Beginning February 2018, codeine can no longer be purchased over the counter and is prescription only, although a there is an over the counter cough syrup called "Rikodeine" which contains Dihydrocodeine. See https://www.jobfit.com.au/2018/01/30/new-codeine-laws/. (thanks Ultra) (last updated Jul 11 2018)

Products containing low to moderate doses of codeine are available for puchase over-the-counter in the Bahamas. One product, for example, is sold containing 8 mg codeine to 400 mg aspirin.

Codeine is Schedule I in Canada. Products containing low quantities of codeine (such as Tylenol 1) can be purchased over-the-counter, but products with higher quantities require a prescription. As of July 2018, we're told that there seem to be more controls on non-prescription codeine sales by pharmacies, with many often reporting they are out of stock, some pharmacies refusing sales, and others requiring registering with the pharmacy to purchase codeine in Canada. (Last updated July 11 2018)

We don't have any information about the exact legal status of codeine in the Cayman Islands, but we've been told that at least some pharmacies have it available without a prescription. (thanks E)

One visitor reported that tramadal, codeine with acetaminophen, hydrocodone with ibuprofen (5/200), and dihydrocodeine by itself can be purchased in Colombia over the counter in any drug store. (unconfirmed) (thanks p) (last updated Jun 12 2013)

We've received conflicting information about codeine's legal status in Greece. One visitor described it as prescription only and another said it is not available at all, being completely illegal to sell in Greece. (unconfirmed) (thanks A) (last updated Jun 14 2010)

We've been told that in Iran codeine is available over-the-counter without much control. (unconfirmed) (thanks MS)

Products containing codeine (such as products with Chlorpheniramine maleate or acetaminophen/paracetamol) can be purchased over-the-counter in Japan. (unconfirmed) (thanks G)

Codeine is only available by prescription in Kuwait. (unconfimred) (thanks D) (last updated June 27 2010)

Products containing codeine (such as Tylenol w/codeine) can be purchased over-the-counter in Lebanon.

Codeine is Schedule I in pure form in Mexico and Schedule II when compounded with other drugs (such as acetaminophen). Although it requires a prescription to purchase, visitors have reported that some pharmacies will sell codeine-containing products without prescription. (unconfirmed) (thanks r) (last updated May 22, 2013)

Codeine has a complicated legal status in the Netherlands. Codeine is available both with and without a prescription. The preparation, possession, adaption, delivery, providing and transport, of pure codeine is prohibited, because it’s scheduled on 'list I' of the 'Opium Law' (List I drugs are considered hard drugs). Conversely, low-dose codeine cough syrup (0.5 mg codeine phosphate/ml) is available without prescription, and is unregulated. Other preparations are available with a prescription only, but are not regulated by the Opium Law. Prescription preparations of codeine with (with more than 100 mg codeine in each dose and/or prescription preparations with a concentration over 2.5% codeine), are regulated by the Opium Law. Prescriptions for preparations with this quantity of codeine require to comply with special requirements of an Opium-Law-prescription. Possession of small quantities (for personal use) of prohibited substances is typically not prosecuted. Recreational use of codeine, is, as with any other substance, NOT prohibited in the Netherlands. (thanks K) (last updated Oct 11, 2012)

Products containing low to moderate doses of codeine are available for puchase over-the-counter in the Nicaragua. Listed as controlled. (unconfirmed) (thanks MC)

Products containing up to 12 mg codeine per tablet can be purchased over-the-counter in New Zealand.

Products containing up to 15 mg codeine per dose are sold over-the-counter, usually/always with other ingredients such as acetaminophen/paracetamol, aspirin, ibuprofen, sulfoguiacol, and other herbs. Higher doses of codeine require a prescription. (unconfirmed) (thanks N) (last updated jan 3 2010)

Tablets containing codeine plus other substances are sold in pharmacies, some are OTC, some are prescription only. Many pharmacies will sell without a prescription. (unconfirmed) (thanks X)

After news reporting an increase in the use of "crocodile" (extracted codeine from pharmaceuticals), codeine was made a prescription medication in Russia. See http://www.rt.com/news/prime-time/codeine-drug-law-russia-845/. (thanks e) (last updated Jul 19, 2012)

One visitor describes that Codeine-containing pain relievers with 65mg codeine and 600mg ibuprofen per tablet are available over the counter widely in Serbia. (unconfirmed) (thanks j) (last updated May 16 2012)

One visitor described that Codeine-containing pain relievers are Class B in Singapore and require a prescription. Another visitor described that Panadeine (8 mg codeine + acetaminophen/paracetamol) is available without prescription behind the counter at pharmacies, requiring ID and recording ID info in a log book. (unconfirmed) (thanks DK,A) (last updated June 24 2010)

One visitor described that in the Barcelona area codeine is available over the counter at pharmacies at 15mg codeine per 325mg paracetamol. (thanks Z) (last updated Apr 10 2014)

Codeine is available over the counter without prescription when sold at low doses in forms combined with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. (unconfirmed) (thanks c) (last updated Jul 22 2013)

As of 2013, codeine is available over-the-counter in some areas (Catalunya), but not in others. (thanks jf) (last updated Sep 7 2013)

Codeine is only available in Sweden with a valid prescription through pharmacies. Use and possession without proper prescription is considered a crime with punishments including fines and jail time. (thanks jf) (last updated Sep 7 2013)

Codeine-containing pain relievers such as Tylenol-2's are now reportedly controlled in Thailand, and are now difficult to find for sale by pharmacists without a prescription. (thanks CP,A) (last updated Jun 2010)

Codeine-containing pain relievers such as Efferalgan (an effervescent) are widely available without prescription over the counter at street pharmacies throughout Vietnam. As of June 2011, 100 tablets of 30mg codeine/500mg acetaminophen cost around $15USD. (thanks W, MPA) (last updated June 24 2011)

Codeine is Schedule II/Class b in the U.K., making it illegal to buy or possess without a prescription. Products containing small amounts of codeine (such as Tylenol w/codeine, Feminax (8 mg), and Solpadeine Max or Neurofen Plus (12.5 mg)) are available over-the-counter without prescription. Codeine Linctus (200ml 15mg/5ml) are available in some pharmacies with no prescription needed and can also be purchased via amazon.co.uk from a UK-based online pharmacy, requiring answers to questions by email to fill the order. (thanks c) (last updated Jan 19 2012)

Although Russia has made codeine a prescription medication in Russia in 2012, the law has not yet changed in the Ukraine. See http://www.rt.com/news/prime-time/codeine-drug-law-russia-845/. (thanks e) (last updated Jul 19, 2012)

Some availability of codeine without prescription from pharmacies, but often requires asking about it. Weak codeine + paracetamol 8/500 tablets are reportedly easier to get, but it difficult to find pharmachemists ('chemists' in British English) who will sell codeine without paracetamol, often as "codeine linctus". (thanks K, Z) (last updated Nov 25 2017)

Codeine-containing product called Preveral available over-the-counter in Venezuela. (unconfirmed) (thanks M)