When we go on vacation, our first instinct is rarely to think about what regulations apply to taking medicines across the border. This is a big mistake, especially if we are taking any medications on a permanent basis. It turns out that if we don't follow the formalities, we can be unpleasantly surprised just before we travel.
Abroad with medicines? Yes, but you need to be aware of the regulations
Published Aug. 22, 2024 13:47
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- We must remember that if we are taking medicines that we take on a foreign trip and they are not narcotics or psychotropic substances, we must carry a certificate from our doctor. We can be asked for such a document, for example, at the airport before boarding the plane," explains Damian Kuraś, spokesman for the Main Pharmaceutical Inspectorate.
More paperwork awaits us if we take drugs that contain narcotics and psychotropic substances. For them we need an additional certificate.
- If you are moving within the European Union, you only need to visit the nearest provincial pharmaceutical inspector, who must authenticate the document issued by the doctor. Deadlines are important, as such documents are issued within 15 days before crossing the border, for a maximum of 30 days. If we take several such drugs, we must have a separate certificate for each of them. When we go outside the European Union, we have to contact the Main Pharmaceutical Inspectorate, which will issue us such a document," says Damian Kuraś.
The matter can be handled electronically - through the ePUAP platform and this is the most convenient option, especially if you live far from Warsaw. It can also be done through postal correspondence, but it will take longer, and after all, deadlines matter. You can also arrange the formalities in person at the GIF headquarters at Senatorska Street 12 in Warsaw.
The issue of bringing medicines from abroad into our country is even different. After all, it may happen that we fall ill while traveling and are, for example, in the middle of antibiotic therapy prescribed by a doctor from another country
- We can carry a maximum of 5 packages of the product for our own use, and we can't resell it to anyone, because it's a preparation we have only for our own use. Importantly, it cannot be a psychotropic drug or narcotic.
- In addition, if you are going to exotic countries, it is advisable to go to the website of our embassy in the country and check for additional restrictions. We also provide assistance in this regard," advises a GIF spokesperson.
