Do you need a Schengen certificate for medicines when travelling to Finland?
Which medicines need the certificate and how much you can bring.
Short answer
If you bring a medicine classified as a narcotic, such as strong painkillers or some ADHD and sleep medicines, from another Schengen country, you need a Schengen certificate and can bring at most 30 days' supply. From outside the Schengen area you can bring at most 14 days' supply. The certificate is issued in the country where the medicine was prescribed.
Why
- Fimea says a medicine classified as a narcotic can be brought in a quantity of 30 days' supply, together with a Schengen certificate.
- From outside the Schengen area the limit is 14 days' supply, according to Fimea.
- Finnish Customs says the certificate is needed for medicines that mainly affect the central nervous system or contain narcotic or psychotropic substances.
Details
A Schengen certificate is valid for up to 30 days and cannot cover a longer supply. Receiving narcotic medicines by post is prohibited.
Tip
Ask your pharmacy or doctor at home whether your medicine is a narcotic in Finland. Fimea's medicine search also shows the classification.
What may differ
Travellers from outside Schengen do not get a Schengen certificate but should carry a prescription or doctor's certificate in English.
Common misconception
A copy of the prescription is enough for any medicine inside the Schengen area.
What actually happens
Medicines classified as narcotics need a Schengen certificate when you travel between Schengen countries.
People also ask
- Can I bring ADHD medication to Finland?
- What is a Schengen medical certificate?
- Can I bring codeine to Finland?
Sources
- Fimea: Bringing medicines to FinlandChecked at:
- Finnish Customs: Medicines when travellingChecked at:
This answer is for reference only. Medicine rules depend on the product, so check Fimea and Finnish Customs before you travel.
Visas and Entry Regulations (Schengen)Related questions
-
How much money do you need to show to enter Finland?
For a Finnish Schengen visa, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs sets the minimum funds at 50 euros per day of stay.
-
Do you need travel insurance for Finland?
For visa applicants it is mandatory.
-
Are there border checks between Finland, Sweden and Norway?
Normally there are no checks.
-
Do you need a passport for the ferry between Helsinki and Tallinn?
Yes, you need a valid travel document even though there is usually no border check.