MySwissAlps.com features ads, commercial and non-commercial Bring in over-the-counter meds to Switzerland
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I’m planning to bring some over-the-counter medications to Switzerland such as paracetamol, anti-fungal cream, gastric pills (in case I fall sick while holidaying in Switzerland).
What I’m afraid is I will be stopped by the immigration officers in Switzerland.
I have been carrying such medications to other countries without any issues. So, I’m not sure about Switzerland.
I’ve read about this below
Travellers are allowed to carry medicinal products containing narcotic or psychotropic substances without an import or export permit, provided that the quantity carried is no greater than that required for 30 days, and in the case of exportation, that the destination country allows this.
The quantity I’m carrying is definitely not more than 30 days.
May I know if anyone has been stopped by the immigration officers in Switzerland due to this issue?
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We’ve been to Switzerland 3 times in the past 5 years and taken common (in the US) over-the-counter medications with us each time, such as Tylenol, Advil, Alka Seltzer, anti-fungal creme (helps when wearing waterproof footwear for extended times of several days), etc.
Never had any Swiss official question us let alone make an issue of it.
Hi Galvatron,
You can also get these kinds of meds here in Switzerland, if you would like to make sure, you can get them here if you need them. Amavita is one of the biggest brands here, you can check the prices online: http://www.amavita.ch. (No English on their site but you can use Google Translator).
On the page you emtioned I read this: “Travellers are allowed to carry medicinal products containing narcotic or psychotropic substances without an import or export permit, provided that the quantity carried is no greater than that required for 30 days, and in the case of exportation, that the destination country allows this.”
Ildiko
You probably will walk straight through – they won’t give you a second glance. And they certainly won’t be bothered about standard basic medicinal items.
I drove across the border from France to Switzerland whilst quite a number of Covid rules were still in place, and all the Swiss border staff were bothered about was collecting the 40 Swiss francs for the motorway toll vignette…
Hi Galvatron,
I brought my prescription meds on my 2 week trip in Sept 2018. I was concerned about the possibility having any of my meds (insulin pens, in particular) freeze while in luggage down below. My sister does an extensive amount of business travel and said she kept/keeps any meds on her person (either carry-on, or her purse). So that’s what I did, put it in my carry-on. I did make sure to bring any documentation in a folder about each med just in case I might need it. As it turns out, the only problem I encountered was a tube of tooth paste upon exiting from Zurich airport. So it doesn’t sound as if you should have any problems with the OTC’s. Have a great trip.
Regards,
Danielsan
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