Medication & Pharmacies

Bringing Medication to Spain

Spain follows EU and Schengen rules for personal medication. Here is what you need to know before you pack.

• Keep medication in its original packaging. Spanish customs agents may ask to identify your medication. Having it in the original box with the pharmacy label makes this straightforward.
• Bring your prescription or a doctor's letter. Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor listing the medication name (use the generic/chemical name, not just the brand name), dosage, and reason for use.
• Controlled substances require extra documentation. For strong painkillers, ADHD medication, benzodiazepines, or other controlled drugs, bring a signed letter from your doctor on official letterhead. For travelers from within the Schengen area, a Schengen certificate signed by a health authority in your home country is required. This certificate is valid for up to 30 days.
• Quantity limit. You may bring up to three months' supply of personal medication into Spain.

Spanish Pharmacies (Farmacias)

Pharmacies in Spain are called farmacias. They are recognizable by the distinctive green cross sign, which is often illuminated and sometimes flashing. Spanish farmacias are everywhere - you will find at least one in every neighborhood.

Spanish pharmacists (farmaceuticos) are trained to advise on minor health issues and can recommend over-the-counter treatments for pain, allergies, digestive problems, and minor injuries. You do not need a doctor's visit for these basic needs.

Important: Prescription-Only Rules

Spain has specific rules about what requires a prescription:

• Antibiotics - Always prescription-only.
• Stronger painkillers (beyond basic ibuprofen and paracetamol) - Prescription-only.
• Most allergy medications (beyond basic antihistamines) - May require a prescription.
• Heartburn/reflux medications (such as omeprazole in larger doses) - May require a prescription.

Basic painkillers (Ibuprofen, Paracetamol, Aspirin), basic antihistamines, cough drops, and cold remedies are available without a prescription at any farmacia.

Opening Hours

Most farmacias in Madrid are open Monday through Friday from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM and from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM (note the afternoon break, siesta hours). Saturday hours are typically 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM. Most are closed on Sundays. Some farmacias in busy commercial areas have extended hours without the afternoon break.

Farmacia de Guardia (Duty Pharmacies)

Outside regular hours (nights, Sundays, and public holidays), the farmacia de guardia system ensures that at least one pharmacy per neighborhood is always open. Spanish law mandates 24-hour pharmacy coverage across Madrid.

• To find the nearest open pharmacy: Check the door or window of any closed pharmacy. A notice will list the nearest farmacia de guardia with its address and phone number.
• Online: The Madrid City Council (madrid.es) provides a searchable directory of duty pharmacies by district. Search "farmacias de guardia Madrid."
• Ask your hotel: Hotel front desk staff can direct you to the nearest open pharmacy at any time.
• Google search: Searching "farmacia de guardia cerca de mi" (duty pharmacy near me) on your phone will usually show the nearest option.
• Surcharge: Duty pharmacies do not charge a surcharge for after-hours service in Spain. You pay the same price as during regular hours.

Prescription Rules for Tourists

How you get prescription medication in Spain depends on where you are from:

• EU/EEA citizens: A prescription from a doctor in another EU or EEA country is generally valid at Spanish pharmacies. The pharmacist may verify it and may substitute an equivalent Spanish brand if your exact brand is unavailable.
• Non-EU visitors (US, Canada, Australia, etc.): A prescription from outside the EU is not valid in Spain. If you run out of medication, you will need to visit a Spanish doctor. You can go to a general practitioner (medico de cabecera) at a public health center (centro de salud) or a private clinic.
• Emergency exception: In cases of genuine urgency, Spanish pharmacists may dispense certain medications without a prescription, but only in the smallest available quantity. This is at the pharmacist's discretion and is not guaranteed.

Medical Supplies

Standard farmacias carry basic medical supplies (bandages, antiseptics, thermometers). For specialized supplies:

• Catheters and ostomy supplies: Ask at a larger farmacia or contact a medical supply company (ortopedia). Bring enough supplies from home for your entire trip, as brands and sizes may differ.
• Respiratory equipment (CPAP, nebulizers): Contact your hotel in advance to confirm they can provide an extension cord or bedside outlet for CPAP use.
• Basic mobility aids: Some farmacias sell walking canes, crutches, and compression stockings. For wheelchairs and scooters, see our Equipment Rentals page.

Health Insurance

EU/EEA Citizens

Bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This card gives you access to state-provided healthcare at the same cost as Spanish residents. You may need to pay upfront and claim reimbursement.

UK Citizens

Bring your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). It works similarly to the EHIC. Travel insurance is still recommended as backup.

Non-EU Visitors

You need travel insurance that covers medical expenses in Spain. Without insurance, medical care is expensive. A private doctor's visit costs approximately 50-100 euros. Emergency room visits can cost several hundred euros, and hospital stays are priced accordingly.