Common Medications Not Allowed in Europe: What Not to Pack!

Are you bringing medications not allowed in Europe without realizing it? Some drugs legal at home may be banned or restricted abroad.

Here are a few critical details to sort out before you pack your bags:

• Are your medications allowed? Some drugs legal at home may be banned or restricted in Europe.
• Do you need to declare them at customs? Failing to do so could result in fines or confiscation.
• How will time zone changes affect your doses? Managing your schedule properly ensures you don’t miss important doses.

My Story: A Costly Lesson in Paris

I was getting over a bad cold, so I packed my usual prescription meds, cough syrup and about a hundred cough lozenges without a second thought. After all, they’re perfectly legal back home. The idea of cough or other medications not allowed in Europe never even crossed my mind.

The trouble started when I arrived in Paris. I confidently handed over my passport at customs, and the officer asked if I was carrying any medications. I said yes, expecting no issues.

That’s when the trouble started. My over-the-counter cough medicine contained codeine, a substance that’s strictly regulated in France and many other parts of Europe. Without a doctor’s note or prescription, customs seized it on the spot!

How to Avoid My Mistake

Whether you’re packing prescription meds, over-the-counter pain relievers, or supplements, a little preparation can save you from headaches at customs. I’ll tell you everything you need to know.

For more helpful tips, check out our Complete Guide to Flying with Medication. It covers everything from packing pills and liquid meds to TSA and customs regulations, so you can travel with confidence!

1. Know the Rules for Each Country

Europe isn’t just one country with a single set of rules—each country has its own prescription medication regulations. Some countries are super strict, especially with anything that’s considered a controlled substance.

Did You Know? Codeine, an ingredient in some painkillers and cough medicine, is a controlled substance in many European countries. In Greece and Norway, meds with pseudoephedrine (found in cold medicines like Sudafed) can be restricted. And, diphenhydramine, an ingredient in some sleep aids and allergy meds, is regulated in Italy.

To avoid issues at customs, research the specific rules for traveling with medications for each country you’re visiting. Most of this information can be found on the U.S. Embassy websites of the countries you’re visiting or by asking your doctor or pharmacist.

2. Carry Proper Documentation

If you’re bringing a prescription medication that’s regulated, make sure you have a doctor’s note. This note should explain what the medication is for, how much you need to take, and that it’s prescribed to you.

It’s a good idea to have the note from your doctor translated into the language of the country you’re visiting. This can help avoid any misunderstandings if you’re questioned by customs officials.

3. Bring Only What You Need

Don’t overpack medications: Pack only the amount of medication you’ll need for your trip plus a few extra days as backup. Bringing large amounts might raise red flags, even if the medication is legal.

Keep everything in its original packaging, with the prescription label attached. This makes it easier to show that the medication is yours and prescribed to you.

4. Research Over-the-Counter Alternatives

Before you travel, it might be worth looking into whether you can buy a similar medication over the counter in the country you’re visiting.

For example, instead of flying with a painkiller that contains codeine—a medication not allowed in parts of Europe—look for alternatives like paracetamol or ibuprofen

5. Understand Customs Laws

If you’re planning to bring any kind of medication into a country, it’s best to declare it at customs–it’s not hard. Not declaring it could lead to delays, fines, confiscation, or even legal trouble if one of the medications contains a banned substance.

• 🛃 Declare all meds
• 📄 Carry documentation
• 🚫 Don’t assume OTC = legal

6. Pharmacy Services in Europe

I learned the pharmacy laws in Europe are different from what we’re used to here in the States. The good news was that I didn’t have to visit a doctor for more allergy medication when I lost mine.

In many European countries, pharmacists are highly trained and can often recommend or provide certain medications without a prescription. However, you still need to see a local doctor for most prescriptions. 

It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with how pharmacies work in the countries you’re visiting, just in case. You can pick up plenty of helpful tips in our comprehensive guide on How to Get Prescriptions When Traveling Internationally.

