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

Traveling to Spain with prescription medications requires careful planning to avoid customs issues and ensure uninterrupted treatment. This article covers customs rules, required documentation, Spanish pharmacy equivalents, how to transition U.S. prescriptions into Spanish healthcare, and what to do in emergencies.

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

Traveling to Spain with prescription medications requires careful planning in order to avoid customs problems and to ensure uninterrupted use. In this article, we take you through the rules at customs, provide advice on Spanish pharmacy equivalents, and explain how you can get your meds refilled by a Spanish doctor.

U.S. medication import rules at Spanish customs

What you can bring: Under Spanish law (Law 29/2006), travelers are allowed to bring medications for personal use during and following medical treatment. Generally, this means up to a three-month supply. The medications should be carried in their original packaging, preferably with the pharmacy sticker showing your name.

What you cannot do: You cannot ship medications from the U.S. to Spain, as Spain does not allow medications to be shipped by mail. Spanish customs will reject and return any mailed medications, and the U.S. Embassy cannot assist in retrieving them.

Required documentation

In order to avoid problems when passing through customs, you should carry your medication in your carry-on luggage, not in your checked luggage. This is particularly important, as checked luggage does sometimes get lost. It is also highly advisable to have your original prescription with you, as well as a doctor’s letter or medical report, ideally including diagnoses, dosage, physician’s contact details, and reason for treatment. Furthermore, if your medications are controlled substances or psychotropics, you must seek prior authorization (in the form of a permit/Schengen certificate) from the Spanish Agency of Drugs and Health Products (AEMPS)—this can be done via the consulate, or via E-Mail to the Agency (estupefacientes@aemps.es).

Finding Spanish pharmacy equivalents

Once you have arrived in Spain and need to obtain your medications locally, you need to be familiar with the Spanish system.

Spanish pharmacies (“farmacias”)

In Spain, licensed pharmacies can be easily recognized by the sign on the front of the premises, which shows a green cross. Spanish pharmacists are highly trained, knowledgeable and often fluent in English, especially in tourist areas.

Can farmacias fill U.S. prescriptions?

No, Spanish pharmacies do not generally accept prescriptions written by U.S. doctors, as foreign prescriptions are not legally recognized in Spain. However, if you present your U.S. prescription and doctor’s letter to a Spanish doctor, it is usually possible to obtain a Spanish prescription for a local equivalent of the required medications.

Equivalent medications

Many medications commonly used in the U.S. are available as generics or under different brand names in Spain. One example is Ritalin (instant-release methylphenidate), which is not sold under that name in Spain. Possible Spanish equivalents are Concerta and Rubifen. Antidepressants and other chronic medications often have generics available at low cost. Spanish pharmacists can suggest alternative names or formulations, but ultimately only a doctor can prescribe the necessary medications.

Asking a Spanish doctor to prescribe your medications

It is not difficult to transition your U.S. prescription into Spanish healthcare, but it does require a certain amount of planning.

Preparation before leaving the U.S.

Obtain a doctor’s letter, ideally on an official letterhead, detailing diagnosis, medication names (generic preferred), dosages, and contact information for this doctor. Make sure to keep your original U.S. prescription(s) in the original format—not just a photocopy. If possible, have these documents translated into Spanish, as this helps ease communication in Spain. Take enough medication with you to last for the first 1–2 months; this gives you time to settle into the new country and become familiar with its healthcare system.

First steps upon arrival in Spain

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Visit a Spanish doctor

First of all, you need to make an appointment—either at a private clinic or with a public doctor, depending on your medical insurance. Take along your U.S. prescription and doctor’s letter, together with the translation, if you have one. Explain clearly that you need Spanish prescriptions for the medications that you take in the U.S. Most Spanish doctors will comply, especially if they are provided with the necessary correct documentation. Your Spanish doctor will issue a printed Spanish prescription which you can take to any farmacia. The prescription will be for either the same medication that you usually take (if this is available in Spain) or for a very similar substitute.

Telehealth & emergency refills

If you need meds urgently, because you have lost your meds, run out, or they have been stolen, you can use telehealth services such as Travel Doctor EU in order to obtain same-day prescriptions which are then valid at farmacias throughout Spain. You can also visit a public hospital or urgent care (urgencias) in the event of an emergency—be sure to take your passport and insurance documentation with you.

Refilling prescriptions routinely

Unlike the U.S., farmacias do not call in refills. You will need to make another appointment with a doctor for refills. For long-term conditions, some prescriptions may be valid for extended periods (e.g., up to one year), depending on your doctor’s practice and insurance coverage.

Cost & insurance considerations

Bear in mind that a visit to a Spanish doctor can cost €80–€150 per visit. It is therefore important to choose a good medical insurance company.

On the plus side, Spanish generic medications are usually available at low cost.

To summarize:

Obtaining your regular medications in Spain should not be a problem, provided you plan in advance and have the necessary documentation:

Make sure you have your original prescription(s) and a doctor’s letter (plus a translation, if possible).

Do not ship U.S. medications to Spain—carry them with you on your journey, along with prescriptions and doctor’s letters.

Familiarize yourself with controlled-substance rules and obtain the necessary permits in advance.

Upon arrival in Spain, consult a Spanish doctor—taking along the necessary documentation—in order to obtain your medications locally.

Plan ahead for punctual refills, and use telehealth in emergencies.

Protect your health with compliant cover

If you are planning a move to Spain, private health insurance is not only often required for residency but also gives you easy access to English-speaking doctors and specialists who can help with prescription continuity. Explore our range of Sanitas health insurance plans in Spain to make your transition smoother.