Specific rules apply to the quantities of medicines you may travel with, both when entering Iceland and when travelling from Iceland to other countries.

How much medicine can you take with you when travelling?

When travelling to Iceland, you may bring medicines for personal use, provided they have been obtained lawfully. Individuals arriving from a country within the European Economic Area may bring up to a one-year supply, based on the doctor’s instructions for use. For individuals arriving from a country outside the European Economic Area, the limit is a 100-day supply.

Whether travelling to or from Iceland, anyone carrying medicines in their luggage must be able to demonstrate to customs authorities that they need the medicines by presenting a certificate, prescription or written statement from a doctor, and show that the medicines were obtained lawfully.

Travelling to other countries with medicines

Many countries have rules on the quantities of medicines travellers may bring for personal use. This applies particularly to medicines classified as narcotic and psychotropic medicines. It is advisable to check the rules of your destination country or countries before travelling. You can also contact the Icelandic embassy in the country concerned for information about the applicable rules.

What rules apply to narcotic and psychotropic medicines?

Examples of medicines legally classified as narcotic and psychotropic medicines include certain sleeping medicines, some painkillers and medicines for ADHD. Different rules apply to these medicines than to medicines in general.

Individuals may bring medicines for personal use into Iceland that contain substances listed in Annex 1 to reglugerð nr. 233/2001 um ávana- og fíkniefni og önnur eftirlitsskyld efni, subject to the following restrictions:

For individuals with a registered domicile in Iceland:

• If the medicines were obtained in Iceland, the individual may bring up to a 30-day supply of narcotic and psychotropic medicines when entering the country.

• If the medicines were obtained abroad, the individual may bring up to a 7-day supply of narcotic and psychotropic medicines when entering the country.

• If the medicines were obtained abroad and the individual carries a statement from a doctor licensed to practise in Iceland confirming that the medicines are medically necessary for them, they may bring up to a 30-day supply of narcotic and psychotropic medicines.

For individuals without a registered domicile in Iceland:

• Individuals without a registered domicile in Iceland may bring up to a 30-day supply of narcotic and psychotropic medicines when entering the country.

• Individuals travelling between or within the territories of the Schengen contracting parties may carry narcotic and psychotropic medicines in the quantities required for their medical treatment, provided they present a certificate issued or authenticated by the competent authority in their country of residence, in accordance with Article 75 of the Schengen Convention. Such certificates are valid for a maximum of 30 days from the date of issue.

• The Directorate of Health issues these certificates. Applications for a

  Schengen certificate for medicines

  can be made on island.is.

Keep medicines in your hand luggage

When travelling abroad, it is advisable to keep all medicines in your hand luggage. Preferably keep them in their original packaging so that they can be identified more easily if you are subject to an inspection during your journey.

Medicines in liquid form, such as creams, oral liquids and inhalation sprays, are exempt from the restrictions on the quantity of liquids passengers may carry in their hand luggage. They do not need to fit inside the transparent bag with other liquid products, but you may need to declare them for inspection.

Icelandic prescriptions abroad

You should not assume that Icelandic prescriptions are valid in other countries. Pharmacies abroad do not have access to electronic prescriptions issued by doctors in Iceland. Make sure you bring enough medicine to last for the duration of your trip.

Storing medicines when travelling

Medicines must be stored at an appropriate temperature and protected from sunlight and moisture. Read the package leaflet for instructions on how best to store your medicine. The leaflet is also available in the Medicinal Product Information database.

Pay particular attention to medicine storage when travelling to countries with a different climate from Iceland.

Sunlight and its effects on the skin

Some medicines can cause skin reactions when the skin is exposed to sunlight. This also applies to light from sunbeds. This is called photosensitivity and can resemble sunburn. It is important to prevent these reactions. Read more about sunlight and its effects on the skin.