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 medications, quantities above one month's supply require advance import certification from the Ministry of Health. The process takes 2–3 weeks.
Apply for the import certificate before departure — the Japanese Embassy in your country can advise on current requirements.
🇩🇪 Germany
German customs routinely accepts documented medications for personal use up to 3 months' supply
A medication passport in German and English simplifies any inspection. The ADAC publishes a free medication passport template accepted at most EU customs checkpoints.
Download the ADAC medication travel card template — it includes fields for diagnosis, medication name, dosage, and prescribing physician in multiple EU languages.
🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
The UAE bans dozens of medications common in Western pharmacies — a medication passport does not override an import ban
Tramadol, codeine, and some sedatives are completely prohibited. The UAE Ministry of Health publishes a current controlled substances list. Carrying banned medication unknowingly can result in arrest.
Check the UAE MOH controlled substances list before packing any pain medication, sleep aid, or anxiety medication — even with a valid prescription.
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.