Travelling with personal medicines in the United States (2026)

Last reviewed: 9 October 2026

In short: Controlled substances in schedules II to V for personal medical use may enter the US in the original dispensing container with a declaration to customs. A US resident may import at most 50 dosage units of such substances obtained abroad.

RuleWhat applies
Ordinary medicines (not controlled)Visitor bringing personal medicines into the countryForeign nationals (people who are not US citizens or permanent residents) may bring a 90-day supply of drug products. For US citizens, importing a drug not approved in the US is in most circumstances illegal, but FDA staff may allow it in some situations, where the quantity is generally not more than a three-month supply. [1]
Document for narcotic and psychotropic medicinesVisitor bringing personal medicines into the countryA controlled substance in schedules II to V lawfully obtained for personal medical use may enter the US if it is in the original container in which it was dispensed and the traveller declares to a customs officer that it is for personal use, giving its trade or chemical name (and schedule symbol) or, if that is not on the label, the dispensing pharmacy or practitioner and the prescription number. [2]
Quantity limit for narcotic and psychotropic medicinesVisitor bringing personal medicines into the countryA US resident may import no more than 50 dosage units combined of all such controlled substances obtained abroad for personal medical use. The limit does not apply to controlled substances lawfully obtained in the US on a prescription from a DEA registrant. The section sets no numerical limit for non-residents. [2]
Maximum validity of a Schengen medicines certificateVisitor bringing personal medicines into the country⚠ Not yet verified

Notes

  • The sources read cover the federal import rules only. The DEA decides whether controlled substances may be imported for personal use, and state law on possession was not examined.

Sources

  1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Personal Importation (Internet Archive snapshot of 5 October 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), Title 21: 21 CFR 1301.26 Exemptions from import or export requirements for personal medical use (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.