Is Codeine legal in Spain?
- Legal status
- Low-dose codeine combination analgesics remain available OTC through pharmacist sale in Spanish pharmacies; higher-strength codeine is prescription-only. Codeine is controlled under the estupefaciente/narcotics framework at higher strengths.
- Consequences if caught
- Licensed pharmacy sale and prescribed use are lawful; trafficking or diversion is penalised under the narcotics law (Codigo Penal art. 368).
- If prescribed or medical
- Low-dose combinations are sold over the pharmacy counter; higher-strength codeine is dispensed on prescription.
- Documentation
- Carry the medicine in original packaging with a prescription for higher strengths; within Schengen the Article 75 certificate applies.
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with Spain’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 →