CanadaCan I bring prescription medications when travelling into Canada?
Yes, you can bring prescription medications into Canada for personal use, but you must declare them to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) upon arrival.
What the Law Says
Canadian law requires all goods brought into the country — including prescription medications — to be declared to border officials. Failure to report can result in seizure or penalties.
Under the Customs Act, every person entering Canada must report all goods they are bringing into the country. This includes prescription medications, even if they are for personal use.
While Health Canada regulates drug safety and importation, the Customs Act governs the reporting requirement at the border. CBSA officers assess whether the quantity, packaging, and documentation meet personal-use criteria.
Medications must generally be in their original packaging with clear labelling, accompanied by a valid prescription or letter from a healthcare provider. A typical allowance is up to a 90-day supply for personal use.
Statutory TextAll goods imported into Canada must be reported at the nearest customs office.
— Customs Act, s. 12 — Reporting of goods
What to Do
Declare all prescription medications verbally and on your customs declaration form.
Carry medications in original containers with legible labels showing your name, drug name, dosage, and prescriber’s information.
Bring a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor explaining why you need the medication.
Ensure the quantity does not exceed a 90-day personal supply unless pre-approved by Health Canada.
If importing controlled substances (e.g., opioids, benzodiazepines), check with Health Canada in advance — special permits may apply.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.