Can I bring medicine to Japan?

Up to one month's supply of allowable prescription medicine (by Japanese law) can be brought into Japan. Travelers should bring a copy of their doctor's prescription as well as a letter stating the purpose of the drug.



Yes, you can bring medicine to Japan in 2026, but the rules are among the strictest in the world and require careful preparation. You are generally allowed to bring up to a one-month supply of permitted prescription medicine and a two-month supply of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs without prior paperwork, provided you carry a copy of your prescription or a doctor's letter. However, certain common Western medications—specifically those containing stimulants like pseudoephedrine (found in Sudafed or Vicks inhalers) or certain ADHD medications like Adderall—are strictly prohibited and can lead to arrest. If you need to bring more than a 30-day supply, or if you require syringes/EpiPens, you must apply for an import certificate called a "Yunyu Kakunin-sho" at least two weeks before your arrival. Narcotics like codeine or strong painkillers require a special "Narcotics Import Certificate" from the Regional Bureau of Health and Welfare. Always keep medications in their original pharmacy packaging to avoid confusion during Customs inspections at the airport.

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Over-the-Counter Medication The following are prohibited as they contain narcotic or stimulant ingredients in excess of the Japanese standard: These medications include (but are not limited to) Tylenol Cold, NyQuil, Actifed, Sudafed, Advil Cold & Sinus, Dristan Sinus, Vicks Inhaler, and Lomotil.

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You can bring your medication in pill or solid form in unlimited amounts as long as it is screened. You can travel with your medication in both carry-on and checked baggage. It's highly recommended you place these items in your carry-on in the event that you need immediate access.

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All prescription medicines are allowed on airplanes, whether in a carry-on or checked bag. There is no limit to the amount of medications in pill or solid form that you can bring. Liquid medicines are also allowed. Normally, liquids in a carry-on bag have to be 3.4 ounces or less per item.

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You can bring your medication in pill or solid form in unlimited amounts as long as it is screened. You can travel with your medication in both carry-on and checked baggage. It's highly recommended you place these items in your carry-on in the event that you need immediate access.

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It is recommended that medication be clearly labeled to facilitate the screening process. You may bring medically necessary liquids, medications and creams in excess of 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters in your carry-on bag. Remove them from your carry-on bag to be screened separately from the rest of your belongings.

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As mentioned, you don't need to have your pills in their original bottles under TSA guidelines. However, when traveling out of the country, having those pills in their original prescription bottles may make the customs process smoother and simpler.

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You can bring your medication in pill or solid form in unlimited amounts as long as it is screened. You can travel with your medication in both carry-on and checked baggage. It's highly recommended you place these items in your carry-on in the event that you need immediate access.

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You must carry medicine containing a controlled drug with you in your hand luggage when entering or leaving the UK. It may be taken away from you at the border if you cannot prove it was prescribed for you.

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Items designated as prohibited by the Civil Aeronautics Act cannot be placed inside checked baggage. (Examples include toxic gases, flammable gases, flammable liquids, compressed gases.) Although dry ice, alcoholic liquids, and cigarette lighters fall under the “Prohibition for Carriage of Explosives etc.

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When drugs are confiscated in airports, TSA officers usually refer to law enforcement to secure the confiscated substances and store them in a warehouse known as a crime laboratory. Here, the drugs will be tested, organized, and shelved for trials.

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You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. This is also known as the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

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A 32-year veteran of the agency, John P. Leonard, tells AARP that the two top drugs it seizes at entry ports are Viagra and Cialis. “Those are the big ones,” says Leonard, the agency's No. 2 trade official.

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You can take all plug-in phone chargers with you in your carry-on or checked bags with ease as they do not contain any form of battery and, therefore, do not present any danger. Typically, you will not be able to use this type of charger onboard as most airplanes do not have power sockets.

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Do you have to put medication in a clear bag? You may place medications in 3.4 ounce (100 milliliters) or smaller containers in a one-quart size clear zip-top plastic bag along with your other personal liquid and gel items.

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