I travel very frequently to the UK and other European countries. As I am on methadone (chronically) and other various controlled meds on an as needed basis, I must take them with me when I travel. The first time I went to the UK (in 1995) I declared my methadone to British Customs upon arrival. They did a brief search of my luggage and verified my prescription (I was charged around $20 for the international phone calls and various administrative fees.) My meds were returned to me and I was told that I do not have to declare them when I make future visits. It should be noted that I have never declared my meds since, even when I had gone outside the UK to France, et. al., and have never encountered a single problem, but I still carry a letter from my physician stating that I am prescribed this medication in a certain dose for a certain reason, etc., just in case.

For the small inconvenience and fee, I learned that I had worried needlessly for weeks before my trip. I just wanted to pass this on for information purposes and to see if anyone has had a different experience.

There are some countries, mostly Islamic nations, that DO NOT permit narcotics at all. In fact you can be imprisoned, or worse, for possessing them--even with a valid prescription.

Again, I just wondered if anyone had different experiences abroad.

Regards!

night_shade