Medication, drugs and alcohol

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 your clients from local laws on illegal drugs. If they break the law in another country, they 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.

Remind your clients that they should:

• Ensure that their prescription medication is not prohibited in their destination country and/or any country where they have an airport layover.
• Keep all medication in its original, labelled container and carry a note from their doctor explaining its use.
• Never carry a package or luggage for someone else.
• Choose their travelling companions wisely. They should never cross a border with a hitchhiker or as a hitchhiker. Although your clients may not be carrying anything illegal, they could be implicated if their companions are in possession of illegal drugs.
• Be equally cautious about who and what they carry in their vehicles. Your clients could be held responsible for their passengers’ offences, even though they may be committed without their knowledge or participation.

For more information on travelling with medication, drugs and alcohol, visit our pages Travelling with medication and Alcohol, drugs and travel. Check out our Do’s and Don’ts on drugs and travel.

Help Sofia!

7 - You recall a casual chitchat with Sofia and her parents, talking about favourite alcoholic beverages. This prompts you to advise Sofia that some of the countries she will be visiting might have strict rules about alcohol. She hadn’t thought of that and will research it further. She gets back to you and shares that she is surprised to find out that in Thailand:

Alcohol is widely used and acceptable everywhere

The legal drinking age is 25

She could be taken to court for posting pictures with alcohol on social media

Consuming alcohol on beaches is prohibited

Validate