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What medications are illegal in Germany?

Drugs (for example cannabis, opium, heroin, cocaine, khat, crystal) are prohibited and therefore cannot be bought in any store. tilidine,benzodiazepines, lyrics) may only be prescribed by the doctor. may not be imparted or sold.



Germany has some of the strictest pharmaceutical laws in Europe, governed by the German Narcotics Act (Betäubungsmittelgesetz). Many medications that are common in the U.S. or UK—specifically those for ADHD (like Adderall or Ritalin), strong opioid-based painkillers (like Codeine or Tramadol), and certain stimulants or high-dose sedatives—are classified as controlled substances. To bring these into Germany in 2026, you cannot simply rely on a standard prescription bottle. If you are traveling from a Schengen country, you need a "Schengen Certificate"; if from outside (like the US/Canada), you require a multilingual medical certificate that has been authenticated by your local health authority. Even common "over-the-counter" items like pseudoephedrine (found in many cold and flu meds) can be restricted. Always carry medications in their original packaging and limit your supply to 90 days. Failure to provide proper documentation can result in the medication being confiscated at customs and the traveler facing potential charges for drug smuggling.

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Before entering Germany from a country that is not a member of the Schengen Agreement, patients shall have their prescribing physician issue, and carry on their journey, a multilingual certificate specifying the individual and daily doses, the name of the active ingredient and the duration of the journey.

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Some of the most commonly marketed OTC medicines in Germany include Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Voltaren Gel, and Dorithricin.

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In Germany, in addition to prescription dispensing, aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen and paracetamol are widely available OTC at pharmacies (not supermarkets) and through internet pharmacies, always involving professional pharmacists in the sale.

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Ibuprofen and dexibuprofen medicines have been authorised in the EU through national approval procedures and have been available for many years under a wide range of trade names. They are available on prescription and over the counter.

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Place all prescriptions in their original packaging and remember to pack them in your carry-on luggage, with copies of the prescription. Consider carrying a doctor's note explaining a need for the prescription drugs you have packed - in English and, if possible, in the language of your destination(s).

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Provided that you carry only your personal medicines and they are limited to a plausible amount, there is no obligation to declare. Just walk through the green door (nothing to declare) and nobody will care about your stuff.

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Restrictions
  • Medicinal products and narcotics. You must observe certain requirements if you are bringing medicinal products as normal travel requisites. ...
  • Cash. ...
  • Fireworks. ...
  • Instruments of torture. ...
  • Dangerous dogs. ...
  • Publications or media likely to harm minors and unconstitutional publications. ...
  • Cultural assets. ...
  • Food and feedstuffs.


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As mentioned, you don't need to have your pills in their original bottles under TSA guidelines. However, when traveling out of the country, having those pills in their original prescription bottles may make the customs process smoother and simpler.

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Ask your doctor for a letter on their letterhead explaining your medical treatment and necessity, translated into the host country's language, if necessary. Pack enough medication to last the length of your trip and no more than personal-use quantities.

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It is recommended that medication be clearly labeled to facilitate the screening process. You may bring medically necessary liquids, medications and creams in excess of 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters in your carry-on bag. Remove them from your carry-on bag to be screened separately from the rest of your belongings.

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Over-the-counter medicines
  • Diarrhea medicine (Imodium or Pepto-Bismol)
  • Antacid.
  • Antihistamine.
  • Motion sickness medicine.
  • Cough drops, cough suppressant, or expectorant.
  • Decongestant.
  • Pain and fever medicine (acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen)
  • Mild laxative.


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