7. Here’s What to Leave at Home

Don’t be surprised if these common meds and substances cause a hassle when you go to Europe. Customs can, and does, seize medications.

Here are the most common medications not allowed in Europe or restricted at customs—some might surprise you.

Melatonin: Restricted in UK and Germany—requires a prescription in many EU countries. While melatonin is commonly used as a sleep aid in the U.S. and is available over-the-counter, in many European countries, it’s classified as a prescription-only medication.

Strong Painkillers: (includes tramadol, hydrocodone, oxycodone). In countries like France and Sweden, painkillers are classified as a controlled substance, and bringing them into the country without proper documentation could get you fined or arrested if you are caught.

Adderall and Ritalin: These are often classified as narcotics and may require special permits. For example, in Germany and France, you would need special permission to bring these medications into the country, and they must be declared at customs. Failing to do so can result in confiscation and even legal penalties.

Codeine: Highly regulated in Europe. Even if codeine is legal in your country, it’s considered a controlled medication in most of Europe.

Pseudoephedrine (in Cold Medicines): Greece, Lithuania, and parts of Scandinavia have specific restrictions on medications containing pseudoephedrine, which is commonly found in decongestants like Sudafed..

Tylenol PM and Similar Sleep Aids: Medications that combine acetaminophen (paracetamol) with diphenhydramine (a common antihistamine and sleep aid) might seem harmless, but they can be restricted. Even common OTC sleep aids like Tylenol PM contain diphenhydramine—a substance regulated in parts of Europe like Italy and Germany and require a prescription.

Narcotic Painkillers: Medications like hydrocodone, oxycodone, and morphine are tightly regulated and considered controlled substances in Europe. Bringing these into countries like Norway or the Netherlands without proper documentation and a doctor’s note can lead to confiscation and potential legal issues.

8. Be Prepared for Emergencies

In case of an emergency, where you lose your medication or it gets confiscated, have a plan to get new prescriptions. Check out my complete guide to Handling Medication Emergencies Abroad.

Here are some quick ways to be ready for a medical emergency:

1. Keep a copy of your prescription and a list of all the medications you’re taking. 

2. Just before your trip, ask your pharmacy to print out your prescriptions to bring with you. Also have them on your phone as a backup. If possible, have prescriptions translated in the language of your destination country.

3. Get a doctor’s letter that specifies everything, prescription and over-the-counter, that you are required to take. Getting it translated, helps, too. Download our free TSA and customs-compliant doctor letter template.

KEEN TIP: Ask your doctor to include the generic names of your medications since brand names can differ between countries. Knowing the generic name will make it easier to find a local equivalent.

✅👉Showing these medical documents to an overseas doctor will add clarity to their diagnosis and give them direction if they need to prescribe a medication.

3. If you need a doctor while you’re abroad, you can go your destination’s embassy page in the US and search for pharmacies, hospitals and physicians in their medical section. You can also find a local doctor by visiting Air Doctor which I’ve used for same-day appointments or when I’ve needed a prescription. You can do video and in person visits; all three times I’ve used them, I’ve been able to see English-speaking doctors which makes things so much easier.

9. Digital Health Passes and Apps

With the rise of digital health solutions, there are apps or digital passes to manage your medication needs more effectively.

9.1 Health Apps

Certain apps allow you to store digital copies of your prescriptions and doctor’s notes, which can be presented to customs officials if needed.

9.11 Useful Health Apps to Store Prescriptions

CareZone
An app designed to manage health information for you and your family, allowing you to store prescriptions, doctor’s notes, and set medication reminders. Available for iOS and Android.

MTBC PHR
An app that helps you track and manage personal health data, including prescriptions, lab reports, and doctor’s notes, with secure messaging features. Available for iOS and Android.

9.2 Telemedicine Services

Should you need a prescription while abroad, telemedicine services can connect you with local doctors who can provide the necessary documentation or prescriptions electronically.

