Is Ketamine legal in Russia?
- Legal status
- Controlled — forbidden even for veterinary use (since 2004)
- Consequences if caught
- Ketamine has been forbidden even for veterinary use since 2004. Possession without intent to supply is criminalised, and 'large'/'extra-large' thresholds are set low — measured by the total weight of the mixture, not the pure substance. For example, more than 0.5 g of heroin, opium, or desomorphine without intent to supply can bring up to 3 years' incarceration.
- If prescribed or medical
- Veterinary use is forbidden; verify any human-medical pathway with Russian authorities before travel.
- Documentation
- Carry the original prescription/medical report stating your condition, why the drug is needed, the drug name, the quantity, and that it is for personal use, plus a sworn Russian translation. You cannot carry medication for another person. On arrival use the red corridor and declare it in box 3.6 of the Passenger Customs Declaration; failing to declare can bring administrative or criminal liability.
- Federal Act on Narcotic Drugs & Psychotropic Substances (24 Dec 1997)
- customs.gov.ru
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with Russia’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 →