Rules and limits for bringing prescription medicines into Spain

Key rules

• Supply limit: Carry no more than a personal supply of about three months of treatment.
• Declaration: Personal medicines in a quantity that fits your trip do not need a customs declaration.
• Controlled medicines: Narcotic and psychotropic medicines need a Schengen certificate or an extra authorisation, depending on where you arrive from.
• Packaging: Keep medicines in original packaging in your hand luggage.

How much can you bring?

You can carry a personal supply of about three months of treatment, in original packaging, with a prescription or doctor's report. Bring only what you need for yourself. Larger or commercial quantities can be seized.

Do you have to declare them?

No. Medicines for your own use, in a quantity that fits your trip, do not need to be declared at Spanish customs, and there is no customs form for them. If an officer asks, you must be able to show proof, such as your prescription. The documents and the checklist below show what to pack.

What changes depending on where you arrive from

From outside the EU. Customs can check you at the border, and officers decide on the spot. Keep your papers in your hand luggage.

From another EU or Schengen country. There are no routine border checks and no formal quantity limit for ordinary medicines. Keep to a reasonable personal supply, in line with the three-month guide above, and still carry your prescription or doctor's report.

Controlled medicines

Narcotic and psychotropic medicines are stricter. You need a Schengen certificate if you travel from another Schengen country. From outside the EU you need an extra authorisation or certificate. Without the right paper, customs can seize them. Ask your doctor or health authority for the paperwork well before you travel.

Packaging and the doctor's letter

Keep each medicine in its original box, with label and leaflet. This lets customs match it to your prescription, and it is expected for controlled medicines.

Spain has no general rule that your doctor's letter must be translated. A letter in Spanish is easiest for officials, and English is commonly accepted in practice. Make sure the letter names the active ingredient (the generic name), not only the brand.

If you are moving, not just visiting

Carry the first supply with you. Once you live in Spain, get a new prescription from a doctor there instead of bringing large stocks.

Documents you need

• A copy of your prescription, or a doctor's report. Your doctor writes it, and it should give your diagnosis, the active ingredient (generic name) and the dose.

• The doctor's letter in Spanish if you can get it. Spain has no general rule requiring a translation, and a letter in English is commonly accepted.

• A Schengen certificate if you travel from another EU or Schengen country with controlled (narcotic or psychotropic) medicines.

• An extra authorisation or certificate for controlled (narcotic or psychotropic) medicines if you arrive from outside the EU.

Medicine documents to carry in your hand luggage

• Pack a copy of your prescription or a doctor's report that gives the diagnosis, the active ingredient (generic name) and the dose.

• Ask your doctor for a signed, dated letter on letterhead with your name, date of birth, passport number and diagnosis.

• Check that the letter lists each medicine by active ingredient and brand name, with dose, frequency, treatment length and total quantity you carry.

• Make sure the letter says the medicines are for personal use and gives the doctor's name, licence number and contact details, in Spanish or English.

• Keep every medicine in its original packaging with the label and leaflet, so customs can match it to your prescription.

• Write out an ingredient list of each medicine's active ingredient, to show beside the packaging if you are asked.

• Put your medicines in your hand luggage, in the quantity you need for the journey, and be ready to show proof of need and let staff test liquids at security.

• Carry insulin pens and other temperature-sensitive medicines in hand luggage, not the hold, with a doctor's letter, and tell the airline and security staff in advance.

• Pack cold packs or gel packs frozen if you carry refrigerated medicines, and expect them to be screened separately.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to declare my medicines at Spanish customs?

No, you do not have to declare medicines for your own use if the quantity fits your trip. Spain has no formal customs form for them. If an officer asks, show your prescription or a doctor's report.

Does my doctor's letter need to be translated into Spanish?

No, Spain has no general rule that a doctor's letter must be translated or sworn-translated. A letter in Spanish is easiest for officials, and English is commonly accepted in practice. Whatever the language, include the generic (active ingredient) name.

Is there a quantity limit if I arrive from another Schengen country?

No, there is no formal quantity limit for non-controlled medicines within the EU and Schengen area, and there are no border checks. Still, carry only a reasonable personal supply, with your prescription or a doctor's report. Controlled medicines need a Schengen certificate.

What happens if I carry more medicine than I need for my trip?

Customs can seize larger quantities, commercial amounts, and controlled medicines that lack the required certificate or authorisation. If you carry more than a personal supply, be ready to show proof such as a prescription. Controlled medicines need extra paperwork before you travel.