Can a tourist get antibiotics in Denmark?
Yes — but only with a prescription from a doctor. No pharmacy in Denmark sells antibiotics over the counter, and Danish doctors prescribe them deliberately conservatively: you will get antibiotics when an examination or test points to a bacterial infection, and clear advice instead when it does not.
Get assessed today
A consultation is DKK 1,000 including the tests that guide the decision — rapid strep, CRP and urine testing in the clinic.
Pay by card in the clinic after your visit — no prepayment.
How it works
Book a same-day consultation. The doctor examines you and, where relevant, uses point-of-care tests: a throat swab for strep, CRP (an infection marker from a finger prick) or a urine test. The result is ready within minutes and decides the treatment.
If antibiotics are indicated, the prescription is electronic and valid at every pharmacy in Denmark immediately. The medicine itself is usually inexpensive.
Why Danish doctors say no to “just in case”
Denmark has one of Europe’s most restrictive antibiotic policies, and it is a point of professional pride: most sore throats, coughs and colds are viral, and antibiotics neither cure them nor speed them up — they only drive resistance. So a Danish doctor will not prescribe on request, but will always tell you clearly what the findings show, what to do instead, and when to come back if things change.
Common situations
- Urinary tract infection — urine test in the clinic; antibiotics are commonly indicated. See UTI treatment.
- Severe sore throat — rapid strep test decides; positive test, antibiotics; negative, effective symptom relief.
- Cough and bronchitis — usually viral; CRP helps rule out pneumonia.
- Skin and wound infections — assessed clinically; antibiotics when spreading or feverish.
Medical review and sources
Medically reviewed by Alexander Tetzlaff, MD, Specialist in General Medicine and doctor at YourGP — meet the team.
Published and last reviewed: 2 September 2026.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy antibiotics at a Danish pharmacy without a prescription?
No. All antibiotics are prescription-only in Denmark.
Can I use an antibiotic prescription from my home country?
A properly issued paper prescription from another EU/EEA country can often be dispensed. Prescriptions from outside the EU cannot — you need a Danish assessment.
Will I definitely get antibiotics if I pay?
No — the decision is medical, not commercial. You will get an honest assessment, tests where relevant, and treatment that actually helps.
What if I am allergic to penicillin?
Tell the doctor — there are alternatives for almost every situation.
Not sure whether it is bacterial?
That is exactly what the consultation is for — book a time and get it settled today.
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