Medication Passport
A medication passport is a document listing all your medications with dosages, used to cross borders and access care abroad.
A medication passport is a document listing all your medications with dosages, used to cross borders and access care abroad.
Also known as
Medication card, Drug passport, Prescription summary, Medication list document
Why travellers need to know
A medication passport consolidates everything a customs officer, foreign doctor, or pharmacist needs to know about your medications into one document. It's more comprehensive than a simple prescription (which covers one medication) and more accessible than carrying every original prescription for every medication. For travellers taking multiple medications, particularly controlled substances, it's the single most useful document after your actual passport.
Real-world example
At Dubai International Airport, a customs officer asks about the medications in your bag. You show your medication passport: a single document listing each medication by INN and brand name, dosage, prescribing doctor, and reason for prescribing. The officer cross-references the list with your labelled pill bottles, confirms everything matches, and waves you through. Without the document, the process would have taken significantly longer.
Country-specific notes
🇯🇵 Japan
Japan requires a Yunyu Kakunin-sho import certificate for prescription medications above a 1-month supply
Even common medications like pseudoephedrine are banned entirely. For approved prescription medications, quantities above one month's supply need an import confirmation (Yunyu Kakunin-sho) from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare before you travel, so apply a few weeks ahead.
Apply for the import confirmation before departure; the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare explains the process online.
🇩🇪 Germany
German customs allows medicines for personal use in quantities matching your normal needs, usually up to 3 months' supply
A medication list in German and English simplifies any inspection.
For controlled medicines travelling within the Schengen area, ask your doctor for a Schengen certificate (Article 75) before you leave.
🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
The UAE controls many medications sold freely elsewhere; a medication passport does not replace the required documents
Tramadol, zolpidem and many sedatives are controlled. You can bring up to 3 months' supply with a prescription and a medical report, authenticated by your home health authority for narcotic and psychotropic medicines. The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) publishes the controlled list and offers a free import e-permit. Carrying controlled medication without the documents can lead to arrest.
Check the EDE controlled medicines list before packing any pain medication, sleep aid or anxiety medication, and apply for the free e-permit before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
What should a medication passport include?
For each medication: the INN (generic name), brand name, dosage and frequency, prescribing doctor's name and contact details, reason for prescribing, and quantity being carried. The document should be on headed paper from your doctor or practice. Include your name, date of birth, and passport number.
Is a medication passport a legal document?
It's not a legally defined document in most countries, but it serves as supporting evidence for customs and border officials. It demonstrates that your medications are prescribed, documented, and carried in quantities consistent with personal use. It's widely recognised and accepted at borders worldwide.
Your Nomedic health record is a digital medication passport: every medication listed with INN, dosage, prescriber, and reason, accessible on your phone or via QR code at any border.