Cannabis Travel in Europe: What Is Allowed Where?

Cannabis and travel — a relevant topic for many Europeans. But the legal situation varies enormously from country to country. What is tolerated in Portugal is a criminal offence in Poland. This guide provides an overview of 12 European countries and explains the most important rules for British travellers.

The Fundamental Rule: Cross-Border Transport Is Always Illegal

The most important point first: even within the European Union, transporting cannabis across borders is fundamentally illegal — regardless of whether the country of origin or destination has legalised or decriminalised cannabis. The Schengen Agreement creates open internal borders, but not a uniform drug policy. Transporting cannabis from Germany to the Netherlands or to Portugal constitutes a smuggling offence under international law. Exception: medical cannabis legally obtained in Germany may, under certain conditions, be taken to Schengen countries — with a doctor's certificate and a restricted quantity.

European Overview: 12 Countries at a Glance

Portugal: Decriminalised Since 2001

Portugal is regarded as the exemplary model of liberal drug policy. Since 2001, possession of any drug for personal use has been decriminalised — meaning no criminal prosecution, but a possible appearance before a drugs commission (Dissuasion Commission) which can impose conditions or therapy offers. For tourists, Portugal is very relaxed: small quantities are left alone in practice. Important: there is no legal purchase market — cannabis is obtained in the grey area, which carries risks.

Czech Republic: 2024 Reform — What Changed?

The Czech Republic reformed its cannabis laws in 2024. Possession of up to 10 grams is now only an administrative offence without criminal consequences. Prague has long been known for its relaxed attitude. Nevertheless, there is no legal purchase market — cannabis is sourced on the street or through private networks, which brings quality concerns. Medical cannabis has been available since 2013, but access for foreigners is not straightforward.

Netherlands: Gedoogbeleid and Current Tourist Rules

The Netherlands is world-famous for its coffeeshops — but the system is more complex than many think. The Gedoogbeleid (tolerance policy) allows coffeeshops to sell up to 5 grams per person, but wholesale supply remains illegal. Since 2023, pilot projects for regulated cultivation (wiet-experiment) have been running in some cities. Amsterdam has banned use in certain streets and partially restricted coffeeshops to tourists. The rules are changing — always check for current information before travelling.

At EU Internal Borders: What Actually Happens

• Schengen does not mean drug-free travel — Border controls have been reintroduced in many countries (Germany-Austria, Germany-Poland, etc.); cannabis is confiscated and reported
• Random checks on trains — Particularly on routes DE-NL and DE-CZ, federal police and customs are active; luggage is routinely searched
• Drugs sniffer dogs — Regularly deployed at railway stations and motorway service areas near borders
• Foreign consequences — Even if you would be penalty-free at the destination: the transport itself is a criminal offence in Germany

CBD While Travelling: 5 Tips

• Carry a COA document — The laboratory certificate confirms a THC content below 0.2% and can defuse police checks
• Keep original packaging — Never decant the product; original packaging with manufacturer, contents and THC declaration
• Avoid non-EU countries — Even legal CBD products do not belong in your luggage for Turkey, or travel to the Middle East or some Asian destinations
• Air travel is particularly risky — Airport security checks are rigorous; confusion with THC can lead to arrest
• Buy at your destination — CBD shops exist in almost every major European city; local purchase avoids transport risks

Switzerland and the UK: Non-EU, Stricter Rules

Switzerland is not an EU member and has its own rules: possession of up to 10 grams is punished with a CHF 100 fine — no criminal record, but active enforcement. CBD cannabis with below 1% THC (Swiss threshold) is freely available. The United Kingdom has an even more restrictive regime post-Brexit: cannabis is a Class B drug, possession can be punished with up to 5 years' imprisonment. Even CBD is more strictly regulated in the UK than in the EU.

For detailed individual country information, see our Portugal Cannabis Tourism Guide and the Amsterdam Cannabis Tourism Guide. The complete overview of medical cannabis access is covered in our Medical Cannabis Guide.