Ask your doctor for a letter explaining why you take any particular OTC medication regularly. For example, some people take aspirin daily for cardiac problems, but it is available without a prescription. It is important that your medications are not confiscated if you need them daily. Make sure that the letter states your name, date of birth and passport number. If your documents cross-reference correctly with your travel identification, you are less likely to run in to trouble at the customs counter.
Keep all of your OTC medication in its original packaging, and where possible, make sure that the containers are sealed, and that the opening has not been tampered with. This safeguards you against being suspected of trafficking illegal drugs in OTC containers.
Get a letter from a naturopath for any herbal preparations you are taking that come in powder form. Herbs in powdered or dried leaf form can raise suspicion. Again, make sure that the details on the letter correspond with your name, date of birth, and passport number. The letter should explain what the herb is for and also describe the herb's appearance. It should also include information on how often you take it and how it is prepared.
Pack your OTC medication safely in your hand luggage, and keep your hand luggage with you at all times, so that it cannot be tampered with or stolen.
Contact your airline company or your travel insurance company if you are uncertain about being able to bring any OTC medication through customs. Enquire about the drugs laws in the country or state your are traveling to, and check whether any of the medications you are bringing through are contraband at that destination.
