Travel medicine checklist for a safe trip | Adult/child kits, medication import rules by country, and packing tips

The worst thing about travelling is falling ill unexpectedly! Upset stomachs and diarrhoea due to unfamiliar food and water, colds and flu caused by climate changes, mosquito bites and insect stings... In an unfamiliar place, where you are not familiar with the surroundings, finding a pharmacy or seeking medical treatment can be especially difficult. Preparing a “travel medicine kit” in advance is the simplest and most direct way to protect your health while travelling. This article brings together the most comprehensive checklist of travel medicine essentials for adults and children, as well as important notes on medication import restrictions for various countries (including Japan, Korea, Thailand, and others), plus how travel insurance can provide cover for your overseas medical expenses.

When travelling, the last thing you want is to fall ill due to acclimatisation issues or feel unwell. Bringing along a travel medicine kit can help you deal with sudden health issues or common illnesses, saving time and effort, and reducing the inconvenience of finding a pharmacy or clinic abroad.

In fact, travellers’ diarrhoea is one of the most common health problems encountered when travelling overseas. More importantly, not every city has pharmacies or convenience stores as readily available as in Hong Kong. When you need medicine urgently, you may have to spend time searching for a pharmacy or convenience store. On top of that, language barriers can make buying medicine or seeking medical treatment abroad far more difficult than expected.

Overseas medical expenses are often extremely high. Take Japan as an example: travellers generally do not have a health insurance card and are required to pay the full medical bill in one go, so the cost can be relatively high. Even for a standard outpatient consultation, foreign travellers without Japanese health insurance must pay the full amount themselves. Therefore, whether you are going on a short trip or a long journey, preparing a travel medicine kit in advance is essential pre-trip homework.

Before you set off, besides packing your travel medicine kit, remember to buy travel insurance! If you fall ill or get injured during your trip and need medical treatment, travel insurance can cover your hefty overseas medical expenses.Compare travel insurance now

The following is a list of common over-the-counter travel medicines. If you are travelling with children or elderly people with chronic illnesses, please ask in advance about the appropriate dosage and any precautions for use.

① Pain relief and fever reducers

Weather changes or physical fatigue during travel can easily weaken the body’s resistance and cause fever. Paracetamol or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers (such as ibuprofen) can effectively reduce fever and relieve headaches.

Paracetamol is a commonly used analgesic and antipyretic in Hong Kong, mainly for pain relief and fever reduction. Although taking the normal dose of Paracetamol is safe, patients with impaired liver function should use it with caution to avoid further damage to liver function.

② Cold and flu medicines (cough suppression, phlegm relief, runny nose relief)

Colds are a common inconvenience when travelling. Keeping some cold and flu medicines on hand can effectively relieve discomfort such as coughing and a runny nose. For a dry cough, you may bring some lemon- or honey-flavoured throat lozenges for relief; for a phlegmy cough, expectorants such as powders or syrups can help loosen phlegm. As for a runny nose and sneezing, antihistamines can help relieve allergic symptoms.

③ Gastrointestinal medicines (anti-diarrhoeal, anti-vomiting, antacids)

Trying new foods or experiencing a change in environment and water quality during travel can easily cause stomach and intestinal discomfort. Common gastrointestinal medicines include:

Anti-diarrhoeal medicine (such as Imodium), with a maximum of 8 tablets per day. Oral Rehydration Salts are used to replenish electrolytes lost due to diarrhoea.

Antacids help neutralise stomach acid and relieve indigestion and heartburn, and are usually used to treat peptic ulcers. However, please note that taking antacids will slow the absorption of other anti-ulcer medicines, tetracycline and iron tablets, affecting the efficacy of these medicines.

④ Anti-allergy medicines (antihistamines)

Antihistamines are one type of oral anti-allergy medicine. They can be divided into sedating and non-sedating types. Antihistamines suppress histamine and can therefore relieve allergic symptoms. In addition, antihistamines can also relieve hay fever and other allergic symptoms — such as hives, itching, sneezing, watery eyes and a runny nose — and may also reduce the pain and swelling caused by wasp or bee stings.

