Last updated on December 22, 2025
Bottom line. Some countries allow travel with the right paperwork. Some require prior approval. Some ban it outright. Always check the official authority before you travel and carry proof for your exact product and dose.
How Europe works in practice
Schengen countries use an Article 75 certificate for residents who carry controlled medicines for up to 30 days. The UK is not in Schengen. UK patients usually travel with a doctor letter and, in some cases, a permit from the destination country.
Status legend
✅ Allowed, ⚠️ Permit or conditional, ❌ Ban
| Country | Status | Key rule | Docs to carry | Who to contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | ✅ Allowed | Non Schengen visitors should carry a UK authenticated medical certificate | Prescription, doctor letter, original packaging | German Customs, BfArM |
| France | ✅ Allowed | Amounts must match treatment and trip length | Prescription, doctor letter, originals | French Customs |
| Netherlands | ✅ Allowed | Non Schengen visitors carry a medical certificate | Medical certificate, prescription | Government NL, Office of Medicinal Cannabis |
| Italy | ⚠️ Permit | Certificate required from country of residence | Certificate, prescription, originals | Italian Ministry of Health |
| Spain | ⚠️ Permit | Apply to AEMPS before travel | AEMPS permit, prescription, doctor letter | AEMPS |
| Portugal | ⚠️ Permit | Written authorisation from INFARMED recommended | Authorisation letter, prescription | INFARMED CIMI |
| Ireland | ⚠️ Conditional | Documentation required, Schengen certificate does not apply to UK residents | Prescription, doctor letter | Department of Health, HPRA |
| Greece | ❌ Ban | Advisories warn against import even with prescription | N/A | EOF, OKANA |
| United Arab Emirates | ❌ Ban | Zero tolerance, severe penalties | N/A | MOHAP |
| Japan | ❌ Ban | Cannabis import prohibited | N/A | MHLW |
| Singapore | ❌ Ban | Prohibited, including transit | N/A | HSA, CNB |
| United States | ❌ Ban | Federally illegal at the border regardless of state law | N/A | CBP, FDA |
| Canada | ❌ Ban | Illegal to import or export without Health Canada exemption | Permit if granted | CBSA, Health Canada |
| Australia | ⚠️ Conditional | Traveller exemption may cover limited personal supply, declare on arrival | Prescription, original labels, proof of lawful supply | TGA, ODC |
| New Zealand | ⚠️ Conditional | Up to 3 months CBD or 1 month other cannabis medicines | Prescription or prescriber letter, originals | Ministry of Health, NZ Customs |
| Thailand | ⚠️ Conditional | Prescription required, rules shifting | Prescription, any Thai approval if needed | Thai Ministry of Public Health |
| Turkey | ❌ Ban | Embassy confirmation, medical cannabis not allowed in Türkiye | N/A | Turkish Embassy, Ministry of Health |
| South Africa | ⚠️ Conditional | Likely requires paperwork and possible permit | Prescription, doctor letter | SAHPRA, SARS |
What to carry every time
- Prescription and a clear doctor letter that names the product, dose, and dates
- Original pharmacy packaging with readable labels
- Printed copies as well as digital versions
- Any permit or authorisation required by the destination
Template email to request written approval
Subject: Visitor carrying prescribed cannabis based medicine for personal medical use
Dear [Authority or Embassy],
I am a UK patient with a valid prescription for [product name and strength]. I plan to visit [country] from [arrival date] to [departure date]. I will carry only the quantity needed for my treatment during this period in original pharmacy packaging.
Please confirm whether I may enter [country] with this medicine for personal medical use. If prior approval is required, please advise the process and the documents you need.
Attached, prescription PDF and product label photo.
Kind regards,
[Full name]
[Passport number]
Important. This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules change. Always confirm with the health ministry, customs, or embassy for your destination.
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