Taking personal meds abroad - Mexico

[CoiledSpring]

Going to Mexico for 2 weeks on Monday

I'll be taking 28 vals.

Do they check you for these at security - do you need a proof or purchase?

[dudcat]

Going to Mexico for 2 weeks on Monday

I'll be taking 28 vals.

Do they check you for these at security - do you need a proof or purchase?

Well, obviously if you have a prescription you have nothing to worry about.   If not, you probably would be ok entering the country - I think you are from the UK?  Any time I take non-prescribed meds into another country, I keep them on my person and have never had any issues.  It is the return trip where you may find yourself under scrutiny.  I wouldn't attempt to return with anything that wasn't in a valid prescription bottle, at least not into the US from Mexico.  Chances of a thorough search increase.  I also personally wouldn't attempt to purchase anything in that country and return with it if it is not otc in your country.  I once was returning from the Bahamas and had purchased come Co-codamol and it was confiscated, as even otc meds with small amounts of codeine mixed with acetaminophen are scheduled in the US.  Not sure what your laws are.  Anyway, have a fantastic trip and get some R & R!  -dc

[ComeDayGoDay]

I suppose every situation could be different, but I traveled to Italy, through Germany and through Canada back to the US on the way back and never had a problem. I brought my anti-anxiety and sleep medication (as well as anti-depressants) in my carry on on all flights. (I've also gone on cruises with no problems through security). Honestly, I was nervous that someone would steal my medications if I packed them in my checked luggage (as I've heard stories before). I had legit prescriptions with my names on them. But, if I were you, I would bring them with me. 28 doesn't seem like much, and people need assistance/medication while flying. I've never been checked for medication in security. I've flown with multiple bottles of medication and I think that that would be the least of their concerns. I think weapons are more of a concern, obviously, but I wouldn't think that that little of an amount would be an issue. But that's just my 2 cents.

[JK1976]

I ts been since 2015 since. But I just put them in bottles with a script even if it doesn't. Match in my pockets I think I even threw them in the box they xray. Just at this time I wouldn't do it coming back in from Mex. Or talk to someone with more experience coming back. I've done it coming back in on tour bus it was a breeze.

[CoiledSpring]

Cheers - I think they'all be used up by return time!

[andybones]

Agreed with FF.
I have done this many times. The anxiety from it almost makes it not worth it, but it is needed.
I always toss in my carry-on. I wouldn't be able to put it in a checked luggage bag. My OCD would get the best of me. I like having them right with me. Usually with a few other bottles like Aspirin and other things like that. I also have a few legit prescriptions that I need, and that's never been an issue. In-fact they have never touched any of my bottles on the many trips I have taken, but every trip is a new journey .
Enjoy your trip and some well deserved relaxation!

[MoJim]

I recently went to Europe for a month and always put them in my carry on. I probably went through customs about 6-10 times and they didn't blink an eye. I had them in scripted bottles and had copied the original prescription before I filled it to carry with me.

Another option, so I've hear, is to get a script there. The dr. is conveniently located next to the pharmacy and just show him an empty scripted bottle and he should write a script and you can just stroll on over to the pharmacy and have it filled.

[hqinmaine]

Yikes! You do know that there are severe travel warnings for most of Mexico for US citizens?.

[MoJim]

Yes large parts of Mexico do have travel warnings, especially close to the US border. I think the Yucatan (Cancun, Cozumel, Playa Del Carmen) and Cabo are probably the safest places. I wouldn't hesitate to visit those areas.

[CoiledSpring]

Update

Got in and out ok - not with many and it was clearly my own personal use. They didn't check or ask.

Mexico is very nice by the way.