Please note that some antihistamines have a sedating effect and may cause drowsiness; you should not drive after taking them.

⑤ Motion sickness tablets / travel sickness medicine

Long journeys by car, boat or plane can easily cause motion sickness. Motion sickness tablets can help prevent discomfort caused by car or sea travel, but remember to take them 30 to 60 minutes before the journey; motion sickness patches may also be used, applied behind the ear 4 to 12 hours before travel and effective for 72 hours.

⑥ Topical medicines

Topical hydrocortisone cream is a relatively mild steroid medicine that helps treat skin inflammation, insect bites and eczema. In addition to reducing inflammation and relieving itching, topical steroids have a vasoconstrictive effect, which can reduce skin redness and swelling. However, please note that unless prescribed by a doctor, topical steroids should not be applied to the face.

You should also bring basic first-aid supplies such as antiseptic solution, antiseptic ointment, adhesive plasters, gauze and bandages, as well as mosquito and insect repellent products.

⑦ Other recommended items

A thermometer, face masks, alcohol hand sanitiser and oral electrolyte supplements (ORS) are also worth adding to your travel first-aid kit. Bruises and abrasions are hard to avoid when travelling, so prepare some basic first-aid supplies such as adhesive plasters, saline solution, gauze and bandages. In the event of an accident, you can provide prompt first aid and treat the wound.

Parents travelling with children should pay particular attention: the dosage form, dose and contraindications of medicines for children differ from those for adults.

Taking the dosage form as an example, young children may not yet know how to swallow tablets, so a liquid formulation should be prepared. Medicine dosages must also be adjusted according to the child’s weight and age; it is not advisable to simply give a child half the adult dose. Some medicines are also not suitable for children, for example medicines containing aspirin are not recommended for children under 16.

The basic items in a child-friendly first-aid medicine pack are similar to those for adults, but special attention should be paid to children’s paracetamol syrup (such as Calpol), children’s-dose antihistamine syrup, oral rehydration salts (ORS) for children, etc. Before departure, be sure to check with a paediatrician or pharmacist the suitable age and dosage for each medicine.

Traveller’s Diarrhoea

Traveller’s diarrhoea is the most common travel-related health problem. Generally speaking, the incidence of traveller’s diarrhoea is around 30% to 70%, making it one of the most common illnesses encountered when travelling overseas. Travellers to regions such as Asia (excluding Japan), the Middle East, Africa, Mexico, and Central and South America are at particularly high risk. Most cases of traveller’s diarrhoea are caused by bacteria, with Escherichia coli being the most common pathogen.

The basic principle for preventing traveller’s diarrhoea is to pay attention to food hygiene — avoid eating unsafe food and drinking untreated water. During travel, hygiene issues relating to food and water sources may cause gastrointestinal discomfort. Avoiding unsafe food, staying hydrated, and ensuring the safety of food and water can help reduce the risk.

Travel Colds and Fever

When away from home, changes in climate and dietary culture, together with travel fatigue, can create the opportunity for illness to take hold. In particular, travelling from warm areas to cold regions (or vice versa), where there is a large temperature difference, can make the body more prone to catching a chill. Bringing along antipyretics and cold medicines can help relieve symptoms promptly at an early stage.

Mosquito Bites and Skin Allergies

When travelling to tropical and subtropical areas, mosquito bites are a common nuisance, and in severe cases may also spread diseases such as dengue fever and malaria. Anti-mosquito measures include using repellents containing DEET, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and using mosquito nets. Bringing anti-itch ointment (such as hydrocortisone cream) and antihistamines can help ease discomfort after being bitten.

Motion Sickness and Altitude Sickness

Travellers who are prone to motion sickness should take travel sickness tablets in advance. If travelling to high-altitude areas (such as Tibet and Peru), consult a doctor to see whether altitude sickness medication (such as acetazolamide) is needed.

This is an important detail that many travellers easily overlook. Below is a summary of key medication control requirements for popular destinations among Hong Kong travellers:

Japan

Japan imposes very strict controls on the import of medicines. Under Japan’s Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Act, if a medicine contains more than 10% pseudoephedrine, it is classified as a stimulant raw material. Many common decongestants and cold medicines contain this ingredient.

