Vitamins & supplements
AllowedSealed supplements are usually allowed for personal use.
Rules vary by destination and the official customs or health authority at your point of entry makes the final decision.
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What this means
Vitamins and dietary supplements are non-prescription products taken to support nutrition or general health, including tablets, capsules, gummies, and powders. Most countries allow travelers to carry a reasonable personal-use quantity, but some classify certain ingredients, doses, or herbal/animal-derived products as restricted medicines or biosecurity risks. Always carry them in their original labeled containers.
What's included
- Multivitamin and single-vitamin tablets or capsules (e.g. vitamin C, vitamin D)
- Mineral supplements (iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc)
- Protein powders and amino-acid supplements in factory-sealed containers
- Fish oil, omega-3 and other softgel supplements
- Herbal and botanical supplements (e.g. ginseng, turmeric capsules)
- Probiotic capsules and effervescent vitamin tablets
- Sports and pre-workout supplement powders
What's not included
- Prescription medicines (see prescription-meds)
- Over-the-counter drugs like painkillers or antihistamines (see otc-meds)
- Insulin and other injectable therapies (see insulin)
- Traditional medicines containing animal or plant parts that may be CITES-restricted (see traditional-medicine)
Common types & examples
Tablets and capsules
Solid daily vitamins and minerals; generally the least scrutinized form.
Powders
Protein and supplement powders should stay in original factory-labeled containers; large amounts may be inspected.
Liquids and softgels
Liquid supplements over 100ml/3.4oz fall under aviation cabin-liquid limits.
Herbal and botanical
Some ingredients are regulated as medicines or biosecurity risks in certain countries.
Sports supplements
Pre-workout and weight-loss products may contain ingredients banned at some destinations.
Why it's regulated
Some supplement ingredients are regulated as medicines, controlled stimulants, or biosecurity risks (plant/animal material), and labeling and import rules vary widely between countries. Customs may also assess whether quantities exceed personal use.
Typical allowance
Many countries allow roughly a personal-use supply of around 3 months for supplements carried by a traveler; the exact limit and which ingredients are restricted varies by destination.
Provisional — confirm with your destination
Before you travel
Documents you may need
- Original labeled containers showing product and ingredients
- Doctor's note for any medically necessary or high-dose supplement
- Receipts or proof of personal use for large quantities
Next steps
- 1.Keep vitamins in their original labeled containers
- 2.Carry only a reasonable personal-use quantity
- 3.Check your destination's rules on restricted ingredients
- 4.Declare supplements if asked or if quantities are large
- 5.Carry a doctor's note for any high-dose or medical supplement
Official sources
- Traveling with Medication to the United States· U.S. CBP
- Travelling with medicines and medical devices· Australia TGA
- Personal Importation Scheme· Australia TGA
Always verify with the official authority for your destination.
Country-specific rules
The default posture above applies worldwide. For the exact rules at your destination, check the country guide.
View country rules →