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Travelling with medicines and medical devices

Are you planning to travel with medicines and medical devices? It’s important that you understand the rules and requirements before you travel.

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Australia has rules about bringing in medicines and medical devices for your own use or the use of someone you are caring for. The countries that you’re visiting may also have rules that you need to follow.

Entering Australia

Under the traveller’s exemption, many medicines and medical devices can be brought into Australia, as long as you follow these simple rules:

  1. Only bring medicines or devices that are for you or an immediate family member travelling with you
  2. Don’t sell or supply the product to another person
  3. Keep the product in its original packaging
  4. Carry a prescription or a letter from your doctor
  5. Don’t bring more than a 3-month supply
  6. Take any remaining products with you when you leave Australia, and make sure you always
  7. Comply with requests and directions from customs officers

For more information about travelling into Australia with medicines and medical devices, please visit tga.gov.au.

Visit Entering Australia for more information about bringing in your medicines or medical devices.

Leaving Australia

Before you leave Australia, here are some tips to travel safely with your medicines and medical devices.

  1. Talk to your doctor
  2. Check with your destination country if your medicine or device is allowed there, and if there are any restrictions
  3. Carry a prescription or a letter from your doctor
  4. Keep the product in its original packaging
  5. Take enough for your whole trip
  6. Carry medicines and devices in your hand luggage

For more information about travelling out of Australia with medicines and medical devices, please visit tga.gov.au.

 

Visit Leaving Australia for more information about travelling with your medicines or medical devices.

Airport security screening

When travelling through Australian airports, security screening may involve:

  • full body scanners
  • walk-through metal detectors
  • handheld metal detectors (wands)
  • visual inspection
  • physical pat-downs
  • x-ray scanners for carry-on luggage

People don’t get to choose how they are screened. By entering a screening point, they are legally considered to have consented to all screening methods except frisk search, which requires specific consent.

Full body scanners are being introduced at most airports and will replace walk-through metal detectors. These scanners use millimetre wave technology. This is radiofrequency radiation similar to, but at much lower levels, than that emitted by mobile phones. These scanners are considered safe for travellers and staff, and there are no known safety concerns to people with active implantable medical devices.

However, some medical devices - such as insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors - may be affected by certain screening methods. Check your device manufacturer’s advice before flying. Some devices should not go through ionising X-ray scanners, while others require specific preparation.

Travelling with pacemaker, insulin pump or another medical device

If you are travelling with a device like a pacemaker or insulin pump, let the security officer know before screening. You should:

  • Carry a letter from your doctor confirming your condition and use of the device
  • Show the letter to the screening officer
  • Request a private screening if needed (you have the right to ask for a room and officer of the same gender)

Security officers must not remove or interfere with your medical device.

Travelling with needles and syringes

If you need to carry needles or syringes, you must bring:

  • A doctor’s letter or medical certificate
  • Only the amount needed for your flight (plus some extra for delays) in your carry-on baggage

Put the rest in your checked baggage.

Empty syringes are only allowed in carry-on baggage if the associated medication is also carried. Present your documentation at the checkpoint and notify cabin crew when boarding.

Travelling with an ostomy bag

Tell the screening officer you have an ostomy and show your supporting documents. You can request a private screening if required.

You may bring ostomy supplies (like pouches and flanges) in your carry-on bag. These will be screened as needed.

The Australian Council of Stoma Associations (ACSA) recommends cutting your appliances in advance in case you need them during the flight. Visit the ACSA website for more information.

Travelling with mobility aids

Mobility aid size and weight limits vary between airlines. This includes:

  • crutches
  • manual and electric wheelchairs
  • mobility scooters

Check with your airline before flying to make sure your aid can be stored and used on the aircraft.

Travelling with dangerous goods

Medical devices like mobility scooters and oxygen concentrators often use batteries that must be stored safely. Ask your airline about:

  • Whether batteries should be removed
  • How to store spare batteries
  • Limits on battery quantity and type

If you need to use equipment like CPAP machines or ventilators during your flight, or plan to travel with oxygen cylinders, check with your airline ahead of time. They will tell you:

  • What approvals or forms are needed
  • If onboard power is available
  • What storage rules apply

Plan ahead

Before you travel:

  • Talk to your doctor about how airport screening might affect your medical device or medication
  • Carry a doctor’s letter or medical ID card that lists your condition, devices, and medicines
  • Leave medicines in their original packaging - the name must match your boarding pass
  • Pack only what you need for the flight (plus some extra) in your carry-on
  • Put the rest of your medication in checked baggage

Always follow your device manufacturer’s instructions for travel and airport screening. Carry a copy of this information with you.

Use the travel checklist available in different languages below to assist you before you travel.

Helpful links for travellers

Many different Australian Government organisations have a role in overseeing travelling with medicines and medical devices.

For further information, you may wish to contact one of the following organisations:

If you’re wanting to have a medicine or device sent to you in Australia from overseas, you can legally import a three month supply (at the maximum dose recommended by the manufacturer) of most therapeutic goods for personal use under the Personal Importation Scheme.

Individuals should discuss the use of any ‘unapproved’ medicine imported from overseas with your treating health practitioner to determine if the product is suitable for you.

How to make a complaint

If you have concerns about security screening, you can provide feedback or make a complaint to the on-duty screening supervisor at the time of screening. If you are unhappy with how the supervisor handles your complaint, contact the relevant airport or airline.

The Department of Home Affairs sets the broad requirements for aviation security, including requirements for screening passengers and their luggage.

The print version is available in 12 languages:

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