Medicines containing “pseudoephedrine” or “codeine” are regulated in Japan. Vicks inhalers containing stimulants, and products containing stimulant raw materials, are prohibited from being brought into Japan.

In addition, codeine is a common ingredient in cough syrup and painkillers, with analgesic and sedative effects. Under Japanese law, it is classified as an opiate ingredient. If a traveller fails to declare it on entry or carries an excessive quantity, there is a risk that it will be detained by customs.

Practical advice: Check the ingredients list of all medicines before departure and avoid medicines containing pseudoephedrine or codeine. If you must carry prescription medicine containing regulated ingredients, enquire in advance with the Japanese Consulate in Hong Kong about the declaration procedures.

South Korea

The Korea Customs Service has announced that, due to travellers frequently bringing in cold medicines, sleeping pills and weight-loss medicines containing narcotic ingredients, border controls on medicines will be comprehensively tightened from April. EVE-series painkillers are also included among the prohibited items. Non-compliant medicines will be retained and destroyed by customs, and serious cases may face criminal investigation.

Some EVE painkillers contain “allylisopropylacetylurea”, which in South Korea is classified as a psychotropic substance and carries effects on the central nervous system as well as a risk of addiction.

EVE is a well-known painkiller launched by Japan’s SS Pharmaceutical in 1985. Common products include “EVE A Tablets”, “EVE A Tablets EX”, “EVE Rapid Headache Relief”, “EVE Rapid Headache Relief DX” and “EVE Three Shot Premium”. Only “Three Shot Premium” does not contain regulated ingredients and may be brought into the country; most other products may be confiscated.

Practical advice: Avoid bringing EVE-series medicines when travelling to South Korea. When carrying medicines across the border, it is advisable to keep the original packaging and explanatory documents such as ingredient labels for inspection purposes.

Thailand

Thailand also imposes quantity limits on health supplements and medicines entering the country. In general, medicines for personal use may be brought in, but each item should not exceed a reasonable quantity for personal use. When carrying prescription medicines, a doctor’s prescription should be provided.

Hong Kong Immigration and Customs

There are also regulations to note when bringing medicines back to Hong Kong from abroad. According to the Hong Kong Customs website, pharmaceutical products and medicines brought back from Japan are subject to Hong Kong law. Anyone bringing controlled medicines into Hong Kong must be accompanied by a permit issued by the Department of Health. However, travellers carrying a reasonable quantity of pharmaceutical products or medicines for personal use in their luggage are generally exempted.

It is particularly worth noting that ibuprofen, an ingredient in EVE painkillers, is a Part I poison under Hong Kong law. The illegal sale or possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products and Part I poisons constitutes a criminal offence, with each offence punishable by a fine of up to HK$100,000 and imprisonment for 2 years.

General advice

Medicines taken regularly should be carried in your hand luggage to avoid loss. If you need to carry special medicines or medical assistive devices, you should ask your doctor to issue a simple medical record before departure. If liquid medicines are placed in hand luggage, the aviation safety rule of no more than 100 ml per bottle must be observed.

Travel medication can only deal with minor discomfort. If you encounter a more serious situation while travelling — for example, acute gastroenteritis requiring hospitalisation for an intravenous drip, an accidental injury requiring surgery, or even an emergency medical evacuation back to Hong Kong by air ambulance — these expenses can easily amount to hundreds of thousands, or even over a million Hong Kong dollars.

A suitable travel insurance policy will usually cover the following medical-related benefits:

Medical expenses: If you need medical treatment during your trip due to an accident or illness, medical cover will usually pay for the relevant medical expenses, including doctors’ consultation fees, hospital charges, surgery fees, and so on.

Medical evacuation: If local medical services are inadequate and the insured person must be urgently transferred elsewhere because of their condition, medical cover can provide compensation for the costs incurred, including transporting the insured person by air ambulance to the most appropriate hospital or medical centre.

Prescription drug costs: If a doctor prescribes medication for treatment, medical cover will usually also pay the relevant prescription drug costs.

