September 22, 2025

Can a Pharmacy Fill a Prescription from Another Country?

If you’re traveling or moving across borders, one of the first questions that comes up is: can a pharmacy fill a prescription from another country?

The short answer is: sometimes yes, sometimes no.

It depends on where you are, the type of medication you need, and the laws in that location.

In the U.S., it can even depend on which state you’re in.

Let’s break down what you need to know before you try to fill a foreign prescription.

GET HELP WITH YOUR PERSCRIPTION ABROAD

Can a Pharmacy Fill a Prescription from Another Country?

Pharmacies can’t always honor prescriptions written outside their country.

In many places, pharmacists are legally required to dispense medication only if the prescription was written by a provider licensed in that country.

In the U.S., most states do not allow pharmacies to fill a foreign prescription directly, though a few do, usually for non-controlled medications.

In other countries, the process is similar: you often need a local doctor to rewrite the prescription before a pharmacy can dispense the medicine.

U.S. Laws on Filling Foreign Prescriptions

At the federal level, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) regulate prescription medications.

The FDA generally requires that prescriptions be written by a licensed U.S. practitioner.

The DEA strictly regulates controlled substances, making it nearly impossible to fill a controlled prescription written abroad.

State-by-State Variations

Some states make exceptions for non-controlled medications.

For example, Arizona law allows pharmacies to fill certain foreign prescriptions if they meet verification requirements.

Other states have no such allowance.

That means if you walk into a pharmacy with a prescription from another country, whether it can be filled depends largely on local rules.

Here’s a quick snapshot of how some states handle foreign prescriptions:

State	Can Pharmacies Fill Foreign Prescriptions?	Notes
Arizona	Yes (non-controlled)	Allowed under A.R.S. §32-1969; controlled substances excluded.
Texas	No	Requires U.S.-licensed prescriber.
Florida	No (generally)	Local prescriber needed; exceptions rare.
New York	No	Must be prescribed by a provider licensed in NY or U.S.
Washington	Yes (limited)	Some allowances for verification of prescriber credentials.

(Always check your state’s pharmacy board for the most current rules.)

How Other Countries Handle Foreign Prescriptions

Regulations vary just as much abroad.

Some countries allow limited use of foreign prescriptions, while others require you to see a local provider.

Country	Can Pharmacies Fill Foreign Prescriptions?	Notes
Canada	Sometimes	Most pharmacies require a Canadian doctor rewrite; near-border allowances possible. Source: Health Canada.
United Kingdom	Rarely	Pharmacies usually require a UK prescriber; NHS may allow some EU prescriptions.
European Union	Sometimes	Cross-border recognition within EU possible, but rules differ by country.
Australia	No (generally)	Prescription must be rewritten by an Australian-licensed doctor.

Controlled vs Non-Controlled Medications

There’s a key difference between controlled and non-controlled prescriptions.

Controlled substances, such as opioids, stimulants, or anti-anxiety medications are almost never filled across borders because of strict regulations.

Non-controlled medications like blood pressure meds, cholesterol drugs, or inhalers are more likely to be refilled, but still often require a local prescription.

What Pharmacies Require to Accept a Foreign Prescription

When it is possible to fill a foreign prescription, pharmacies will look for specific details:

A valid, original prescription with prescriber contact information
Proof that the prescriber is a licensed provider
A clear description of the drug name, strength, and dosage
A translation into the local language, if necessary
Proof of patient identity
Confirmation that the drug is approved in that country

If any of these elements are missing, the pharmacy may refuse to dispense the medication.

Common Scenarios Travelers Face

Let’s look at some of the common scenarios a traveler can face when it comes to medication:

You’re traveling abroad and lose your medication

If you’re in another country and lose your medication, a pharmacy may not honor your home prescription directly.

The common solution is to visit a local doctor who can rewrite it according to local laws.

You return home with a foreign prescription

Most U.S. pharmacies won’t fill prescriptions written abroad.

You’ll likely need to schedule a visit with your U.S. doctor to have the prescription reissued.

You use telehealth or online pharmacies

Some online pharmacies operate internationally, but U.S. laws are strict about drug importation.

Ordering from an overseas pharmacy can lead to legal issues, or your package being seized at customs.

Insurance coverage

Even if a pharmacy fills your prescription, your insurance may not cover medication prescribed outside your home country.

Plan for out-of-pocket costs.

Risks and Safety Concerns

Filling prescriptions across borders comes with risks:

Counterfeit drugs: Not all pharmacies abroad follow the same standards.
Different formulations: Brand names, dosages, or inactive ingredients may differ.
Legal issues: Importing prescription medications without following proper rules can result in fines or confiscation.
Insurance limits: You may pay full price if your insurance doesn’t recognize a foreign prescription.

Checklist: How to Get a Foreign Prescription Filled

Here’s a quick guide to make the process smoother:

Carry a copy of your prescription and your doctor’s contact information.
Keep medications in their original packaging with your name clearly labeled.
Bring a doctor’s letter explaining your condition and treatment.
If traveling abroad, ask your provider for an extended supply before you leave.
If you must refill overseas, expect to see a local doctor for a rewritten prescription.
Have translations ready if your prescription isn’t in the local language.