10. Insurance and Medical Assistance

Traveling with medications can sometimes come with unexpected hiccups. Having the right insurance and knowing where to get help can make all the difference. Here’s how to ensure you’re covered and know where to turn if something goes wrong.

10.1 Travel Insurance

Why It’s Important:
Think of travel insurance as your safety net. It can protect you from unexpected expenses related to your medications, giving you peace of mind so you can enjoy your trip without worry.

What to Look For:

• Coverage for Loss or Theft: Make sure your policy covers the loss or theft of your medications. Losing your meds can be stressful, but with the right insurance, you can quickly get replacements without breaking the bank.
• Replacement Prescriptions Abroad: Some insurance policies cover the cost of obtaining replacement prescriptions while you’re overseas. This means if you run out of your medication or it gets confiscated, you won’t have to scramble to find a local doctor or pharmacy.
• Emergency Medical Coverage: Beyond medications, ensure your insurance covers emergency medical situations. This can include hospital stays, doctor visits, and even medical evacuation if needed.

10.2 Medical Assistance Services

Life doesn’t stick to a schedule, and neither do emergencies. Whether it’s the middle of the night or a weekend, having access to help can be incredibly reassuring.

• Embassy Assistance: Your country’s embassy or consulate can be a valuable resource in medical emergencies. They can provide information on local healthcare facilities, can direct you to 24-hour pharmacies and can assist in contacting family members if needed.
• Local Healthcare Systems: Familiarize yourself with the healthcare system of the country you’re visiting. Understanding how to access medical services with a list of the phone numbers to dial can save you time and reduce stress in an emergency.

KEEN TIP: Always keep a list of emergency contacts, including your insurance provider’s hotline and local emergency numbers. Having these handy can make a world of difference when you need immediate assistance.

11. Cultural and Language Considerations

Understanding the cultural and language differences regarding medications can help prevent misunderstandings. Learn key phrases related to your medications in the local language. If you are delayed by customs, phrases like “I have a prescription for…” can be very helpful.

Language differences can complicate travel with medications not allowed in Europe, unless documented with medical letters and prescriptions.

12. Quick Check Before You Fly

• Step 1: Check if your meds are controlled or restricted in your destination (use embassy/health ministry sites).
• Step 2: Document + Declare: carry prescriptions, doctor’s letter (translated), and declare meds at customs.
• Step 3: If a med appears on a “not allowed” list, ask your doctor about EU-safe alternatives or apply for a permit if available.

13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

13.1 What types of medications are restricted in Europe?

Many European countries impose restrictions on medications containing narcotics, psychotropics, and certain pain relievers. Medications like codeine, tramadol, ADHD meds, some CBD, diphenhydramine-based sleep aids are banned in parts of Europe. Always check the regulations of your destination country beforehand, as restrictions can vary significantly across Europe.

13.2 Can I bring prescription meds to Europe if I declare them?

Yes, but controlled meds may still need permits; always carry original labels + letter.

13.3 Do I need a permit for ADHD meds like Adderall or Ritalin in Europe?

Often yes—but laws vary by country; some classify these meds as narcotics.

13.4 Is melatonin allowed in Europe?

This medication is often prescription-only in countries like the UK and Germany; don’t assume your U.S. bottle is okay.

13.5 Are cold medicines with pseudoephedrine banned in Europe?

They are restricted in several countries; quantity limits or bans exist—check destination rules.

13.6 Should I declare medications at European customs?

Yes—especially controlled meds. Declaring + documents reduce confiscation risk.

14. Wrap Up

Traveling to Europe is an amazing experience, but dealing with medication issues can put a damper on things if you’re not prepared.

By researching country-specific bans and carrying translated doctor’s notes and prescriptions, you can focus on enjoying your trip instead of worrying about what will happen at customs

My recommendation is, before you head out, make sure your medication checklist and your local resources list with phone numbers is as thorough as your packing list. You’ll be glad you did.