Yes, in most cases you may take your medication with you if you prepare well. In countries with strict import regulations, two things matter above all: which active ingredient your medication contains and how much of it you are carrying. Especially for longer stays, such as an on-stay lasting several weeks or months, you should clarify this early on.
What you should generally prepare
Which documents are actually required depends on the medication and the country.

• Original packaging with the package insert, so the active ingredient and dosage can be identified. This is generally recommended and mandatory in some countries.
• A doctor’s certificate in English (and in the local language if needed) stating your name, the active ingredient (not just the brand name), dosage, daily amount, total quantity carried and a note that you need the medication for personal use. Whether the diagnosis or a more detailed justification is also required depends on the requirements of the destination country.
• A copy of the prescription, and if applicable also the original or other required documentation.
• Only the amount needed for the length of your stay, plus a small buffer where permitted. Many countries set maximum limits, for example one or three months’ supply. These limits must not be exceeded without the appropriate permit, even for longer stays; in some cases, larger quantities are not allowed at all.
• Keep your medication in your carry-on whenever possible, not in your checked bag. This is a practical recommendation, not a general legal requirement. Keep transport and security rules in mind, especially for liquids, syringes or cooling packs.

What matters most
The key question is whether your medication is classified in the destination country as a narcotic, psychotropic substance or otherwise controlled drug. Depending on the country, this can include strong painkillers, ADHD medications, some sleeping pills and sedatives, codeine-containing preparations and certain antidepressants or anti-epileptics. Not every medication in these groups is automatically subject to the same rules. For controlled drugs, the following applies:

• Within the Schengen Area: To carry narcotics prescribed by a doctor on trips of up to 30 days, you generally need a Schengen certificate under Article 75 of the Convention Implementing the Schengen Agreement. Your doctor fills it out, and the competent authority – often the local public health office (Gesundheitsamt) – certifies it before you travel. It is valid for a maximum of 30 days. A separate certificate is required for each narcotic. Longer stays have to be clarified separately.
• Outside Schengen: There is no uniform worldwide rule. For narcotics, the BfArM (Germany’s Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices) recommends a multilingual doctor’s certificate based on the guidelines of the INCB (International Narcotics Control Board), also certified by the competent authority. These guidelines likewise provide for a maximum travel period of 30 days. The regulations of the destination country remain decisive: depending on the country and the active ingredient, you may additionally need an import permit in advance or other documentation – or you may not be allowed to bring the medication at all.

Also check the rules of the countries you travel through or change planes in. Depending on the country, restrictions may already apply in the transit area.
Examples of strictly regulated countries

• Japan: Some active ingredients are completely banned for travelers to bring in, including amphetamine and dexamfetamine (dextroamphetamine), even with a prescription. Other ADHD ingredients such as lisdexamfetamine may be allowed with prior approval. Codeine preparations are not banned across the board; the requirements depend on factors including their composition and classification. For larger quantities of ordinary prescription medications – generally more than a one-month supply – you need an import certificate in advance. Additional permits may be required for controlled substances regardless.
• United Arab Emirates: Controlled medications can be approved online before entry by the competent drug authority, the Emirates Drug Establishment. According to the guidelines published there, this advance approval is optional for incoming visitors. Required prescriptions, medical reports, quantity limits and, where applicable, declaration requirements on entry must still be observed. Prohibited substances remain prohibited.
• Singapore, Indonesia, China, Saudi Arabia, Qatar: Special rules apply here too, especially for controlled medications. In some cases, violations carry harsh penalties. A German prescription or not knowing the rules does not automatically protect you from legal consequences.

Import regulations for medications can change at any time. So don’t rely on forums or social media – always get your information from official sources such as the embassy or the competent drug or customs authority of the destination country. Also talk to your agency in good time so we can help you prepare.
The best way to proceed

1. Contact the embassy or consulate, or the competent authority of the destination country, and ask whether your active ingredient is permitted and whether you need a permit. If you have layovers, check the transit rules as well.
2. Read the travel and safety advice of the German Federal Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt) for the country, especially the sections on “Health,” “Entry and customs,” and “Legal particularities.”
3. Talk to your doctor: have the certificate issued and certified if necessary, and clarify whether there is a permitted alternative in the destination country.
4. Start 4 to 8 weeks in advance if possible. Permits can take time. Note the application deadlines and the requirements for how recent the documents must be.
5. Inform your agency and booker if needed, if you need help with the logistics. The details generally remain your private matter. Restrictions or necessary arrangements that are relevant to the job should be raised in good time.
6. Once you’re there: find out whether and how you can get refills during a longer stay. A German prescription is not recognized everywhere abroad. Having medication shipped to you may be subject to different or stricter rules than carrying it with you.

Important: Never stop taking your medication on your own to avoid problems at entry. If it really isn’t allowed in the destination country, discuss the alternatives with your doctor.