Travelling with personal medicines in the Netherlands (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Medicines that fall under the Dutch Opiumwet need a declaration when brought into the Netherlands. A Schengen medicines declaration issued by the CAK is valid for at most 30 days.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Ordinary medicines (not controlled)Visitor bringing personal medicines into the country | Medicines should be carried in the original packaging. A medication passport or medication overview is not required. [1] |
| Document for narcotic and psychotropic medicinesVisitor bringing personal medicines into the country | Medicines, or ingredients of them, that fall under the Dutch Opiumwet need a declaration. Examples given are sleeping pills, strong painkillers, ADHD medicines and medicinal cannabis. [1] |
| Quantity limit for narcotic and psychotropic medicinesVisitor bringing personal medicines into the country | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Maximum validity of a Schengen medicines certificateVisitor bringing personal medicines into the country | 30 days [2] |
Notes
- The page does not name the form of declaration, who issues it for arrivals, or a quantity limit. It also warns that a medicine may fall under the opium law of the country of departure.
- The CAK issues this declaration to people travelling from the Netherlands. It is one declaration per medicine for up to 30 days.
Sources
- NederlandWereldwijd (Rijksoverheid): Mag ik medicijnen meenemen naar Nederland? (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- CAK: Hoe reis ik met medicijnen binnen Europa? (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.