Bringing U.S. Prescriptions to Spain: What’s Allowed and How to Refill

Travelling to Spain with prescription medications requires careful planning to avoid customs issues and ensure uninterrupted treatment. This guide explains customs rules, required documentation, local pharmacy equivalents, how to transition U.S. prescriptions into Spanish healthcare, and what to do if you need urgent refills.

Bringing U.S. prescriptions to Spain: What’s allowed and how to refill

Under Spanish law (Law 29/2006), travellers are permitted to bring medications for personal use during ongoing treatment. This normally means a supply of up to three months. Medications should be carried in their original packaging, ideally with the pharmacy label showing your name.

You cannot ship medications from the U.S. to Spain. Spanish customs will reject and return mailed medications, and neither the U.S. Embassy nor Spanish authorities will intervene.

Required documentation

Carry medications in your hand luggage to avoid loss or damage. Always bring:

• Your original U.S. prescription (not a photocopy).
• A doctor’s letter or medical report including diagnosis, dosage, treatment details, and physician contact information.
• Translations into Spanish, if possible, to help local doctors issue replacements.

If your medication is a controlled substance or psychotropic, you must obtain prior authorisation (“Schengen certificate”) from the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS). This can be requested through the consulate or by emailing estupefacientes@aemps.es.

Finding Spanish pharmacy equivalents

Once in Spain, you may need to switch to local medication names or generics.

Spanish pharmacies (“farmacias”)

Farmacias are easy to identify by the green cross outside. Pharmacists in Spain are highly trained and many speak English, especially in urban and tourist areas.

Can farmacias fill U.S. prescriptions?

No. Pharmacies in Spain cannot accept or dispense based on a prescription from a U.S. doctor. However, if you present your U.S. prescription and doctor’s letter to a Spanish doctor, they can normally issue a Spanish prescription.

Equivalent medications

Many American medications exist in Spain under different names. For example:

• Ritalin (methylphenidate IR): Not sold under that name. Spanish equivalents include Concerta and Rubifen.
• Most antidepressants and chronic medications are available as generics at low cost.

Pharmacists may suggest alternatives, but only a doctor can prescribe them.

Asking a Spanish doctor to prescribe your medications

Transitioning your U.S. prescription into the Spanish system is straightforward, but requires preparation.

Preparation before leaving the U.S.

• Obtain a formal doctor’s letter on official letterhead with diagnosis, generic medication names, dosage, and contact details.
• Keep all original prescriptions.
• Bring 1–2 months of medication to cover the transition period.
• Translate documents into Spanish if possible.

First steps upon arrival in Spain

If you plan to apply for residency or stay long-term, private health insurance is often a legal requirement. At HealthPlan Spain, our Sanitas policies are residency compliant, include no co-payments, and provide English-speaking support.

Visit a Spanish doctor

Make an appointment at a private clinic or with a public doctor (depending on your insurance). Bring your U.S. prescriptions and doctor’s letter. Most Spanish doctors will issue a local prescription once they have verified your documentation.

Telehealth & emergency refills

If you urgently need a refill due to loss, theft, or running out, services such as Travel Doctor EU can issue same-day prescriptions valid across Spain. In emergencies, you may also visit urgencias (urgent care) or a public hospital. Bring your passport and insurance documents.

Refilling prescriptions routinely

Spanish pharmacies do not “call in” refills. You will need a new appointment for ongoing prescriptions. Some doctors may issue long-term prescriptions (e.g., 6–12 months) depending on your condition and insurance coverage.

Cost & insurance considerations

Doctor visits in Spain typically cost €80–€150 privately. However, generic medications are often inexpensive compared to U.S. prices.

To summarise

• Carry original prescriptions and a doctor’s letter (plus translation).
• Do not mail U.S. medications to Spain—always bring them yourself.
• Check controlled-substance rules and obtain AEMPS authorisation if required.
• Visit a Spanish doctor upon arrival to obtain local prescriptions.
• Plan ahead for refills and use telehealth if you need emergency replacements.

Protect your health with compliant cover

If you are planning a move to Spain, private health insurance is often mandatory for residency and ensures access to English-speaking doctors who can help with prescription continuity. Explore our range of Sanitas health insurance plans in Spain to make your transition smoother.