Netherlands Worldwide

Can I take my medicines with me if I go abroad?

If you are travelling abroad and want to take medicines with you that fall under the Opium Act, you will need a certificate. 

Step 1: Find out whether your medicines fall under the Opium Act

To find out if your medication or the ingredients in it fall under the Opium Act, you can:

  • ask your pharmacist or doctor 
  • look it up yourself in the Opium Act. 

Look for your medication in Schedule I and Schedule II of the Opium Act (information in Dutch)

Not listed in the Opium Act?

If your medicines do not fall under the Opium Act, contact the embassy or consulate in the Netherlands of the country you are travelling to. They will tell you what to do. You do not need to go to step 2.

If you are travelling to Singapore, there are additional requirements for medicines. Read what these requirements are below.

Listed in the Opium Act? 

If your medication falls under the Opium Act, you will need a certificate. Go to step 2 to find out how to get one.

Step 2: Request a certificate

You can request a certificate from the CAK (central office for exceptional medical insurance). The certificate you need depends on the country you are travelling to and how long you are staying. 

Answer the questions on the CAK website to see which certificate you need in your situation (information in Dutch). On the same website, you can read what else you have to do.

Request a certificate well in advance

Request a certificate at least 2 weeks before you travel. If you are departing within a few days, find out on the CAK website what to do in your situation (information in Dutch). 

Take your certificate with you

You will receive your certificate by email or post. Take it with you when you travel.

Original packaging

Always carry your medicines in the original packaging. This will make it clear that they are medicines.

Step 3: Have your certificate legalised

For some countries you will need to have your certificate legalised. Ask the embassy or consulate of the country you are travelling to whether this is necessary.

Contact the embassy or consulate in the Netherlands of the country you are travelling to

Find out how to have your medication certificate legalised

Additional information for Singapore 

Singapore has additional requirements for some medicines. 

Contact

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.