Travelling with medical cannabis. What you need for Schengen.
Medical cannabis is no longer a narcotic in Germany, but in many other countries it still is. That's why you usually need an authenticated certificate to take it to another Schengen country. This guide explains what the certificate is, how to apply for it at 420doc and why completely different rules apply outside the Schengen Area, for example on a trip home to the UK or the US.
Last updated 23 Oct 2026
Still life420doc
2026
Chapter Why a certificate
In short
- In most Schengen countries, medical cannabis is still a narcotic. So you usually need a certificate under Article 75 of the Schengen Convention (BfArM).
- The certificate is valid for a maximum of 30 days. You need a separate certificate for each prescribed medicine, which means one strain per certificate.
- Before you travel, the certificate must be authenticated by the highest health authority of the federal state or an office it has authorised, such as the Gesundheitsamt.
- At 420doc you can apply for the certificate in your patient area under “Schengen” if you have a valid prescription.
- The UK, the US and other countries outside Schengen have their own, often very strict rules. Don't take your medicine without written clarification from the embassy.
Why you need a certificate when cannabis is legal in Germany
Since 1 April 2024, medical cannabis has not been classed as a narcotic in Germany. But in most other Schengen countries and in many countries worldwide it still falls under narcotics laws. That's why, according to the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM), you usually still need an authenticated certificate to travel with medical cannabis.
The certificate shows that you are carrying the medicine for your own treatment as prescribed by a doctor. It only applies to medical cannabis on prescription, not to recreational cannabis.
Which countries belong to the Schengen Area
The Schengen Area is not the same as the European Union. Ireland, for example, is in the EU but not in Schengen, while Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein are in Schengen but not in the EU. Since 2025, Bulgaria and Romania have also been full members. The UK is not part of the Schengen Area.
The list can change. Before you travel, check whether your destination is in the Schengen Area; there is an overview map in your 420doc patient area.
The Article 75 certificate: what it contains and how long it is valid
- Who fills it in: the doctor treating you. It contains your details, the medicine, the single and daily dose, the total quantity and the duration of your trip.
- Validity: a maximum of 30 days. For a longer trip you need a new certificate.
- One medicine, one certificate: a separate certificate for each prescribed medicine; for flowers, one strain.
- Authentication: before you travel, the certificate is authenticated by the highest health authority of the federal state or an office it has authorised (depending on the state, for example the Gesundheitsamt). Authentication is based on your prescription.
Allow plenty of time: the prescription, the certificate and the authentication by the authority all take time, from a few days to several weeks depending on the office.
How to apply for a Schengen certificate at 420doc
How to get the certificate
Step 1
Valid prescription
You need a valid prescription issued after a doctor's review. It must contain exactly one strain.
Step 2
Application in your patient area
Under “Schengen” you enter your ID details, place of birth, nationality, destination and travel dates (a maximum of 30 days).
Step 3
Payment
You see the price before you apply.
Step 4
The doctor prepares the certificate
After the doctor's review, the certificate appears in your patient area as a PDF.
Step 5
Print and authenticate
Print the certificate and have it authenticated by the responsible authority before you travel. A list of authorities is available in your patient area.
Required before travel
The “Schengen” section of your patient area is available in English, like the rest of 420doc.
What to take with you
Countries outside Schengen: the UK, the US and others
Outside the Schengen Area, the Schengen certificate is not valid. The rules of your destination country, and of any transit countries, apply there. Many countries prohibit bringing in cannabis even on prescription or require prior permission.
- Before you travel, ask the embassy or consulate of your destination country (and of any transit country) in writing whether you may bring your medicine and which documents you need.
- For trips outside Schengen there is a separate certificate based on the guidelines of the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), which is also authenticated by an authority. It makes checks easier but doesn't guarantee entry.
- This also applies to trips home, for example to the UK or the US: the rules there are their own and can be very strict. A German prescription doesn't automatically count there.
At your destination: local rules
In the country you're visiting, local rules on using the medicine and on road traffic apply. The German exemption for patients behind the wheel only applies in Germany. More in the guide Driving with a cannabis prescription.
Language when you apply
Frequently asked questions about travelling with medical cannabis
Do I need a certificate to travel with medical cannabis in Schengen?
As a rule, yes. In most Schengen countries medical cannabis is a narcotic, so the BfArM recommends an authenticated certificate under Article 75 of the Schengen Convention.
How long is the Schengen certificate valid?
A maximum of 30 days. For a longer trip you need a new certificate.
Can I take several strains?
You need a separate certificate for each medicine, which means one strain per certificate. If your prescription includes several strains, request a new prescription with one strain before you travel.
Who authenticates the certificate?
The highest health authority of the federal state or an office it has authorised, such as the Gesundheitsamt, depending on the state. It has to be authenticated before you travel.
Can I take medical cannabis to the UK or the US?
The Schengen certificate doesn't apply there. These countries have their own, often very strict rules. Ask the embassy in writing in advance; without a clear answer, don't take the medicine with you.
Can I get the certificate through 420doc?
Yes, in your patient area under “Schengen”, if you have a valid prescription. You receive the certificate as a PDF, print it and have it authenticated by the authority before you travel.
Read more
Medical cannabis. Reviewed by doctors.
An online questionnaire in English, a review by doctors based in Germany and, if the therapy is suitable for you, an e-prescription to the pharmacy of your choice.