If you're planning a holiday but are feeling unwell, you might think you can simply take the medication. However, this is not permitted and you will need to check the rules of the country you are visiting.
The Foreign Office said some of the legal drugs in the UK could be illegal overseas. According to Gov.uk, the classifications and regulations of certain prescription or over-the-counter drugs may vary from country to country.
They said, “It is illegal to carry some common prescription and over-the-counter medications under strictly enacted anti-stimulants laws.”
This includes:
Vicks for allergies and sinus problems influenza drugs containing pseudo-ephedrine containing inhaled and over-the-counter painkillers containing codeine
“Foreigners have been detained and deported for these crimes. If you are taking medicine, check their status at the Japanese Embassy in the UK.” According to The Mirror, around 437,000 British people traveled to Japan in 2024.
If an emergency occurs when you are in the country, dial 119 and request an ambulance. If you are taking your healthcare facility for treatment, contact your insurance provider as soon as possible. It is also important to check the passport validity rules before traveling to Japan.
The current rule is that your passport must remain valid throughout your stay. No additional validity period is required. You need to make sure your passport has a blank page for your visa stamp. They further warn: “If you do not have valid travel documents or try to use a passport reported as lost or stolen, your entry will be denied.”
The emergency situation is currently underway. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that “civil disability and violent demonstrations are rare in Japan.” But sometimes there are pro-nationalist demonstrations showing hostility towards foreign countries. If you encounter a protest, it is official advice to leave the area immediately.
