Netherlands
Country · Europe
The Netherlands permits prescription medicines for personal use and famously tolerates small amounts of cannabis in licensed coffeeshops — but cannabis is not legal, and importing or exporting it is prohibited. As a Schengen country, controlled medicines require a Schengen certificate.
Traveler warnings
Cannabis is tolerated in coffeeshops but NOT legal — never carry it across the border. Carry a Schengen certificate for controlled medicines.
Legal status by substance category
8 categories documented for Netherlands.
ADHD Stimulants (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse)
Stimulants (ADHD Medications)
Limit: Personal medical supply only (typically up to a 30–90 day course); larger amounts may require an import permit.
Allowed in Netherlands with a valid prescription. Carry documentation, keep medicines in original labelled packaging, and declare controlled medicines at customs.
Penalty: Possession beyond tolerated limits, or import/export of cannabis, can lead to fines, seizure and prosecution. Hard-drug offences carry imprisonment.
Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, Klonopin)
Benzodiazepines / Anxiolytics
Limit: Personal medical supply only (typically up to a 30–90 day course); larger amounts may require an import permit.
Allowed in Netherlands with a valid prescription. Carry documentation, keep medicines in original labelled packaging, and declare controlled medicines at customs.
Penalty: Possession beyond tolerated limits, or import/export of cannabis, can lead to fines, seizure and prosecution. Hard-drug offences carry imprisonment.
CBD Products
CBD Products
Limit: Personal medical supply only (typically up to a 30–90 day course); larger amounts may require an import permit.
Legal for personal use in Netherlands. Keep products in original packaging and carry ID. Low-THC CBD products are generally available; keep products in original packaging.
Penalty: Possession beyond tolerated limits, or import/export of cannabis, can lead to fines, seizure and prosecution. Hard-drug offences carry imprisonment.
Cannabis / Marijuana
Cannabis / Marijuana
Limit: Personal medical supply only (typically up to a 30–90 day course); larger amounts may require an import permit.
Restricted in Netherlands. Keep within personal-use limits, carry full documentation, and verify current rules with the official authority before travel. Cannabis is tolerated in licensed coffeeshops for small personal amounts but is not legal; importing or exporting it is prohibited.
Penalty: Possession beyond tolerated limits, or import/export of cannabis, can lead to fines, seizure and prosecution. Hard-drug offences carry imprisonment.
General Prescription Medications
General Prescription Medications
Limit: Personal medical supply only (typically up to a 30–90 day course); larger amounts may require an import permit.
Allowed in Netherlands with a valid prescription. Carry documentation, keep medicines in original labelled packaging, and declare controlled medicines at customs.
Penalty: Possession beyond tolerated limits, or import/export of cannabis, can lead to fines, seizure and prosecution. Hard-drug offences carry imprisonment.
Opioids / Pain Medications (codeine, tramadol, oxycodone)
Opioids / Pain Medications
Limit: Personal medical supply only (typically up to a 30–90 day course); larger amounts may require an import permit.
Allowed in Netherlands with a valid prescription. Carry documentation, keep medicines in original labelled packaging, and declare controlled medicines at customs.
Penalty: Possession beyond tolerated limits, or import/export of cannabis, can lead to fines, seizure and prosecution. Hard-drug offences carry imprisonment.
Psychiatric Medications (antidepressants, antipsychotics)
Psychiatric Medications
Limit: Personal medical supply only (typically up to a 30–90 day course); larger amounts may require an import permit.
Allowed in Netherlands with a valid prescription. Carry documentation, keep medicines in original labelled packaging, and declare controlled medicines at customs.
Penalty: Possession beyond tolerated limits, or import/export of cannabis, can lead to fines, seizure and prosecution. Hard-drug offences carry imprisonment.
Testosterone / Hormone Therapy
Testosterone / Hormone Therapy
Limit: Personal medical supply only (typically up to a 30–90 day course); larger amounts may require an import permit.
Allowed in Netherlands with a valid prescription. Carry documentation, keep medicines in original labelled packaging, and declare controlled medicines at customs.
Penalty: Possession beyond tolerated limits, or import/export of cannabis, can lead to fines, seizure and prosecution. Hard-drug offences carry imprisonment.
Prescription policy
Carry prescription medicines in original packaging with your prescription. For controlled medicines, obtain a Schengen certificate from your home authority for stays up to 30 days.
Controlled substances
The Opium Act separates 'hard' and 'soft' drugs. Cannabis is tolerated for personal use in licensed coffeeshops but remains illegal to import, export or possess in larger amounts. Opioids, stimulants and benzodiazepines require a prescription.
Customs & border guidance
Declare controlled medicines and carry the Schengen certificate and prescription. Do not carry cannabis across the border — tolerance applies only to small personal amounts inside the country, not to import or export.
Penalties
Possession beyond tolerated limits, or import/export of cannabis, can lead to fines, seizure and prosecution. Hard-drug offences carry imprisonment.
Live Alerts
Netherlands: Cannabis is tolerated in coffeeshops but not legal — never cross the border with it
AdvisoryIn the Netherlands, small personal amounts of cannabis are tolerated in licensed coffeeshops, but cannabis is not legal. Importing or exporting cannabis is prohibited and prosecuted. Tolerance applies only inside the country to small amounts — never carry cannabis across the border in either direction.
Documentation required
Schengen certificate for controlled medicines, original prescription, doctor's letter, medicines in original packaging.
For informational purposes only. This profile is not legal or medical advice. Laws change frequently; always verify with the official government, embassy, customs, or health authority before you travel.