Do you want to take medication abroad?
Find out whether your medication falls under the Opium Act, whether you need a declaration and how to apply for one. Start preparing in good time – preferably three months in advance. And perhaps most importantly: set off well rested and well prepared, so that you can enjoy your trip without any worries.
Taking your own medicines with you when travelling
Here is what you should pay attention to if you are already taking medication at home:
- Bring enough medication for the entire trip.
- Please bring your medicines in their original packaging from the pharmacy.
- Bring a list of the medicines you are taking. This is called a medication overview or medication passport.
- For some medicines, you will need an additional statement. This is called a medicine statement.
Medication overview
When travelling abroad, it is best to take a list of the medicines you are taking (medication overview) with you. This will ensure that you receive better and faster assistance if you need to visit a doctor or pharmacy.
The medicine overview states the following:
- the name of the medicine
- how much you use per day
- what you use it for
- whether you have an allergy to medicines
Ask your pharmacy for a medication overview or create one yourself, preferably in English or the language of your travel destination. Keep the overview with your passport or ID card.
Medication declaration
Some medicines may not be taken abroad without authorisation. These include medicines for ADHD, strong painkillers, sleeping pills and sedatives. To take these medicines abroad, you will need a medicine certificate. There are three types of certificates:
- a Schengen medical certificate,
- an English-language medicine declaration,
- the medicine declaration for Turkey.
The type of certificate you require depends on your medication, your destination and the duration of your trip. The tool Taking medication with you when travelling - help The CAK will provide you with personal advice and the correct statement. Please note that your general practitioner may charge you for drawing up this statement.
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