Overview

• The Foreign Office warns that medicines common in the UK, including Vicks inhalers and allergy or sinus treatments, are illegal in countries such as Japan, the UAE and Egypt.
• Cold and flu remedies containing pseudoephedrine and over-the-counter painkillers with codeine may lead to prosecution under anti-stimulant or controlled substance regulations.
• Detention and deportation have occurred for travellers unaware that their medications breach anti-stimulant laws in Japan and controlled substance bans elsewhere.
• Holidaymakers should check the legality of their medicines with the relevant embassy, verify passport validity for the duration of stay and ensure they have a blank page for visa stamps.
• In Japan, travellers should dial 119 for medical emergencies, notify their insurance provider immediately and avoid areas of pro-nationalist demonstrations by leaving at the first sign of a protest.