Bringing Medication from Abroad into Switzerland

The 3-month personal supply rule

Swissmedic, the Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products, permits individuals to import medications for personal use in quantities corresponding to a maximum of 3 months of treatment. This applies whether you are entering Switzerland by air, rail, or road.

The medication does not need to be authorised in Switzerland, but it must be for your own personal use. Importing medication for other people is not permitted under this exemption.

• Keep medication in its original packaging with the pharmacy label showing your name, the prescribing doctor, and dosage instructions.
• Carry a prescription or medical certificate in English, German, French, or Italian — ideally from your prescribing doctor, stating the active ingredient (INN), dosage, and reason for the prescription.
• Quantities exceeding 3 months require a special import permit from Swissmedic, which must be applied for in advance.

Controlled substances (Betäubungsmittelgesetz / BtmG)

Medications classified as controlled substances under the Swiss Narcotics Act (BtmG) — including strong opioids, benzodiazepines, methylphenidate (Ritalin), and certain sleep medications — are subject to stricter rules:

• From Schengen countries: You may carry up to 30 days' supply if you have a Schengen certificate (Schengen-Bescheinigung) issued by the health authority of the country that prescribed the medication. This is a standardised form across EU/EFTA states.
• From non-Schengen countries: Carry a medical certificate from your doctor (ideally translated into an official Swiss language or English), stating the medication name, active substance, daily dosage, and treatment duration. A maximum of 30 days' supply is generally tolerated.
• Cannabis-based medications: Even if legally prescribed in your home country, cannabis products may be treated differently at the Swiss border. Carry full medical documentation and check with Swissmedic before travelling.

Medications not authorised in Switzerland

Some medications you rely on abroad may not be authorised by Swissmedic. This does not automatically prevent you from bringing them in for personal use (the 3-month rule still applies), but it has practical consequences:

• A Swiss doctor cannot prescribe a medication that is not authorised in Switzerland. You will need to find a Swiss-authorised equivalent or apply for a special use permit.
• Your Swiss insurer (KVG) will not reimburse medications that are not on the Spezialitätenliste (SL), even if you have a valid foreign prescription.
• Your doctor can apply for a Sonderbewilligung (special authorisation) from Swissmedic if no Swiss-authorised alternative exists and the medication is medically necessary.

Customs declaration

When entering Switzerland, you generally do not need to declare personal medication at customs if the quantity is within the 3-month limit and it is not a controlled substance. However:

• If asked by a customs officer, present your prescription and the medication in its original packaging.
• If carrying controlled substances, proactively declare them and present your Schengen certificate or medical documentation.
• If you are importing medication by post (e.g., having a family member send it), different rules apply — Swissmedic generally prohibits postal import of medications, and parcels may be seized by customs.

Practical advice for expats with ongoing prescriptions

If you are relocating to Switzerland and take medication regularly, plan your transition carefully:

• Bring a full 3-month supply to give yourself time to find a GP and transfer your prescriptions.
• Get a detailed medical letter from your current doctor listing all diagnoses, medications (with INN names), dosages, and treatment history. This will make it much easier for your new Swiss GP to continue your care.
• Register with a GP promptly — in Switzerland, only doctors can issue prescriptions, and pharmacies will not refill foreign prescriptions beyond what you brought in.
• Ask about generics: Swiss pharmacies are required to offer you the cheapest available generic if one exists. Generics are significantly cheaper and reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
• Check the SL: Verify that your medications are on the Spezialitätenliste at spezialitaetenliste.ch so you know whether KVG will cover them.