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Taking medicines on a trip

Taking medicines on a trip

Are you taking medication with you on your trip that falls under the Opium Act? Think of strong painkillers, ADHD medication, or sleeping pills. If so, you need an official declaration for most countries outside the Netherlands. Without this declaration, you could be liable to prosecution, even if you are using the medication lawfully.

A standard medication passport is not sufficient.

Check via the CAK website whether your medication falls under the Opium Act and which declaration you need: Check if you need a statement

Check whether a statement is required

Which statement do you need?

There are two types of explanations:
  • Schengen Declaration. For travel within the Schengen area (valid for a maximum of 30 days)
  • English-language medical certificate. For travel outside the Schengen area. Please note: this declaration must also be legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Practical tips

  • Start on time with the application. Please allow 1 week processing time with us and 1 to 2 weeks at the CAK.
  • Always store your medicines in the original pharmacy packaging with a label. This makes it clear that it is a medicine.
  • Do you have questions about the procedure? Visit hetcak.nl/medicijnen-mee-op-reis or call the CAK toll-free. 0800 2108.

Step-by-step plan

Step 1
Check if you need a statement

Go to cak.nl/medicijnen-mee-op-reis and use the help tool to determine which statement you need.

Step 1
Step 2
Download and fill out the form yourself

Download the correct form and fill it out yourself as completely as possible. We can only sign fully completed forms.

Step 2
Step 3
Pick up the statement

The general practitioner checks the form and signs and stamps it.

The processing takes 1 week. You can then pick up the signed declaration at the counter, also between 13:00 and 16:00r.

Step 3
Step 4
Submit the declaration to the CAK

Submit the signed declaration to the CAK no later than 4 weeks before your departure date, via the website or by post. You will receive the approved declaration back by e-mail.

Step 4

Invitation for flu and pneumococcal vaccination by email

In October, the annual flu vaccinations will take place at the Maranatha Church in The Hague. The specific date will be announced in the autumn. Everyone aged 60 and older, or with a medical indication in accordance with RIVM guidelines, will receive an invitation.
Please note that this year the invitations will no longer be sent by post, but by email in the autumn. Do you have a question about the flu shot or the pneumococcal shot? 

Email to griep@residentiedokters.nl