Good preparation helps to ensure that prescription medicines are transported legally, stored correctly and remain accessible throughout the journey. Below is a practical guide for international coach travel. If the matter concerns health, medicines or special needs, please discuss any personal arrangements with your doctor and the coach operator.
What to do before purchasing or packing
Before you set off, ask your doctor to specify the international name of the active ingredient and the required dosage. Check the regulations of transit countries, take your prescription or medical certificate with you, and pack a reasonable supply.
How to organise your belongings and information
Gather everything you need in one accessible place, but divide critically important items between your main and backup options. Check the instructions, expiry dates, battery charge or functionality at home. Take photos of important details without unnecessarily sharing personal information.
Risks to avoid
Do not transfer tablets into an unlabelled container as your sole method of storage. Medicines subject to special controls or temperature requirements need to be checked separately.
What to do during your journey
When boarding, check the flight number, exact stop and baggage rules. During breaks, make a note of the return time, do not leave valuables in the cabin, and check your documents, phone and wallet after every stop. Report any issues to the crew straight away, not after the journey has ended.
Contingency plan
Save the contact details for the transport operator, your insurance provider, your accommodation and a close friend or relative offline. A small financial reserve, a fully charged mobile phone and the arrival address written down will help you stay calm if the platform changes, you lose signal or the coach is delayed.
Quick checklist
- check your ticket, documents and exact address;
- prepare a main and a backup plan;
- save contact details and a map offline;
- keep important items in your hand luggage;
- bear in mind the carrier’s rules and those of transit countries.
How to check this advice before you travel
Compare the advice with the specific details of your flight: duration, transit countries, season and the rules of your particular carrier. For documents, use the websites of border control and consular services; for health matters, seek individual advice from your doctor; and for luggage and boarding, refer to the information on your ticket. Double-check everything the day before, as even sound general advice may not account for sudden changes to timetables, platforms or local requirements.
Before you set off, check the packing list for a long coach journey and the list of documents required for travel to Europe. Search for current services on RedRay.
Frequently asked questions
Is an electronic prescription sufficient?
Not always. Acceptance varies from country to country, so check the requirements and have a paper copy to hand if necessary.
When should you check the rules again?
The day before you set off and before your return journey: the requirements of the transport operator, border authorities and local services may change.