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Do you have to declare prescription drugs at Customs Bali?

You must declare your medication by using customs declaration (CD) and present a letter from your physician stating the amount of medicine you use per day and the listing of the medication and/ or a copy of original prescription to customs officer.



Yes, you must declare all prescription medications when entering Bali (Indonesia). According to 2026 regulations, you should bring an original copy of your prescription and a letter from your doctor written in English that clearly states the patient's name, the drug's name, the dosage, and the condition being treated. All medications must be in their original packaging with the pharmacy labels intact. While standard medications like blood pressure pills are rarely an issue, Indonesia has extremely strict laws regarding narcotics and psychotropic drugs (like Adderall, Xanax, or strong painkillers). If your medication falls into these categories, you must declare it on the electronic customs declaration (e-CD) form and present your documentation to the customs officer. Failure to do so can lead to the medication being confiscated or, in severe cases, legal consequences under Indonesia's stringent anti-drug laws.

Yes, you must declare all prescription drugs when entering Bali (Indonesia). This is a strict requirement, and failure to do so can lead to serious consequences, including detention, deportation, and criminal charges.

Here’s a detailed guide on what you need to do:

1. Declaration is Mandatory

  • Upon arrival, you must fill out a Customs Declaration Form. One of the questions asks if you are carrying drugs or medicines. You must tick “YES” if you have any prescription medication.
  • You will then need to present your medications to a Customs officer for inspection.

2. Carry the Original Prescription & Doctor’s Letter

  • Original Prescription: Carry the medication in its original packaging with the pharmacy label clearly showing your name, the doctor’s name, and the dosage.
  • Doctor’s Letter/Note: A signed letter from your doctor (on official letterhead) is strongly recommended and often required. It should state: Your diagnosis/condition. The name of the medication(s) and the daily dosage. That the medication is for your personal use only.
  • Translation: Having the letter translated into English or Indonesian, while not always mandatory, is highly advisable to avoid any misunderstandings.

3. Check if Your Medication is Prohibited or Controlled

This is the most critical step. Indonesia has an extremely strict anti-narcotics law. Many common prescription medications in other countries are illegal in Indonesia. Absolutely Prohibited: Any medication containing narcotics or psychotropic substances (e.g., strong painkillers like oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine in certain amounts, ADHD medications like Adderall or Ritalin, anxiety medications like Xanax, Valium, Ativan, and many sleeping pills). Controlled Substances: Even medications that are legal with a prescription may be restricted. You can only bring a maximum supply for 30 days (or sometimes up to 90 days for certain chronic conditions, but you must have clear documentation). Check the List: Before traveling, verify the status of your medication. You can contact the Indonesian Embassy or Consulate in your country or check the official

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At the Airport Security Checkpoint
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Yes, customs officials have the authority to open and inspect luggage when you are entering a country. Customs officials have the right to search your luggage, bags, and personal items to ensure that you are not carrying any prohibited or restricted items.

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Include your prescription and over-the-counter medicines in your travel health kit and take enough to last your entire trip, plus extra in case of travel delays. Pack medications in a carry on in case your luggage is lost or delayed. Keep medicines in their original, labeled containers.

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