n Travel Health Pro warns: “Medications for recognised health conditions may come under intense scrutiny by foreign officials at border controls. This can result in delays, disruption or medicines being confiscated if the correct paperwork and permissions have not been arranged (e.g. where there are specific regulations and\/requirements relating to taking a medication abroad such as for medications containing controlled drugs).<\/p>\n Rules depend on which country you are travelling to and the type of medication you bring(Image: Getty Images\/iStockphoto)<\/p>\n “On rare occasions, travellers who have been found to have drugs that are illegal at the destination or transit country have been imprisoned.”<\/p>\n The GOV.UK website<\/a> states that anyone travelling abroad must carry medicine containing a controlled drug with them in their hand luggage when entering or leaving the UK. Advice outlines: “If you’re taking medicine out of the UK, ask your doctor or pharmacist whether your medicine contains a controlled drug.<\/p>\n “If it does, check the rules for the country you’re going to with the embassy before you travel. You’ll need to prove it’s yours with either a prescription or letter from your doctor.”<\/p>\n ChronicleLive is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join our communities.<\/p>\n We have a number of communities to join, so you can choose which one you want to be part of and we’ll send you the latest news direct to your phone. You could even join them all!<\/p>\n To join you need to have WhatsApp on your device. All you need to do is choose which community you want to join, click on the link and press ‘join community’.<\/p>\n No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the ChronicleLive team.<\/p>\n We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.<\/p>\n If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose ‘exit group’.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re curious, you can read our privacy notice<\/a>.<\/p>\n Join the ChronicleLive Breaking News and Top Stories community<\/a><\/p>\n Join our Court & Crime community<\/a><\/p>\n Join the Things to do in Newcastle and the North East community<\/a><\/p>\n Join our Northumberland community<\/a><\/p>\n Join our County Durham community<\/a><\/p>\n Join our Sunderland community<\/a><\/p>\n Join our Great North Run community<\/a><\/p>\n![\"An](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1_PAS_STO_070918drugs_001JPG.jpg\")
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