How to Receive Medication by Post in Gran Canaria (Without the Headache)

So you’ve just landed in Gran Canaria, settled in, unpacked your suitcase… And realised you need a refill of your regular medication. No big deal, right? Just get someone to post it to you?

Well… not so fast.

Here’s what you really need to know before getting any medication delivered to the Canary Islands by mail. It’s possible, but it comes with a few more steps (and potential roadblocks) than most people expect.

🧾 Is It Legal to Ship Medication to Spain?

Let’s start with the basics: medication is a controlled item in Spain. Even if it’s sold over the counter in your home country, that doesn’t mean it can glide through Spanish customs without paperwork. In many cases, you’ll need a prescription, and depending on what’s inside the package, you might need prior approval from local authorities too.

Spain takes the import of medication seriously. Customs officers will open packages, check labels, and stop anything that looks unclear, suspicious or improperly declared.

📦 What If You Still Want to Try?

If you absolutely must receive your medication by mail, you’ll need to be methodical about it. First, make sure to fill out a CN22 customs declaration. This is a standard form used for international mail. It should be attached to the outside of your parcel and include:

• A description of what’s inside
• The quantity and value of each item
• A printed list, receipt, or explanation of the medication (especially helpful for customs)

There’s a free guide and downloadable form here: Sendcloud’s CN22 Guide

Even with all the paperwork in place, there’s no guarantee your package will get through. Some are delayed. Some are rejected. Some disappear into the mysterious black hole of international bureaucracy.

In other words: send it only if you’re okay with the risk of it not arriving.

🧪 Can You Find an Alternative in Gran Canaria?

Before jumping through postal hoops, it’s worth visiting a local pharmacy to see if your medication (or something similar) is already available here. Many international medications are sold in Spain under different brand names or slightly different formulas.

Local pharmacists are usually helpful and well-informed. If the exact brand isn’t available, they can often recommend an equivalent, and if a prescription is required, they’ll advise you to see a local doctor who can issue one.

Pro tip: Bring your original packaging, list of active ingredients, or a copy of your home-country prescription to help with the search.

✈️ The Safer Bet: Bring It With You

If you’re travelling to Gran Canaria from abroad, the simplest and safest option is to bring your medication in your carry-on luggage. Keep it in its original packaging, carry a copy of your prescription (in English or Spanish), and be ready to declare it if asked by customs on arrival.

Planning to stay long-term? Ask your home doctor if they can issue a multi-month supply to cover you until you’re properly set up with a local healthcare provider.

💡 Final Tips

• Avoid sending medication in regular envelopes or unmarked parcels. That’s a fast track to customs rejection.
• Don’t assume EU-to-EU shipping means hassle-free. The Canary Islands follow different import rules than mainland Spain.
• Keep all supporting documents, and double-check expiry dates — delays at customs can take time.

🌍 The Takeaway

Gran Canaria is a beautiful place to live and visit — but it’s also a bit of a bubble when it comes to shipping rules. While receiving medication by mail isn’t impossible, it’s definitely not stress-free. If you can avoid it, do. If you can’t, prepare thoroughly, expect delays, and always have a backup plan.

Still got questions or a success story? Share it in Slack! Your experience could save someone else a lot of time (and maybe a few grey hairs).