Is Hydrocodone legal in Switzerland?
- Legal status
- Hydrocodone is a controlled substance under the Narcotics Act (BetmG, SR 812.121); it is not marketed in Switzerland but sits in the same controlled strong-opioid tier as Morphin and Oxycodon — left to confirmation.
- Consequences if caught
- Unlawful possession draws a fine; trafficking up to 3 years, aggravated up to 20.
- If prescribed or medical
- No marketed Swiss hydrocodone product; a controlled narcotic is dispensed only on a narcotics prescription.
- Documentation
- Switzerland is in Schengen — carry the Article 75 certificate (Swissmedic) for up to a 30-day supply.
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 →