In this blog post, we show you what to keep in mind when taking medication abroad or buying it locally and bringing it back with you – so you can avoid unpleasant surprises.

Traveling with Prescription Medication

If you’ve had a pre-travel medical consultation with us at the Travel Clinic UZH, you’re probably already well-prepared. But what about transporting it, taking it, and importing it into your destination country?

Start your journey well-prepared

In Switzerland, we have the privilege of safe, high-quality medication – something that cannot be taken for granted everywhere. Stock up on everything important before you leave, especially any regularly prescribed medication, any recommended travel medicines and a well-stocked first-aid kit. It’s also wise to bring a small reserve in case your return is delayed.

How to transport personal medication properly

Keep medication in its original packaging. For prescription medication, the box should ideally be labeled with your name, date of birth, and issuing pharmacy. In some cases, carrying a doctor’s note is advisable, particularly for medication that might raise questions at customs. In certain countries, you may be required to carry the original prescription or a letter from your prescribing physician to prove that the medication was lawfully obtained and intended for personal use only.
If you need syringes or injection equipment, always carry a medical certificate in English, especially for air travel.

Keep essential medication in your hand luggage so it’s always accessible and you don’t have to worry in case your checked baggage is delayed or lost.

Be cautious with certain medications

Not all medications permitted in Switzerland can be freely imported into other countries. Exercise particular caution with strong painkillers, certain psychiatric medications (e.g., for anxiety disorders, depression, or ADHD), and sedatives such as some antihistamines.

• For travel within the Schengen area, you’ll need an official declaration completed by your prescribing physician (form here).

• For travel outside Schengen, it’s best to clarify import rules with your destination country’s embassy well in advance. Countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Pakistan, Japan, or Turkey have strict import regulations, and violations can result in severe penalties. Keep in mind that obtaining the necessary documentation can take time, so plan accordingly.

Special note on HIV medication

In certain countries, carrying HIV medication can be sensitive. Even if it’s not prohibited, it may reveal personal information about your health or possible sexual orientation, which could lead to unpleasant or even dangerous situations. In such cases, consult your doctor early to discuss appropriate precautions.

We interviewed an expert on this topic – read the interview hier!

What belongs in a travel health kit?

In addition to your regular medication, it’s a good idea to carry a small first-aid kit containing items such as pain relievers, band-aids, nasal spray, and a thermometer. A copy of your vaccination record can also be useful in emergencies.
If you’re traveling across multiple time zones, consult your doctor about whether and how to adjust the timing of your regular medications.

Buying Medication Abroad

Even with good preparation, you may still need to buy medication while abroad – for example, if you get a cold, have an allergic reaction, or develop pain somewhere. Be cautious when purchasing.

Identifying and avoiding counterfeit medication

In high-resource settings, the proportion of counterfeit medication is less than 1%. However, in parts of Latin America, Africa, or Southeast Asia, the WHO estimates it can exceed 30%.

Counterfeit medicines are often ineffective and can even be dangerous. Always buy medicine from official pharmacies, clinics, or certified online pharmacies – never from markets, street vendors, or questionable online shops.

Trust your gut feeling: if the packaging looks poor, there’s no expiration date, or the tablets look inconsistent, it’s better not to take them.

Different countries, different names

Brand names vary from country to country. Always pay attention to the active ingredient – for example, paracetamol, which is sold in Switzerland under the names Dafalgan® or Panadol®.

Caution with antibiotics

In some countries, antibiotics can be obtained without a prescription. While it may be tempting to stock up “just in case,” please don’t. Misuse encourages antibiotic resistance which is a serious global health problem. Antibiotics should always be taken under medical supervision and only for specific conditions.

Storing medication properly – especially in hot climates

When buying medication abroad, ask the pharmacy about proper storage. Many drugs lose their effectiveness in high heat. Never leave medication in a hot or cold car, as active ingredients can break down, creams can melt, suppositories become unusable or liquids may freeze. When in doubt: store medication in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

And what about the return trip?

There are also a few things to watch out for when bringing medication back into Switzerland. Drugs that are often smuggled in illegally include substances with dependency or abuse potential, such as potency enhancers, psychiatric drugs, and sleeping or tranquilizing medications. Always check in advance whether the medication you purchased abroad is permitted in Switzerland.

Good to know: Private individuals are generally allowed to bring in medication only for their own personal use, and only in an amount equivalent to about a one-month supply. Bringing medication back for other people is not permitted.

Traveling with medication – well-prepared and safe

With careful preparation and a watchful eye, you’ll be well-equipped when it comes to medication while traveling.

Our key tips at a glance:

• Carry all regularly needed medication in sufficient quantity in your hand luggage.

• Transport and store medication correctly.

• Organize any necessary certificates/doctors notes in advance.

• Buy only from trustworthy sources.

• Question suspicious products.

• Don`t be afraid to seek medical advice when necessary.

• Bring a travel health kit – we’ll be happy to advise you!

We wish you a wonderful journey!

References

Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH). Combating counterfeit medicines. Available online at: https://www.bag.admin.ch/de/bekaempfung-von-heilmittelfaelschungen [accessed 09.07.2025].

Swiss Confederation. Counterfeit medicines: Operation Pangea XV – International action against the illegal trade in medicines. Press release of 20.10.2022. Available online at: https://www.news.admin.ch/de/nsb?id=74881 [accessed 08.07.2025].

Swissmedic. Operation Pangea XV: Global action against counterfeit and illegal medicines on the internet. Available online at: https://www.swissmedic.ch/swissmedic/de/home/humanarzneimittel/marktueberwachung/arzneimittel-aus-dem-internet/drug-safety-current-threats/operation-pangea-xv.html [accessed 10.07.2025].

Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS). Buying medicines abroad. Available online at: https://www.bazg.admin.ch/bazg/de/home/aktuell/forumz/gut-durch-den-zoll/medikamente-im-ausland-kaufen.html [accessed 10.07.2025].

Wanda. Taking medicines with you: Points of interest. Available online at: https://www.wanda.be/en/a-z-index/taking-medicines-with-you/ [accessed 14.08.2025].