For international travelers who need to carry medical devices and medications with them, it’s not easy to find out the travel requirements at their destinations, and embassies in general aren’t much help, according to a new study.

The researchers explored embassy and consular websites looking for the quantities and different types of medication allowed in the country for personal use, required documentation, customs information and details about travelling with medical equipment.

Of the eight countries that did respond, their recommendations varied widely, and tended to be much more strict than the recommendations of the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), an independent body implementing United Nations Drug Control Conventions.

Neither the embassy and consular websites nor the email responses addressed medical equipment.

For medical devices, researchers suggest planning ahead and checking with the airline. Airlines have published clear medical clearance guidelines in this area.