Can you take herbal remedies across borders?

by Albatros
(London UK)

I will be traveling for 7 months around SEA, AU, NZ and US. I intend to take with me my beloved medical remedies, herbal tablets, like Milk thistle, Q10, vitamins and minerals. Will I have problems with customs??

Answer:

It depends on the country. You should breeze through most borders in Southeast Asia (with the possible exception of Myanmar). The US can be quite strict about what you bring in. Australia and New Zealand are the most rigorous - always declare everything, just in case. Products allowed in your country might be restricted there and therefore subject to examination by Customs officials.

I would suggest that you bring the minimum - you should be able to find everything you need in the US, Australia and NZ, as well as in major Southeast Asian cities. The less you bring, the less you'll lose if anything gets confiscated.

Whatever you do, don't try to save space by removing the herbals from their original packaging! Make sure you keep the original bottle. A jumble of pills in a plastic bag may be lighter, but it also calls attention to border officials. They don't know you're carrying herbal remedies - for all they know you may be carrying drugs. In some parts of SEA, remember there's a death penalty for drug trafficking, so this is no laughing matter.

So - declare everything in the stricter countries; keep all pills in their original containers; and bring small quantities - you can buy more along the way. Have a great trip!

Still DREAMING about taking that first big trip?
What's stopping you from DOING it?

If you're nervous about setting out on your own, if you find yourself making all sorts of excuses, if there are a million reasons why right now is not the right time...

Then you really need the Art of Solo Travel ! This book is made for you. Whatever is holding you back, The Art of Solo Travel takes the obstacles away, relieves your fears and insecurities, and gets you on the road!

Find out more