Bringing in prescription drugs
The New Zealand Immigration/Customs page says that written prescriptions are needed to accompany any pills brought into Auckland.
How stringent are the officials about statins, antidepressants, sleeping pills, oxycodones (we both have had kidney stone attacks) or a drug like Imitrex for migraines?
We are in our sixties, so we aren't youthful drug users.
We arrive in Auckland on October 23rd, so we're trying to think of any remaining details. Just bring the written prescriptions with us?
We have never declared medicines or had any problems coming back into New Zealand with prescription medicines including statins and were unaware of the requirement for a written prescription. We are also in our sixties and last came back into the country (via Auckland Aipport) a couple of months ago.
If you have the prescriptions I would suggest you bring them but I would be very surprised if you need them,
Enjoy your visit
My 'older' parents travel with prescribed medications. They get a letter from their doctor stating what each medication is for. Carrying the doctor's letter is fair easier than carrying the actual prescriptions.
They too have never been asked to explain any medications when entering or leaving NZ.
They feel it is safer to have the doctor's letter with them when travelling for that 'just in case' scenario. Also helpful if they need to see a doctor whilst outside of NZ.
We kept our prescription meds in their original containers and had no problem. However, when asked about meds in general, I mentioned I had some OTC Tylenol PM. The first agent didn't know what it was and when I told her it helped a person sleep, we were detained for a short time while I explained to the next agent. The second agent simply asked if I had only enough for personal use — yes — and sent us on through. She wasn't sure why the first agent had us stopped. It wasn't a big deal. Both agents were very polite. It delayed us about a half an hour. You'll probably have no problems at all, but depending on the agent, you might be questioned.
I guess it would be dependent on the quantities you were traveling with; if they were within reason I think no questions would be asked. If in doubt just declare everything.
you can bring up to three months supply of your prescription medicines.
You should bring them in their original containers preferably ones that have the prescription notice printed on them. As per the Customs web site, you should carry a letter from your doctor. You may not be asked for it but it's good back up where ever you travel.
You will find customs here are reasonabale .
We travelled to Australia and New Zealand in January/February this year and having seen the Customs web page for both countries, wife and I got letters from our doctor stating what our medical conditions were and what medications had been precribed. We declared both on our entry visas but the reactions in both countries were different. At Melbourne, we were asked for the covering letter and then separated from the rest of the passengers and were directed to another area where we stood with our luggage while a sniffer dog circled us and our cases. It was not a problem for us and, in fact, we actually exited the area before the other passengers from our flight. However, at Auckland airport, we simply had a friendly chat with a very pleasant immigration official and waved through. I would certainly go prepared for any eventuality and take the doctor's letter.
Thank you for your helpful responses! We have friends on both the North and South Islands that we'll be visiting, so we feel like more than "mere tourists" — that's said with a smile. Really looking forward to seeing your beautiful part of the world. Thank you!
Its all about profiling by Customs. If they think that a travellers maybe carrying drugs they will be stopped. The fact that one is in their sixties does not prevent them from being drug couriers. Also the fact that one hasnt been challenged over their drugs should not be read as NZ is a soft touch.
Your arrival form asks are you carrying drugs, If you answer yes be prepared to provide details to customs. The standard rules for carrying drugs across international borders is to have a copy of your prescription and/or doctors letter and carry the drugs in their original containers. These rules aply equally to NZ and any other country one cares to visit.
Customs authorities are not interested in bona fide travellers carrying health giving meds.
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