Taking travel in Japan as an example, Hong Kong travellers generally do not have a Japanese health insurance card, so consultation fees are more expensive than for local residents. Therefore, remember to keep all consultation records, reports and receipts so that you can claim from the travel insurance company after returning to Hong Kong.

As our demand for travel continues to grow, the associated risks are also increasing. When accidents happen, especially in an unfamiliar foreign country, we may face problems such as language barriers and high medical costs. Therefore, checking the scope of medical cover in your travel insurance will help you receive assistance more quickly if an accident occurs.

Further reading: Which travel insurance is best? Experts share 10 key details you must check when choosing travel insurance

Q: Can first-aid medicines be put in hand luggage?

Yes, and it is advisable to carry commonly used medicines with you. Medicines should be kept in your hand luggage rather than checked in, to avoid loss and ensure they are readily available when needed. However, please note that liquid medicines (such as syrups and eye drops) placed in hand luggage must not exceed 100ml per bottle and must be placed in a transparent resealable plastic bag.

Q: How long is the shelf life of first-aid medicines generally?

It depends on the type of medicine. In general, over-the-counter medicines have a shelf life of 2 to 3 years. It is important to pack your first-aid medicine kit and emergency supplies properly before departure, and to regularly check household first-aid medicines for any damage or expiry.

Q: Can children take adults’ first-aid medicines?

No, this is not recommended. Children’s bodies respond to medicines differently from adults’, so children-specific formulations (such as syrups) and weight-based dosages should be used. Before departure, you should confirm with a paediatrician or pharmacist.

Q: Can I bring decongestants containing pseudoephedrine to Japan?

Extra caution is required. Medicines containing more than 10% pseudoephedrine are regarded in Japan as raw materials for stimulants, and carrying large quantities may lead customs to suspect smuggling. It is recommended to avoid bringing medicines containing pseudoephedrine into Japan.

Q: Can I bring EVE painkillers to Korea?

Most EVE products cannot be brought in. Japanese EVE painkillers contain a controlled narcotic ingredient called allylisopropylacetylurea, and since April 2025 Korea has completely prohibited their importation. Offenders may have the medicines confiscated and destroyed, and in serious cases may also be penalised.

Q: What should I do if I have gastrointestinal discomfort while travelling but have no medicine on hand?

For mild diarrhoea, the most important thing is to replenish fluids and electrolytes to avoid dehydration. You may mix a small amount of salt and sugar into clean water to make a simple electrolyte solution at home (add half a teaspoon of salt and 6 teaspoons of sugar to 1 litre of clean water). If diarrhoea lasts more than 48 hours, or if you develop fever or bloody stools, seek medical attention as soon as possible. At such times, having travel insurance can greatly reduce the burden of overseas medical expenses.

Q: Does travel insurance cover the cost of first-aid medicines?

Generally speaking, travel insurance mainly covers medical expenses arising from sudden illness or accidents during the trip, including doctors’ consultation fees, hospitalisation costs and prescribed medicine expenses. The cost of first-aid medicines prepared by yourself before departure is usually not covered. However, if you fall ill during the trip, need to see a doctor and are prescribed medicines, the relevant expenses are generally covered.

Summary
Travel first-aid medicines are a “must-have” for every journey, rather than merely an “just in case” option. Spending a dozen minutes preparing a complete first-aid medicine kit can help you deal with most minor discomforts while travelling, so that a small illness does not affect your entire itinerary.

At the same time, first-aid medicines can only do so much. If you encounter a more serious health issue and need to seek medical treatment locally or even be hospitalised, overseas medical expenses can be extremely high. Therefore, purchasing travel insurance with sufficient medical cover before departure is just as important as preparing first-aid medicines — the two complement each other and together provide the most complete travel health protection.

The contents of this article are for reference only and do not constitute any medical advice. Personal medication should be discussed with a registered doctor or pharmacist. Drug control regulations vary by country and may be updated; please check the latest requirements with the relevant government authorities before departure.

This English version of this article has been generated by machine translation powered by AI. It is provided solely for reference purposes. In the event of any discrepancy or inconsistency between this translation and the original Chinese version, the Chinese version shall prevail.