Can you bring your own medicines into Georgia?
What needs no papers and what needs a prescription and translation.
Short answer
You can bring up to 10 standard packs of ordinary medicines into Georgia without papers, while special-control drugs need a prescription and documents and a 31-day limit. If you have more than ten packs, medical documents are required and the quantity is based on the daily dose for the days of your visit. The same 10 packs are allowed out of Georgia too.
Why
- Illegal import or export of special-control substances is a criminal offence.
- Special-control drugs include, for example, methadone, methylphenidate, tramadol, fentanyl, alprazolam, pregabalin, and preparations containing codeine, ephedrine, pseudoephedrine and buprenorphine.
- Transferring such drugs to another person is strictly prohibited.
Details
Special-control drugs need a set of documents that you present at the border together with the customs declaration: a copy of the prescription translated into English and certified (apostilled), the treating physician's certificate with a translation, and a document from an authorized body of the departure country, signed and sealed, confirming the prescription and the certificate. The prescription must show your name, gender, age, diagnosis, brand and generic names, form, quantity, method and duration of use. Customs compares the documents with the drugs, signs and seals them and returns them; keep them with you during your stay. The supply is limited to 31 days and does not cover substances in List 1 of Annex 1 of the law on narcotic drugs, whose circulation is strictly restricted.
If a foreigner cannot leave and runs out of a needed medicine, a medical institution may prescribe it, and the patient must present a document certified by customs. Taking special-control drugs out of Georgia is arranged separately through the State Regulatory Agency for Medical Activities. For other items you cannot bring in, see the question on import bans.
Tip
If your medicine contains, for example, tramadol, pregabalin, alprazolam or codeine, prepare the translated prescription and certificate before the trip and keep them in your hand luggage with the declaration.
What may differ
The document requirements are worded slightly differently (certification by an authorized body or an apostille), so check with the Revenue Service before you travel. These rules apply to Georgian citizens as well. For transit you need the same set with a translation.
Common misconception
Any medicine you bought on prescription at home can be brought into Georgia without a second thought.
What actually happens
Some common drugs (for example tramadol, pregabalin, alprazolam and codeine preparations) are special-control substances: importing them without documents is prohibited, and the supply is limited to 31 days.
People also ask
- Can I bring my medication to Georgia?
- How many packs of medicine can you bring to Georgia?
Sources
- Revenue Service of Georgia: Prohibited and Permitted MedicinesChecked at:
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia (Consulate General in New York): Bringing medications into GeorgiaChecked at:
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia: Bringing Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances to GeorgiaChecked at:
This answer is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation.
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How can a foreigner get health insurance in Georgia, and how much does it cost?
A foreigner can buy health insurance from insurers and banks: visitor cover costs from 2 GEL a day and the annual Med+ plan (Credo Bank, Imedi L) 600 GEL.
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Which vaccinations do you need for a trip to Georgia?
No vaccination certificate is listed among the entry requirements for Georgia, while hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines are recommended for most travellers.
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Which medicines are sold only by prescription in Georgia, including antibiotics?
In Georgia a prescription is required for second-group medicines, which include antibiotics, and for special-control drugs, while only third-group products are sold freely.
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Foreigners give birth in Georgia at private clinics and maternity wards on a paid basis, usually through packages covering the delivery, the hospital stay and newborn care.