Introduction
CBD is a natural and safe compound with many well-documented health benefits. According to a 2017 WHO report on cannabidiol, even doses as high as 1,500 mg CBD daily are well tolerated in humans. While many places around the world consider cannabis an illicit substance, CBD is legal in most countries—but with important caveats.
However, because CBD is extracted from the cannabis plant, and there are different species in this family, its legality isn't unconditional everywhere. This situation complicates many areas of using CBD, from possession to buying to traveling with your CBD products around the world.
If you have an adventurer's soul but don't want to mess with local law enforcement, we've put together this comprehensive 2025 guide on traveling with CBD in virtually every corner of the globe.
Understanding CBD Sources: Hemp vs. Marijuana
On a molecular level, CBD is CBD no matter the source. It's the same compound with the same chemical structure and effects. But when it comes to the effects and legality of different CBD products, the source becomes paramount.
Despite coming from the same plant family—Cannabis sativa L.—hemp and marijuana are two different plants with different cannabinoid profiles:
- Hemp: Rich in CBD and contains only trace amounts of THC (usually less than 0.3% per dry mass)
- Marijuana: High concentrations of THC and usually low-to-high levels of CBD
This means that while consuming marijuana can give you psychoactive effects, hemp isn't capable of such things due to its low THC content. Because of this, governments around the world have different regulations for both plants.
Ways of Traveling with CBD
1. By Car
If you're planning to make your holiday trip by car, there's little to worry about. Unless you're crossing country/state borders, all you need is a proper understanding of the local law. As long as the THC content is below the legal limit, you're safe. Hemp-derived CBD is treated differently than CBD products from marijuana, so you don't need to carry it in a closed container or declare your possession if you get stopped.
2. By Train and Other Mass Transit
Similar rules apply to traveling with CBD by train and other means of mass transit. Hemp-derived CBD with a legal amount of THC is fine to bring on trains and buses if you are traveling within the borders of your country. For international connections, we recommend checking the regulations surrounding hemp CBD products in your destinations.
3. By Plane
Flying with CBD has become more standardized since 2020, but you still need to ensure that CBD is legal where you're going. According to the TSA's current guidelines, CBD products are allowed as long as they contain no more than 0.3% THC by dry weight or are FDA-approved.
Updated TSA Guidelines for 2025
The TSA's current policy states:
"Marijuana and certain cannabis infused products, including some Cannabidiol (CBD) oil, remain illegal under federal law except for products that contain no more than 0.3 percent THC on a dry weight basis or that are approved by FDA."
Key TSA Updates for 2025:
- TSA officers are not actively searching for CBD products
- If found during screening, they may confiscate products but not necessarily file charges
- Always carry your Certificate of Analysis (COA) to prove THC content
- Keep products in original packaging
- For liquids, follow the 3-1-1 rule: containers of 3.4 oz (100ml) or less in carry-on
- Larger containers can go in checked luggage
International Travel with CBD
Updated Country Classifications
Countries fall into several categories regarding CBD legality:
Countries Where Hemp-Derived CBD is Generally Legal (0.3% THC or less):
- United States
- Canada
- All European Union countries
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
- Australia (prescription only)
- New Zealand (prescription only)
- Brazil
- Colombia
- Uruguay
- Mexico
- South Africa
- Israel (medical use)
Countries with Strict CBD Restrictions or Bans:
- Singapore
- United Arab Emirates
- Saudi Arabia
- Indonesia
- Malaysia
- Most Asian countries
- Most African countries
- Russia
Regional Updates for 2025
Europe
Major Changes:
- Germany: THC limit increased from 0.2% to 0.3% in 2024, recreational cannabis legalized
- Czech Republic: THC limit increased to 1% in 2024
- EFSA: Resumed evaluation of novel food applications in late 2024/early 2025
- Italy: Government moving to ban hemp flower products in 2025
- Spain: New regulations planned for 2025 to protect minors from CBD products
Current THC Limits by Country:
- Czech Republic: 1% (highest in Europe)
- Italy: 0.6%
- Germany: 0.3%
- Most EU countries: 0.2%
- Sweden: 0.0% (zero tolerance)
- Slovakia: Removed from controlled substances list in 2021
Asia-Pacific
Major Updates:
- Japan: New regulations implemented in December 2024 with stricter THC limits threatening the industry
- Thailand: Government moving to restrict cannabis mainly to health and medical purposes in 2024
- China: CBD remains legal in cosmetics but restricted in supplements
- South Korea: Medical use only with prescription
- Australia: Still prescription-only through medical cannabis program
- New Zealand: Low-dose CBD legal without prescription since October 2023
Americas
United States: Hemp-derived CBD remains legal federally with less than 0.3% THC. State laws vary, but most states allow CBD products that meet federal guidelines.
