Traveling Abroad with an Ostomy - Customs Concerns

How do other ostomy people get on with travel abroad? Customs is my main concern going to Hong Kong.

Hi af 1.

I had the same worries before taking long-haul flights to Mumbai and Atlanta
mostly. Would I set off the "pinger?" Would they see the pouch when I walked through?
Would they feel the pouch if they gave me the "patdown"?
As I travel alone to these places, I was really edgy.
Especially at Hartsfield as they employ grizzly bears dressed in black who growl and
scowl. 6 checkpoints here!!

But honestly, it was smooth sailing; none of the above happened, not then and not since.
I was once or twice patted down; they check nowhere near your stoma. You are just
another passenger to them. Even when they x-ray your luggage, if they see your
equipment, they won't react; it's more interesting things they're looking for!!

So, please try not to worry, your stoma nurse will provide you with a travel card. This
explains your condition to anyone in authority who wishes to search you more thoroughly,
but don't panic, this is very unlikely. The nurse will also advise you regarding everything an ostomate
needs to be prepared for when away from home (not too much prep really, just common
sense).

Please try not to worry too much, relax and enjoy your holiday!

Tippitopx

Hi,

I traveled in April for the first time since having my stoma. Leaving Calgary was no problem; I didn't go through the scanner. However, coming back from Houston, they directed me through the scanner and then they could see I had a bag. So, I just told them I had an ileostomy and they could take me into a private room, which they did, and it was no big deal. One of the women, there were two of them, had a neighbor with a colostomy so she knew what it was. They just said in the future just let us know before. Good luck with your trip.

Hi,

I have just traveled from Brisbane to Davao in the Philippines with all my product for two months and never had any problems.

There was a 4.5-hour flight from Brisbane to Darwin, then on to Manila another 4.5-hour flight, and then 1.5 hours to Davao. Customs at Darwin and Manila have extra, extra security; you cannot even get in the front door without a full security check.

As I said, there were no problems other than waiting to go through immigration in Manila for two hours after getting off a 4.5-hour flight. I thought my bag would overfill and break, but I made it safely.

Just ensure that you have product in your carry-on in case they lose your bag. It happens a lot, so be ready.

Hi airforce 1, I had a horrible experience at Durham Tees Valley airport when they poked around at my pouch and confiscated some of my lotion for cleaning the area when changing it. The customs officers were horrible and embarrassed me in front of a very long queue of passengers (who were really interested in the whole operation). I protested but the staff were not interested in doing anything in a private room, and if I'd tried to take things further I'd have missed my flight. When I got home I asked the ostomy nurses to give me written confirmation of my condition so the little Hitlers would leave me alone.

I have been through Heathrow several times with no trouble at all so my medical note has not been used, but it's a comfort to have it tucked inside my passport.   Good luck with your journeys but keep info with you - there are 'jobsworths' everywhere.

Living with Your Ostomy | Hollister

🔒 Login to see image



🔒 Login to see image

I hate to admit it, but it would take a terrible emergency for me to fly. I did take a helicopter ride once to the hospital, but I don't remember anything about it. Even for an emergency, it would take heavy-duty sedation or lots of margaritas—flying terrifies me. Of course, what I've been hearing about flight in the last few years, it does not sound fun. I would love rail service across this land and really hope someone in DC has finally realized it's time to bring back the trains.

To all those who are interested in traveling.

I recommend that you read Yes We Can, Traveling with an Ostomy written by myself, Dr. Brian Sweeney (colorectal surgeon), Kathy Foley Bolch, and Michele Kasouf. It will give you all the information you need on traveling and resources as well.

Happy travels!

Babs K

I have traveled to the states from the UK and also to Spain and have never had any trouble. Enjoy your holiday.

I have traveled to most places, and the only time I had a problem was coming out of India
and that was because the young lady on duty was being lazy and did not read my travel card properly, so travel with confidence
🔒 Login to see image

I've traveled a great part of the world after my surgery... You can't let life pass you by just because you think you may be embarrassed or harassed by some idiot. Look at what you've come through already; you have a new lease on life, grab it while you can.

I've traveled by both plane and ship... Just got back from a 30-day cruise in the Pacific...

No problem whatsoever. Just remember:



1/ Take extra product

2/ Carry a note from your doctor, nurse, etc., regarding your condition

3/ Let the guards know what you have right away

4/ Don't be embarrassed; you'll never see these people again

5/ Have fun, go with the flow... and oh yes, HAVE FUN!!!

6/ YOU'LL BE FINE

I carry a note with me at all times from my physician and always carry extra appliances. I still end up getting full body searches, but my feeling is if they want to pat me down and see my little buddy, go for it! It can't be that much fun for them either. Most times, I get an apology from the agents. I do a lot of traveling but have not left the US since my surgery. All my travel is done here.

Good luck!