Bringing medicine containing a controlled drug into the UK

You need to prove your medicine is prescribed to you if:

  • it contains a ‘controlled drug’
  • you have it on you when you’re entering the UK

What sort of proof you need depends on the category of drug and how much of it you’re bringing in.

If you’re leaving the UK with medicine that contains a controlled drug, check with the embassy about the rules for the country you’re going to before you travel.

Check if your medicine contains a controlled drug

Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether your medicine contains a controlled drug.

You can also check the drugs listed on the packaging of your medicine and search for them on the controlled drugs list. The list does not give names of medicines, only drugs that are used in medicines.

If it contains a drug listed as schedule 2, 3 or 4 (part 1)

When entering the UK, you need to either:

  • carry a letter of proof that the medicine was prescribed to you
  • get a personal licence if you’re travelling in the UK for at least 3 months or carrying enough of the medicine to last you that long

If you’re a UK resident who has been prescribed this medicine abroad, you must also contact the Drug and Firearms Licensing Unit.

Drug and Firearms Licensing Unit
dflu.ie@homeoffice.gov.uk
Telephone: 020 7035 6330
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
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If it contains a drug listed as schedule 4 (part 2)

To make sure your medicine does not get taken away from you at the border, carry a letter of proof that the medicine was prescribed to you.

If it contains a drug listed as schedule 1

You must contact the Drug and Firearms Licensing Unit before you travel to the UK.

If you need a letter of proof

You need to get the letter from the person who prescribed your medicine. You might need to show this at the border.

The letter must include:

  • your name
  • what countries you’re going to and when
  • a list of your medicine, including how much you have, doses and the strength
  • the signature of the person who prescribed your drugs

If you need a personal licence

Email dflu.ie@homeoffice.gov.uk to ask for an application form. Include in your message your full intended travel details and reason for visit, as well as your UK address.

Before emailing, you should also:

  • know the details of your medicine, including dose, strength and quantity
  • have a letter from your doctor including their professional registration number

Apply at least 15 working days before you’re due to travel.

For further details, read more about personal licences.

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