Can you bring medication to Ireland?

• Controlled medication

  depends on specifics

  From non-Schengen countries (e.g. US, UK, Canada, Australia, Asia): the Department of Health's general rule applies — up to 3 months' supply for personal use, original packaging, and a prescription or doctor's/pharmacist's letter inside the package; a customs officer must be satisfied the documents support the amount and personal use. From Schengen countries (since 1 April 2023): an Article 75 Certificate issued or authenticated by your own country's competent authority is required for any prescribed product containing a controlled drug in Schedule II or III of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2017, with a separate certificate for each drug. Prescribed cannabis-based products are not permitted to be brought into Ireland.

  Ireland's own statute (Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2017, S.I. 173/2017) lists amphetamine, dexamphetamine, lisdexamfetamine, methylphenidate (Ritalin/Concerta), oxycodone, methadone, buprenorphine and fentanyl in Schedule 2, so ADHD stimulants and strong opioids are Schedule 2 drugs — and need the Article 75 Certificate when arriving from a Schengen country. Alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium) and zolpidem are in Schedule 4, which the Department's Article 75 rule does not cover. Methadone and buprenorphine for opioid substitution may be brought in from the Schengen Area with an Article 75 Certificate. To check a specific product's schedule, use the HPRA 'search for a medicine' tool; for personal-medication queries the Department points to enforcementcontrol@hpra.ie. The Department page describes the non-Schengen rule in general terms only and does not name a separate certificate for non-Schengen visitors — carry full documentation regardless, since Irish Customs has the final say.

  Also covers: controlled substance, narcotic medication, psychotropic medication, adderall, amphetamine, dexamphetamine, vyvanse, lisdexamfetamine, ritalin, concerta, methylphenidate, stimulant medication, methadone, buprenorphine

  Checked 2026-09-21 — Source: Department of Health (Ireland) — Travelling into Ireland with prescribed narcotics and/or psychotropic substances

• Prescription medication

  allowed, within limits

  Visitors from non-Schengen countries may bring up to 3 months' supply of prescription medicines for their own personal use. The Department of Health recommends original packaging with your name clearly displayed, plus the prescription (or a copy) and/or a letter from your doctor or dispensing pharmacist outlining your condition and stating the medicines are for personal use — placed inside the package as proof of legitimacy.

  "In Ireland, the current practice is that the customs officer must be satisfied that the documentation supports the amount and personal use of the medical products in the possession of the traveller" and "the Irish Customs Authority has the final say in all such matters." Revenue lists medicines among goods that must be declared. Medicines containing controlled drugs are covered separately (see the controlled-medication entry).

  Also covers: medication, prescription medicine, medicine, otc medicine, drugs (prescription)

  Checked 2026-09-21 — Source: Department of Health (Ireland) — Travelling into Ireland with prescribed narcotics and/or psychotropic substances

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Informational only — not legal advice. Customs rules change; confirm with the official source above before you travel. See update history