United Kingdom (Great Britain) *
Note: Most travellers visiting the UK must apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA). Full information on ETA: CLICK.
Continued opioid treatments: available
Foreign patients can receive methadone or buprenorphine treatment at special clinics, drug services and general practitioners‘ offices. They must carry with them a letter from their home prescriber stating identification and treatment details. As any prescription is a matter for the clinical judgement of a clinic doctor or GP and as there are waiting lists we strongly advise the patient’s home prescriber to get in touch with a treatment service in the UK well in advance of the patient’s journey to make arrangements (take home medication is possible). Moreover, whether visitors to the UK are able to obtain prescribed drugs depends on the person’s status. If the patient is going to the UK in order to take up permanent residence, then entitlement to the benefits and services of the National Health Service exists on the same basis as any other UK citizen, i.e. largely free at point of use. If someone comes to the UK as a visitor, then he/she is only entitled to free NHS treatment for emergency conditions that arise during his/her stay. Pre-existing conditions are not normally included in this, unless a serious exacerbation occurs, e.g. heart attack as a result of a pre-existing condition. Routine, non-emergency medication is usually prescribed privately by a general practitioner who will also make a charge for the consultation. Information on drug services in the UK is available via several internet ressources (see below).
Importation of methadone and other prescribed opioids: possible
Travellers bringing methadone or other prescribed opioids into the UK for personal use do not require a personal import licence, provided the opioids are not listed in Schedule I. and are carried in hand luggage in original packaging together with a letter from the prescribing doctor confirming the patient’s name, destination, travel dates and drug details/amounts. Detailed information on import regulations: CLICK, on schedules: CLICK.
Useful contacts:
Scotland:
Scottish Drug Services Directory
England:
Find drug and alcohol support near you | FRANK
Wales:
Wales Drug and Alcohol Helpline
Northern Ireland:
Drug and Alcohol Directories of Services
Any comments and additional information (including contact details of clinics/GPs providing opioid substitution treatments) greatly appreciated.
Please address all correspondence to:
Ralf Gerlach
INDRO e.V.
Bremer Platz 18-20
D-48155 Münster
Germany
Phone: +49 251-60123 or +49 2571-582765
Fax: +49 251-666580
Email
* No responsibility is accepted for the correctness of the information provided on this page
(This page last revised August 20, 2026)
