Experts warn your medication could be confiscated and you could be held by the authorities
Travel and health experts have warned anyone taking weight-loss jabs to check before they go on holiday as they are banned or restricted in some countries. Mounjaro has been released for use as a weight-loss jab on the NHS in the UK and other jabs are available to buy privately.
But while weight-loss medication is legal in the UK, other countries have not approved it – meaning it could be confiscated or you could be held by the authorities if you try to import it.
Travel and health experts have explained what you need to do if you want to take your weight-loss jabs abroad this summer.
NHS GP Dr Asimah Hanif said: “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.”
The jabs are often used for their original purpose – managing diabetes – as well as being taken for weight loss. This can mean there is an even more urgent need to keep talking them.
GP Dr Ola Otulana said: “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 say they have come across a number of countries where the jabs – and other medication – can land you in trouble.
Isheeta Borkarm co-owner of Travelicious Couple, said: “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.”
Five steps to take if 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.