Odyssway

Can you bring insulin to the United Kingdom?

Short answer
Allowed

The official rule for the United Kingdom below names insulin. The same rule also covers the other medicines it lists, so read the conditions carefully.

  • Injectable medication

    allowed

    Insulin and GLP-1 medicines (semaglutide, sold as Ozempic and Wegovy; tirzepatide, sold as Mounjaro) aren't controlled drugs in the UK: none of them is listed in Schedules 1 to 5 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001. UK customs (HMRC) bans controlled drugs, but doesn't list other medicines among banned or restricted goods, except medicines containing endangered species, which may need a CITES permit.

    The Home Office's 'Take medicine in or out of the UK' page sets its rules — hand luggage, a letter from your prescriber, up to 3 months' supply — for medicine containing a controlled drug (see the controlled-medication entry). Taking pens, needles or syringes through airport security screening is a separate question, not covered here.

    Also covers: ozempic, wegovy, mounjaro, zepbound, semaglutide, tirzepatide, insulin, injection pen, glp-1

    Source GOV.UK (HMRC) — Bringing goods into the UK for personal use: banned and restricted goodsChecked against the source on 2026-10-18

Check your specific trip →All medication rules for the United Kingdom →

Insulin in other countries

Insulin in every country we cover →

Other medicines

Informational only — not legal advice. Customs rules change; confirm with the official source above before you travel. Not medical advice. Don't stop or change a medicine because of a travel rule without talking to your doctor. See update history