The following information has been compiled from reports submitted by mission teams returning from overseas trips. These reports document customs and medication import challenges encountered at various international entry points.
Argentina
- April 2018: Customs in Buenos Aires confiscated 3 duffel bags with surgical supplies
- March 2019: Bags stopped after screening; church needed to complete item list before medicine could enter
Belize
- Customs charges duty on incoming items; willing to negotiate on short-dated/donated products
- Now requires exact medication lists with expiration dates 4 months in advance
Bolivia
- May 2015: Ministry of Health letter required for customs clearance of medical supplies
Bulgaria
- April 2019: Police confiscated medicines; healthcare providers detained for 9 hours; medications kept for testing and never returned
Colombia
- July 2013: Pre-approval letter from local doctor recommended; extensive paperwork required
- September 2015: Customs confiscated all medications from 3 bags; other 11 bags passed
Costa Rica
- June 2014: Special permission needed for future visits; permission reportedly very costly
Cuba
- April 2025: Items not declared at customs; if bags pulled, say items are for friends
Dominican Republic
- Ministry of Health forms required one week prior
- July 2014: Santiago entry successful; Punta Cana entry resulted in all medicines held
- April 2017: 4 of 7 suitcases confiscated despite pre-approval
- October 2017: Public Health official now stationed at airport; complex paperwork required
- February 2019: All medications must be at least 6 months from expiration
- January 2020: Medications must remain in original bottles; no repacking allowed
Ecuador
- Recent confiscations reported; secure medication transport method essential
El Salvador
- Medication list required 2-3 months in advance, translated to Spanish
- February 2015: Some students stopped at customs; taxes required on declared medicines
Guatemala
- Charges "tax" unless medicine pre-approved by accepted organization
- Medication list required 2-3 months in advance, translated
- June 2016: Medications must expire 12+ months after import
- March 2019: Health Department letter required
- April 2019: Pre-arrival medication box confiscated; never resolved after 9-10 months
Haiti
- Historically harsh customs with reports of bribe requests
- May 2014: $200 payment required to clear medications
- July 2015: Customs demanded $700 cash; negotiated down to $400
- December 2016: Airport official demanded confiscation; resolved through local contact
- January 2018: Inspector objected to pre-packaged medications
Honduras
- August 2024: Medications require 9+ month expiration; extensive documentation needed
- November 2024: Honduran lawyer required; 9+ month expiration mandatory
- January 2025: Vitamins/OTC must remain in original containers
- June 2025: Every box opened (4-hour process); agents actively checking expiration dates
Jamaica
- Ministry of Health registration recommended
- July 2014: 21% tax charged on medication invoice value
Jordan
- October 2018: All medications confiscated for "testing purposes"
Kenya
- Minister of Health approval form required before arrival
- Multiple reports of taxes charged despite proper paperwork
- October 2017: Kenya banned plastic bags; use brown paper bags
Liberia
- January 2017: Government charges $500 per MD/dentist; medications require 18-month minimum expiration
Malawi
- Customs held medications; requested Health Department permission
- $100 storage fee charged after resolution
Mexico
- January 2013 law bans all medications including donations
- Physician credentials now required
- July 2016: After hours of negotiation, team brought medications in legally with city letter
Myanmar
- March 2015: Tax sometimes charged; depends on which official is working
Nepal
- April 2019: Letter from sponsoring organization stating free distribution allowed passage
Nicaragua
- Medications require 12-month minimum expiration
- Start paperwork 6 weeks prior; use knowledgeable local partner
Niger
- September 2016: All tubs taken; $100/tub charge threatened; over one hour negotiation
Nigeria
- 6-month minimum expiration required
- NAFDAC approval required; specific documentation needed
Panama
- 6-month minimum expiration required
Peru
- June 2016: Trujillo customs confiscated most medications
- September 2018: Items outside sealed boxes held
Romania
- Recommend flying into Budapest with supplies, then driving across border
Senegal
- December 2015: Ministry of Health approval recommended before bringing medications
Sierra Leone
- Ministry of Health contact required; medicines list sent for advance approval
Tanzania
- July 2025: TMDA form required; local church sponsor assisted
Togo
- February 2016: Detailed formulary required; invitation letter from host missionaries needed
Uganda
- May 2017: Government notification required; 1-year minimum expiration
- June 2025: NDA seized all supplies upon arrival; took entire trip to resolve
Ukraine
- 6-month minimum expiration required; medications must be on Ukraine "Registry List"
Zimbabwe
- September 2014: $420 fee charged (approximately 6% of total value)
This information is compiled from reports by returning mission teams and may not reflect current regulations. Always verify requirements with local authorities before your trip.