I have a prescription for percocet (oxycodone) and valium. The first is a pain killer and the latter is a muscle relaxer. I have chronic neck pain and fear being without them for my 5 week trip around Europe. I will be backpacking through the following places: UK, Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Greece, Switzerland, and France. I have done much research, but no straight answers. Can I get into any trouble traveling through these countries with these drugs, even though they are in my prescription bottles with MY name on them?
Posted by
Bend, OR, United States
1167 posts
Not unless you try to sell them or get involved in some activity that would give the police reason to search your belongings.
Posted by
Redlands, Ca, USA
358 posts
My wife travels with a number of narcotic prescription drugs and has not had any trouble. Just keep the narcotics in the container given to you by the pharmacy or copy the prescription from the physician.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
Both are 100% legal with a prescription in Germany and the Netherlands. I'm not certain about the other countries you listed, but I doubt it would be a problem there. Make sure you bring enough of your medications with you. If you need a refill, you might have trouble finding a physician who is willing to write a prescription for narcotics for a patient they don't know.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32212 posts
amanda, I'd suggest taking slightly more than you'll need for the duration of the trip, pack them in your carry-on and ensure that you carry them in the original bottles with the prescription label showing your name. Narcotics carried in an unmarked bottle could be a problem. Of the two, Oxycodone ("Hillbilly Heroin") would likely raise more red flags if it was discovered in an unmarked bottle. You might want to take a copy of your prescription as well. If there were any questions, they could at least phone your Physician. Happy travels!