Denmark and Sweden have limits on the amount and type of medication you can bring, so we’ve created this guide to help you navigate this process. Any medication decisions should be made with a trusted medical professional, so be sure to talk to your doctor as you plan for your time abroad.
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Copenhagen
If your medication is considered a “controlled substance” (narcotics, stimulants, euphoriants, and/or testosterone), you are allowed to bring up to a 30-day supply of your prescription through Danish customs. For all other non-controlled medications, you are allowed to bring up to a 90-day supply.
The U.S. Department of State recommends that you bring any medication in your carry-on luggage. When packing medication for Denmark, you will need:
- The medication in its original container with the prescription label attached
- Over-the-counter medication should also be in its original packaging
If you need to bring prescription medication that exceeds a 30-day or 90-day supply
First, talk to your doctor and/or insurance company about obtaining a prescription supply that will last for your term abroad. A copy of your acceptance letter from DIS will often assist your appeal for an extended prescription and/or insurance coverage. If your insurance company will not make an exception, and you have to pay out of pocket for the additional month(s), ask your insurance company if you can file for reimbursement later.
Then, you will need to apply for a Danish Medication Import Certificate. As early as possible (at least two months before your arrival in Copenhagen), email the Danish Medicines Agency at privates.import@dkma.dk.
- Include a letter from your doctor stating which medication(s) you need, diagnoses documentation, medication dosage, all active compounds in these medications, and the specific quantities of each medication that you intend to bring. This step is not required for birth control. You can simply provide a photo of your prescription label.
- Provide your full name, date of birth, reason for your stay in Denmark, date arrival to Denmark, and date of departure from Denmark.
After applying, you will receive a response directly from the Danish Medicines Agency. If you have questions about this process, contact the DIS North American Office.
If you are unable to get enough of your medication for your term abroad
You may be able to receive your medication in Denmark. However, this is not guaranteed and should only be considered as a last resort.
To find out if your medication is available as a prescription in Denmark and accessible to you, contact the DIS North American Office. If the medication is not available or and/or not possible for you to obtain, you should consult with your home doctor to determine potential substitutes that are available to you in Denmark.
Stockholm
If your medication is considered a “controlled substance” (narcotics, stimulants, euphoriants, and/or testosterone), you are allowed to bring up to a five-day supply of your prescription through Danish customs. For all other non-controlled medications, you are allowed to bring up to a 90-day supply.
The U.S. Department of State recommends that you bring any medication in your carry-on luggage. When packing medication for Sweden, you will need:
- The medication in its original container with the prescription label attached
- Over-the-counter medication should also be in its original packaging
If you need to bring medication that exceeds a 5-day (controlled medications) or 90-day supply (non-controlled medications)
First, talk to your doctor and/or insurance company about obtaining a prescription supply that will last for your term abroad. A copy of your acceptance letter from DIS will often assist your appeal for an extended prescription and/or insurance coverage. If your insurance company will not make an exception, and you have to pay out of pocket for the additional month(s), ask your insurance company if you can file for reimbursement later.
Then, your next step is to apply for a Swedish Medication Import Certificate. As early as possible (at least two months before your arrival in Stockholm), email the Medical Products Agency at registrator@mpa.se.
- Include a letter from your doctor stating which medication(s) you need, diagnoses documentation, medication dosage, all active compounds in these medications, and the specific quantities of each medication that you intend to bring.
- Provide your full name, date of birth, reason for your stay in Sweden, date of arrival to Sweden, and date of departure from Sweden.
After applying, you will receive a response directly from the Medical Products Agency. If you have questions about this process, contact the DIS North American Office.
If you are unable to get enough of your medication for your term abroad
You may be able to receive your medication in Sweden. However, this is not guaranteed and should only be considered as a last resort.
To find out if your medication is available as a prescription in Sweden and accessible to you, contact the DIS North American Office. If the medication is not available and/or not possible for you to obtain, you should consult with your home doctor to determine potential substitutes that are available to you in Sweden.
