How much personal medication can you bring through Istanbul airport, and should it go in carry-on or checked luggage?

Ordinary medicines for personal use, including painkillers, antivirals, and antihistamines, can be packed in either carry-on or checked baggage. Screening is selective, however, so other travelers’ uneventful experiences do not guarantee that there will be no inspection.

In one recent example, a traveler carried about 10 kg of vitamins and tablets in checked luggage, plus several bottles and blister packs in carry-on, without questions in either Moscow or Istanbul. This is an individual experience rather than an official allowance.

Several boxes of dietary supplements may draw scrutiny: at Istanbul’s departure-area screening, passengers carrying such boxes had every container opened and inspected. Be prepared for a detailed check when traveling with a large quantity of supplements.

The newest tip is not to pack all medication in one place: keep part in your carry-on and a small amount separately within easy reach in case of screening or delayed baggage.

Travelers recommend keeping a few tablets with you as ongoing-use medication. In practice, that is easier than putting your entire supply only in checked baggage.

According to an earlier report, a reasonable number of packs for personal use usually does not trigger special attention. If asked, it is better to explain that the medicine is for a treatment course or regular use.