Pharmacies in Greece: Prescriptions, Duty Pharmacies and What You Can Buy

Short answer

Greek pharmacies are marked with a green cross. Pharmacists can advise you and sell many products without a prescription, but prescription-only medicines need a prescription, and antibiotics have needed one since 2020 [1]. At night and at weekends, pharmacies take turns to stay open (duty pharmacies, «εφημερεύοντα»); local pharmacists’ associations publish the rota [2]. A prescription from another EU country is valid in Greece, but it is dispensed under Greek rules [3]. If your prescription is from outside the EU, a doctor in Greece can issue a Greek e-prescription, even if you have no AMKA [4].

What you can buy without a prescription

Pharmacies sell non-prescription medicines, such as many pain relievers and cold remedies, as well as cosmetics and supplements, and pharmacists can advise you on minor problems. Prescription-only medicines need a prescription; this includes antibiotics [1] and the medicines used for depression, anxiety and ADHD.

Finding a pharmacy at night or at the weekend

Opening hours vary by area. Outside them, a rota of duty pharmacies stays open. In Attica, the Pharmaceutical Association of Attica publishes the rota on fsa.gr and in its app, FSA-Efimeries [2]; other regions have their own pharmacists’ associations. Many pharmacies also post the nearby duty pharmacies on their door.

Using a prescription from abroad

A prescription issued in one EU country is valid in the others. It should include your full name and date of birth, the date of issue, the doctor’s name, qualification, contact details and signature, and the medicine’s common name, form, strength, quantity and dosage [3]. An e-prescription from home may not work in Greece, so ask your doctor for a paper copy before you travel [3]. The pharmacist follows Greek rules, and a medicine may have a different name in Greece or may not be available [3]. With a prescription from outside the EU, plan to see a doctor in Greece.

Travelling with medicines

If you travel within the Schengen area with medicines that contain narcotic or psychotropic substances, you may need a Schengen certificate, issued in your country of residence and valid for up to 30 days [5]. For travel from outside Schengen, rules differ by country, so check with the Greek embassy before you travel. Keep medicines in their original packaging with a copy of your prescription.

Psychiatric medicines in Greece

Some psychiatric medicines follow stricter rules in Greece, for example those for ADHD (see ADHD medication for adults in Greece). When you are running out of a medicine you take regularly, then book a doctor well before your supply ends, because a prescription follows an assessment and some medicines need extra steps. Do not stop a psychiatric medicine suddenly without medical advice.

At this practice you can be seen in person in Trikala or online, in English or in Greek, and receive an e-prescription with your passport if you have no AMKA (see Prescriptions in Greece without an AMKA).

Bringing your own medicines from outside the EU

The Greek medicines agency (EOF) allows visitors to bring medicines for their own use, enough to cover their stay [6]. For prescription medicines, including controlled medicines and medicines containing narcotic substances, it asks you to carry:

• a letter from your doctor stating the quantity you need during your stay,

• a copy of your prescription,

• the medicine in its original container with the full prescription label, in the same name as your passport.

For non-prescription products, the name does not need to match your passport [6]. Medical cannabis must be approved as a medicine in your home country, and you need your personal permit from that country, with an official English or Greek translation [6]. If you need methadone or buprenorphine during your stay, EOF directs you to the Greek Organisation Against Drugs (OKANA) [6]. The UK government also advises contacting OKANA if you need to take controlled medicines in Greece, and gives EOF’s email for questions: clearance@eof.gr [7]. If you take an ADHD medicine, read Travelling to Greece with ADHD medication.

A word of caution. Rules on carrying medicines across borders differ from country to country, and they change. This section is based on official sources, but it is general information, not legal advice, and it may not be complete or up to date. Before you travel, please confirm the rules with the competent national authorities: in Greece, EOF; in your home country, its medicines agency or health ministry.

Frequently asked questions

Can a pharmacist in Greece give antibiotics without a prescription?

No. Since 2020, antibiotics are dispensed only with a prescription that states the condition being treated [1].

Do I need an AMKA at the pharmacy?

Not to buy products that do not need a prescription. For prescriptions, read AMKA in Greece.

Will I pay the full price?

If you are insured in Greece, the national health fund (EOPYY) pays part of the cost of prescribed medicines. Without Greek insurance, for example with a passport-based prescription, you pay the full price [4].

Sources

[1] Panhellenic Medical Association, reported by news4health.gr, 11 June 2020: antibiotics dispensed only with a medical prescription (Law 4675/2020).

[2] Pharmaceutical Association of Attica: duty pharmacy rota (fsa.gr) and the app “FSA-Efimeries”.

[3] European Commission, Your Europe: “Prescriptions”. Last checked 09/10/2025.

[4] Gov.gr (mitos.gov.gr): “Application of the e-prescription system (Σ.Η.Σ.) to third-country nationals and European citizens”. Ministerial Decision Δ3(α)/33959/28-6-2024.

[5] Finnish Medicines Agency (Fimea): “Schengen certificates”, under Article 75 of the Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement.

[6] EOF (National Organisation for Medicines): “Travelling with medicines and other health products in Greece (residents of non-EU countries)”, 16 June 2022, as republished by oenet.gr. Accessed 12 November 2026.

[7] GOV.UK: Greece travel advice: Health. Updated 3 November 2026, accessed 12 November 2026.

General information, not a substitute for medical advice. In an emergency call 112 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Author: Dr. Georgios Mylonas, Psychiatrist – Psychotherapist. Last updated: 7 November 2026.