Canada: Very liberal policy - both medical and recreational cannabis legal. Up to 30-day supply allowed for travel.
Latin America:
- Brazil: Legal for retail purchase nationwide
- Colombia: Widely available at stores
- Mexico: Legal for medicinal use
- Argentina: Limited sales, personal extraction allowed
- Chile: Legal for import and personal use
- Uruguay: Full legalization
Best Practices for Traveling with CBD in 2025
Before You Travel
- Research destination laws - Check both your departure and arrival countries
- Verify THC content - Ensure your products meet destination requirements
- Get Certificate of Analysis (COA) - Have lab reports readily available
- Check airline policies - Some airlines have specific rules beyond TSA requirements
- Consider travel-size products - For liquids, stay within 3.4 oz (100ml) for carry-on
What to Bring
- Original product packaging with labels
- Certificate of Analysis (COA) or QR code access
- Prescription or doctor's letter (if applicable)
- Product purchase receipts
Packing Tips
- Keep CBD products in original packaging
- Store in carry-on luggage when possible
- Separate from other liquids for easy inspection
- Have documentation easily accessible
Types of CBD Products and Travel
CBD Oil
Most common form for travel. Follow liquid restrictions for carry-on (3.4 oz/100ml max). Larger bottles can go in checked luggage.
CBD Gummies and Edibles
Generally easier to travel with as they don't face liquid restrictions. However, some countries have specific rules about CBD edibles.
CBD Topicals
Creams and lotions are subject to liquid restrictions in carry-on. Generally well-tolerated by security.
CBD Isolate vs. Broad-Spectrum
CBD Isolate: Safest option - contains only CBD with no THC
Full-Spectrum: Contains all hemp compounds including trace THC (up to 0.3%)
Broad-Spectrum: Contains all hemp compounds except THC
For international travel, isolate is often the safest choice to avoid any THC-related issues.
Country-Specific Travel Guides
Traveling to Europe
Most European countries allow CBD products with THC content below 0.2%. The European Court of Justice ruled in 2020 that CBD is not a narcotic drug.
Special Considerations:
- Sweden requires 0% THC
- Germany allows up to 0.3% THC as of 2024
- Italy may ban hemp flower products in 2025
- UK post-Brexit follows 0.2% THC limit
Traveling to Asia
Asia remains the most restrictive region for CBD travel. Many countries have zero tolerance policies.
Safe Destinations:
- Japan (with strict THC limits)
- South Korea (medical use only)
- Thailand (medical use, but laws changing)
Avoid bringing CBD to:
- Singapore
- Malaysia
- Indonesia
- UAE
- Philippines
- Vietnam
- Cambodia
Traveling to Australia and New Zealand
Australia: CBD is prescription-only. You cannot bring CBD products unless you have a valid prescription and proper documentation.
New Zealand: Similar to Australia, but low-dose CBD products became available without prescription in 2023.
What to Do if You're Stopped
- Remain calm and cooperative
- Present your documentation - COA, receipts, prescriptions
- Explain the legal status - Hemp-derived with less than 0.3% THC
- Don't argue - Let authorities make their determination
- Know your rights - Understand local laws and procedures
Legal Consequences and Risks
While hemp-derived CBD is legal in many countries, bringing products with higher than permitted THC levels or traveling to countries where CBD is prohibited can result in:
- Product confiscation
- Fines and penalties
- Detention or arrest
- Travel bans
- Criminal charges
The severity varies greatly by country, with some nations having very harsh penalties for any cannabis-related substances.
Alternatives to Traveling with CBD
Buy at Your Destination
Many countries have legal CBD markets where you can purchase products locally. This eliminates travel risks entirely. At EirHealth.com we ship to all EU countries, Switzerland, Norway, UK and the US.
Mail Forwarding Services
For longer stays, consider using mail forwarding services to have CBD products shipped to your destination (where legal).
Consult Local Doctors
In countries with medical CBD programs, you may be able to get a local prescription.
Future Outlook
The CBD travel landscape continues to evolve:
- More countries are liberalizing CBD laws
- International standards are slowly harmonizing
- Medical use is gaining wider acceptance
- Some countries are still tightening restrictions
Always check the most current information before traveling, as laws can change rapidly.
Resources and References
Final Thoughts
Traveling with CBD has become more predictable since 2020, but it still requires careful planning and research. The key is understanding both federal and local laws, carrying proper documentation, and being prepared for various scenarios.
When in doubt, it's always better to err on the side of caution. Consider leaving questionable products at home and purchasing CBD at your destination where legal. The consequences of violating local drug laws can be severe and long-lasting.
As the global CBD market continues to evolve, we can expect more standardization and clearer guidelines. Until then, this guide will help you navigate the complex world of CBD travel in 2025.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently, and you should always verify current regulations with official sources before traveling. The authors are not responsible for any legal consequences resulting from the use of this information.
