Question about bringing prescription meds into Barcelona

Without knowing any of the specifics of the case you are worrying about, without knowing any of the details, how is anyone supposed to respond? What kind of problem did she have? What medications did she have with her? Were they labeled? Were any of them controlled narcotics or psychotropics that she didn't have the required permit for?

I doubt that anyone in Barcelona cares what you have with you. The issue is with the Spanish border control officers at the airport. You have been to Europe before. Nothing has changed since your last trip. You dont have to declare them. But you must submit them for inspection if they ask.

When we went to Italy my husband took 5 weeks of his medications in pill packs to sav space in his carry on. We had pictures of each prescription bottle on his phone just in case we were asked about them
We did the same thing when we went to Sweden. We had no problems at all.

It has been several years since I flew into Barcelona, but I had no problems whatsoever bringing in my prescription meds. For that matter, I haven't had any issues bringing prescription meds into the airports at London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Rome, Madrid, Tel Aviv or Sydney or on any train. I don't keep the meds in their original containers but I do take a photo at home of the prescription which includes my name, the pharmacy, prescribing doctor, and medication name and dosage, just in case someone were to ask.

I also carry some over-the-counter medications. I put several in a very small plastic bag and print out the name of the medication and dosing instructions.

I know there are some countries that ban certain medications (I think Japan bans pseudoephedrine (brand name Sudafed). I don't see any such restrictions for Spain:

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Spain.html

Thanks for your responses, everyone.

I have never considered having any problem bringing in my prescription meds and OTC products. They are always labeled and in clear bags, usually all unopened.

But there was this discusion on one of my other sites where a woman claimed she had problems with bringing her meds into Barcelona. She was referring specifically to Barcelona and just thought that I might check.

The legal bit: https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/santiagodechile/es/Comunicacion/Noticias/Paginas/Articulos/20220512_NOT.aspx

Yet... if you bring non-classified medicines (most of them, except narcotic and/or psychotropic medication) and in an amount suitable for personal consumption for the length of your trip, you shouldn't have any problem. In fact, it's unlikely you're going to even be asked about it. Still, it's best if you carry your prescriptions with you, just in case -officially sanctioned by a registered doctor, of course!

Furthermore, some of the medicines you bring are likely sold here as well -with the same or another brand name-, and some are even sold over the counter without a prescription being required (ie. Voltaren). And on an extra note: far cheaper than you'd pay for it in the US, that's for certain!

If you're carrying a classified medicine, out of precaution and to avoid delays at the airport, you might need to follow the directions indicated in the link above.

A final word: generally speaking, our rules here in Barcelona -which are in fact EU rules- are far leaner than those in the US when it comes to medicines and drugs.

PS: The link above is for the Spanish consulate in Chile, but don't worry, it applies to travellers from the US as well.

Thank you Enric

I have been working on this trip for a year or more and it is now right around the corner. I am getting excited.