Rules for bringing medications to New York
You're allowed to bring medications with you, but there are a few rules to follow. Here's what you need to know to avoid any issues.
Planning to bring medications to New York? No problem. Just follow the airline rules for packing them—it depends on where you put them. You have two options:
In checked baggage
- Medications in your checked bag can travel with almost no restrictions. The only rule is that they must be for personal use. If you arrive with a suitcase full of antibiotics or corticosteroids, customs will ask questions if they inspect your bag.
- For you, your family, regular treatments, or a basic first-aid kit, there’s no issue at all.
In carry-on baggage
- Carry-on is more restricted. You can bring medications, but only a reasonable amount for your trip. Containers must not exceed 100 ml. At security, remove your medications from your carry-on and place the bottles in a plastic bag.
- If you take regular medication—for asthma, heart condition, or anything similar—pack it in your carry-on. If your checked bag is lost, you don’t want to arrive in New York without your treatment. Be ready to show your prescription to prove you need the medication.
- Common over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or throat lozenges don’t need a prescription and are fine in carry-on baggage.
- One more thing: New York is one of the world’s largest cities, so finding a pharmacy is easy if you forget something. Some pharmacies here are open 24/7.