Traveling with Medications to 🇨🇭 Switzerland
| Medication | Category | Status | Quantity Limit | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Codeine Co-codamol, Tylenol 3, Solpadeine | opioid-analgesic | RESTRICTED | Up to 3 months supply for personal use | NO |
Diazepam Valium, Diastat, Diazemuls | benzodiazepine | RESTRICTED | Up to 3 months supply for personal use | NO |
Melatonin Circadin, Natrol Melatonin, Various OTC brands | sleep-hormone | RESTRICTED | 3 months personal supply | NO |
Pseudoephedrine Sudafed, Actifed, Clarinase | decongestant | ALLOWED | Personal use in original packaging | NO |
Detailed Rules
Codeine
WHO: Narcotic (Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961)
Codeine is a controlled narcotic in Switzerland under the Narcotics Act (BetmG). Travelers may bring personal supplies with valid prescription. If traveling through Schengen countries, carry a Schengen narcotics travel certificate issued by your physician.
- —Prescription
- —Schengen certificate for narcotics if traveling onward through EU
Diazepam
WHO: Psychotropic substance (Schedule IV)
Diazepam is a controlled psychotropic under the Swiss Narcotics Act (BetmG). Travelers may bring personal supplies with valid prescription. A Schengen narcotics/psychotropic certificate is recommended if traveling onward through EU Schengen states.
- —Prescription
- —Schengen psychotropic certificate for onward EU travel
Melatonin
WHO: Not internationally scheduled
Melatonin above 0.5mg is classified as a prescription medicine in Switzerland (similar to Germany). Travelers bringing high-dose OTC melatonin should carry a prescription. Low-dose melatonin food supplements may be imported freely.
- —Prescription for doses above 0.5mg marketed as medicinal product
Pseudoephedrine
WHO: Precursor chemical (listed in Table I of the UN Convention Against Illicit Traffic, 1988)
Pseudoephedrine is available as a pharmacy-only OTC product in Switzerland and is not a controlled substance under Swiss narcotics law. Travelers may bring personal use quantities freely in original packaging.
- —Original packaging