Medication, drugs and alcohol While Traveling

In some countries, medication and drugs that are legal and readily available in Canada are considered illegal, require a prescription, or may raise suspicions among local officials and customs and immigration authorities. Some countries also strictly prohibit the import, possession and use of alcohol.

Illegal drug use and trafficking are prohibited in all countries, even though drugs may be readily available and openly used in some cultures.

Being Canadian does not exempt you from local laws on illegal drugs. If you break the law in another country, you are subject to that country’s judicial system. Most countries impose heavy fines and long prison sentences for simple possession. Even prescription drugs and syringes used for legitimate medical purposes can come under intense scrutiny.

You should:

Ensure that your prescription medication is not prohibited in your destination country and/or any country where you have an airport layover.
Keep all medication in its original, labelled container and carry a note from your doctor explaining its use.
Never carry a package or luggage for someone else.
Choose your travelling companions wisely. You should never cross a border with a hitchhiker or as a hitchhiker. Although you may not be carrying anything illegal, you could be implicated if your companions are in possession of illegal drugs.
Be equally cautious about who and what you carry in your vehicles. You could be held responsible for your passengers’ offences.