Hi,

My husband and I (both UK citizens) are traveling with both prescription and over the counter medicines. We have a letter from our UK doctor that explains which of the prescription items belong to whom and that the sterile needles, syringes and catheters we are carrying are to only for use by a doctor. (We expect later in our trip to be in more remote areas).

a) The letters are in English - do we need to get them translated? If yes, is this possible while on the road (e.g via email) as we are currently in the US (Moab, Utah) on route to Mexico. Also would it have to be done by a recognised organisation?

b) Is it likely that we will have any problem taking in the needle kits etc. One packet is an unopened kit, the other is part of a first aid kit and so the kit has been opened but the needle packaging is in intact.

c) How do we find out exactly what medications are NOT allowed and what are allowed?

Any tips or personal experiences of fellow travellers would be much appreciated too.

Many thanks.

I can only share my personal experience since I don't actually know what the law says.

When I travelled to Mexico and all the Central American Countries I was never searched anywhere and no one ever asked about medications. I carried 4 different medications with me without any problems, but no syringes.

Since you're in the southern USA right now you can get your letter translated and notarized before crossing the border. That area has a very large hispanic population and finding a Spanish translator should be fairly easy.


...Michelle
www.scrabblebiker.com

You should be fine.

They can get twitchy about controlled drugs such as morphine or pethidine but event that is OK as long as drugs are labelled with your name and you have a doctor's letter and you don't have industrial quantities.

Worth getting the letter translated; should be no shortage of Spanish speakers in the US who can do that for you.

The syringes and such should pose no problem here in Mexico. In fact, most authorities are much more compassionate towards people with long term or chronic illnesses than in many other 1st world countries. Generally, a lot of antibiotics are now sold by prescription only here in Mexico. What that means is that you pay an extra $30 pesos for the doctor's prescription who is associated with the pharmacy. Most large phramacies have a cut rate script writer on hand or nearby. If your meds are restricted narcotic based, you could get a copy of your doctor's prescription translated and then have it certified by a Mex consulate if you are really worried. The apostilization of the document allows it to be accepted in Mexico. Generally, if you have pills in bottles with tags and stickers on them and your condition relates to your age etc... you should have no problem in Mexico. You might find the translation and apostilization procedure to be much more trouble and hassle than it is worth. By the way, did you need it for the USA?
If you didn't, you likely won't ever be questioned here.
I highly doubt any cop or soldier would ever knowingly take away the medication or medical supplies of a foreign tourist. I've been here a very long time and have never heard of a case of that happening. Garry Dymond has been here a long time too, maybe he will give his opinion.
Believe it or not, the cops and soldiers that are checking you often have a lot more common sense than in other places. They will likely be more curious about your bike and your trip than your meds.

Take lots with you of you plan on staying for a extended period,you will not well maybe not we couldn't find a outlet to get our prescriptions refilled.we even checked into getting them shipped from home but we were told from several other world travelers they were unable to get them through customs.We are from Canada so it might happen different for you,what you seem to think you cannot get others find ways.

__________________
2 Lost Canadians on a World Walkabout

I agree with Mike Mike. I would check online to see what is available here. A gogle search for farmacias similares will show what you can buy here. If you are bringing it in I don't think it will be a problem . I lived in Brazil for 4 years and took over a years supply of herart medicine there from Mexico. Nobody asked about it.
I don't think syringes will be a problem as all chemist shops sell them here, so in the worst case scenario of having them confiscated you can buy them at the local chemists. It may be the same with the drugs. If you PM with the names of the meds I will see what you can get here and that way you won't worry so much about them.
Changing the subject if you want to come to Mex City send me a PM and we can set it up.
Garry

Just contacted a translation service who offered to translate 2 doctor's letters for $150. There can only be 100 words in total. Sadly had to decline the quote.