Millions of Britons are preparing for their summer holidays and looking forward to sunnier weather. But do they know the rules and laws surrounding drugs in Spain?

Know your rules

While some holidaymakers are warned in advance about what they can and cannot take with them to Spain, others may be unsure what to look out for and what is permitted.

Last year, the British made over 86 million journeys, so it is vital that you are aware of the medical laws and regulations before you go to the airport.

Common opioids prescribed for pain management in some countries, including Oxycontin, Vicodin, morphine and codeine, are now banned in more than 25 countries.

Spain is the UK’s most popular travel destination, with more than 17 million British travellers heading south for their holidays in 2023, according to Statista. However, holidaymakers must bring their prescriptions or medical report with them, or their medicines will be confiscated.

Holidaymakers coming to Spain from the UK should be aware that their prescriptions must be written in Spanish.

Pharmacy Wel warns

Well Pharmacy, a leading UK pharmaceutical company, this summer called on Britons to be clear about the legality of their medicines abroad.

George Sandhu, deputy chief executive of Well Pharmacy, said: “While the UK offers a variety of over-the-counter medicines, there are different laws around the world that differ from ours.”

Sandhu added that “British holidaymakers should be aware of the dangers of travelling with prescription drugs and ensure they always have a doctor’s note with their medication.”

“If patients are unsure about their medications,” George Sandhu urges them to “talk to their pharmacist who can advise them.”

Key vocabulary

Once you arrive at your summer destination in Spain, it is also important to know the necessary vocabulary to be able to go on holiday comfortably.

The most common words you may need when visiting a pharmacy in Spain are for ordering common products and medicines.

Pharmacies in Spain are called Farmacias.

Here are the five most common terms you need to know when visiting Spain.

Medicine in Spanish is the medicine.

For any bumps or abrasions during the holidays, a plaster is a good solution. the treasures and a connection is the sales.

For general painkillers it is in Spanish the painkillerand for aspirin the aspirin.

Antiseptic is the antiseptic and antibiotic is the antibiotic.

In the Spanish sun, sunscreen is essential and it is important to ask for it the sun block.

When pharmacies open

It is also important to know when pharmacies are open.

In Spain, citizens across the country take a siesta, a short nap in the early afternoon.
Most pharmacies in Spain also apply this principle and are closed from 2pm to 5pm.

Pharmacies in Spain are usually open from 09:00 to 09:30, then close for siesta and reopen from 17:00 to 21:30.

Check the opening hours of your local pharmacy and where the nearest pharmacy is located at your holiday destination.

How do you like them?

Pharmacies are easy to find in Spain. They are usually marked with a green cross. This often shows the temperature and/or time.

Some Spanish pharmacies are open 24/7, but always check.