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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by HelenInCalif on May 25, 2004, at 15:16:14
(If this isn't the best forum for this question- let me know which is). Has anyone been hassled coming back into the US / customs because of meds? If yes, why?
I'm about to travel to Canada, now with a full phamacopia of meds: Klonopin (a benzo), ritalin (a schedule 2), plus also Trazadone, Celexa and misc non-prescription vitamins.
For coming back across the border I do have a copy of the prescriptions for the Klonopin and ritalin. The meds will be in their own bottles, instead of my prefered "7 days of pills organized" box. Should this be enough? My vitamins tend to be mixed up in one bottle to save space- could they get weird about that? Thanks!
Posted by Racer on May 25, 2004, at 18:18:12
In reply to Medications and customs into the US, posted by HelenInCalif on May 25, 2004, at 15:16:14
I haven't been outside the US since before the WTC attack, but never had any trouble. The rule I heard when I asked when getting my passport was, "Sufficient medication for the length of your stay and about a week's more" -- in other words, no problem unless you pack a year's worth for a three day jaunt.
And do you have to pass Customs from Canada? I've only ever driven there, and we passed the border crossing without any real questions of any sort -- beyond the Canadians looking at us kinda funny when we showed up early-ish saying, "Yeah, we're from California and we're here for pleasure and only for a few hours..." (Wonder why he became an EX-boyfriend?) Once I said, "We're staying in Seattle with family for a week, and I've never been to Vancouver" they let us through with only a little dirty look at the EXbf.
Posted by cybercafe on May 26, 2004, at 1:42:25
In reply to Re: Medications and customs into the US, posted by Racer on May 25, 2004, at 18:18:12
> I haven't been outside the US since before the WTC attack, but never had any trouble. The rule I heard when I asked when getting my passport was, "Sufficient medication for the length of your stay and about a week's more" -- in other words, no problem unless you pack a year's worth for a three day jaunt.
>
> And do you have to pass Customs from Canada? I've only ever driven there, and we passed the border crossing without any real questions of any sort -- beyond the Canadians looking at us kinda funny when we showed up early-ish saying, "Yeah, we're from California and we're here for pleasure and only for a few hours..." (Wonder why he became an EX-boyfriend?) Once I said, "We're staying in Seattle with family for a week, and I've never been to Vancouver" they let us through with only a little dirty look at the EXbf.when i went into the U.S. they checked my stuff like crazy (like actually damaged it), when they foudn my meds they were really skeptical, but i had a photocopy of the perscription so they couldn't do anything (as much as those evil Yanks may have wanted to).... arrrg .... (drove from toronto to buffalo)
Posted by Racer on May 26, 2004, at 9:36:55
In reply to Re: Medications and customs into the US, posted by cybercafe on May 26, 2004, at 1:42:25
>
> when i went into the U.S. they checked my stuff like crazy (like actually damaged it), when they foudn my meds they were really skeptical, but i had a photocopy of the perscription so they couldn't do anything (as much as those evil Yanks may have wanted to).... arrrg .... (drove from toronto to buffalo)Yeah, but...
That's just because you were going to Buffalo. They still haven't recovered there from letting McKinley die, so they're a little abrasive, y'know? Gotta give them a break, survivor's guilt, post traumatic stress, whatever. They just can't help themselves...
Seriously, I'm not surprised that you were searched more aggressively than might be warranted. As an American, though, I am sad that it happened, and hope you won't paint us all with the same brush. If you come to California, I"ll meet you at the border and search gently, deal?
Posted by cybercafe on May 26, 2004, at 15:40:53
In reply to Re: Medications and customs into the US » cybercafe, posted by Racer on May 26, 2004, at 9:36:55
> >
> > when i went into the U.S. they checked my stuff like crazy (like actually damaged it), when they foudn my meds they were really skeptical, but i had a photocopy of the perscription so they couldn't do anything (as much as those evil Yanks may have wanted to).... arrrg .... (drove from toronto to buffalo)
>
> Yeah, but...
>
> That's just because you were going to Buffalo. They still haven't recovered there from letting McKinley die, so they're a little abrasive, y'know? Gotta give them a break, survivor's guilt, post traumatic stress, whatever. They just can't help themselves...
>
> Seriously, I'm not surprised that you were searched more aggressively than might be warranted. As an American, though, I am sad that it happened, and hope you won't paint us all with the same brush. If you come to California, I"ll meet you at the border and search gently, deal?Deal
You might see me in LA sooner than you'd think ;)
Posted by Sebastian on May 26, 2004, at 19:20:39
In reply to Medications and customs into the US, posted by HelenInCalif on May 25, 2004, at 15:16:14
I've never had a problem going back and forth to canada with meds. That was before 9/11. If they are in bottles they should have to let you.
Posted by Simcha on May 26, 2004, at 22:25:55
In reply to Re: Medications and customs into the US, posted by Sebastian on May 26, 2004, at 19:20:39
I think this all depends on your point of entry into the US. Also it may depend on where you have been.
I went to Paris with my medication about two years ago after 9/11. I just made sure that I had my bottles with me with the prescription medication on them. I flew from and back to O'Hare in Chicago. I wasn't searched in Charles de Gaulle, Paris or in Chicago. Even if I was searched I called customs and asked what I had to do. They assured me that so long as I had proof that I had prescriptions (like the bottles with the info on them) I would be just fine. At that time I was on Klonopin, Celexa, and WellbutrinSR. Like I said, I had no problems.
Good luck,
Simcha
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