Is Barbiturates legal in Switzerland?
- Legal status
- Barbiturates are controlled narcotics under the Narcotics Act (BetmG, SR 812.121) — phenobarbital and the medicinal barbiturates sit in Verzeichnis b (partially exempted narcotics, ordinary prescription), transposing the 1971 psychotropic schedules.
- Consequences if caught
- Unauthorised possession or consumption draws a fine for personal use; trafficking draws imprisonment.
- If prescribed or medical
- Phenobarbital is prescribed as a Verzeichnis b antiepileptic (a WHO Essential Medicine); the sedative-hypnotic barbiturates are rarely used.
- Documentation
- Carry the Schengen Article 75 certificate; roughly 30 days' personal supply, more with a medical certificate.
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with Switzerland’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.
Before you travel
Verify current rules with the destination country’s official drug authority and your own country’s embassy before traveling. Find the destination’s U.S. embassy & official country guidance →
Non-U.S. travelers: check your own government’s travel advisory and embassy.
If you’re detained or arrested abroad
Contact your own country’s embassy or consulate in the destination immediately — not the destination’s authorities. U.S. citizens: contact the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate and the U.S. State Department at +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad). If a U.S. citizen is arrested or detained abroad →