Travelling with a pacemaker: what to carry

At airport security

Have your card ready before you reach the screening point and explain that you have a pacemaker. Follow the instructions from security staff and your device team. A device can trigger a security alarm; your card helps explain why you are carrying implant information.

A digital passport is a backup record, not a security pass. It cannot guarantee priority access, an exemption or a particular screening method. Check the airport’s official accessibility information if you need assistance.

Your implant-information travel checklist

• Your original implant card. Check that it reflects the current information you have from your clinic.
• A readable backup. Keep a printed copy somewhere accessible if your phone loses power.
• Your device clinic’s contact details. Save the hospital name and a number you can use from overseas.
• Your usual travel health documents. Keep insurer details, medication information and any documents your care team advises alongside your implant record.
• A plan for accessing your record. Practise finding the information before you leave, including when mobile data is unavailable.

If you cannot find the original card, contact your clinic about a replacement well before the trip.

Check medicines and equipment separately

Rules for medicines, liquids and medical equipment are separate from carrying a pacemaker card. Check the current government, airline and destination guidance for what you are taking. UK guidance explains when supporting evidence is needed for liquid medicines and how medical equipment is screened.

Your implant passport is not a prescription, insurance policy or fit-to-fly certificate. Ask the relevant provider which documents they require.

If you need healthcare away from home

Tell the treating team about your implant and show the recorded details. A readable manufacturer, model and clinic contact gives them a starting point for their own checks. If a scan is suggested, tell the team before it is arranged; see our MRI guide.

For family or emergency access, choose deliberately what information to share. ImplantPassport’s online links need internet access. Keep a printed backup so the information is not dependent on a working phone or connection.