In Transit: a practical guide to preparing for travel as a UK trans adult

By: Dr Rhy Brignell

Dr Rhy Brignell BA MA Ph.D

Rhy is Director of Service Delivery at Eden New Life and is responsible for ensuring all of our subscribers get fast, high quality care in accordance with our treatment protocols. They hold a PhD from the University of East Anglia and have specialised in gender services for more than 4 years, managing and advising on service delivery for thousands of patients. This is one of a series of articles where they share answers to common questions we receive from our members.

If you’re lucky enough to travel, you should be able to enjoy it. Whether you’re off for a week in the sun, a city break, or visiting friends, the last thing you need is extra stress. Yet for many of us, airports and borders present certain kinds of obstacles that others don’t have to think about. From questions about ID to carrying medication through security, this article is designed to help you prepare so you can focus on your trip rather than the what-ifs.

Passports

In the UK, you can currently only change your gender marker from M to F, or from F to M. As I explained in a previous article on how to change your gender marker, you don’t need a Gender Recognition Certificate to update your passport, and you may choose not to change your passport at all. If you do decide to change your passport, our UK-registered specialist doctors can provide you with a letter that you can share with the UK Passport Office to get it updated before you travel.

Tickets and bookings

When you book flights or accommodation, it’s always best to use the name on your passport. Airlines and hotels will usually compare your booking details directly with your ID, and even a small mismatch can cause problems. The name on your passport may not reflect the name you use every day, but consistency here can avoid delays or questions at check-in.

Body scanners and searches

Security scanners at the airport can sometimes flag up things like binders, prosthetics, or tucking. If this happens, security staff may ask questions or request a pat-down.

Remember that you have the right to ask for the search to be carried out by someone of the gender you choose, and you can request that the search is done in private. You also have the right to be treated with respect and dignity throughout. It may be best to have a simple explanation ready if you need one, but you do not need to share personal or medical details.

Travelling with medication

It’s generally best to keep your hormones, needles, and any other medical equipment in your hand luggage rather than in checked bags. This way, they stay with you at all times and are less likely to be lost or damaged. Where possible, keep medications in their original packaging with the pharmacy label still attached.

Temperature is another factor to consider. Some medications are sensitive to heat or cold - the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with your medication will tell you if so. Putting your medication in checked luggage can expose them to extreme temperatures in the hold, so carrying medication with you in your hand luggage will protect it and ensure you’ll have what you need when you arrive.

It’s also a good idea (but not mandatory) to carry a short letter from your health provider. The letter should clearly state your name, date of birth, the medication name and dose, and confirmation that you need to carry it with you while travelling. Such a letter can help smooth things over quickly if airport staff are unfamiliar with the medication you’re carrying. 

If you are an Eden current subscriber you can purchase a ‘Travelling with Medication Letter’ to cover you - just get in touch with our team to request it.

Healthcare abroad

If you lose your medication or run out earlier than expected, a medication letter can sometimes help you get an emergency supply, though the rules vary from country to country. In some places, a local doctor may be able to issue a temporary prescription based on the information in your letter, even if the exact medication isn’t available under the same brand name.

It’s also important to look carefully at your travel insurance before you set off. Not every policy covers pre-existing conditions, long-term medication, or transition-related care. Reading the small print and upgrading your cover if needed can save you from expensive medical bills if you do need help abroad.

Beyond healthcare, it’s worth checking the local LGBT laws in your destination and how they apply to trans travellers. The UK Foreign Office and organisations like ILGA World provide guidance on travel safety and local legal contexts.

Travel can feel daunting when you have to think about passports, medication, and safety in a way many others don’t. But with the right preparation, you can reduce the stress and focus on the parts of travel that are enjoyable. If you’d like support with changing the gender marker on your passport or travel letters that confirm your medication, you can get in touch with our team any time.