What to Pack for IVF in Porto: Complete Packing List

Your IVF trip to Porto will last 10-14 days. Packing right means comfort, convenience, and less stress. Here's everything you need.

Key Takeaways

• Documents first: Passport, clinic confirmation, medical records, and prescription letters are non-negotiable
• Medications in hand luggage: Always carry in original packaging with doctor's letter; use cooler bag for refrigerated items
• Comfort is key: Pack loose clothing for bloating, walking shoes for Porto's hills, and entertainment for the two-week wait
• Travel light: 10-14 days doesn't require overpacking—Porto has pharmacies and shops for anything forgotten
• Fertility-specific: Skip perfume and nail polish for procedure days; bring sanitary pads for post-retrieval spotting

Essential Documents

Medical Documents

Item	Notes
Passport	Valid for 6+ months
Health insurance card	European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if applicable
Clinic confirmation	Appointment details, contact info
Medical records	Test results, AMH, FSH, etc.
Prescription letters	For any medications you're carrying
Partner's medical records	If applicable

Travel Documents

Item	Notes
Flight confirmation	Print and digital copies
Accommodation booking	Address and contact
Travel insurance details	Including policy number
Emergency contacts	Written down, not just in phone

Tip: Keep digital copies in email/cloud for backup.

Medications

What You're Likely Bringing

Medication	Packing Notes
Stimulation drugs (if starting at home)	Keep refrigerated; cooler bag for travel
Current personal medications	In original packaging
Prenatal vitamins	Enough for entire trip
Pain relief	Paracetamol for post-retrieval

Medication Travel Tips

• Carry in hand luggage (never check medications)
• Original packaging with pharmacy labels
• Doctor's letter explaining medications
• Cooler bag with ice packs for refrigerated items
• Extra supplies in case of delays

What You'll Get in Portugal

Most clinics provide or prescribe:

• Stimulation medications (if not starting at home)
• Trigger shot
• Progesterone support
• Post-transfer medications

Confirm with your clinic what to bring vs. buy there.

Clothing

For Clinic Visits

Item	Quantity	Notes
Comfortable pants/skirts	2-3	Easy access for monitoring
Loose tops	3-4	Comfortable, modest
Comfortable underwear	7+	Post-retrieval bloating expected
Warm layer	1	Air conditioning in clinics

For Exploring Porto

Item	Quantity	Notes
Walking shoes	1-2 pairs	Porto is hilly!
Casual outfits	3-4	Mix and match
Light jacket	1	Even summer evenings cool
Swimwear	1-2	If beach time planned
Sandals	1 pair	For beach/casual

For Recovery/Rest

Item	Quantity	Notes
Loose pajamas	2	Comfort after procedures
Comfortable loungewear	1-2 sets	For apartment days
Slippers	1 pair	For accommodation

Comfort Items

For the Two-Week Wait

Item	Why
Good book(s) or e-reader	Distraction
Downloaded shows/movies	Entertainment
Journal	Processing emotions
Comfortable socks	Clinic waiting rooms
Neck pillow	Rest and travel

Self-Care Items

Item	Why
Favorite tea bags	Comfort and routine
Snacks from home	Familiar comfort foods
Essential oils (if you use)	Relaxation
Photos/items from home	Emotional comfort
Small hot water bottle	Cramping relief

Toiletries

Basics

Item	Notes
Toothbrush and toothpaste	Travel size
Shampoo/conditioner	Or buy there
Body wash/soap	Or buy there
Deodorant
Skincare	Your routine
Makeup (if used)	Minimal
Sunscreen	Portugal is sunny

Fertility-Specific

Item	Why
Unscented products	Some clinics recommend
No nail polish	For retrieval day
Minimal makeup	For retrieval day
Sanitary pads	Post-retrieval spotting

Technology

Essential

Item	Notes
Phone and charger
EU adapter plug	UK plugs don't work
Power bank	For long days out
Headphones	For privacy and entertainment

Useful

Item	Notes
Laptop/tablet	If working or for entertainment
E-reader	Lighter than books
Camera	If phone isn't enough

Money Matters

Payment Methods

Item	Notes
Credit card	Primary payment
Debit card	Backup/ATM withdrawals
Some euros	For small purchases
Notify bank	Tell them you're traveling

Budget for Trip

Category	Approximate Need
Local transport	€50-100
Food	€300-500
Entertainment	€100-200
Incidentals	€100-150

What NOT to Pack

Leave Behind

Item	Why
Heavy perfume	Clinic sensitivity
Excessive jewelry	Removed for procedures
Too many clothes	You can do laundry
Work stress	Leave it behind mentally

Don't Overpack

Porto has:

• Pharmacies (farmácias) for toiletries
• Supermarkets for basics
• Shops if you need anything
• Laundry facilities

Packing by Bag

Hand Luggage (Essential)

• Passport and documents
• All medications
• Change of clothes
• Valuables
• Entertainment for flight
• Phone charger

Checked Bag

• Main clothing
• Toiletries
• Comfort items
• Extra shoes

Final Checklist

One Week Before

• Passport valid?
• Medications organized?
• Documents printed?
• Bank notified?
• Travel insurance confirmed?

Day Before

• Phone charged?
• Medications in hand luggage?
• Documents easily accessible?
• Comfortable travel outfit ready?
• Accommodation address written down?

Day of Travel

• Check nothing left behind
• Medications temperature-safe
• Passport in hand
• Calm breath—you've got this

Arriving in Porto

What you'll need immediately:

• Phone with data/WiFi for maps and translation
• Euros for taxi or metro
• Accommodation address
• Clinic contact (just in case)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring medications through security?

Yes. Keep in original packaging with prescription letters. Declare if asked. Refrigerated items need cooler bag.

Should I bring snacks?

A few comfort snacks are nice. But Porto has great food and supermarkets.

How much should I pack?

For 10-14 days, most people overpack. Aim for a carry-on plus one checked bag maximum.

What if I forget something?

Porto has everything you need. Don't stress.

You're Ready

Pack smart, travel light, and focus on what matters: your treatment and taking care of yourself.

Contact us for personalized preparation support.

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Nestiva helps you prepare for every aspect of your fertility journey in Porto, from logistics to emotional support.