What medications are not allowed in Netherlands?

Medicines that have a narcotic effect require a certificate. These include sleeping pills, strong painkillers, ADHD medication and medicinal cannabis. Ask your family doctor or pharmacy whether you need a certificate for your medication.



The Netherlands has strict regulations regarding medications that fall under the Opium Act, which includes many common prescriptions like ADHD medications (Ritalin), strong painkillers (opiates), and certain sleep or anxiety aids. To bring these into the country in 2026, you must possess a Schengen Certificate or a formalized medical certificate signed by your doctor and potentially legalized by the embassy. Even "common" stimulants or heavy sedatives can be confiscated if they are not in their original packaging with a valid prescription. It is vital to check the current Dutch Opium Act lists (List I and II) before travel to ensure you have the correct legal documentation.

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You must carry medicine containing a controlled drug with you in your hand luggage when entering or leaving the UK. It may be taken away from you at the border if you cannot prove it was prescribed for you.

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Medication is usually screened by X-ray; however, if a passenger does not want a medication X-rayed, he or she may ask for a visual inspection instead. This request must be made before any items are sent through the X-ray tunnel.

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Declare all drugs, medicinals, and similar products to the appropriate CBP official; Carry such substances in their original containers; Carry only the quantity of such substances that a person with that condition (e.g., chronic pain) would normally carry for his/her personal use; and.

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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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2) Prescriptions must undergo an X-ray screening, but you can request a visual inspection if you prefer. Prescription screening is usually done through an x-ray with the rest of your items, but you can request a visual inspection if you prefer.

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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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Paracetamol has been widely used for many years to relieve pain and fever in adults and children. Paracetamol-containing immediate-release products have been authorised in all EU Member States but are not included in EMA's review.

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A European panel on Monday backed tougher guidelines on ibuprofen after research found high doses of the popular painkiller were linked to a small increase in cardiac and stroke risk.

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Pharmaceutical Considerations: The use of a psychotropic drug is disqualifying for aeromedical certification purposes – this includes all antidepressant drugs, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

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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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Ensure all your supplies, including devices, have a prescription label or you carry a note from your doctor explaining the reason you need these supplies. Place all medications in a clear, sealable bag and keep them separate from your other belongings for screening.

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