Alert for travellers on weight-loss jabs going to the airport as they risk 'serious trouble'
Travel and health experts are advising individuals taking weight-loss injections to exercise caution when travelling abroad, as these medications are prohibited or heavily restricted in certain countries. Despite being approved for use in the UK, including the recent NHS rollout of Mounjaro, other nations have not sanctioned their use, which could lead to confiscation or even detention if attempted to be imported.
Experts recommend researching the regulations of your destination and taking necessary steps to ensure uninterrupted treatment. NHS GP Dr Asimah Hanif explained: "There are countries where weight loss injections are restricted or banned - unlike the UK where they are more widely accepted.
"For example if you were to go to the UAE you would need pre-approval from the Ministry of Health. Or if you were to go to Japan, you would require an import certificate.
"In Singapore - you would need approval from the health services authority before travel. There are many ways you can prepare yourself according to the country you're travelling to.
"This will ensure a smooth journey and also allow you to continue administering your weight loss injections." This is especially critical for individuals relying on these injections for diabetes management, in addition to weight loss.
GP Dr Ola Otulana has stated: "At the moment weight loss injections such as semaglutide are widely prescribed in the UK for diabetes management and now more recently for weight management. However, people may not realise that rules can differ significantly abroad as in some countries (in Asia and the Middle East), medications like semaglutide can be heavily regulated or banned entirely if they are not licensed for weight loss there.
"Even in places where they are legal, carrying injectable medications without a letter from a doctor and proof of prescription can raise issues at customs, which may lead to items being confiscated."
"If you are prescribed a weight loss injection in the UK and are planning to travel, the safest approach is to check the embassy website of your destination country in advance to confirm the rules on your medication. You should also carry your prescription, a formal letter from your GP explaining the indication and dosing, and also keep the medication in its original packaging.
"Some countries require you to declare any injectable or controlled medications when you arrive. Prepare and bring any necessary documentation to avoid stress while travelling / abroad and talk to your GP or pharmacist before travelling."
Travellers have reported encountering problems in several countries where these jabs - and other medicines - could potentially land you in hot water, reports Bristol Live. Isheeta Borkarm, co-owner of Travelicious Couple, warned: " Weight-loss injections like Wegovy are legal and widely used in the UK, but they're not allowed everywhere else.
"We've come across a few countries where bringing them in could actually get you into serious trouble. For example, Japan has extremely strict rules around medication import.
"Even certain asthma inhalers are banned, so bringing in injectable weight-loss medication, especially with a needle, without prior approval could lead to confiscation or worse. Singapore requires prior authorisation for any injectable medication.
"We've heard in Thailand even prescription drugs can be flagged at customs if the paperwork isn't clear."
Experts recommend five steps for those travelling with weight loss jabs:
1. You should check embassy websites for the latest information
2. Carry your prescription and a letter from your doctor (ideally stating dosage and medical necessity).
3. Declare it at customs.
4. Avoid packing injectables in carry-ons. Use the original packaging and keep medication with their official labelling.
5. Some of these medications need refrigeration. Call hotels in advance to ensure they had a minibar fridge.
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