Switzerland
Country · Europe
Switzerland permits prescription medicines for personal use under Swissmedic. Low-THC cannabis (under 1% THC) is legal, but ordinary (higher-THC) cannabis is illegal, with some cities running regulated cannabis pilot programs. As a Schengen country, controlled medicines need a Schengen certificate.
Traveler warnings
Only low-THC (<1%) cannabis is legal; higher-THC cannabis is illegal. City pilot programs do not apply to tourists. Carry a Schengen certificate for controlled medicines.
Legal status by substance category
11 categories documented for Switzerland.
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 Switzerland with a valid prescription. Carry documentation, keep medicines in original labelled packaging, and declare controlled medicines at customs.
Penalty: Possession of higher-THC cannabis can lead to fines or prosecution. Trafficking and 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 Switzerland with a valid prescription. Carry documentation, keep medicines in original labelled packaging, and declare controlled medicines at customs.
Penalty: Possession of higher-THC cannabis can lead to fines or prosecution. Trafficking and 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 Switzerland. Keep products in original packaging and carry ID. Low-THC CBD products (<1% THC) are legal — keep products in original packaging.
Penalty: Possession of higher-THC cannabis can lead to fines or prosecution. Trafficking and 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 Switzerland. Keep within personal-use limits, carry full documentation, and verify current rules with the official authority before travel. Cannabis under 1% THC is legal; higher-THC cannabis is illegal outside limited local pilot programs that do not apply to travelers.
Penalty: Possession of higher-THC cannabis can lead to fines or prosecution. Trafficking and 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 Switzerland with a valid prescription. Carry documentation, keep medicines in original labelled packaging, and declare controlled medicines at customs.
Penalty: Possession of higher-THC cannabis can lead to fines or prosecution. Trafficking and hard-drug offences carry imprisonment.
Kratom
Kratom
Limit: Verify permitted quantity with official authorities before travel.
Legal status in Switzerland is not clearly documented in official sources. Verify with official authorities before travel.
Penalty: Penalties are not clearly documented; assume strict enforcement and verify before travel.
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 Switzerland with a valid prescription. Carry documentation, keep medicines in original labelled packaging, and declare controlled medicines at customs.
Penalty: Possession of higher-THC cannabis can lead to fines or prosecution. Trafficking and hard-drug offences carry imprisonment.
Psilocybin / Magic Mushrooms
Psilocybin / Magic Mushrooms
Limit: Not permitted.
Illegal in Switzerland. Do not carry — possession can lead to arrest and prosecution.
Penalty: Possession can lead to arrest, fines, and 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 Switzerland with a valid prescription. Carry documentation, keep medicines in original labelled packaging, and declare controlled medicines at customs.
Penalty: Possession of higher-THC cannabis can lead to fines or prosecution. Trafficking and hard-drug offences carry imprisonment.
THC Vapes / Concentrates
THC Vapes / Concentrates
Limit: Not permitted.
Illegal in Switzerland. Do not carry — possession can lead to arrest and prosecution.
Penalty: Possession can lead to arrest, fines, and 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 Switzerland with a valid prescription. Carry documentation, keep medicines in original labelled packaging, and declare controlled medicines at customs.
Penalty: Possession of higher-THC cannabis can lead to fines or prosecution. Trafficking and hard-drug offences carry imprisonment.
Prescription policy
Carry prescription medicines in original packaging with your prescription. For controlled medicines, obtain a Schengen certificate for stays up to 30 days.
Controlled substances
The Narcotics Act controls cannabis with more than 1% THC and other drugs. Low-THC products are legal; recreational high-THC cannabis is illegal outside limited scientific pilot programs. Opioids, stimulants and benzodiazepines require a prescription.
Customs & border guidance
Declare controlled medicines and carry the Schengen certificate and prescription. Cannabis pilot programs are restricted to enrolled residents and do not apply to travelers.
Penalties
Possession of higher-THC cannabis can lead to fines or prosecution. Trafficking and hard-drug offences carry imprisonment.
Live Alerts
Switzerland: Only low-THC cannabis is legal; city pilot programs don't apply to tourists
AdvisoryIn Switzerland, cannabis with less than 1% THC is legal, but higher-THC cannabis is illegal. Some cities run regulated cannabis pilot programs, but these are limited to enrolled residents and do not apply to travelers. Never carry cannabis across the border. Carry a Schengen certificate for controlled medicines.
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.