The countries you don't want to bring certain everyday drugs and medication into

Doing so could land you in serious trouble with the local authorities

Did you know – medications that are commonplace in the UK are strictly banned in countries abroad.

Some legal drugs are even illegal to fly over certain countries with and they could get you into serious trouble once you land, reports the Bristol Post.

In a startling case, 33-year-old Laura Plummer was held in prison for carrying a prescription painkiller – Tramadol – in her luggage.

The holidaymaker from Hull had travelled to Egypt where the drug is illegal and as a consequence she now faces a jail sentence or even the death penalty.

Tramadol had been banned in Egypt in 2015 after it started being used as a cheap heroin substitute.

Anyone bringing the drug into the country needs to tell the Egyptian Embassy in London, or get a note from their GP.

However, Egypt is not the only country that has strict regulations and laws around what over-the-counter medicines sold in the UK can and can’t be taken there.

Here are some of the countries where you might need to be careful taking medicine.

Zambia

If you are travelling to or through Zambia then be careful to check what meds you are taking with you.

The Southern African country does not allow Benylin cough syrup to be brought past its borders.

This is because it contains an ingredient called diphenhydramine - a mild sedative - making it illegal, said travel expert Simon Calder on This Morning.

United Arab Emirates

The UAE can be strict about what medication is allowed through their borders.

Dubai is a popular holiday destination for people looking for sun, sea and five-star luxury.

But be warned, some prescribed and over the counter medicines from the UK such as diazepam, tramadol and codeine are controlled substances in the Emirates.

These are not allowed into the UAE without permission from the country's Ministry of Health and a doctor's prescription.

Holidaymakers who don't get permission could be prosecuted.

China

Tourists should always carry a doctor's note with any personal medicine they have with them to prove why they need it.

Customs officials will verify if the amount of medicine you have on you is appropriate for the length of time you are in the country.

Japan

Check what meds you can take to Japan before travelling.

Do your homework on what medicines you are allowed to take into the country before you visit Japan.

Anything you bring into the country is considered an import so they have stricter rules which apply in particular to personal medication.

One example of this is Vicks Inhaler which is a banned in Japan.

The nasal congestion spray contains pseudoephedrine which is a controlled substance there.

Some kinds of medication for ADHD are also banned in Japan.

Qatar

The Gulf state could welcome thousands of Brits when it hosts the World Cup in 2022.

But many over the counter medicines such as cold and cough remedies are controlled substances and must be accompanied by a prescription.

Some sleeping pills, painkillers and anti-depressants are completely banned here.

Saudi Arabia

Tourists should be wary of taking any medicine without a doctor's note to Saudi Arabia.

Around 25,000 British Muslims made the pilgrimage to the holy site of Mecca in 2015.

Any medication needs to be accompanied by either a recent medical report or a doctor's prescription.

Thailand

In the South-East Asian country many common prescription drugs including codeine, morphine and fentanyl require a permit in Thailand.

Be careful, if you don't have one you could face prison.

Singapore

Sleeping pills, anti-anxiety pills and painkillers all require a licence in Singapore.

Getting a licence requires a doctor's note, a copy of your flight details and a copy of your passport.

Indonesia

Many prescription medicine such as codeine, sleeping pills and treatments for ADHD are illegal.

Turkey

If you need to take medication with you then you must notify authorities.

Turkey is a popular family destination for many in the UK but be careful what pills you pack before travelling there.

If you have prescription medication you must have a doctor's note or prescription which can be sent to the Turkish tourism office for translation.

Costa Rica

Visitors to the popular Central American country must only take enough medication for the length of their stay, with a doctor's note to say that this is the right amount.

Source: Bath Chronicle, Bronwen Weatherby, Sam Petherick, November 19, 2017

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