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Max Quantity
3 months' supply
AEMPS Email
estupefacientes@aemps.es
Apply in Advance
6–8 weeks before
Medical Status
Pending legislation
Recreational
Decriminalised (<100g)
Docs Format
Original Colour PDF only

Travelling With Your Prescription

What the rules say

You may carry your prescribed medical cannabis to Spain provided it has been prescribed by a licensed doctor, purchased legally in the United Kingdom, is for your own personal use, and the quantity is limited to the rational dosage required for your trip. The maximum permitted quantity is equivalent to a 3-month supply.

If your treatment involves a substance under international narcotic or psychotropic control — which applies to most cannabis-based medicines (CBPMs) — you must obtain prior authorisation from the Spanish Medicines Agency (AEMPS) before you travel. This is done by completing the application below and emailing it with supporting colour PDF documents to estupefacientes@aemps.es.

  • Original pharmacy packaging with dispensing label — never decant into another container
  • A copy of your UK prescription from your prescribing clinic
  • A signed and stamped letter from your prescriber detailing the medicine, dose, and medical necessity
  • AEMPS prior authorisation confirmation (emailed back to you once approved)

Packing & At the Airport

How to travel with your medication

Carry your medicine in your hand luggage wherever possible, with all documentation immediately accessible. Liquid medications (oils, tinctures) must comply with the airline 100ml liquid rule. Keep your AEMPS authorisation, prescription copy, and clinic letter in a single travel wallet with your passport.

  • Keep all medication in hand luggage — do not check it into the hold if avoidable
  • Liquid medications must comply with the 100ml airline rule — decant if necessary before departure
  • Vaporisers must be in hand luggage; batteries may have airline-specific restrictions
  • Declare your medication proactively at customs — do not wait to be asked
  • Carry a bilingual (English/Spanish) summary of your prescription and medical necessity
  • Keep digital copies of all documents on your phone as a backup

AEMPS Prior Authorisation Application

Application to AEMPS — estupefacientes@aemps.es Fill in below, then download the blank .docx form or copy your completed answers to paste straight into an email to AEMPS.
Download Blank .docx

How to use this form: Fill in the fields below, then either (a) download the blank PDF to fill, sign, and attach to your own email, or (b) use Copy to Clipboard to paste the completed text into an email to estupefacientes@aemps.es. Either way, all supporting documents must be attached as colour PDF files. Apply at least 6–8 weeks before travel.

Section 1 — Patient Details / Paciente
Full Name
Nombre y apellidos
Home Address (including postcode)
Domicilio con código postal
Passport / ID Number
D.N.I. / Pasaporte
Attach colour PDF copy of passport
Date of Birth
Fecha de nacimiento
Place of Birth
Lugar de nacimiento
Nationality
Nacionalidad
Sex
Sexo
Contact Email
Email de Contacto
Section 2 — Travel Details / Datos del Viaje
Destination Country
País de destino
Address in Spain (where you will stay)
Dirección de destino en España
Duration of Trip
Duración del viaje
Arrival Date
Fecha Prevista de Inicio
Return Date
Fecha Prevista de Fin
Additional Observations
Observaciones
If studying/working in Spain, note here and attach certificate
Section 3 — Prescribing Doctor / Datos del Médico
Doctor's Full Name
Nombre y apellidos del médico
GMC / Medical Licence Number
Nº colegiado
Clinic / Hospital Name
Nombre del Centro
Clinic Address
Dirección del Centro
Clinic Phone Number
Teléfono de Contacto
Clinic Email
Email de Contacto del Centro
Section 4 — Prescribed Medication / Medicamento
Brand / Trade Name
Nombre Comercial
Dosage Form
Presentación
e.g. dried flower, oil, capsule, spray
Dosing Instructions
Posología
e.g. 0.1ml twice daily
Active Substance (INN)
Sustancia Activa (Denominación Común Internacional)
Concentration per Dosage Unit
Concentración por unidad de dosificación
e.g. 10mg/ml THC, 10mg/ml CBD
Total Quantity Being Carried
Cantidad Total
e.g. 30ml / 10g (max 3-month supply)
Total Units
Unidades Totales
e.g. 1 bottle / 30 capsules
Additional Observations
Observaciones adicionales
Required Attachments — Tick when ready. All must be sent as Colour PDF files.
Open Email to AEMPS

Frequently Asked Questions

If your medication contains a substance under international narcotic or psychotropic control — which applies to virtually all CBPMs — you must obtain prior authorisation from AEMPS in addition to carrying your prescription. Email estupefacientes@aemps.es to confirm whether your specific product requires it before you apply.
Yes. Police may stop and question you if they find cannabis-based products. Having your original packaging, prescription, clinic letter, and AEMPS authorisation readily accessible is your best protection. Recreational possession of small quantities (<100g) is largely decriminalised in Spain, but as a foreign national with a prescribed controlled substance, thorough paperwork is essential.
Spain has strict rules around smoking and vaping in public spaces. Even with a valid prescription, vaporising in public areas, bars, or restaurants is generally not permitted. We recommend medicating only in private accommodation. Always check venue rules before assuming it is permitted.
Apply to AEMPS at least 4–6 weeks before travel to allow for processing and any back-and-forth on documentation. For UK export licences (if carrying a 3-month or greater supply), apply at least 10 working days in advance via GOV.UK. Build in extra time around public holidays.
Re-entering the UK with your prescribed CBPM is straightforward — carry your clinic letter and original packaging. UK Border Force may ask to verify your prescription. You cannot bring back any cannabis-based products purchased in Spain. Only your UK-dispensed, UK-prescribed medication is permitted.
Spanish Medicines Agency (AEMPS) — Agencia Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios

Send your completed form and all colour PDF attachments to estupefacientes@aemps.es. AEMPS can also confirm whether your specific substance requires prior authorisation before you submit a full application.

Need more travel information?

Return to the full PatientsCann UK Travel Guide to check guidance for other countries, or find legal support if you've had an issue at the border.

Travel Guide Legal Support GOV.UK Licences
Disclaimer: This guide and application form are provided by PatientsCann UK® for general informational purposes only and do not constitute legal or professional advice. Requirements may change. Always verify with AEMPS (estupefacientes@aemps.es) and the Spanish Embassy in London before travelling. PatientsCann UK accepts no liability for any legal issues arising from travel with cannabis-based medicines. Last reviewed: 2025.
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