Traveler’s Health

• You may not be able to purchase and pack all of these items, and some may not be relevant to you and your travel plans. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.
• This list is general and may not include all the items you need. Check our Traveler Information Center for more information if you are a traveler with specific health needs, such as travelers who are pregnant, immune compromised, or traveling for a specific purpose like humanitarian aid work.
• Remember to pack extras of important health supplies in case of travel delays.

Your prescriptions

Travelers’ diarrhea antibiotic

Suture/syringe kit
Kit is for use by local health care provider & requires a letter from your doctor on letterhead stationery

Altitude sickness medicine – (if needed)

Medicine to prevent malaria – (if needed)

Glasses
Consider packing spare glasses in case yours are damaged

Contact lenses
Consider packing spare contacts in case yours are damaged

Needles or syringes (for diabetes, for example)
Requires a letter from your doctor on letterhead stationery

Suture kit
Kit is for use by local health care provider & requires a letter from your doctor on letterhead stationery

Diabetes testing supplies

Insulin

Inhalers – (if needed)

Epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPens)

Medical alert bracelet or necklace

Antacid

Diarrhea medicine
Examples: loperamide [Imodium] or bismuth subsalicylate [Pepto-Bismol]

Antihistamine

Motion sickness medicine

Cough drops

Cough suppression/expectorant

Decongestant

Medicine for pain and fever
Examples: acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen

Mild laxative

Mild sedative or other sleep aid

Saline nose spray

Hand sanitizer or wipes
Alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol or antibacterial hand wipes

Water purification tablets
See CDC recommendations: Water Disinfection.

Water purification tablets
May be needed if camping or visiting remote areas

Insect repellent
Select an insect repellent based on CDC recommendations: Avoid Bug Bites

Permethrin
Permethrin is insect repellent for clothing. It may be needed if you spend a lot of time outdoors. Clothing can also be treated at home in advance.

Bed net . (if needed)
For protection against insect bites while sleeping

Sunscreen
(SPF 15 or greater) with UVA and UVB protection.

Sunglasses and hat
Wear for additional sun protection. A wide brim hat is preferred.

Personal safety equipment
Examples: child safety seats, bicycle helmets

Earplugs

1% hydrocortisone cream

Antifungal ointments

Antibacterial ointments

Antiseptic wound cleanser

Aloe gel
For sunburns

Insect bite treatment
Anti-itch gel or cream

Bandages
Multiple sizes, gauze, and adhesive tape

Moleskin or molefoam for blisters

Elastic/compression bandage wrap
For sprains and strains

Disposable gloves

Digital thermometer

Scissors and safety pins

Cotton swabs (Q-Tips)

Tweezers

Eye drops

Oral rehydration salts

• Health care provider(s) at home
• Lodging at your destination
• Hospitals or clinics (including emergency services) in your destination
• US embassy or consulate in the destination country or countries